Day 14 - They think it's all over............it is now !!

What a treat this morning - no packing of bags and getting everything wedged into the car before setting off. It made it seem real luxury being able to leave stuff behind and know you were coming back to the same place that day. Such a change from 2 weeks of a different place every night.

We got back to where I stopped yesterday and I was on the road by 9:05. It was all a bit of a party atmosphere helped by receiveing several text messages of support for the last day. The first stint was only 10 miles as it took me close to the foot of today's BIG climb - Cairn o' Mount; I figured a bit of re-fuellng might be a good idea. These 10 miles were with a tail wind and although a bit lumpy, they flew by in about half an hour.

So, to the climb. Approx 1200ft of climbing in the space of a few miles with slopes up to 1:6 gradient. These are the best bits for me - I love climbing on the bike. I'm obviously lucky as I have almost no weight to drag up the hills but the challenge of them just inspires me to go for it.
And for once the weather was blessing us and there were some beautiful views from the top right out to the North Sea:

Where I'd come from



Where I'm off to - note the road below



The descent was a bit hairy - I'm not brave when it comes to 1:5 downhill !  Anything much over 35mph begins to make me very nervous and my poor brakes took another hammering down this hill. Think it might be time to visit Geoff Baines again.

By the bottom of the hill there were only another 30 miles to go to complete this little jaunt !  The first few miles were with a cross wind but then I turned west and it was once more into the teeth of it. But do you know what?  I couldn't care less, I was nearly finished and the sun was shining. Let me just type that again: the sun was shining !! I even risked getting my knees out again - they hadn't seen the light of day since entering this country. 

But when the sun does shine, Scotland reminds you again of what a magnificent country it is.

I took my time and tried to enjoy the moments as the number of miles to go ticked down.

Some of the local towns are particularly pretty and according to Dad have some excellent tea shops. Indeed when I stopped in Fettercairn to take a photo of its archway, I noticed his car parked outside one. Apparently the bacon sandwich was spot on  and as for the cakes, well they were 'to die for'.

Despite the wind, by 1:45 I was cycling the last couple of miles through Kirriemuir to my folks home and suddenly that was it, it was done !
The 3 Peaks, 2 Wheels, 1 Lunatic Challenge was complete !!

Me and my trusty steed have covered over 900 miles, I've been up (and down) the three highest peaks of mainland UK and have survived sun (yes, there was a bit), wind, rain, sleet, hail and even snow. I've eaten more food in the last two weeks than I ever thought possible and I'm still flippin' starving. It has been a blast but I must admit, I'm now ready for a kip.

I owe a huge debt of thanks to so many people so here are the first few:
Clare and the family for putting up with my absences and their support during training as well as the event itself. It has put a tremendous extra burden on Clare - thank you !
Tim for supporting me during the first week so brilliantly and for giving me the time off work to do this.
Dad for keeping up that level of support during a very trying second week - oh, and he did finally get that midge !!

And also for everyone that has sponsored / donated to Help For Heroes through me doing this challenge. It helps make such a difference to people like Alan on Snowdon.

And if you haven't made that pledge yet - please do.

Day 13 - Lucky for some

The original plan for today was to leave early so that I could get to Brechin ready for a lodge meeting. That wasn't going to happen now so we decided a lay in was order of the day; especially after the exersions of yesterday. So it was a slower start than normal and later breakfast (8am !).

My enthusiasm for the day was not great as it was already raining well although at least the wind was very light. After more procrastination I finally got going at 9am and headed off for the infamous Tomintoul to CockBridge road that crosses the Highlands. After the 3 Peaks, this was just a little extra fun for me as I've always wanted to cycle this road.

This morning however, I would have given anything to not be on the bike again. The rain, cold and fatigue had finally got to my brain and body and for the first time I really wished I wasn't on the road again. I think that I had underestinated how much energy I had used yesterday as from the off I felt lethargic and hungry (even after 6 Weetabix and loads of toast). After 5 or 6 miles the joints began to ease and I started shovelling gels and drink down. I carried on doing this at the first stop and it seemed to help hugely; suddenly I was able to cycle again !

Soon got to Tomintoul where Dad made a hasty detour to the whisky shop to purchase a bottle of his favourite type. It was whilst leaving the village that I met Grant, a fellow cyclist out training to do John O'Groats to Land's End in a few weeks time.

We cycled together chatting for the next 10 miles as we approached Lecht Summit (one of the biggest climbs of the day). He helped me a great deal by getting my head off how much my body hurt and thinking about much more positive things.
By the summit of the climb he was done in though having had a hard day already and also being frozen to the core. How he survived with bare ankles I'll never know !  We plied him with gels, drinks and a warm car seat and he soon started thawing out. To help him get nearer his destination for today Dad then took him, with bike in the boot, to where our paths parted. It saved him at least an hours cycling - thanks Dad on his behalf.

The views from Lecht Summit were spectacular, out across the miles of Highlands that spread out below. The views were in fact of the same callibre as those from each of the summits I've been to:

OK, so who pinched The Highlands ??

And I have to say that the wind chill on top was trying hard to compete with that on top of Ben Nevis. To be fair, there were some good views today when clouds cleared at times. A bit hazy but still very special. On the picture below you can also just make out the road in the distance climbing over the next ridge. At least there were a few miles descent before the Anglo-Saxon began again.

Pretty soon after this descent I was through the second village that I came to this road for. If you don't know what I'm on about then you're clearly not, nor ever were a TOG.

The rest of the afternoon was net downhill so was pretty quick and my legs were loving it again. Any small climbs were back to being fun and I was able to attack them, standing up on the peddles. It meant that I loved every minute of the afternoon as much as I disliked every minute of the morning.

As I descended, the scenery gradually changed and became less moorland and more cultivted farm land. I also got to cycle alongside the Rivers Dee and Ess late this afternoon, another change of scene but equally beautiful.

A good way to end the day and I'm now looking forward to the last day tomorrow and the completion of this challenge (the physical bit anyway - but hopefully not the fundraising). Only 48 miles to go and I can sleep for a week !

Tune in same time tomorrow for the thrilling conclusion .........................

"Time for bed" said Zebedee

Day 12 - The BIG One

You’re joking !!  That can’t be the alarm already !

But it was. 5am so I could hopefully be on the hill before 6. Lucky for me Dad was happy (ish) to drive me out to the visitor centre before retiring to bed again. It was a good start to the day and I was walking by 5:45am.

The weather forecast suggested the lightest winds and best visibility would be early with both deteriorating and rain arriving late morning. The prediction seemed good as I got some wonderful views as I slowly climbed up The Ben. I thought I was first on the mountain and by the time I neared the summit this was confirmed. How? By my boot prints being the first in the snow that had been blown over the path overnight.

Once above the snowline, the temperature dropped a bit but in particular was the chill factor of the wind. Even early it was strong enough to lean into as you walked and on top this only worsened. The top of Ben Nevis was also in cloud so visibility was about 20m. It made for a very surreal atmosphere at the summit being alone in this white landscape that was so different to what I had been walking in only minutes before.

After two and a half hours I reached the summit, took some photos and then sheltered behind a cairn to have a hot drink and virtually frozen Mars bar. As you can see, the view from this summit is very similar to that from the previous two except for the snow in the foreground.

In this short life I have now climbed each of the three peaks that form part of this challenge twice. On each and every occasion I have not seen anything from the top, of any of them. I think it’s just a conspiracy of some sort and actually there are no views !

Having started early meant that I was still in time to get back to the hotel, shower and have some food before heading off on the bike. We thought the first stint should be short just to see how my legs would cope so only 10 miles. What I hadn’t thought through properly was that meant when I started again it was straight into a 10 miles climb into the Highlands – how pleasant !?!

The road this afternoon was great. It’s a major trunk road but was just about empty. The scenery too was magnificent. Most of the photos unfortunately are on a camera that I can’t download from on the road – I’ll put them on the web site when I get home. Here’s just a couple:

It was really quite uneventful through the afternoon, just a matter of shovelling food in to try and keep the calorie count up and crank out the miles. One huge bonus was that I finally got a tail wind; the last 10 miles flew by. So good to get that kind of help just as you really start flagging. It meant that by 5:15pm we had reached the guest house – what a day, 11 and a half hours of exercise ! Great training for the triathlon in September.

In the build up to the challenge, this day had always been the one I was most worried about. Could I really manage The Ben and then cycle to Aviemore afterwards? I can now tell you that yes, I can but PLEASE don’t ask me to do it again in a hurry. This evening my legs are shot; talk about an old man trying to get out of a chair !

I should probably mention that Dad is also shattered tonight. In addition to all his excellent support in making sure I had everything I needed, he has been fighting his own battle all afternoon. He's been attacked and has been trying to seek revenge for said attack against a midge ! Even I've heard his battle cries as I've puled up for food: "Take that you little blighter..........damn......now where have you gone." So please spare a thought for him as he faces round two tomorrow.

P.S. Leave you with a photo of my favourite subject at the mo’ – food !  Just a small portion of extra carbs in addition to my meal tonight.

Day 11 - After the storm

So, was it the calm after the storm? Not quite but the winds had subsided considerably.

We bought a local paper to read about the storm and discovered that where I had been cycling was one of two counties that were worst affected. The strongest gust recorded measured 114 mph – as I said before: no wonder it felt drafty.



A small shower on it's way !!



Dad kindly drove me out to where I’d abandoned yesterday to save me an extra few miles. On the way over he made a comment about light showers being the order of the day. When, after the first five minutes I was soaked through and frozen again, I managed to think of a few choice responses to that statement!

The weather eased soon and I got to cycle in a beautiful, tree lined lane alongside Loch Long. Soon after that it was all along the side of Loch Lomond with thankfully few caravans or lorries trying to get passed.

On the whole the rain held off but there was the odd ‘shower’ (ancient Scottish word for monsoon!). The worst of it was that you can see them coming from miles away. Gradually the view ahead of you gets less and less as each successive hillside becomes shrouded in mist. Then the sun goes out and the wind picks up – that’s your cue to make sure all waterproofs are properly done up as you’re about to cop it, big style !!

Had a spot of bother meeting up with the ol’ man as his phone went on the Fritz so I’d done the best part of 40 miles before joining up. As we continued north, the landscape gradually became more open which unfortunately meant the return of wind. Soon after Tyndrum the weather really got going again but treated me to an as yet un-tested form of precipitation: hail.  All I could say was one word – Owww! For a couple of such storms I hid under trees but later, up on Rannock Moor there was precious little to hide behind. It was just crouch down and wait for it to pass.



Hail storm on Rannock Moor

I also passed a different type of victim to the wind here. All day I passed trees cut up at the side of the road that had been hastily shifted following the overnight storm. Up on the moor though one poor family lost their camper van which was blown over off the road. I’m amazed more caravans weren’t lost as several were weaving all over the road as they made their way passed.

I finally got to the head of Glen Coe. I’d been really looking forward to this part as the scenery is so dramatic and it would be several miles of continual downhill. Thanks to a raging head wind again there was no chance to survey any scenery. I was hunkered down, trying to make myself as small as possible and had to peddle every single metre of that downhill stretch. Bet Colin never had his special hills going down !!!

Finally got into Fort William and decided to do an extra short leg to the Ben Nevis visitor centre so I didn’t have to do it in the morning before climbing the hill. Managed to take a wrong turn at first and as turning round I got my first puncture of the challenge. Quick change egged on by some OAPs in a coach and the day was done. Just over 100 miles in the end.

Time to get ready for Day 12 – the biggest of the challenge !! Having checked the weather reports, my best chance of good conditions would be to go up early - assuming I can wake up.

Must say a quick thanks to Premier Inn as they let me use their tumble dryer so I could hand wash a load of kit and get it dry. I think the ol' man was pretty relieved !

Day 10 - Well, most of it anyway !

Up bright and early, no, hang on a minute. Up early but not too bright. After fighting the wind all day yesterday I was more sore and stiff than I had been any other morning. We went out to pack the car and drive off to the start point for the day. On the drive over it didn't bode too well - plenty of wind and rain again:

Luckily the Garmin did pretty well and started me off down a beautiful leafy cycle track so I could have a gentle start. There was a bit of climbing to be done but nothing bad today. A couple of times I thought I had got to half way and gone through a ford for the River Clyde (the water came up over the crank so cold feet resulted) but it appears I was somewhat mistaken:

Apparently this isn't The Clyde

Once up on the ridge over Glasgow the side wind once again took hold and tried its best to shake me off. A few strong words and a couple of hard stares from me made absolutely no difference at all!! Last night the weather forecasters warned trees might be in danger as they are in full leaf and so catch more wind - I could see what they meant:

Down into Glasgow there was a lovely little storm and from beginning to dry out I was back to cold and soggy. It was then all about trying to get across The Clyde and meet up with Dad for a hot drink and food. Sounds easy but unfortunately I cycled over a bridge that doesn't exist, at least not on a Honda satnav. Bother !

The bridge that isn't

We did finally meet and duly thawed out and fed I was off through Glasgow trying to avoid the Expressway.
The wind was still ferocious and in the built up areas it made cycling particularly difficult as it eddied around. Twice I was blown straight into the gutter and just got a shoe unclipped before falling. I also had to stop a time or two because the wind was wipping up road gravel and debris and sand blasting anything in its path. It took forever to get the grit out of my hair when I showered this evening.

Finally out of the city it became a bit easier again for a while. I just cycled leaning over on the wind which was much more constant in its direction now there were no buildings. By now however, the wind was getting stronger all the time and eventually I had to abandon cycling and call the cavalry to drive me to the hotel. It was simply impossible to stay either out the gutter one side or not cross the central white line the other. I was only 3 miles from the end but branches were also now continually being blown off trees; it was simply too dangerous. Indeed as I waited for Dad the tree next to me gave up some of its greenery.

Back at the hotel and the full extent of the storm became more apparent. All local trains are cancelled and dozens of roads have been shut by fallen trees. When I looked on the shipping forecast for this area we were in a Violent Storm Force 11, decreasing to Severe Gale Froce 9. No wonder it felt drafty !!! And we're staying on the waterfront where cars are getting a good dousing from the water of the Firth of Clyde:

So tomorrow it's hopefully back to where I got to and off again. The forecast is a little better but still strong winds. I guess we'll just play by ear and do what we can. Afterall, if it was easy everyone would do it. I've got to face a few trials before finishing !

Day 9 - What a difference a day makes

Yesterday it seemed I could cycle at whatever speed I fancied. My legs were bionic, the wind was at my back and all was well with the world. Today – oh deary me no !

It started off OK in Carlisle, although a bit wet. After a few miles I got out on the open road and for the first time felt the full force of the wind – in my face !  It was ridiculous how difficult it was to cycle and then it started to lash it down with rain. At one point I stopped and hid under a tree whilst a brief but painful storm came through. I’m clearly a Southern Jess because almost horizontal hail had me running for cover whilst I watched three chaps far hardier than I cycle passed. It only lasted a few minutes and then I braved the road again and set off towards our first food rendezvous; only to find those three hardy types huddled under a hedge. Clearly cycling passed me had been an attempt at one-up-manship but I rumbled their game J.

Yesterday afternoon I averaged almost 20mph, today it was at 10mph again. So 2 hours of straining every peddle stroke before slumping to the side of the road and downing hot drinks and many calories. One landmark during this trial of a morning was that I entered my third country – I was now in Scotland !!  And didn’t my backside know it. I have seen more rough tarmac and potholes today than at any other point and have the bruises to show for it should anyone wish to see.

The route today followed an old road that zigzagged alongside the current M74 so all day I had the noise of wind and the noise of traffic in my head. Through the rest of the day the wind remained fairly constant and was always across me or into my face. The only change to that came late on as I approached the end of the day when the wind started picking up even more. I’ve just watched the weather forecast for tomorrow – oh joy ! The met. office has a severe gale warning out for......yep, you guessed it, for southern Scotland. I’m to expect gusts up to 70 or 80 mph tomorrow !  I can see my Anglo Saxon vocabulary coming out again. On a more serious note, it may also affect whether I can climb Ben Nevis later in the week.

Wind.........what wind ?

A quick aside, I heard from someone i met on Snowdon the other day. When I was coming down we stopped and had a quick chat (never miss the chance to say hello to someone). We chatted about this challenge and he promised to remember the name of the website and donate. Well he clearly has a memory way in excess of mine as he made a donation today. Thanks Ian, you're a star !!



Seen enough of these and what powers them to last a lifetime !!

Time to rest very weary legs now and look forward to a short (albeit possibly hard) day tomorrow.

Day 8 - half way there (plus a bit)

Start the day with a quick 11 mile stint to Wasdale Head ready for The Pike. Wind was behind so should have been good but I felt like tosh this morning. One of those days when nothing seems to work properly and my legs felt like lead.

Finally got to the van and got boots etc on ready for the hill. Now last night at The Scawfell Lodge, I was given all sorts of advice about how to cut time off my trip. One of the members of the lodge was a volunteer for the local mountain rescue team and so knew the hill like the back of his hand. Me, not knowing it at all, decided to stick to the path and play it safe. The weather was closing in all the time and I couldn't afford to end up in the wrong place or worse still injure myself.

Most of the walk up was great and again there were some spectacular views before I disappeared into the cloud (first image is of Wast Water). The top section of the path was a bit drafty though, so much so that at one point I was actually blown off my feet. So in true tourist fashion it was get to the top, take a photo or two and then leg it down. Image 2 - view from summit; Image 3 - see, I did go to the top!

The path on The Pike is mostly steps and my quads were really burning but I found that they eased by running down gently. That was great from a time point of view but I didn't half get some 'looks to kill' from people struggling up.

Two and a half hours after setting off I was back at the van and car (yes, AND car). Dad had arrived whilst I was on the hill and he and Tim had transferred all the gear to his car ready for the second week. A huge thank you to Tim for supporting me through the first week. It took so much hassle away from me and let me concentrate on the cycling and walking. Thank you Tim !

The wind was still really strong so cycling into it past Wast Water was horrible but as soon as I turned north - wooohooooo ! For the rest of the day it felt like my legs were rocking, I just flew along. Even with various lumps and bumps I had to climb, I was averaging a fraction under 20 mph and I know my legs aren't that good on there own.

It was going so well that we ignored the final stop so we could get to the hotel that bit earlier. That proved to be a great decision as the heavens opened within seconds of my arriving and they haven't stopped since. All in all what a fab day - The Pike plus nearly 70 miles on the bike. Few more weeks of this and I'll soon be fit :-).

It's hard sometimes to realise how far we have now come. It's a total of 501 miles on the bike plus 2 of the 3 hills done. I am now officially more than half way through !!  Bring on Scotland.