RESULT
It is now 01/10/2009 and I am aware that this page has not been finished and I do appologise. I have been very busy recently but I do hope to have this finished very soon.
Day 0
On Friday 24th July the 4 riders, the Support Driver, my Dad and my Sister all set off from Stockport, Manchester to John O' Groats Scotland. The journey began at 7:30 to ensure the we would arrive in good time having a 9 hour drive ahead of us. The riders were Myself, my brother Chris, my friend Will and the Manchester Evening News reporter Peter Devine, the support driver was Phil Lane (Harleys Grandad).To get to JOG and to support the riders along the way, we were kindly donated a van from a Manchester based firm called Stamford Van Hire and had the diesel paid for by a firm called Powerminster. Without the van or the help from the two firms mentioned this trip could never have happened. The van used was a large volkswagen crafter which contained everything from spare bikes to our food and water. The repair equipment to the tents that would be our accomadation for the two weeks. A full list of equipment used/needed and clothes etc is provided...
The other vehicle used to get us to our destination was my ford focus and the driving between the two vehicles was shared by my dad Dave, Phil and myself. With all of the adrenaline, excitementn and a few nerves, the drive goes very quickly and is a fantastic drive if you enjoy the countryside. The route up we simply got onto the M61 upto the M6 and followed this all the way up to the M74 to Glasgow. From here we headed North East along the A80 and A9 before hitting the A99 to JOG.
Once arriving and booking in at the campsite reception, we pitched our tents, sorted out our clothes and cycling gear for the following day before making our way over to the start/finishing line for a few photo's etc. (This is hidden by the derelict hoted next to the JOG ferry terminal).
Day 1
After a not so good nights sleep, we awoke to a boiling kettle an my Sister and Dad jumping about. Phil had begun in getting the route sorted and prepared for his first of many daily briefings. Oncee awake and filled up on cereals and coffee, we mounted our bikes and headed to the start. At 7:30 we had more photo's taken, the route read out to us by Phil and a few good luck comments from passers by. Without thinking of the 912 miles ahead of us we set off cheering, shouting and full of energy. After just 0.4 miles we stopped for a break at the seaview hotel where the JOG book is kept to sign out of hours. Once we got into our stride we cycled along through the small towns, headed through Wick and made our way down the coast and onto the A9. Up until a very small town called Berriedale, it is very flat and an easy ride. From here the terrain begins to change and the hills begin to appear. As the day went on and the scenery began to get old, our legs started to get heavy and the sun seemed to be getting hotter, all we wanted to do was reach the campsite. My Dad and Sister who drove up the day before with us, set off on their journey back to Manchester, taking the same route that we were heading for. Returning home it took them about 12 and a half hours with all of the stopping the did to look at all the views etc. The first day for all of us was lond and tiring, we were riding for over 8 hours and only managed to cycle 83 miles due to all the stopping we did to look at the views and to take pictures. Our first nights stay on the road was at a campsite called Dornock Firth caravan park in Tarlogie. They only have a few pitches for tents and are unable to accomadate large tents, so book in advance if intereasted. Once the tent was erected and we had eaten, there was very little conversation as we were all extremely tired. I started to think about the very little training we had done and how far we had left to go.
Day 2
After another sleepless night, this time due to the aching limbs and sleeping between a busy road and train track, we gathered up our things, ate breakfast and had our route set out to us by Phil. My dad the night before had told me how nice the route ahead was and what to expect that day. I couldn't wait to get on my bike and to loosed up before setting off, I went for a small jog. My brother Chris was felling the pain and I was quite worried about him reaching the 100 mile target. We were originally aiming for Tain on day 1 so we were 5 miles short already. Day 2 was going to be a big day so to get back on track we really had to push ourselves. The day began with the wind and rain trying its hardest to slow us down and for the first 35 miles it managed to do just that. The rain never stopped, the wind was constantly blowing and our speeds were not what we had anticipated. The three leaders kept pushing on and worked as a team to take it in turns to break the wind from the others. Just dropping in behind somebody to reduce the wind for a couple of miles helps to keep the energy levels up and the pace fast. Once we hit the lovely city of Inverness, the three of us were ahead of Peter by a number of miles and were wet through from head to foot. Our fingers and toes were numb and the moral was quickly fading not to mention the excitment and adrenalin. In order to warm up we managed to find a Macdonalds in the city centre were we all huddled around the hand dryers in the toilets to dry ourselves and warm up. Once Peter and Phill caught up and had done the same, we regained our energy with a healthy helping of Big Macs and Cheeseburgers and discussed the journey ahead and what we had instore. We then followed Phill to the van where we all put on a dry pair of clothes and refilled our drinks before heading towards the A82. Once on route and we passed the first sign for the Caledonian Canal everything changed. The weather suddenly changed from raining to glorious sunshine and the busy roads were now peaceful and headed into the fantastic scenery ahead. Loch Ness suddenly appeared and everything was the forgotten. * For anybody thinking of doing this ride or something similar we all suggest that you take this route through Scotland just for the amazing views. The whole length of the A82 is fantastic and 90% of the roads are good for riding on too. Due to the scenery and wonderful views, we were constantly stopping to take pictures which really slowed us down. The group began to spread out and the the miles increased slowly before we all realised that we were all going to end the day without completing the required milage. By the time we hit Fort Agustus the day was ending and we were all tired. Then between Invergarry and a place called Laggan we found a picnic area opposite a small shop where we decided to set up camp. The site was the perfect place to stop which was on Loch Oich with a huge mountain on the opposite side. The ground was flat, the grass was short and the ground was the firmest that we had come across. The only thing that spoiled the night were the infamous scottish midges that were constantly trying to feast on your skin. * Repellent is a must for this trip as nobody will escape the bites without it. Once the tent was erected and the bikes were stored away we set up the gas stove and feasted on Chilli and rice looking out accross the water. Day 2 overall was fantastic despite the weather early on in the day. By the end of it we had managed just over 80miles with all of the stops and breaks that we took to admire the views. Day 2 for myself was my favourite day and the aches and pains were soon forgotten.
Day 3