50 miles, 2595' ascent, 3 1/2 hrs ride time, cum 1006 miles
We reached John O' Groats at about 1.15 PM today. Wow. 1006 miles in 14 days
Fizzy wine, pics, medals, handshakes and hugs all round. The team of 13 plus guide Paul had made it
And one of our group, Octogenarian Brian now holds the record for the fastest LEJOG ride by someone in their 80s. Deservedly he has had widespread media interest and the complete and affectionate respect of the whole group. It was Brian who led our group pellaton to the finish line, and it was Brian who put in a last day sprint to leave the rest of the group way behind
The last 50 miles started hilly ((typical coast route thought I, with flat sections before plunging down to the next cove, then up again), and suggested it was going to be a tougher ride than expected. But after our morning brew stop at 22m it flattened out, but throughout there was cross wind (southerly)(never trust a cross wind) and road surfaces as bad as we'd seen in recent days
At mile 46 we paused to regroup and form a pellaton (to the annoyance of some impatient drivers) for the final assault
Really chuffed to have made it, without any mishap, with no punctures or mechanical problems, and having cycled up all the hills - no feet on tarmac at all
I'll write more about this tomorrow in a final blog for Day 15. So now it's time for a celebratory curry!
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