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Drew says:
Yesterday's ride obviously drained us more than we thought as today has been a struggle.
There had been some overnight rain which was stopping as we left our B&B for a short detour down the hill to take a look at old haunts around the youth hostel and the causeway over the Kyle of Tongue. The sky was blue and the sun was shining but the wind - a headwind again - was still icy cold.
I remember on my early visits in the 1960s and early 1970s, before the causeway was built, walking out on to the natural spit of shingle which extended out into the sea loch. There was a small, dilapidated hut or shelter on the spit which I think was used by local fishermen. Today it is gone and the main road occupies the spit as it crosses the Kyle to avoid the long detour around the loch on the old road.
After taking photographs at the causeway we returned to the b&b, picked up our luggage and set off for Bettyhill. We had decided to have a short day and stop around Melvich but could not find any accommodation before Thurso - 40miles from Tongue. Apparently we were very lucky to have found accommodation last night as places are heavily booked.
We are hoping that our strength improves tomorrow as we intend to ride the last 20 miles to John o' Groats, or possibly detour to Dunnet Head, and then continue on to Wick. We will decide in the morning.
David says:
In Cornwall our route took us along the northern coast so we probably, largely missed out on the infamous hills at the start of LEJOG. In my mind there have been many far worse hills - including today with a head(side) wind. We were even reduced to cycling on the solid white lines (they are smooth surfaced) to try and reduce the effort required.
Whenever we have found ourselves flagging I have brought out my supply of Fig Rolls. Today even these weren't
enough for Drew and he rummaged around in his portable medicine cabinet for his "go faster" pills (Creatine supplement from Holland and Barrat). He says they didn't b****y work.
Fabulous scenery. With the sun shining the Far North of Scotland is hard to beat.
Stats:
Distance 75.1km, ascent 571m, max speed48km/h, moving avg 15.7 km/h, moving time 4 hrs 47 m.
- comments
Sue & Richard to the Double D's.....great news to hear that you have got so far .........Best Wishes for the last bit !!!......S&R