14.4 mph
Granny gear rating 2/5
We made it...but it was a hard final day!
The elements were kind in the morning. No rain. Not much wind. Our 9am start allowed us to power up to bettyhill through some amazing peat bog, loch, mountain territory in a faster than expected 16.2mph for an early 12:30 lunch with Paul and shiela (the wife's parents). They are very kindly giving us a lift down the road tomorrow.
An added bonus was that we offloaded most of out kit and fairly raced off after lunch unburdened.
We had 50 miles to go and were trying to beat the forecast rain storm. However, we had to battle an easterly wind and what with Sutherland being very exposed this was a constant drag and struggle.
Protecting each other from the wind by taking turns in front we fought our way east. The terrain is quite hilly between bettyhill and Thurso which actually gave some protection from the wind but after Thurso it was so exposed and the wind buffeted. We were tired and hungry and there wasn't much chat as we counted down the last 20 miles one by one (they were slow hard miles).
Until, surprisingly we saw a sign for 1/4 of a mile to go...downhill...down wind. Even the fatigued, weary lejoggers could manage that!
An amazing welcome was awaiting us. Paul, shiela, robin and Karen were ready with balloons, medals.......and bubbly awaiting us. It was an unreal feeling to be finished and it probably won't sink in until we don't need to get on our bikes and cycle 90odd miles tomorrow!
On the joirney back I'll post one or two extras to round things off. The lejog blog is off to bed :)
Sent from my iPhone
Jim - you have an amazing gift to have been able to put in such hugh efforts into the blog after a days cycling and even managed to make cycling equipement and food intake interesting! I for one will miss the blog once it is gone - maybe you could keep it going although even your skills would be tested making advertures at RBS an unmissable daily treat! xx
ReplyDeletei second all of that. top stuff.
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