Day 12 John O'Groats 85 Miles

An extra early start was needed today. Not only was it an extra long 85 mile ride (with plenty of climbs) but we had the added time pressure because the taxi was coming to pick us up from John O’Groats at 5pm.

Although we were tired the adrenalin was flowing and we were all keen to finish the challenge!

It was a much cooler start than previous days and although rain wasn’t forecast we were dubious. Base layers and rain jackets (and long trousers for me) seemed very appropriate. 

Due to the mix up with the hotel booking we’d eaten at the pub where we were staying last night. It was a really tasty meal and to say that the portions were huge is an understatement. The bowl of pasta ordered by Ian T was going to pay dividends later for us all! Breakfast today was a different story though - a rather paltry offering of croissants for me and gluten free pancakes for Max delivered takeaway style the night before.

We set off at 8am - our earliest start yet, so determined were we to ensure we made all the recommended pitstops for the day. We made it to Linda’s cafe in Brora by about 10am and whilst most of the group opted for cake I decided to make up for the missed breakfast with a bacon and egg roll - just the ticket!

We cracked on again and tackled the serious business of the day - a couple of very long and fairly steep climbs. Slowly slowly catchy monkey as the saying goes! We pushed through and before too long we were over the worst of the climbing for the day. At the end of the day we were driven back to Inverness along exactly the same route, and looking back at these climbs, and indeed the whole ride, we were astonished to contemplate what we’d actually accomplished. 

The planned lunch stop for the day was a tearoom at mile 33. We’d just about worked off the cake/bacon buttie and were looking forward to getting off the bikes for a quick rest. Unfortunately we misjudged and passed the tearoom at 32 miles thinking it wasn’t the right place! Consequently we now had another 17 miles to get to the next stop which was at Wick. There wasn\"t a huge choice here and we were starting to get a little concerned when we came upon a little cafe which, whilst it didn’t look particularly inviting, proved to be a lifesaver! Cornish pasties, steak pies, jacket potatoes and paninis - something for everyone.

The other significant lifesaver that came at Wicks was in the shape of a new addition to the group. One of my colleagues from work lives in John O’Groats and as luck would have it her husband is a keen cyclist and was even keener to join us for the last stretch of the ride. So Roger (who it turns out is a time trialler) turned up bursting with energy and literally dragged us for the next and final stretch of the ride.

The final descent into John O’Groats was awesome - the culmination of an absolutely amazing 12 days. Words can’t really describe or do justice to the experience or indeed the whole trip. Its been an incredible trip with the most fantastic group of people that we’ve absolutely loved sharing the experience with.

Anand, Mayur, Himanshu and Sanjay - bursting with enthusiasm and good humour. Wanting to take in every sight and tourist destination along the way even if it meant missing dinner. 

Pete - on his 9th LEJOG so full of wit and wisdom though never quite able to remember what came next. 

Ian T and Ian S who quite literally and very gallantly kept us going, saving Max’s legs and hence mine in turn. 

Paul for setting a cracking pace but still managing to capture some of the best photos of the trip. Oh and thanks for rescuing us from the bush after our crash on day 4! 

Andy for eating his way through  England and then Scotland and leaving us wondering where you actually put all those scones, haggis and steak pies! 

And last but by no means least Carl, who got us safely round, always patient although at times it must have been like herding cats. You made it all look very effortless although we’re in no doubt it was anything but. 

Thanks to all our friends, family and colleagues for all your support and encouragement along the way. It’s made such a huge huge difference. We do hope you enjoyed following us and look forward to catching up with you again very soon. 

Made it

Final push

It's almost over

Smile

Tired legs

Pub stop

Amazing views