We knew this was going to be a tough day listening to the howling wind from the "comfort" of the Crask Inn Cottage and that was just the noise from the 5 guys in the bunk room below our penthouse suite!
Outside it was even worse and we donned as many layers of clothing as possible to try and keep warm and actually be able to pedal. Kitted out like a pair of Michelin men we waddled to the outbuildings to retrieve our bikes and start the 83 miles to JO'G.
The forecast rain and headwinds were in evidence for the first hour of the ride giving us a taste of things to come although we were pleasantly surprised when the rain stopped and some weak rays of sunshine broke through the clouds.
We managed to enjoy some more Scottish Loch, river and moorland scenery narrowly avoiding being knocked over by some deer springing across the road in front of us .
The rain held off and we caught our first glimpse of a John O'Groats signpost slightly depressing as it informed us we had another 55 miles to go.
We pushed on through Bettyhill making had work of the climb out of the village before pedaling on through undulating terrain. Each descent being followed by a dreaded ascent straining very tired legs.
We passed some "Game Old LeJoggers" who we had previously met at Spean Bridge (they climbed Ben Nevis on a day off!) and wished them well before trying to get to Thurso in front of the rain. Alas we didn't make it and we were soon being pelted from the gloomy skies.
Eventually we made it to Thurso (after hiding in a bus shelter whilst cramming a mars bar to refuel) and dined on finest Coronation Chicken Sandwiches, Powerade and boost bars.
Comedy moment of the day came when scoffing sandwiches outside the shop -Gareth's waterproof trousers blew / fell down without him noticing ( too many layers of clothes on to feel). Worthy of a 70's Brian Rix farce especially as I didn't tell him until several bemused locals had crossed over to the other side of the road to avoid him.
Pulling up his pants we set off into the strong headwinds taking turns to lead over the last 20+ miles initially starting with 2 mile stints which gradually became 1 mile stints as the wind and rain seemed to sap our strength.
Nurturing our bikes through the last few miles, dreading a puncture or other mechanical failure we eventually met the ever patient Steve at the Seaview Hotel who pointed us in the right direction for the last quarter mile downhill coast to the famous signpost where he also acted as unofficial photographer.
LeJog done 1000 miles complete and just about to have the 100th beer
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