Ah ha, Feeling good about todays ride, but a little nervous about using the A9. Have decided to abandon the use of the cycle paths as they just cause us punctures and the bumps damage the bike wheels. Heres hoping that the drivers give us a bit more room than previously.
Set off about 7:30 to drive to where we finished yesterday. A9 not too busy at that time and we made good progress although mainly we kept our heads down and cycled hard to cover as much distance as possible. Aim for today was to get past Inverness which would shorten the ride into John O'Groats (about 120 miles).
Cramps for me where sporadic so manageable and we cover 26miles and stopped in Avimore for 2nd Breakfast. Jolly busy place. Lots of things going on. Away again before Paul & Abi could finish their cream tea (none for Dave & I). Cycled on the A9 for a while then dropped on a back road as we headed into Inverness. Seemed to go all around the place before Inverness finally appeared and then battle commenced with the traffic to get over the bridge. Once over we had a picnic lunch at the Dolphin place. Didnt see any Dolphins but apparentley they had some yesterday. However we'd already seen a tawny Owl and a Red Squirrel and Dave thinks he saw an Eagle or something like that.
Then the mission was to put in as many miles as possible, athough stuck on the A9. Have learnt a few new words, mainly from one or two truck drivers, but please we are allowed to cycle on that section of the road, so we didnt feel too guilty. The first stretch after the bridge was the most horrible ride of the whole trip for me. Too many vehicles and very few seem to drive within the speed limit. Plus a head wind and long hills and to make it worse I've forgotten to fill up my water bottle so rode dry 2 hours.
Once that section was done we hit the 100mile mark and yet another puncture. Decided to stop there as now just 85 miles to go to the end.
Back in Inverness now with our hosts William and Elizabeth. Good hot baths and super meal. Thank you very much indeed!
Last day tomorrow - just 85 miles and we have made it. Both riders are feeling good and ready to go. Dave's brother Trevor is joining us tomorrow at some point for the ride in to John O'Groats.
Stats for today - 100miles covered, top speed 38.6mph (lovely little country lane - but had to brake hard for the right-hand bend...), average speed 15.1mph
Thanks for all the txt messages, phone calls and blog entries - all encourage us on our trip. Big final day tomorrow......
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