Peaking or Troughing?

As if cycling from Lands End to John O'Groats isn't enough, those crazy boys had to complete the challenge by walking/scaling up the three highest peaks in the UK in under 24 hours.  Starting with Ben Nevis, then Scafell and ending up at Snowdon.  I'm exhausted just typing about it.

I'm pleased to tell you that they achieved said challenge and are all still alive (just).  Here's how it went:

24/08/2010
Ben Nevis:                              Scafell:                                 Snowdon:
> start: 15.00                          > start: 12.40                        > start: 9.04
> top: 17.00                           >  top: 02.30                         > top: 10.32
> bottom: 18.26                     >  bottom: 04.10                    > bottom: 11.53

So all in all it took 20 hours 53 mins under some very lucky weather, including a full moon to help them in the dead of the night.  A terrific challenge completed valiantly - congratulations to Derek, Sam and Alex for all their efforts not just for the last 24 hours but over the last 10 days, a huge experience for all involved and most importantly I have just had confirmation that we have reached our £10,000 target for Help the Heroes.  So a huge thank you to each and every one of you for your valued donations.

A big well done to Fi for her excellent support in all spheres from driver, navigator, nurse to chief lunch coordinator etc. 

Well I think this is my last sign off, hope its been an enjoyable read - if you are impressed with this blog I am available as a freelance blogger should you need one... (terms to be negotiated)

"Endurance is one of the most difficult disciplines,

but it is to the one who endures that the final victory comes"

Polly x

The Final Day...cycling!

So after 8 long days the final day cycling was upon us! The boys set off for the shortest day of the trip of only 54 miles along the East coast of Scotland finishing up at the famous John O'Groats.  But very quickly the boys ate their words as the 'easiest' day turned out to be one of the hardest with strongest head winds they had experienced on the trip.  However this was coupled with some absolute monster hills proved to be tough for all...well I say all, we just dropped down a gear and we shot up the little hill in the car.

We passed many other cyclists on this section of Scotland either just starting out their adventure down the country, or giving it their all trying to finish it. Many of them solo and carrying gear on the back of their bikes.  I take my hat off to each and every one of them.

After 9 long days, 891 miles, 36,573 meters climbed, 56,376 calories burned (each) and a total of 53 hours on the saddles Derek, Sam and Alex had FINISHED!

 

Day 8

Loch Ness to Helmsdale

How could I forget to mention that Degsie toppled off his bike posing for a photo on top of a swing bridge yesterday! HA! the tourists waiting in the queue were loving it.
Luckily the weather today was very good to the boys with the following wind and cycling past all the Lochs and over some impressive bridges was a treat for all.  Another long day 97 mile day for the cyclist again and an even longer one for Fi and I as we went on a 'quick' walk to check out a viewpoint...2 hours later and getting lost around some Scottish woods we managed to find the car again, to find that the boys had been at our next night's accommodation an hour earlier....

A lunch time stop on a grassy verge all got a bit too much for Dad (see photo!)

Last day cycling tomorrow!!

P

Day 7

Crainlarich to Loch Ness

Alex was told by the consultant to rest his hand for 3 months, so naturally after 3 days he decided he was fit enough to get back on his bike and carry on with the cycle! So with a bit of modification of Alex's bike the trio were off again...

The boys had the best cycle yet aparently through the Scottish Highlands with the wind behind them (reaching 20 kmph uphill!) for the main climb up to the ski and adventure resort of Glen Coe to be welcomed by a traditional Scottish Piper and some of the best mountain views. Their decent was slightly more challenging with some very strong cross winds but dispite this they all managed to stay aboard. 

A fantastic day had by all...

Day 6

Dumfries to Crianlarich

Day six greeted us with rain, rain and more rain to start off with - but today we had a family friend Tom Renn join Degsie and Sam as a guest cyclist, which was not only a welcome change but also completed the trio in Alex's absence.  The boys had a impressive cycle through some of Scotlands finest countryside and Dad quickly informed me that there was even some downhill sections.  The only hitch today was a cheeky tyre puncture on Sam's bike which they quickly sorted out.  One puncture in six days isn't bad going, so far...!

About 120 miles later the boys were home with another days cycle under their belts.  Big shout out to Tom who cycled like a pro and was a great company throughout the day

The support team managed a quick tour of Ballach Castle and Loch lomond which was simply spectacular.

P

Lands End John O'Groats Day 5

Untitled by simple31 at Garmin Connect - Details

Day 5

Having survived most of the Northern towns and cities, today the boys finished off the rest of the England leg through some of the most spectacular countryside (much to Fi's relief..!) passed the Lake District with a couple of pauses in Penrith and Carlisle to break up the day, and attempting to fix a broken bike (luckily we have spares) Sam and Dad agreed that this was probably the most enjoyable day in terms of the terrain and most importantly the wind was behind them.  We are now in Dumfries and ready to take on SCOTLAND!!!

Alex's operation went to plan as he is back with us now...but not on a bike as yet...!

Many thanks to Babs, Dougie and James for their kind hospitality, the best lasagne going, and some amazing baby photos of Anna (priceless!)