Analog Photos Uploaded!

The films have been developed and the mouth-watering results uploaded to a dedicated page, which you can also access by the tab at the top of the home page. A few are shown here for the fun of it.

On Reflection

A week has passed since I reached John o’ Groats which has given me time to reflect on my journey. Looking back through the blogs posts, maps and photos has been heartwarming. The memories, which even today I am still recalling go beyond what I could squeeze in the blog or on here. As I rode that last couple of miles to the sign at John o’ Groats part of me wanted to finish but a bigger part of me didn’t want to.

I even stopped a couple of times during that couple of miles to think. Part of me wonders if the sadness was greater than the happiness. Either way it was an emotional time. My ‘some thoughts’ post a few days earlier spoke volumes about what I’d gotten from the journey.

Years of wishing, considering, putting it off, then wishing again. These years became months of planning, research, and more planning. So much for a few weeks on the saddle. Day after day of cycle, wash, eat, sleep, cycle, wash, eat, sleep etc etc (though still making time for photographs).

Best bits? Hard to choose. The rolling roads of Gloucestershire in glorious sun stopping off for a cider? Skirting around the seafront at Southport? Flying down the Kirkstone Pass in the Lake District followed by scones and cream by Ullswater? Drumochter Pass in fine weather? The remote far north of Scotland? Standing on the true northernmost point at Dunnet Head? So much to choose from, and definitely no one favorite bit.

Memories of the coastlines, moorlands, mountains, cities, forests, rolling hills, trails, and so much more variety. From the city canal path of Liverpool to the windswept remoteness of far northern Scotland. Spoke to many people and the bike performed well, as did my legs. The weather held up well, with no rain at all north of Telford and 10 consecutive days of sun lotion application!

Wasn’t all plain sailing though. The weather was harsh for the first few days. The wind and rain was quite frankly a depressing thing to encounter right away. However, I’d slipped into a mindset of “Just get to Bristol, and think of the rest after that”. I had two punctures in the same day but am glad that’s all that went wrong with the bike.

People on forums warned me the West Country would be the hardest bit and that I’d hate Cornwall in particular. They were right in every way! Yes Scotland is mountainous but you don’t pedal over those do you. Devon was slightly better but the West Country IS the toughest bit of a LEJoG. Despite this I stood up to the challenge and soldiered through it.

The time taken for planning and research paid off. There isn’t and never will be the ‘perfect route’ because it’s all personal preference. It’s well worth listening to others but I’d be concerned around anybody who claims to have found ‘the right way’ from start to finish on the assumption that their preference and ability is that of everybody else. I’m happy for what I did and mostly went the way I wanted. Yes there will always be another option here and there but I’m happy.

For some days I had route variations in case the weather was nice. These are amongst other highlights on the final map and all were worth it. True some were slightly indirect but I wanted to do them.

Having completed tours before from a few days to this one, I can say that there is much to be said for a good cycling (or even walking) trip. The humble sense of escapism, going under your own steam, peace, exercise, and carrying what you need. It puts a true reliance on your own mind and body. Whether it’s 3 days or 3 months, it’s a great feeling. Though nice weather certainly helps.

The support I had from friends and family was so helpful. Going it solo can be hard on the mind but knowing people are with you in some sense helps.

Would I do it again? Hopefully, yes. Maybe in 5 or 10 years time but for now I'm good with the memories. This was the journey I wanted and it worked so well.

Now go forth and enjoy those miles!

Final Map As It Happened

Is it all over? Not quite. Just a couple more blog posts to go. Herewith the final map of the journey as it happened. There were some slight variations of some days hence this one also replacing the 'planned' version tab at the top of the blog.

Included is information about distances covered, any highlights that may be of interest to others who've done or are thinking of doing a LEJoG cycle route, and even the weather.

I've still not gotten round to scribbling up my rundown/reflection page yet, but aim to as soon as possible. Hopefully by the end of the week.

The 6 rolls of film have gone in for developing and they'll be scanned and posted on here next week. I've also found a way of adding more photos to older blog entries. So have gone back and done so as a means of tidying up.

In case any were wondering how I'm managing the return to normality, it's going rather badly!

Anyway here is the map (also has it's own tab at the top of the blog).

Day 18. Melvich To John O Groats 52 miles.

Well then, this was the big day? Well, not really considering the things I'd experienced until now. But still an important day. I set off early under darkness to avoid my finish clashing with that of a ride across britain event. Turned out I enjoyed being on the far north road with just my lights and the moon. Very silent and in a way magical.

I diverted (5m each way) to include the true northern most point at Dunnet Head. It was now daylight and the climb not bad. Though I was now pretty fit. It's a nice spot. Not much but a lighthouse but worth including. After that across to Duncansby Head, the most north easterly point. Again little but a lighthouse but you'd be chuffed to tick it off.

Then... John o Groats and a total of 1083 miles :-) . As I neared it parts of me did and didn't want to finish. Combinations of happiness and sadness. That or maybe I was on the brink of crying with happiness. Anyway, paid £10 for the personalised sign and photos. Yes that's costly but if you've come all this way why on earth scrimp for the blank, free one. Then began the acceptance of journey over. To say the least, I felt very happy to know I'd completed such a journey and it had worked so well. Being honest, legs a little tight but otherwise fine!

I'll do a proper run down of the journey with best, worst, advice, etc in a day or two. With so much to say it will take clever writing to condense it! But I'll say this for now, I had a great journey and can safely say, like many others, I've been lucky to fulfil the ambition. 

Day 18 map,  stats and gradients.

Day 17. Golspie To Melvich 77 miles

Biggest day today. I'll keep the start brief. To Helmsdale in more heavy mist on the A9 of all roads. Not fun at all. Those few words are enough.

Then A897 road up into the emptiness of the Far North. I loved it. Virtually no traffic, great views (mist had cleared inland), river nearby, etc. See pic 1. At Kinbrace I did something really silly. Instead of continuing for 20 miles I thought "I'm making good time, not tired yet, I know I'll take B871 left and go via Bettyhill, 40 miles". So I did. My god, it was long. Not as pretty as earlier but still an experience.

Soon into it I hit 1000 trip miles! Things got very bleak and windswept as it just went on and on through a threatening nothing. Am I glad? I'm not sure. But it was a real thing to go through.

Bettyhill to Melvich along the top I was slightly familiar with and knew it would be hilly. Walking was often the way, but given the longer than planned day I could excuse myself.

As the evening light grew more orange I felt a sense of pride knowing I was now at the very top of the mainland, with over 1000 under my belt. A long day but still a good one to help see the journey to an end.

Day 17 map, stats and gradients. http://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/589890666

Some Thoughts

Had a realisation yesterday afternoon that if for whatever reason a problem prevented me completing the last day of this journey, I wouldn't be that devastated. Yes it would be a big frustration. But I feel the good stuff would be behind me, not just ahead at some sign and gift shop. This proves I've gotten what I wanted from this, for it to be about the journey and not just for the sake of just reaching John O Groats.

Yes Jog is a real big part of it, but that's just the end bit to me. Some rush through this thing and leave little room for what comes between A and B, though I understand they may not have as much time. 

I've diverted slightly to so many things not because I had to but because I wanted to. Camel Trail, Severn Crossing, Mersey Ferry, Southport Seafront, Morcombe Bay, Kirkstone Pass, and so on. All unnecessary but quirky additions I enjoyed. 

I think I could have done it quicker and easier, but that wouldn't be the trip for me. For some my trip would not be what they'd like. But so long as they enjoytheirs too. Here's to the next day or so and all the days until now.

Day 16. Inverness To Golspie 61 miles.

Becoming a routine, all this. Check-in, stretches, shower, sink wash lycra, eat, blog, bed. The odd bit of cycling as well.

I had two options today of similar length, inland (mostly on or near main roads) or via the Black Isle and Cromarty Ferry. I went for option B having done so before and preferring to be nearer the sea. The air was fresh but due to mist I barely saw the water all day! Ho-hum, still good nonetheless and nice cool weather now. The Black Isle has some big climbs but is scenic and peaceful.

The short ferry crossing (a small vessel to carry a few cars) was a pleasing experience. The bay was eerily misty as we chugged across and I was the only passenger. The Cap'n was nice and chatty to me from his post up in the wheelhouse. Though his accent was too broad for me to translate much.

Then nice fairly flat roads before an unavoidable, bloody terrifying ride on the A9 (one part of this however I was able to divert off for a few miles along a short coast road). My cycle commute in London is safer. To think some LEJoGers use the A9/A99 directly all the way to Wick?! They're mad! I'll be glad to get off it tomorrow morning.

Day 16 map, stats and gradients.

Day 15. Nr Newtonmore To Inverness 63 miles.

I've been very lucky with the weather during this journey. It has most certainly contributed to my enjoyment. For the last 10 days I've been applying lotion, a record I don't think I've even managed abroad! Today was one of heat to a level of discomfort. So I'm glad there were just a few climbs.

Good progress was made towards Aviemore along safe cycle lanes and a B road. From there a well surfaced forest track in good scenery alongside the Strathspey Railway (pic 1) to Boat Of Garten. In my view more enjoyable and survivable than cycling the A9. Worth the diversion, especially in good weather. I popped into the nice station at Boat for a rest and a thoughtful station volunteer was quick to offer me nice cold water!

From here rolling back roads to Carrbridge where two options exist to Slochd Summit. Having taken the roads before, I took the 6 mile off road option (pic 2). Bloody rough and hilly! My hybrid was ok but absolutely not for road bikes! Despite walking half of it, and almost losing balance a few times, I still enjoyed it and the remote Highland scenery.

Back onto tarmac for Slochd Summit and an oh-so refreshingly breezy drop. The main road to Inverness continues straight but the cycle route uses a longer, pleasant way round. Another day that has left me feeling good about how things have been going. Fingers crossed for similar success in the Far North.

Day 15 map, stats and gradients.

Day 14. Birnam To nr Newtonmore 54 miles.

A day of changing scenery. Started off with riverside forest paths alongside the river Tay, then in the interest of safety the A9 to Pitlochry was avoided in favour of gently undulating lanes, offering superb views of the opening up scenery and mountains in the distance.

Moving on, there is a lot to be said about the Drumochter Pass. It's one of few cycle routes with a warning sign of no food or shelter for a great distance and changeable weather. The Sustrans answer to Death Valley. To me and many others no doubt such a sign is more an invitation than a heed!

The track mostly uses the old (and traffic free) A9 road close to the present one and despite the summit height is a gentle, gradual climb. I'm lucky to have now been through twice in good weather. If you're a little snap-happy like me you could end up stopping frequently, and if you're not, stop now and then anyway!

The summit itself is a squeeze of the road, railway, and line of pylons through a mountainous gap before the route drops down and you enter the highlands. At this point I felt almost sad the Pass was over as I'd looked forward to it a lot. I can safely say that in any dry weather it's worth savouring, and fails to disappoint. A great day!

Day 14 map, stats and gradients. 

Day 13. Edinburgh To Burnam 64 miles.

At first I was in two minds as to if my rest day in Edinburgh was needed. I felt I could have continued. However it's best to play safe with these things. Had the bike checked out there and it turned out one of my spokes needed replacing, despite my daily checks including the spokes. Now the odds are low but if my rear wheel gave way in the middle of Scotland I'd be truly screwed (and possibly injured). So that peace of mind alone was worth it!

Onto today and into slightly familiar cycling. Leaving Edinburgh was easy on the railpaths and the Forth Bridges soon appeared over the country landscape. I dropped into Dalmeny for a look. There is almost a masculine and feminine comparison between them, one being hefty and muscular in appearance, the other rather delicate and gracious.

Over the road bridge (on a safe, dedicated side lane) I had a real feeling of heading deeper into Scotland. The cool wind from the coast was blowing around my bare knees whilst the bridge bounced and rattled with the motion of the traffic. Fun times!

From there a blend of towns and country lanes to Perth where I took a rest by the Tay, then much the same again for the remainder. The Cairngorm Mountains are on the doorstep for tomorrow, and to get around them, the route through the Drumochter Pass.

Day 13 map, stats and gradients.