We got to Inverness and civilisation yesterday after 160 miles and 4 days in the middle of nowhere. We have been really unlucky with the weather and the first 3 days it rained constantly and we had very strong winds up to 25mph blowing against us, we found out that the wind blows north up the country so we will be against the wind the whole way to lands end. We have cleared the hardest mountains we will encounter until we reach devon and cornwall which we are told are very mountainous.
I am really surprised at how fit i am and how quickly fitness grows when you do something like this, we are having to take rest days every 2 days and reassured by other cyclists we meet that we are doing the right thing. We are growing our mileage every day our maximum being 45 miles, we are hoping to reach 60 miles a day by the end of our trip.. at least once :P. The physical side of the trip is not too bad just very tiring but the mental side of the trip is very very hard. To push myself to keep going when trying my hardest and still only going 6 mph against the wind or leaving the comfort of a warm hostel to cycle for a day in the rain or looking for a place to camp when all you want to do it be at home, its extremely difficult to keep my spirits high. But i have been able to, which is another thing i surprised myself with.
We have reduced our trip and cut out the zigzagging to a more direct route, having just turned up in john o' groats not knowing anything about the challenges ahead this has been a massive learning curve already and i cannot wait for the experiences that lie ahead. We have already met some really nice people who have helped and guided us along our trip so far. We are getting into the swing of things now and finding our routine and organization skills are improving everyday.
We are heading off tomorrow towards fortwilliam, probably camping along loch ness. We are taking a rest day today to recuperate and sort a few things out. Still a long way to go yet but everyday we get more optimistic as we learn and get used to this ridiculous lifestyle.
hopfully i will get a chance to blog at fortwilliam, if not it will be glasgow in 4 or 5 days. Not really sure as we are making it up as we go :D x
well done jeff. i would have given up by now! nice pics. (except, what,s the one with the cows all about??) enjoy loch ness, its beautiful. mind out for the "beastie" though!
ReplyDeleteactually the cows were funy. we pulled up at the side of the road and they all ran to the fence and stared at us for 10 minutes. one of them had a really bad cough was hilerious.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you're settling into the challenge and now seeing the best in it day to day. There's plenty more to experience on your way south! Enjoy it all! Well done
ReplyDeleteHi Honey,
ReplyDeleteI know we talk lots on the phone but its good to read your blog too. The pics are amazing ( wot was the ferry crossing for?)i know you are finding things hard at times but what an accomplishment to achieve with amazing memories (even the tough ones) and fantastic stories to tell your kids and grand kids - not to mention us lol :).
we all love you, miss you and think of you daily, hourly even, well no thats and exagoration but you get my drift.
Keep your chin up gorgeous.
lots love, as always, mum xx
Hi Jeff,
ReplyDeleteWe thought of you in all that rain and wind(checked forcast for Scotland). Fantastic opportunity, enjoy, take care. It's good that you're getting used to the challenge and knowing your limits as you progress.
Love and hugs xxxx
Pat and Grandad
I have been trying to view your blog forever!!!i have had no internet connection, but it seems ok now. Jeff you are doing sooo well...it would be boring if it were easy!I do hope the weather improves for you, but you are making so many memories.. its fabulous, good and bad they are all of value. Lots of love darling, and if my connection will allow i will be checking in daily now.Muchos Besos xxxx
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