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DiaryDay 9 What an eventful day We set off in pretty high spirits, and then Matts rear mech decided to explode, shattering a piece of metal off the bike as the chain slipped. This would have basically meant the end of the road for Matt as there was no bike shop in Tain, the nearest being in Aberdeen and it was a Sunday. But the exceptionally nice owners of Heatherdale B&B leant us one of theirs from their garadge, meaning Matt could continue. It made little to no difference as the headwind all day meant we averaged just 13.3 mph today. However, when Matts gears slipped and he stalled a little, Phill went straight into the back of him (as we were in a mini peloton) and hit the deck pretty hard, cracking his helmet and taking a load of skin off his elbow and knee. But he's a hero, so managed the rest of the day without complaining. The scenery was great, as was the weather, but the headwind made things less enjoyable. We had a massive climb out of Helmsdale and then another one a few miles on, that took a bit out of us. Lunch was pretty quick, and then the weather clouded over a little as we got closer to Wick. We past the northern most Tesco in the country with less joy than we expected, mainly because the wind was really blowing. However, as more and more sea appeared and land became more barren, it dawned on us we were nearly there. The signposts said 9 miles, 7 Miles, 5 miles, 3 miles and then "Welcome To John o'Groats" greeted us (as did Gav our driver for the return home). We crossed the finish line in a row, just as we started 910 miles ago, and we were done. A few beers, some beer, some Cava and a load of photos later and we were squashed into a Pug 306 on the way back to Inverness. We stayed in a Hostel and had a Chinese with a few beers before hitting the hay a little drunk and very satisfied with what we had accomplished over the last 9 days. Total Day Mileage: 86.4 Miles Total Trip: 910 Miles Total "Thats what she said" comments made: unknown (in the 1000s) Day 8 (one day to go!) We had a sh## night sleep thanks to Man-bear-Pig (half man half bear half pig) sleeping in the same room and snoring his head off ALL night long, the boys had about 2 hours sleep each. However, another bonnie day in glorious Scotland, blue skies -not many hills - awesome (and some) scenery. The boys covered a total of 99.9 miles today from Fort William to Tain. The route took them all the way along the Caledonian Canal from Fort William, past Lock Lockie, Loch Oich and then Loch Ness, into Inverness, over the Moray Firth Bridge, over Back Isle, over the Cromarty Firth Bridge and into Tain (they must be near the end because they are now on page 57 in my road map and John O'Groats is on page 63 (am I sad or what!). They had a fairly strong headwind throughout the day, however by taking turns at the front with everyone else in the slip stream it was a piece of pi##, again! Along the route they saw at least 2000 rabbits (Sam's estimate!) which did not move when cars went past them but as soon as the boys arrived they all dived for their burrows. Tonight they stay at a guest house in two twin rooms - luxury. The worst bit however is that they are right next to the Glen Morrangie Distillery, but aren't drinking! Apparently, the further they get the easier it becomes - if you are thinking of doing this ride Sam's advice is make sure you train beforehand and keep off the booze before the trip, it has really paid off for them. Another roadkill deer, this time mostly intact. A total of 825 miles in the saddle, and still no punctures (don't forget to touch wood). Sam has asked me to thank every one for logging onto the web site and texting/calling them, it means a hell of a lot to them to know so many people are supporting them. They will update the photo's and blog when they get back to London, so log on early next week for the full review Last leg tomorrow - John O'Groats Day 7 - Killearn to Fort William (west end of the caledonian canal) Back to Sam's dad, sorry! The boys are now well and truly in bandit country - the highlands of scotland. The scenery is 'awesome'. They have totaled 99.4 miles today, averaging 15.1 miles per hour (seems slow but you should see the hills!) They cycled past Glencoe Ski area - no snow - no lifts open, situation normal then for any time of year. Tempting fate yet again, still no punctures with a total combined miles of 2800. They are staying at the Fort William YHA tonight in a 8 berth room (apparently its not 4 blonde babes, its a 40 year old couple, and a coffin dodger!). The YHA is next ot the 'Neptune Staircase. which is a flight of locks on the canal. Bits of minor roadkill, but one notable bit of gore, another deer, this time with its neck bent at a really odd angle, split open with most of its entrails hanging out - barbeque time, mmm venison!!
DAY 6 - Carlisle to Killearn (north of Glasgow) Day 5 - Preston to Carlisle
Cheers for fillling in Sams Dad. We set off from Preston early as we had a number of photo shoots to do around the city (we are THAT hot). After fighting off the press and the fans blocking the roads, we made our way fairly steadily towards Kendal, with one small technical for Matts chain. Shap stood in our way. We had heard a lot about Shap being a killer etc...but honestly...if you can do 100 miles of Cornwall with 9 miles of Dartmoor thrown in within one day...Shap is a piece of pi**! We destroyed it! We had lunch in Penrith (80 miles in) and got over taken by a woman on her shopping bike on the way to the gym...it was hilarious. We made it into Carlisle, bought Matt a chain in Halford and set out to find our accomodation for the night. It was in an industrial estate and looked like an abandoned school. So we opted for the Premier Inn, some ordered-in pizza and the football (Ronaldo is a lucky bas**rd)
DAY 4 - Leominster to Preston Total Distance: 115.8 Miles Photos Had an awesome breakfast in our awesome hostel and got on our way by 9 today but Chris and Matt we in A LOT of pain, knees and achilles being the source of random shouts and screams. But being the heros that they are, we pulled into a Sainsburys just inside Bristol (20 miles from Cheddar) and bought the place out of deep heat, codeine, pain killers and supports. Half an hour to patch up and we were off again. Posed a bit on the bridge to Wales and then made our way through the Valleys. Chepstow to Monmouth is a great ride - basically an 18 mile down hill through a valley along the side of the river (if you have been to the Dordogne in France, its a bit like that). Lunch in Monmouth, no friends made due to excessive and badly time flatulence from MB and then on through Herefordshire. Past Hereford Town FC Stadium and out into the countryside again. Matt fell over. The Phil fell over. Took shelter in the YHA hotel, not as nice as Cheddar but still good. Went looking for a Somerfield and found that Leominster is another strange liitle place...but with a really good italian! Total Distance: 88.45 Miles Photos Total Distance: 89.12 Photos Total Distance: 103.1 miles
Photos We made the 5.5 hour journey from Paddington to Penzance, eating half of Sainsburys/M&S on the way. We had a short cycle from there to Sennen, which is 0.5 mile from Lands End to our destination, the Mayon Farm B&B...which is awesome! Cream tea, scones (which are prob the best we have tasted) and a massive wood fire...oh and free white slippers!. We had dinner at "The First Inn in England" which was rammed full of people. Managed to get an interview with the local radio as well! All in all, we are pretty happy and feel good about the days to come.
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