Day 12 LEJOG – Invershin to Bettyhill

A few mechanical problems meant we got off to a later start, but we were in no rush today as it was 58 miles of cycling heaven, but very hilly to say the least.

Today was probably the best day cycling we have ever had. The scenery and roads were out of this world. It seemed like a fitting ending for a unforgettable journey. Only one last day tomorrow until we end, I am sure it will be a happy and sad feeling!

We made plenty of tourist stops on the way and wanted to stop for photos every 100 meters!

First stop was shin falls before we headed into the official wilderness in the UK mainland!

From reading so many blogs before we left a must stop off point was Crask Inn. This is a little pub in the middle of nowhere with very kwirky owners!

The ride over wilderness was breathtaking and every corner was new experience. The photos really don’t do it justice how incredible highlands Scotland are!

We arrived at Bettyhill around 3.30 and could not resist going for a paddle in the sea. Surprisingly not as cold as the North Sea!

Looking forward to our final day tomorrow where we will be met by Mum and Heather!

Stats to date
Miles : 952
Feet climbed : 39,650 ft
Hours on the saddle : 69 hours

Day 11 LEJOG – Fort Augustust to Invershin

After a great nights sleep and making our own breakfasts, we got off to a flying start

(Thanks again to Neil for the photo)

We were going so well in fact, the Scottish highways had to send out a convey escort for us

We had a much better day today with 76 miles while sampling a few of the highlands hills. In truth the hill out of Dromendorick was probably the steepest we have encountered.

We certainly know we are in the highlands as the midgies are starting to bite, which means we cycle faster to avoid them!

We arrived at the Invershin hotel and were greeted with a lovely welcome of tea and biscuits and freshly cooked haddock and chips for tea!

Tomorrow is the penultimate day with a 20 miles of climbing to start!

Day 9 LEJOG – Lochranza to Oban

After a well deserved lie in, today started with a quick dash to the ferry to get back onto the mainland. The weather was not as good as yesterday, but it certainly did not spoil the views!

It’s was only short day today with 61 miles up to Oban, with an average speed of 15.4 mph!

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/511495683

We are staying in the backpackers hostel tonight in Oban and we had a good laugh at the name of Geoff’s bunk …. That name is defiantly going to stick for while!

We have been for a lovely evening meal at an restaurant overlooking the bay and watched the paddle steamer dock.

Stats to date
Miles : 743
Feet climbed : 29,206 ft
Hours on the saddle : 54 hours … Ouch

We have also reached another milestone today … To date we have cycled the equivalent height of Everest (29,028ft)! I think that deserves a celebratory dram of whisky!

https://www.justgiving.com/WilliamsLeJog2014/

Also just wanted to share a photo of the sunset of Arran last night

Over and out from Butthead

Day 3 LEJOG – Exeter to Portishead

After a good catch up with Jim last night and a few Devon ciders later … David decided to cycle back down the hill!

Got off to an early start with a full breakfast to fuel us up.
Weather today was overcast and sunny spells. Perfect cycling conditions with little wind.
Today was a flat ish 83 miles so we managed to up the average speed and enjoyed the scenic lanes, canal paths and tracks through the apple orchards.

However, as you can see by the photos sometimes the shortest route is not always the quickest!

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/507461951

We met up for the second time 3 ‘End to Enders’ on route and was great to hear their plans!

Off to meet Alex and Carla for a catch up, refuel and a pint. Planning to be on the road for 7am tomorrow for a 92 mile hilly slog… The big days on the bike are starting!

Stats to date
Miles : 214
Height climbed: 11,644 ft

Day 2 – Lostwithiel to Exeter

Even though there was band playing directly underneath us last night we heard the first number at 9pm and then slept through the noise like kings!

The usual full works breakfast set us up for the day and our weather luck ran out as we had heavy rain all morning. It was still a warm day and the sun broke through, so we finished in our cycling jerseys.

This was the hilliest day of the ride with 5600ft of climbing. We coped well with the hills but the long distance days will test us. Setting off sharp tomorrow for an 82 mile ride.
http://www.strava.com/activities/145416070

The quaint roads of Devon provided lovely views of Dartmoor and thatched cottaged villages.

Geoff got his Cornish pasty … Which finally shut him up!

Off to meet an old friend of ours tonight and staying in the luxury of a premier inn!

First nights B+B

Little bit on the wet side

Day 1 – Lands End to Lostwithiel

We got off to a cold and wet start, but the clouds seem to blow over the rest of the day and we stayed relatively dry! It was nice to see another half dozen End to Enders doing various different routes.

Overall it was a tough first day despite the shortish mileage. We were pleased that the Northumberland hill training came into practice as the Cornish roads provided a profile like Jaws teeth, but the little Cornish lanes were beautiful.

A few mechanical problems and the first puncture of the ride … No doubt one of many!

Check out the ride below:
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/505926132

Staying in a B+B tonight and just off out to refuel before getting an early night to catch up on the lack of sleep from the previous nights drive down.

Thank you everyone for your good wishes and kind donations!

Stats to date
Miles : 66 miles
Feet climbed : 4829

Lots of goodies have arrived!

Prostate cancer cycling tops, flags and retro cycling cap arrived today!

Going to start getting the gear ready tomorrow and we will post the final route.