Wheelie Big Ride: Day 10
Betty Hill – Lands End – 51 miles
After the ‘last supper’ at the hotel, we were all thinking the last 51 miles would be a breeze, and a breeze they were, nothing but a head wind was awaiting our final section of the route.
Up, packed and ready to go we all decided to get moving as quickly as possible, not for the keenness to finish, but to get ourselves away from the midges! Getting started we were greeted once again by lovely countryside and snippets of coastline as we meandered towards John o Groats.
Todays route had 5 climbs ahead of us, and we were going to feel everyone of them in the legs! The temperature was a bit cooler to start, but a welcome start non the less after the previous nine days of sweltering heat!
Continuing along the route towards the first stop of the day (breakfast) we were all thinking of what to have for our last breakfast knowing that the end was within touching distance, so a full Scottish breakfast was on order!
The final 20 mile were supposed to be a jolly jaunt to John o Groats, but it turned out to be a slog with the head wind and we were all feeling every pedal stroke! The final Stretch into John O Groats was slightly down hill, with the wind behind us, making for a pleasant last ½ mile, being greeted by our fantastic support team being the ever reliable and present Dave Inglis and the youngest member of the team (Fraser) was also present to meet Stuart on fathers day.
After a short celebration (with champagne) in plastic glasses (keeping it real), some photos we then began to decamp, grab a coffee and head home.
Though the 3 members of the team sat on their backsides and pedalled for 10 days, the journey would not have been possible or as pleasant without the support of our colleagues, families and friends, it has been a great experience and our appreciation goes out to everyone who has helped us along the way, it really does demonstrate the team we have around us.
A short blast on the A9 (team time trial mode engaged) followed before kicking up and over the moors to Bonar Bridge. This section was a wee bit chillier so after the team had the customary bacon rolls for the morning stop, we thought it wise to grab our arm warmers and gilets. They didn’t last long! Pushing on to Lairg the cloud cleared and all warm gear was quickly relegated to back pockets again! There was some beautiful scenery to see along this route including an old suspension bridge, a salmon leap heading up the Falls of Shin and folk sailing on a reservoir in the gorgeous weather.
d into the beautiful sights of Bettyhill about 4pm and saw our first North Coast 500 sign just outside our hotel. Last full day done! “Just” a mere 50 miles to John O’Groat tomorrow and our adventure is complete!
cle from Braemar to Crathie was as stunning as any point of the trip, the clear blue skies, the river Dee and the hills and forests made for a great start to the day, even if we were aware of what was looming ahead (hills and lots of them).
The first was Crathie hill, a mere 192m – but felt like 1920m after the Glenshee climb from the previous day!
Upon arrival at Grantown on Spey we were still experiencing the seasonally hot weather, 29⁰! After lunch, it was onwards to Inverness… a long, warm ‘slog’ which brought out the ‘beast’ in Kenny and his time trialling experience, he flew off like a train with myself and Stuart in pursuit – but we also suspected that Kenny’s lunch had kicked in :).
We all enjoyed the spectacular views on the Kessock Bridge, clear skies, calm waters made for a great experience and one to be cherished!
The climb started gradually and kicked up to 12% at the top with very little wind to cool the riders down, but everyone made it up safely and into Aberdeenshire!
Starting the day as the previous day ended – we had more lovely hospitality from Norman and Mary, breakfast and coffee, a great start for us all!
First stop was at Lockerbie for a bacon roll and coffee, always a welcome stop after a good few hours of cycling. As the heat was continuing to fry us, we ended up stopping in Moffat (for an Ice cream), but we were taught a lesson, not to stop! As a result of this stop, a puncture was experienced (once more by Stuart, no more wheelies for him, it really would save his tyres).
Upon arrival at Bigger, Dave once again came up trumps and found a great lunch spot (The Kirkstyle) who serve great food! As the afternoon continued the spirits were lifted at the sight of the Forth road bridge, with this in sight we knew the end of the day was nearing….