Thursday, 16 June 2011
CYCLING DAY 28 Wick – John O’Groats 17.61 miles 16.6.2011 Total Mileage 1085.6
Well, here goes. Our last cycling day and not many miles to go.
But first we want to dedicate this last day on the bike to all the members of our families. Lionel’s parents Philip and Violet who were keen cyclists, who met at a cycle club and also cycled on a tandem on their holidays. My parents, Jacques and Joke and had one of those bikes where you back pedalled when braking. And especially to our son Nick, who has been following our journey via the blog from Malta, where he is working at present. We have been thinking of you all and thank you for your messages.
Started off early from Wick and although it didn’t rain, it was really cold and very damp. On reaching JOG it started to rain. After a coffee, had our verification papers stamped for the last time, which now has to be send off. We then headed for that famous sign and had a few pictures taken.
Now that it is all over, how do we feel?... Very happy to have finished as we are tired and some joints are a bit achy from the dampness. We feel emotional, just a little, but also proud that no matter your age the spirit of a challenge has no boundaries. Why did we do it? Well, because it was there and we are fortunate enough to be able still to cycle together. We have also cycled for those, who can’t any more and we have met quite a number en route. They tell us about their cycling days, we listen and then they wish us well on our way.
Thank you all who followed and encouraged us, but in the end cycling Lejog is not really a big deal.
Well, here goes. Our last cycling day and not many miles to go.
But first we want to dedicate this last day on the bike to all the members of our families. Lionel’s parents Philip and Violet who were keen cyclists, who met at a cycle club and also cycled on a tandem on their holidays. My parents, Jacques and Joke and had one of those bikes where you back pedalled when braking. And especially to our son Nick, who has been following our journey via the blog from Malta, where he is working at present. We have been thinking of you all and thank you for your messages.
Started off early from Wick and although it didn’t rain, it was really cold and very damp. On reaching JOG it started to rain. After a coffee, had our verification papers stamped for the last time, which now has to be send off. We then headed for that famous sign and had a few pictures taken.
Now that it is all over, how do we feel?... Very happy to have finished as we are tired and some joints are a bit achy from the dampness. We feel emotional, just a little, but also proud that no matter your age the spirit of a challenge has no boundaries. Why did we do it? Well, because it was there and we are fortunate enough to be able still to cycle together. We have also cycled for those, who can’t any more and we have met quite a number en route. They tell us about their cycling days, we listen and then they wish us well on our way.
Thank you all who followed and encouraged us, but in the end cycling Lejog is not really a big deal.
Wednesday, 15 June 2011
CYCLING DAY 27 Helmsdale - Wick 36 miles 15.6.2011
We first drove early in the morning to Helmsdale. Parked the van at the station then set off on the bike from Helmsdale in very good weather. The first 5 miles was just climbing up on winding hills. Long dragging hills. At Berriedale we had a very long descent, followed by climbing yet again and this time it was a corkscrew hill. The reward of all this are the stunning views you get. It is just awesome. From Berriedale the terrain became flatter and we progressed well. At Laidha Croft Museum we stopped for refreshments and met up with fellow cyclists. All the time now we overtake or are overtaken by endtoenders. All follow the same path and greetings like: “See you there”, “Not long now”, “See you at the top” are common expressions for reaching that same goal.
We passed Lybster and are surprised to see so many derelict buildings and houses, very sad but I suppose if there is not much work, then there won’t be folk living here. We reached Wick early afternoon and then had to go back by train to Helmsdale to pick up the van. The train ride was something else..out of this world..never seen such desolate surroundings, where herd of deers were roaming and not a person to be seen. That was a real treat. The train first had to go to Thurso, than back and continue over the moors back to Helmsdale. Big day tomorrow!
We first drove early in the morning to Helmsdale. Parked the van at the station then set off on the bike from Helmsdale in very good weather. The first 5 miles was just climbing up on winding hills. Long dragging hills. At Berriedale we had a very long descent, followed by climbing yet again and this time it was a corkscrew hill. The reward of all this are the stunning views you get. It is just awesome. From Berriedale the terrain became flatter and we progressed well. At Laidha Croft Museum we stopped for refreshments and met up with fellow cyclists. All the time now we overtake or are overtaken by endtoenders. All follow the same path and greetings like: “See you there”, “Not long now”, “See you at the top” are common expressions for reaching that same goal.
We passed Lybster and are surprised to see so many derelict buildings and houses, very sad but I suppose if there is not much work, then there won’t be folk living here. We reached Wick early afternoon and then had to go back by train to Helmsdale to pick up the van. The train ride was something else..out of this world..never seen such desolate surroundings, where herd of deers were roaming and not a person to be seen. That was a real treat. The train first had to go to Thurso, than back and continue over the moors back to Helmsdale. Big day tomorrow!
Tuesday, 14 June 2011
CYCLING DAY 26 Tain – Helmsdale 36.40 miles 14.6.2011
Whereas yesterday was a bad day, today has been wonderful. Started off from Tain in sunshine, wind mostly in the back on the A9 all the way to Helmsdale. Crossed the Dornoch Firth where the wind was really blowing from the side. Carried on and had our first stop in the lovely village of Golspie and where we had our verification papers stamped at the local post office. They are quite used to that and always wish the cyclists good luck, which is very kind of them. Brora is also very nice and when we reached Helmsdale we had our sandwich lunch overlooking their harbour. Cycling on the A9 is really do-able while the road winds and rolls up and down alongside the North Sea. We saw many seals basking on the beach in places. It is a beautiful ride and the scenery is quite stunning. Not to be missed. Took the train back to Tain.
Whereas yesterday was a bad day, today has been wonderful. Started off from Tain in sunshine, wind mostly in the back on the A9 all the way to Helmsdale. Crossed the Dornoch Firth where the wind was really blowing from the side. Carried on and had our first stop in the lovely village of Golspie and where we had our verification papers stamped at the local post office. They are quite used to that and always wish the cyclists good luck, which is very kind of them. Brora is also very nice and when we reached Helmsdale we had our sandwich lunch overlooking their harbour. Cycling on the A9 is really do-able while the road winds and rolls up and down alongside the North Sea. We saw many seals basking on the beach in places. It is a beautiful ride and the scenery is quite stunning. Not to be missed. Took the train back to Tain.
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