Cromarty – John O’Groats
96 miles into a head wind
Despite this being the last leg, everyone knew it was going to be a toughie. Cycling up the East coast on the infamous A9 was not going to be as easy as riding a bike (sorry couldn’t resist that one…)
Ham strings were at breaking point and Dad assured us that someone could play a violin concerto on his! The bleak tundra-esque landscape offered little inspiration either. However, good weather conditions, Jo’s wonderful high energy, delicious cake which had kept everyone going for so long and the sight of the Orkneys in the far distance meant that at around 4.30pm on Saturday, the cyclists peddled over the finish line in 9 days! With only 1 puncture throughout the whole trip – WE MADE IT!!!
However, the Team were soon put in their place as they met a Japanese cyclist who spoke very little English but by heck could he cycle. Carrying all his worldly goods with him including lighter fuel in his drinks bottle he had been cycling for 10 years all over the world from Pakistan to Argentina, Iran to Canada and today he also finished LeJog. Was this man going to be the inspiration for the Team’s next challenge?
Thank you to everyone who has supported us throughout our trip: N. Gunn from Tain, Joy Miller from Thrumpster, Jean Burrows from Surrey and everyone at home – many thanks indeed. So far we’ve managed to raise well over £1000 for Willen Hospice. Thank you.
Sunday, 28 June 2009
Day 8
Ballahullish - Cromarty
105 miles
The morning ride took the Team north along Loch Lochie (I have not made this name up) – a Loch so good they named it twice! Then on to Loch Ness where unfortunately they did not see the elusive Loch Ness monster – but instead saw another monster in the form of a 1600 ft climb which would have had great views if the cyclists didn’t feel that their legs were going to fall off at the top.
Encouraged along by the beautiful views throughout the ride the Team eventually arrived in Cromarty after getting through Inverness in one piece. The only time we had ever heard of this place was in the incomprehensible broadcasts that are the Radio 4 shipping forecasts but actually, as it turns out, it’s definitely worth visiting this beautiful little fishing village.
105 miles
The morning ride took the Team north along Loch Lochie (I have not made this name up) – a Loch so good they named it twice! Then on to Loch Ness where unfortunately they did not see the elusive Loch Ness monster – but instead saw another monster in the form of a 1600 ft climb which would have had great views if the cyclists didn’t feel that their legs were going to fall off at the top.
Encouraged along by the beautiful views throughout the ride the Team eventually arrived in Cromarty after getting through Inverness in one piece. The only time we had ever heard of this place was in the incomprehensible broadcasts that are the Radio 4 shipping forecasts but actually, as it turns out, it’s definitely worth visiting this beautiful little fishing village.
Day 7
Arran - Ballahullish
96 miles
The Team left the stunning island of Arran (a minute version of Scotland) by ferry from Catacol Bay where they met lots of cyclists doing LeJog (foolish people...)
As they cycled through the NW Highlands they were hurried along by rather large long-haired cows and hungry looking eagles!
96 miles
The Team left the stunning island of Arran (a minute version of Scotland) by ferry from Catacol Bay where they met lots of cyclists doing LeJog (foolish people...)
As they cycled through the NW Highlands they were hurried along by rather large long-haired cows and hungry looking eagles!
Thursday, 25 June 2009
Day 6 - oh look, another Robbie Burns Memorial site...
Annan - Arran
110 miles
Inbetween cycling past yet another Robbie Burns Memorial site and the Kirk Patrick MacMillan memorial where the first bike was apparently invented, the beautiful scenery of South West Scotland could be enjoyed. After a few "managerial disputes" we crossed onto Arran by ferry (unfortunately/fortunately no Jerry and the Pacemakers this time) and arrived with Liz on the stunning island of Arran in glorious sunshine! In fact it's so glorious that it is only dark for a couple of hours each night - great for the midges!
110 miles
Inbetween cycling past yet another Robbie Burns Memorial site and the Kirk Patrick MacMillan memorial where the first bike was apparently invented, the beautiful scenery of South West Scotland could be enjoyed. After a few "managerial disputes" we crossed onto Arran by ferry (unfortunately/fortunately no Jerry and the Pacemakers this time) and arrived with Liz on the stunning island of Arran in glorious sunshine! In fact it's so glorious that it is only dark for a couple of hours each night - great for the midges!
Tuesday, 23 June 2009
Day 5 - Half - way point
Lancaster - Annan
110 miles
The Team rode on through the Lake District in beautiful sunshine up into the Scottish city of Annan. Grandpa Hickson came and supported the trip and spoke of his bike ride in 1938 from Lancaster to Bristol on a bike with no gears!
Must dash as we've got a ferry to catch - se ya Jimmy!
Day 4
Shrewsbury - Condor Green
120 miles
As the Team cycled through Liverpool and Chester they had to swerve out of the way of "dangerous car drivers" as one of the cyclists who wishes to remain anonymous for fear of his wellbeing told me. They caught the ferry across the Mersey to the very sound of "Ferry Across the Mersey" by Gerry and the PaceMakers - an appropriate song given the circumstances, unless of course, you are under the age of 40 then this cultural reference will probably pass you by. Here's a link for all you folks that know what/who he/it is all about: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loyRYFUYg9g Enjoy!
110 miles
The Team rode on through the Lake District in beautiful sunshine up into the Scottish city of Annan. Grandpa Hickson came and supported the trip and spoke of his bike ride in 1938 from Lancaster to Bristol on a bike with no gears!
Must dash as we've got a ferry to catch - se ya Jimmy!
Day 4
Shrewsbury - Condor Green
120 miles
As the Team cycled through Liverpool and Chester they had to swerve out of the way of "dangerous car drivers" as one of the cyclists who wishes to remain anonymous for fear of his wellbeing told me. They caught the ferry across the Mersey to the very sound of "Ferry Across the Mersey" by Gerry and the PaceMakers - an appropriate song given the circumstances, unless of course, you are under the age of 40 then this cultural reference will probably pass you by. Here's a link for all you folks that know what/who he/it is all about: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loyRYFUYg9g Enjoy!
Sunday, 21 June 2009
Day 3 - an International Day
Bristol - Shrewsbury
108 miles
Today the Team crossed the border into Wales and were greeted by.... downpour! This didn't dampen their sprits though as cycled on through Herefordshire and onto Shrewsbury - all in all a 108 miler.
108 miles
Today the Team crossed the border into Wales and were greeted by.... downpour! This didn't dampen their sprits though as cycled on through Herefordshire and onto Shrewsbury - all in all a 108 miler.
Day 2 – It’s all in the planning
Okehampton – Bristol
106.5 miles
This was the longest day so far and careful planning was needed in order to avoid Dreaded Dartmoor. Luckily for the Team, Ally’s local knowledge of the area meant that the National Park could be shunned as the Team swore that they wouldn’t touch the area with a bike pump. However, and there always is a ‘however’ in Hicksons + Best Man adventures, the final leg of the day saw the Team zigzagging their way through Bristol Park and over the Clifton Suspension Bridge.
106.5 miles
This was the longest day so far and careful planning was needed in order to avoid Dreaded Dartmoor. Luckily for the Team, Ally’s local knowledge of the area meant that the National Park could be shunned as the Team swore that they wouldn’t touch the area with a bike pump. However, and there always is a ‘however’ in Hicksons + Best Man adventures, the final leg of the day saw the Team zigzagging their way through Bristol Park and over the Clifton Suspension Bridge.
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