Day 9 - the penultimate

I cannot believe we've made it this far, I type this to you just 70miles from our final destination.

This morning we left the Siamese B&B at around 9ish excited about the imminent catch up with Jan and Ivor, Gareth's parents who met us just by Inverness. You don't realise how much the support of family and friends matters until some of it is there right next to you. I don't mind admitting I nearly cried. We scoffed one of Jans yummy home made sarnies and set off again, this time ( and for the final leg) without all of the luggage attached to our bikes. We finally knew how easy those guys who had support vehicles the whole way had it!!

After overtaking the 'legendary old blokes on bikes' heading out of Inverness we made our way to Cromarty and hopped on the ferry over to Nigg where we used the trip to feed the friendly 'pigeon' (actually a seagull but the captain was insistent it was a pigeon - not sure what they feed pigeons in Scotland!) and watch a seal bobbing around and yes, scoffing more food.

we arranged to meet up with Jan and Ivor a few miles down the road for a coffee break before leapfrogging the guys on bikes again and again.

A relatively quick average speed and buoyed by being so close to the finish, and all of the support we rattled on toward Helmsdale arriving at Culgower House a full 4 miles before we had expected to reach it. A lovely surprise and we were so grateful to Ivor for pointing it out to us or we may have blindly followed the Garmin off down the hilly road for another 4 miles!!

Tea and cake awaited us and a properly beautiful free standing GINORMOUS bath which I promptly filled with bubbles and jumped in.

4miles back to Brora and the Sutherland Inn pub for the biggest roast ever (the slabs of meat were the size of my face!) and a couple of pints were just what the doctor ordered. First time we've finished a ride before 6pm since day 1 too.

All ready for the last day and the worst hill of the whole trip tomorrow. Looking forward to writing the finishing story as well as giving you all full access to the LEJOG song lyrics (Gareth still taking bookings to sing to live audience upon return)

Thanks for reading peeps! Tune in tomorrow for the final entry and to see if we actually make the epic cycle ride from end to end...

Food Diary

Muesli, wheetabix, toast, Jans sandwiches... Lots! Chicken and mushroom slice, 4 crispy chicken fillets, cake, more cake, roast beef, roast pork, roast chicken, roast lamb veg and tatties, shortbread, pâté, toast, salad.