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 !!

Soulivan in the background on the way to Durness

Well folks - cycled from Helmsdale to Nairn - I'll not bore you with the weather - no change. Legs were on form today - must be getting fit enough to cycle around Scotland !!! - averaged 13.6mph -Mr Motivator was a little more happy with my efforts.

I found I can sing "Guide me oh though great Jehovah" in a tempo that helps me up the hills, Had plenty of practice, the only downside is that it causes a reaction from Mr. Motivator who speeds up further to get away from me. But I have always had the feeling of God being on this trip with me - wonderful.

I would like to thank everyone for posting on the blog and for your support it has really been great.

We met Ken Morley today for the last 15miles and were are now at his house being spoiled rotten (love him)

Off for tea now - I think I will start singing "Homeward Bound" and my karaoke favourite "The long and winding road...."

God BLess

Mark

Our stay at the JOG youth hostel was very enjoyable, we shared the hostel with an amateur gold prospector, Joe and him were swapping gold stories :). Even Rio the dog enjoyed the hostel as he got to sleep with Joe. The cycle down to Helmsdale was uneventful apart from Mr Motivator complaining I was going too slow for him to get warm :-D. "The only thing we will catch at this speed is pneumonia"
The hostel in Helmsdale is a converted old school with a big log fire and leather seats. We went for tea at the famous fish and chip shop 'La Mieage' where we had a Whale with chips, it was yummy.
Feeling much better today, the old pins have recovered from the 90= miles and 3600 feet climbs over the last two days.
Joe has made a few gold deals at the local antique shop that I think will cover his expenses for the whole trip :)
Looking forward to meeting up with Ken Morley tomorrow who will be cycling with us for a few miles

Mark

JOG

Hi folks, sorry we have not been able to sort out photos hopefully over the next few days we should sort it. There have been a few power lines etc due to the weather. We were a little later setting off this morning due to the weather, the SYHA warden was looking at his watch and telling us he was locking the door at 10am. Joe befriended a cycling tramp who had slept out last night,he gave him a drink of coffee and some of Fliss's cake and an emergency Army ration pack we were carrying. He cycles 25 miles a day and sleeps in a poly bag. Today's 60'ish miles should have been easy but the body and legs had other ideas. I found it very hard work but luckily the amazing countryside and the wind pushing me along helped the spirits. We had sun most of the day but were occasionally hit by squalls of rain and hail, the sound of hail bouncing off my helmet was strangely positive as it meant the wind speed blowing you along was over 50mph. Grateful to reach the lovely but very quiet Youth Hostel in John O' Groats and the helpful warden. Had a shower and power napped too long was woken up by David to make the tea.........
I have to say a big thank you to my chief engineer (David Walton) he really has been a Mr Motivator over the last few days when it's been so tuff, he has been a rock !

Ullapool

What a day !!!
It was with trepidation that we set off this morning to Durness. Joe was worried and made us think carefully about it.
After checking the weather forecast, wind speed and direction we decided to take the plunge.
After an initial bit of rain we had a good bit of sun, by mid afternoon the rain returned with a vengeance. Luckily the strong winds were of assistance to Durness. As we arrived in good time we decided to press on to Tounge where we had booked the night in the Youth Hostel, another 30 miles. The wind got a lot worse, we had to battle for 8 miles against 40mph winds with rain and hail thrown in for good measure.
Having set off at 9am we reached our windswept youth hostel at 8pm.
The power was down in the area due to the winds so it was a bit chilly. Joe excelled himself with a stir fry and the heating and electricity are now back on. Covered 95 miles today so will ache tomorrow, it was also the hilliest yet.

Mark

Hi Folks - Back with it today!!! Arrived in Ullapool at approx. 6.00pm.
Apparantley nearly caused a riot in the dorm last night with my snoring - but I had a good night sleep and felt better for it.

We left Torridon in the rain but the weather soon improved for a while. Infact the weather played games with Sun, Rain, Sun, Rain - Tropical Downpore sun rain - the only constant was very strong winds. It even decided to hail just when I had a flat tyre.

We cycled 84 miles today with a number of significant climbs too, but I think the old pins are slowly getting the hand of things at last. I have bulges on my calve/thigh muscles I have never seen before.

My clothes seem to work like a wet suit - I get completely soaked early on and then use windproofs to jsut keep the water warm. When I clench my fists the water drops gushes put of them!!

Medical Update. I seem to have been miraculously cured of my aortic anurism, and even the angina seems to be better under control. Was worried about diabetes but the hypo's may be due to physcial efforts - even the peripheral circulatory problems may just be the cold - so you never know I may be alright!! :-)) I think I had better stay clear of prescribing cardiac drugs as an independant prescriber :-P for a while.

My trainer and motivator has been pressing on with new ? helpful comments - "Just look on hills as hard flats ..... " "Remember it goes down when you get to the top!!!" and when we reached 1000+ feet comstant climb from sea level said - come on get a move on our average speed has dropped :) I need to have David GSCE result for geography checked too. He seem to forget where hills are and say "it's all down hill from here" jsut before more hills appear!!

Hope to reach Durness tomorrow - jsut hope i do not get blown off the end!!

Sorry for the technical probs and you are all back with me.

Cycled from Armadale after getting the ferry from Mallaig. The were a few good hills alng the way but the worst thing was the constant driving rain. When you go down hills and reach a good speed it gets quite painful. I foubd it draining though as I got completely drenched. Had to get changed at lunch time to warm up. Wish I had packed my wetsuit. Weather tomorrow is likely to be the same I believe, and if you want a good laugh look at the wind forcasts for Monday up near ~Ullapool.

Very tired so I'm off to bed

BW Mark

Oban

Sorry folks again technical issues with the blog. Iain Harper is for the sack when I get back :)
Had a good stop over in Oban with my friend Robin Saxby and his partner Seb. We set off to catch the early boat to Mull at 7:45am, we nearly missed it but once aboard we sailed towards a sunny island with new snow on top of the hills. Our cycle through this beautiful island was accompanied by sunny weather and amazing scenery. We arrived well in time at Balamory :) for our boat on to Ardnamuchan. David was again very useful in his role of Mr Motivator he said "You are getting quicker up the hills, you have just about reached a snails pace" :)
The 30mph winds have been helpful in pushing us along. Our lat mile into Mallaig was accompanied by rain and hail. Camping not an option so we have squeezed into a room together.
Weather outside sounds awful earplugs required for that and the snoring.....can't wake myself up :)

Lochranza to Oban

Forgot to mention yesterday that I met my neice (Natalie) and her fiancee Aaron in Ayr, and my brother at Ardrossan. It was lovely to see them all.
Had a bad nights sleep last night - not being the only person in the dorm at Lochranza Youth Hostel that snores!!!!!!! But I have to say that Youth Hostel there is brilliant!!

Today has been a good days cycling. I was joined by a retired cyclist Bill Honeywell on his way up the Mull of Kintyre. Though I would impress him by say I was cycling around Scotland. He thought that was great and then told me he was cycling around the Great Britian, in 17 weeks - so that blew me :))

I am feeling generally OK, a bit tired due to sleep depravation but should sort that tonight. Apprehensive about the next f ew days - the weather and the winds look dodgy and the distances and hill will be testing :-]

So far I have had a number of aches and pains - and I have diagnosed heart failure, Diabetes an anurism I'll keep you posted if I develop anything else :-S

At friends house in Oban - Robin Saxby and Sib - accomodation, food company all excellent

Sweet dreams (not including hippo's I hope)

Chief Engineers Update

Another good day at the office today.
We got off to a good start on the 8.15 ferry from Lochranza to Claonaig.
we got up to Oban by just after 3pm which was really good after passing Dunadd Castle and stopping for lunch in Kilmartin.
Mark is getting a bit quicker, we averaged about 12.3mph today.

Motivational Strategies
These take several forms:

1. Encouragement : "Cum on Mark I ant brok sweat yet"



2. Irony : "No Rush Lad"



3. Simplification: "It's all down hill from here"



4. Lies: "I don't remember this hill"



5. Optimism:"We are nearly there only 4 miles to go"
   

Mark's techniques for slowing us down.

1. "My heart rate is too high"



2. "We need a picture of that"



3. "I need to warm up"



4. "I need to warm down"



5. "My blood sugar is low"

moving house

This couple were moving house by bike power alone.Going to live on Mull.We gave them coffee and biscuits...

friends at ayr

Mark and friends and dogs at Ayr today Wed

mark changing

This is a picture of what we have to look at every day...........
posted by Joe

betty and ron

this is a photo of the complete team with Betty and Ron who gave us a lovely evening meal and cooked breakfast and allowed us to stay in their caravan.

Lovely and generous people. Thanks for your hospitality Betty and Ron.

What is it like without aching legs - remind me pleaseI've forgotten!!

Chief Engineer comments

yesterday was good, nice weather, decided to get away from it all and visit Mull of Gallaway. Nice.
Caught up with boys in Gurvan 90 miles later at 6pm just in time for roast beef..

Today started off really well, we were blown into Ayr at breakneck speeds.We averaged around 15mph from Gurvan to Ardrossan.

Things went really well until we started climbing over the top in Arran.we met a LEJOGGER called Davey and more or less rode over the top with him until Mark's breathing difficulties caused him to be left alone to his own pace. Later met them at the pub.

Well folks - have arrived in Lochranza. The cycle up from Girvan was good, even cycling around Arran was OK until we reached the final hill, approx. 1000 feet. That would have been a slog, but against a wind gusting 20-30 miles per hour it was (politely) not very nice!!!!! The 50 meter road markers for the snow ploughs were used as goals, and I cycled two at a time then stopped to let my heart rate drop below 160. :-S Forgot to say but yesterday we met some people who were moving from somewhere in Lancashire to the Island of Coll. They had taken the furniture over on a van earlier in the year, then sold the van and were cycling up with posessions on bikes with panniers and trailers. They are living in a tent on the island until they have done up (no not a cottage!!) a caravan for the winter!!! How about it Fliss??
Harder day tomorrow up to Oban - we are heading for the testing days soon??

Day 6

Just been blown up the coast to Arran, waiting for the boat. Had my first puncture yesterday, sussed out how to use my gas pump, but in doing so used up all the gas :-P
Had to call Joe to bring a pump. He was pumping up the tyre when he got to 90psi it exploded like a gunshot next to his ear, I think he thought I had got him at last...:-D
My body is still in reasonable order, including the pot belly unfortunately, we are being fed too well. For B'fast today we had bacon sausage lorne black pud sweet pud egg tomato and mushroom.
Ron and Betty Moffat were so very kind and welcoming.
Joe left us for a day today, we will meet him again in Oban, missing his coffee breaks already, M&S Italian filter coffee with Fliss's home made cake.
Just about to get on the ferry at Ardrossa very rough sea oh fun :-S

We have had a really good day today. It has been an easy day for me, cycled from Newton Stewart via Stranrar. David decided that he need an extra jaunt down to the Mull of Galloway, - he still has a few more miles to catch up :D Just hope it slows him down a bit :S The wind dropped and we had some sun too. Generally feeling good. Got mys revenge on David in the night with a good snoring session after having visited someone who has known Joe for 50 years and is still his friend !!!!!! :D
We are with witha couple called Betty and Ron we arranged through the Church - have had a lovely tea and a great 4 berth caravan for the night. Of up through Ayr and ontt6

Sorry for the lack of update yesterday a few technical problems with the internet conection and I don't have my Tech Support with me :)
The cylcle from Lockerbie to Newton Stewart was fine apart for the gales and driving rain in our faces all the way. David was a good wind break when I could catch up with him :)...He is like Ernie Wise with little fat legs that move too fast :)
We cylced 76 miles yesterday at an average speed of 11mph. I'm sure the countryside was nice , but i could not see much of it for the clouds and rain on my glasses.
I think Joe will have visited all the charity shops round the coast of Scotland by the time we get back.
Nice easy day today, just 50 miles of wind and rain........"We shall overcome".....

From the Chief Engineer - David Walton (Mark's Brother in law)

hello folks,
I just arrived today by train to Lockerbie in time to cycle the last twenty miles back with Mark. I intend to make him cycle at a reasonable pace from now on. Joe has been far too understanding for Mark's good :-)

Hi Stephen K+S+M,
I will post info on daily profiles as we go.
Today Mark did 120Km , 1757 ascending, 1707 descending in about 10 hours.
In short, a steady day, except he had a head wind, until I met him, things got a bit easier then!

Hi folks, I'm still in the land of the living. Cycled from Coldstream to Lockerbie today, 11 hours in the sadle. I had to cycle against a head wind all day with approx 3 hours of driving rain. Joe Richards - (chief steward) has been brilliant, cooking tea making sandwiches and coffee etc. Was joined by the the chief engineer today (David Walton) he will be giving addition technical details, mind you if her goes on about average speeds - we may loose the trip computer where the sun don't shine. Thought Selkirk was the watershed for the hills across the border. Was slightly diappointed to see the river running the wrong way up the Ettrick Valley - another 30+ miles uphill. It was good to be joined by the chief engineer, who also is my trip windbreak . His subtle encouragement was a not quite as useful but I can put up with that as long as he deflects the wind. Have developed a taste for flies after the first two days - no comments about the size of my mouth please. My home based technical support (Houston) is Iain Harper!!

Day 2

After a late start (must have been the champagne last night) I managed to navigate my way out of Edinburgh had a good win assist all the way to Berwick. Had a great lunch provided by my batman - Joe. Arrived in Coldstream at about 4.30pm and went to the SYHA Hostel at Kirk Yetholm. Joe cooked a good stir fry. Hope the wind drops off soon or it will be hard work tomorrow. Signing off Forrest Gump!!!!

Day 1

Off to bed Sudacrem applied

Day 1

Well, day one down, 16 to go. The weather was great - circumnavigated the
rain. The trip became difficult as I turned to cycle up the south coast of Fife
when I was heading into the wind. Got to Edinburgh at 5.20pm. Stopping with
Joes friend in Edinburgh - having a great time embarrasing Joe :) Legs aching a
bit - hoping the wind same direction - will get blown over the mountains!!!
Joe was really great!!!

Well folks -
Friday the 13th this is it!!!

"Wish me luck as you wave me goodbye, cheerio her I go on my way........."

Hair cut, legs shaved, pasta eaten - step aside Sir Chris Hoy I'm ready !!!!!
Will I get a knighthood if I make it ????
Sorry I'm hallucinating again!!!

Oh. what lovely weather.

I always new I could rely on the Scottish weather to ease the passage - NOT!!! Just checked out the forecast - think I might as well spread the vasoline over the whole of my body to keep the water out.. Just about finished packing - glad this is a supported trip. Just hope neither Joe or I get lost in the first few days!!
Off to shave my legs to make me more streamline :D

News from my family

Eldest brother thinks I'm after dosh so claims he does not know me :D
Another brother thinks I'm becoming Forrest Gump :S
Another brother has drawn my attention to the weather :/
AND I LOVE THEM ALL!!

Bike arrived

I am now the proud owner of a Specialized secteur comp - red and white - boootiful!!
Thanks Specialized and Nicholsons.

Well that was my last double RPM (SPIN)session before I set off. Never sweated so much in my life. Hopefully will get my Specialised back from Nicolsons tomorrow!!! Got some good advice from a guy at RPM whi has just done JOG to Landsend in 9 days.

Went to my last body balance class before setting off. Hope the "core" takes the pressure this time and my back survives. David, my brother in law who is going round with me from Lockerbie twisted his ankle today. Hopefully it will be OK - even better - it may slow him down. Spoke to Joe our back-up driver - even he has finally got his wife Ann starting to organise him now :))
4 sleeps to lift off :-/

Had a disaster last weekend. Damaged the frame of my Specialised on the Friday and on the Sunday the gear on my second bike stopped working on the top of Cairn o mount AHHHHHHH. Luckily Nicholsons Bikes have sorted the gearing on the second bike and Specialised have offered me a new 2011 frame at a very discounted price!! Nicholsons are putting it back together for me for free. Thanks Nicholsons and Specialised!!!