My name is Mark Parsons I'm a 49 year old who is hoping he is still in his mid-life crisis!! (rather than the male menopause). I have decided to try and raise some money for the Steeple Church Development Fund. Having been inspired by Mark Beaumont a fellow Dundonian. I came up with the idea of cycling around Scotland as it makes a change from John o' Groats to Land's End. I only found out later it was further and far more hilly!! I will be travelling a total of 1196 miles over a period of 17 days, an average of 70 miles per day. The total additive height attained over the whole trip is 31927 meters, which is equivalent to 3.6 times up Mount Everest - from sea level. Please help me by following me exploits and leaving me cheery messages and telling others about it. If you want to make a pledge all the better and thanks so much for your support. All the money pledged will go to the Steeple Development Project

Tuesday, 24 May 2011

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 !
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5 comments:

  1. Anonymous25 May 2011 at 12:57

    well done to all downhill from now on

    philip

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous25 May 2011 at 17:51

    Well done Dad, you're on the homeward stretch now!!!


    Message to Steve K from David, No internet access over the past few days. Navigating by GPX memory maps. Will send you further updates tomorrow when we have internet access.

    From Danielle xx

    ReplyDelete
  3. Steve K25 May 2011 at 21:35

    OK, looking forward to the GPX files.

    It's downhill all the way home now, isn't it?

    Steve

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anonymous25 May 2011 at 23:28

    Volcanic ash clouds, gale force winds, hail storms. Will we get our summer weather back once you stop cycling?

    Right, you've had enough fun(?). Time to come home now.

    Good going, Mark. Cheers, Piers

    ReplyDelete
  5. Alan Purves26 May 2011 at 00:23

    Hey Mark, absolutely blinding adventure- so impressed with your efforts! Not long until you return. You'll need to get your doors adjusted to fit your mighty calves through!!

    Alan P

    ReplyDelete

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