After Thoughts

I went to work today and I have to say I was in a bit of a daze!! like coming off steroids. It was great being back among family, friends and colleagues.

I would like to say a enormous thank-you to Joe Richards. It certainly took a great deal of pressure off knowing we had food, tools and spare bikes at our beck and call as well as sandwiches and soup at lunchtimes served with a cheery smile.

Having David with me from day three was fundamental to the success of the endeavour. The concept of failure was just not on the agenda. David sorted all the navigation issues and photography, it allowing me to keep focused on keeping the old legs pumping. David cycling experience and confidence certainly lightened the stress of the event and was fantastic. Thanks David mate!!

I would like to thanks all of you who followed this saga. Your blogs, facebook comments and texts were fun and an inspiration. Having people along the way was a great motivation in keeping me going THANK - YOU.

Thanks to all those who have made donations too!!

Suggestions for the next event!!

Sunday quickie more to follow111

MADE IT YEY!!!!!!!!!!! For all those who though I would not make it - don't worry neither did I :D
Bit tired tonight so this is a short blog further info to follow.
Thanks to all those who participated in the effort today - yes we had another day of fun, cycling against very strong winds - I should have expected nothing else after the preceding days fun... But it was great to get back to reception form the Steeple family and colleagues from work.

Pictures and further comments to follow.

BW

Mark

Chief Engineer/"Motivator"

Ullapool to Tongue was the hardest day. We were blown up to Durness in good time, but foolishly decided to carry on to Tongue. The next 30 miles were difficult, being mostly in to a head wind with rain and hail hitting us horizontally. There were a few nice hills and a double 15% funnel up towards the hill before Tongue. Mark was quite tired when we got to the Hostel.

Tongue to JoG was an easy day with a strong tail wind. Mark was in recovery (sleep) mode all day.
JoG to Helmsdale was a steady day.

Helmsdale to Nairn was a good day.
Mark was on good form and we motored down the East Coast to Tain for Lunch.
The Tain cafe was appreciated, they served brilliant beans on toast and tea for lunch.

The Nigg to Cromarty ferry was different and we enjoyed tea at the tesco cafe at Inverness Seafield retail park.
The hospitality of Ken Morley was exceptional. Thanks Ken.

Nairn to Fraserborough was interesting. Flat for 50 miles and hilly at the end.
Some really interesting hills, 15 and 16% being prominent. The best being 20% near Penant. CE rode up it mostly on the back wheel as the front wheel pawed the air. Good day but for Mark's 4th puncture.

After a fantastic night chez Small, "Friday night is curry night" We ventured towards Aberdeen.
A south westerly breeze slowed things slightly, but eventually we arrived in Newtonhill at 4pm.

A nice steak and a VG bottle of CN du P was required. Man utd failed!

One more day.

Iain Small and Mark .

Ian,Christine Small and family were very hospitable to us.

Saturday Blog

Up at 8am to a wonderful breakfast - bacon and egg sandwich and then it was back from Peterhead to Fraserburgh We had sunshine virtually all day - Aberdeenshire had to put up with me wearing shorts. HOWEVER - it could not be that easy, we had to cycle against a head wind (15mph). Was more tired than I expected forthe distance

I think my body is saying - " that is enough now - lets give it some rest!!!"

Arrived at David's house at 4pm so time to get ready for the last day!!

I am looking forward to tomorrow - to meet up with a few cyclist on the way and to meet all those that can make it tomorrow. The motivation in having you all cheering me on has been great. Thanks so much for your support. don't forget the just giving site please.

Looking forward to being home in Bonnie Dundee

BW Mark

Friday post

The weather was a lot better today, only slight rain at the end. Made good time to Cullen (50 miles). From there to Fraserburgh it was very hilly on the coastal roads but well worth it passing through all the lovely villages. Arrived about 5.40pm. The Duke of Edinburgh missed us today, he was at Kinloss yesterday shuting down a few squadrons. I'm sure he will be disappointed (not) :-)

We said goodbye to the two members of the support team Joe and his dog Rio. Joe has been an amazing support over tour, he certainly adds a great deal of humour. I think the charity shops around the coast of Scotland can now relax :-)) Have have to thank Rio too - who was very supportive, happy and affectionate at all times. He was the only member of the team who could be guaranteed not to take the micky......

Met Iain Small in Fraserburgh and was taken to his abode for the night. Had a hot bath (luxury) , curry, two beers and a great chat - Brilliant hosts - an enormous thank-you.

One more sleep and it time to go home!!

Another Hill !!