And suddenly it was over

The final day - and true to form it was a good little challenge. 6am
up and out to change the pedals on marie's bike so I could wear my
cleats - but I could not get them off. A guy sharing the room who
writes travel reviews - nice fella - grabbed his bike and was off -
cue some swearing and competitve nature getting to me. So I set off on
the dream ride - a 1980's ridgeback, full pannier's, front and back
mudguards, bell and handlebar basket - I looked like postman pat but
slower -the old girl did not like the hills. I cycled bare feet - my
cleats kept slipping off so I couldn't get any power through. I'd been
told there were some climbs out of helmsdale - which was an
understatement - it was a brutal 35 miles made worse by the fact I
couldn't put the seat any higher so my knees were bent and swelling by
the minute. The scenery on the way was impressive - the sea glistening
in bright sunshine - while I couldn't help buy think what do people do
who live up here? There are no shops, garages or industry - there
seemed to be a lot of people fiddling with their houses, mowing lawns
etc - but nothing that makes Money - it really looked as if
subsistence living is still alive up here. The houses are so small too
- and spaced at about 1 to every 2 fields.

Reached Wick at 11am in serious pain - so stopped at the local bike
shop - and although he didn't hire out bikes I managed to talk the
owner into lending me his for a couple hours. Wick is a very strange
village which is dominated by bakery's - all sellingthe exact same
stuff. Copious amounts of make up is also not an option here but a
necessity.

12 miles to go - various little villages came and went with one
sticking out - positioned next to an oil refinery, where clearly the
wealthy riggers were investing in property - unlike the locals , some
of whom seem to live in converted sheds. The last rise was pretty
uneventful until I saw the 3 mile sign and after a 300 metre climb
crossed the brow of the hill and could see John o Groats and the
islands beyond - it could not have been sunnier. No sobs of joy, just
a good feeling and certain amount of relief! I was gutted not to still
be on my bike - the last few miles were perfect cycling terrain - but
also that it got me so far and would have made the trip if I hadn't
rode it like a mountain bike. Had the photo taken ( it was good to see
fearne cotton had been there ), had a chat with some people about
their trips and next plans - saw a bus and was away - 10 minutes all
done.

Reflection will come In time I'm sure but all very muddled right now -
like it seems strange it's Friday.

Train back to Helmsdale - which even though only 30 miles away takes
1hr40 - fish and chips then 8am train to Inverness before 9.40 am
Sunday train home

All in an incredible 7 days I will never forget

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