Journal Part 13

Wednesday 12th August 09

After spending the night at Helmsdale Youth Hostel, we were looking forward to a relaxing 55 mile cycle up the A9, onto the A99, and into John O'Groats. We left the student asleep in bed as he was intending to have an afternoon start, waved goodbye to the two young chaps who were setting off on their venture south towards Lands End, and slowly set off.

The weather was dry with no wind in sight. We were aware that the infamous Berriedale awaited us, but felt confident that we could achieve a mere 55 miles without breaking a sweat.

There were one or two dark clouds around as we left Sutherland, but the temperature was still warm enough for short-sleeved shirts.

On entering Caithness the weather seemed brighter than we'd expected. When we approached Berriedale, the conditions were perfect for a good ride. We went down Berriedale without any problems but after turning the corner Malcolm picked up a puncture.

This was the last thing we needed on a busy dangerous stretch of road, mind you we'd had plenty of practice over the past 12 days in changing inner tubes and tyres.

The last 15 miles was very flat and open to the elements. We rode into a head-wind, which made us work a little harder than we were expecting to work.

Around 1410hrs, we reached our destination. We cycled into John O'Groats and went straight to the flag post. It was crowded with holidaymakers, and cyclists setting off on their dream ride. We did the tourist thing, and had our photo taken by the photographer. It seemed a long way to cycle and not get one done.

We then visited the local cafe to sign the End To End book, and get the paper work in order. It was a strange feeling, achieving what we'd set out to do, but at the same time, everything coming to an end.

After spending couple of hours soaking up the atmosphere we decided to take a steady ride to the John O'Groats Youth Hostel, which is situated about 3 miles from John O'Groats.

The wind was still a factor but by this time neither of us really cared. The main challenge was achieved. The hostel was managed by two ladies who were obviously experienced out-door folk, and was fully aware of what we had gone through over the past 12 days.

Two young lads arrived later in the evening, full of energy and eager to start out on the End to End, early tomorrow morning. They were intending to take the same route we had just done, except North to South. Before retiring to bed, the student from Helmsdale arrived having completed the cycle.