We had a leisurely breakfast and talked with our host about the place and the impact of oil in the area. On venturing out we had bright sunshine with a light breeze. Very different to the day before. We rolled down towards the sea before finally setting off for our final ride at about 9.30 – far later than normal!
We kept up a cracking pace to Wick being over 20 mph much of the time. It was through Wick and simply enjoying the wonderful weather and the coastline. We met quite a few cyclists just setting off in the other direction with much cheerful waving. Finally, the Orkney Islands came into view and there was just a nice gentle descent into John O Groats and we were there at about 12.30. The champagne came out and we had the obligatory photo before going into the Journeys End for a final lunch. Quite a few people came up ask if we had just complet
ed the E2E including a New Zealander who had finished a day or two before.
Andrew’s bike had developed a severe knocking on the back wheel over the last two days, so his bike was taken apart to put inside the car whilst the others went on the bike rack. We packed the panniers inside before setting off again. Travelling in a car seemed very strange at first! We stopped at Helmsdale again for coffee before finally going back to Carbisdale Castle to celebrate Richards birthday.
After dinner we discussed what next. The trip had given us all a taste for long distance cycling and we were all eager to op more. What and when are still being discussed.
We kept up a cracking pace to Wick being over 20 mph much of the time. It was through Wick and simply enjoying the wonderful weather and the coastline. We met quite a few cyclists just setting off in the other direction with much cheerful waving. Finally, the Orkney Islands came into view and there was just a nice gentle descent into John O Groats and we were there at about 12.30. The champagne came out and we had the obligatory photo before going into the Journeys End for a final lunch. Quite a few people came up ask if we had just complet
ed the E2E including a New Zealander who had finished a day or two before.Andrew’s bike had developed a severe knocking on the back wheel over the last two days, so his bike was taken apart to put inside the car whilst the others went on the bike rack. We packed the panniers inside before setting off again. Travelling in a car seemed very strange at first! We stopped at Helmsdale again for coffee before finally going back to Carbisdale Castle to celebrate Richards birthday.
After dinner we discussed what next. The trip had given us all a taste for long distance cycling and we were all eager to op more. What and when are still being discussed.
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