Three Northern points

And so it begins........Colin arrived back at the hotel on the hire bike, a Raleigh hybrid, now affectionately known as the 'Raleigh Shopper'. So we set off to Dunnet Head, most Northerly, round to John O'Groats, most populated Northeasterly, not prepared to pay the cost of the official photo by the post, we got one taken for free by the harbor wall. Then we cycled up to Duncansby Head the true most Northeasterly point on the mainland. Total 34.72 miles
The 'stacks' you see below were at Duncansby Head to the South and looked spectacular, although couldn't really get close enough with the bikes as was a boggy field to cross.
So Colin's bike fully boxed up and Donald, the Hotel owner, has kindly offered to take it into Thurso for us tomorrow, as they don't collect parcels from here? Which was another headache solved by kindness. Colin's spirits lifted and thanks again to the support from you all. Tomorrow is 85 miles to Brora.......bring it on.

The little plane

The little plane we arrived on yesterday. Lovely and sunny. Today is cloudy and a bit cold. Colin should have hire bike sorted by 13.00 ish and we plan to do our 35miles shortly after.

Bike update

Colin's bike is now out of the equation. Through contacts we managed to get hold of the guy (Sean) who works at the bike shop. Sean came out to the hotel late last night to check Colin's bike over and confirmed our worst fears that basically it was just too unsafe to ride. The new forks would need to be ordered and likely to take best part of a week. Chatting through the options we came up with hiring a bike for Colin, posting his bike home, to sort out at a later date. Obviously this is a hugh set back and involves extra costs but with the support of Deb (Colin's wife)  and family, it's been agreed.  So late last night we packed up the bike back into the box and at 8.00 this morning caught a bus with Sean to go to the bike shop and see what he could hire.
There a few things to note here. First off the incredible spirit of human kindness that been shown to us both. Alex back at work pulling out all the stops through family and friends in getting Sean's personal telephone number. Sean offering to come out to the hotel to see what he could do to help,  he even offer to loan Colin the folks from his own bike! ( unfortunately they weren't compatible) . Then there was a call from the local Police control room offering to help if they could. The Hotel also more than happy to help with helping in collection of Colin's bike. It really restores your faith in humanity. So as I sit and type this waiting for Colin to return on a bike, for the first time since we arrived a slight smile creeps into the corner of my mouth. We could still do this, we're not beat yet. I just hope he doesn't return on a penny farthing!

Disastrous start!

I'd like to have started with the journey up, sunshine, small plane etc. Unfortunately arriving and unpacking Colin's bike has been devastating! The box was damaged and his rear gear hanger all bent up (no changing gears)  and the front fork crushed in on one side! I don't really know what to say to him, he is gutted and we're mortified. Using some tools from the Hotel I've been able to reshape the gear hanger enough that it works on most of the gears (we will have to order another online and get it posted to meet us somewhere) However the forks are a different story.  I have strengthened it with some duck tape, not as daft as it sounds, as the damage is to the flat side of the fork and the fork appears to still have a fair bit of strength pushing straight down. Colin has tentatively ridden it but clearly a pot hole could easily,  finish the folk off and put Colin on the floor! Not something either of us want to imagine. The plan will be to call Thurso bike shop in the morning (if open as it's a bank holiday) to see if they have replacement folks, I'm sure a gear hanger would need to be ordered. We have a contact at work,  Alex, who's from Thurso, so Colin is going to call him to see if he can help. That's all for now.

Radio Solent Interview with mum

That was tough.... spoke to dad afterwards who thought the interview was great, although he was clearly teary hearing mums voice again. I can't get over just how brave she was and how much courage she showed us all. I hope others who have heard it or people who may know someone who has had the screening package sent to them, gets the message and it prompts them to send it back. Mum & Dad would love to think we have made a difference to someones life somewhere. If you are one of those people please get in touch.
When I listened back to the interview a few minutes ago, I could help but think there was so much more I wanted to say. I know there is a small time window with these things and obviously I was caught up a little in the emotion of it all. I had meant to mention that it's not just me on the ride, Colin is coming along with me and for everyone to know that he has been great support with barrels of enthusiasm for the trip and perking me up when my mood has been low or I have doubts I can complete it ( that still remains the case, Colin we need to do more work on that !)  I also wanted to thank everyone for all their support,  not least my long suffering wife Liz. She has been fantastic. She has great belief in me, been so  positive, supportive and without doubt has carried me through the last few months. Truth be known she'll probably be glad to have a few days where she doesn't have to suffer cycle talk, me checking my routes on the computer, again! or see me strutting around in lycra....... not an image for the faint of heart.
So the next Chapter will soon begin for us both. There will still be a few more days of frantic packing and unpacking, wheres this? and that ? Have I got everything? How many socks shall I take? Mum had written us all a card before she passed, which was handed out after she'd gone (complete surprise to us all) The personal message inside I shall take with me for those moments of doubt or struggle, which I'm hopeful will get me up those hills! That and the love and support of my family and friends, especially Liz who's catch phrase for the trip is " Go have an adventure..." that I will my love, that I will ....XX

Bikes are waiting

Both bikes have arrived safely at the B&B up at Dunnet, Thurso. In fact they only took 24 hrs to get there by road! Pretty impressive. Now we just need to go up and meet them.

What to take?

Well, now the bike has gone I thought I'd have a look at what to pack. I have two small panniers, to encourage me not to over pack. Plus a large saddle bag for tools.

Lets start with the saddle bag:
4x inner tubes and a repair kit
1x compact pump
1x multi tool
1x 8mm Allen key
2x Tyre levers
1x spare gear cable and brake cable (inner)
2x spare brake blocks
2x chain quick links
8x cable ties
1x small container of oil
1x cloth
Ok I think that's it for the spares

Clothing and other bits:
1x Endura windproof jacket
1x Endura waterproof packable jacket
1x Tenn gilet
1x Endura bib shorts
1x arm warmers
1x leg warmers
1x overshoes
1x pair fingerless gloves
1x pair waterproof gloves
3x pairs of socks , waterproof ( sealskinz) , a thin pair and a thicker pair ( I get cold feet)
2x short sleeve cycling tops
1x Endura baa baa long sleeve top.
2x short sleeve base layers
1x Sealskinz windproof hat
1x Northwave touring shoes
1x Printed sponsors Vest top
1x sports shorts for evenings
1x light walking trousers

Plus, 5 days of energy bars, drinks tablets as well as a recovery powder for each day for each of us.
Then there is a camera and phone, electric cables and a mains USB charger ( my cycle computer, phone camera and lights can all be charged by USB which is great as only need one mains unit plus 3 cables) There is a cut down toothbrush, paste, small deodorant, disposable razor, tablets ( don't ask) small sun cream , anti chaffing cream, antiseptic cream a few small plasters. I plan to use the soap and stuff at the B&B's for the rest.
Total weight for this and the tool kit is 10kg about a stone and a half which I guess is not so bad.