The final push to John ‘O Groats (JOG)

Miles: 49:02

Calories: 3150

Time: 3:24

I had 50 odd miles to do today and i was worried that this morning’s ride would be a gentle coast into JOG and the ride would somehow end on an anti climax. Well, i couldn’t be further from that. Todays ride, although short, was a tough ride up and down the towns/villages of the coastline of the North Sea.  I seemed to be wizzing down the hill making good time only to be out of the saddle, pushing up the other side of the hill. All good fun though and again the coastline road was superb.

I also need to mention the weather in Scotland. Since we have been here, we seemed to have had the 4 seasons in one day. From glorious sunshine to howling, thunderous rain within the space of minutes. I had to take shelter in a disused farm barn today after the heavens opened from no where. Minutes before i was contemplating putting sun cream on my burnt ears!

Anyway, the last 3 miles of the ride were actually a coast into JOG and i was very happy to see my support crew (Dad) waiting for me. It was perfect. The sun was out, the wind was behind me and we proceeded to have our photos taken by ‘the sign’. We then enjoyed a celebratory porkpie by the sea and took in the views of the surrounding Orkney Islands. A fitting way to end the ride.

It was also a good feeling seeing a few groups just starting their big adventure. Their ride into the unknown. For anyone who has worked shifts you can relate to the feeling of seeing your work peers come onto shift just as you are heading home from the night shift. Having that feeling that you have finished work and achieved something special and that your peers have got that all to look forward to. 

The old man has been a ledged throughout and has helped not only with all the demenial jobs but also with the most important job of ‘keeping one’s spirits up’.  So cheers for that sir. Top driving and cooking.

Miles – 951.07

Average Miles per day – 73.16

Average Speed – 14.15 mph

Complete saddle time – 64.27 hrs

Calories – 64,690

Average starting time- 09.16 am

Max Speed – 41.27 mph