Day 9 - Inverness to John O'Groats

Final day and up early to start the final leg to John O'Groats. No rain, no wind and a warm morning at 6:00am - is this really Scotland? Dave's brother Trev joined us for this last 85 mile stretch to the finish. Half an hour into the ride and we found ourselves in thickening mist and the temperature had plummeted. Should have put more layers on rather than just a single cycling vest. Nevertheless, riding hard soon had us warm and had started to dig into the miles. First planned stop was at an ice-cream shop highly recommended by William (our host for 2 nights), however when we arrived it was just too cold to stop and sample the delights within.

Some great sweeping roads and we enjoyed riding so close to the sea. Encountered some cracking downhill sections where are speed hit 39.7 mph, however these all seemed to preceed an equally long and steep uphill section. Roads much quieter in this part of the world. Lunch stop came about quick and we enjoyed a delightful picnic in the grounds of an old church, which has now been converted into a tourist information office. But best location yet for our lunch.

Probably ate too much as we where quite relaxed on this last day and just 35 miles to go. So the riding after lunch wasnt exactly quick. As more miles past this part of Scotland became more remote and desolate. Houses that once where quite substantial where now just derilict, then one would come across a small cottage with immaculate lawns and borders. Seldom saw anyone outside of the major town - Wick.

The final miles into John O'Groats were all downhill and we easily coasted into our final destination, looking for the finish line at around 5pm. Then we rode out on the harbour wall to the very end to ensure that we had gone as far as we could. We missed the official signpost as its removed daily to stop it from being stolen. Took the required photos to show that we had actually arrived and loaded up the car ready to head back to Inverness. 922 miles completed in just 9 days although the official distance is 874 miles.

Driving back to Inverness was a time for sleep and also a little reflection on the trip. What had we achieved, why had we done this, will it make a difference? Only time will tell how the lives of the children in Equcador will be changed by the work of Dave & Ana and the Hand-in-Hand team. But thanks to your generosity either with sponsorship and hospitality or both, we are making a difference. May God truly bess you all and the work of Dave & Ana.

Thank You
Dave, Phill, Paul & Abi