Day 9 – Treve
This is a big day, off to John O, Groats. From the Kyle of Sutherland we headed due north through what was one of the most beautiful roads imaginable. Hills valleys, heather, moorland, trout rivers and the sun ciming through the mist and lighting up the hills. It was like this all the way to Bettyhill where we reached the North Coast and turned right.
The last 60 miles was one of the sternest tests of the whole trip, heading due East into a stiff easterly wind on some very grippy (steep) hills. It certainly reminded us all that this wasn’t an easy challenge.
On reaching John O’Groat’s it was time to cross the finish line. It was a privilege to be presented a finisher’s medal by Andy Cook (cycling legend), one of the most genuinely nice, decent and inspirational people you could hope to know. This reminded me of the time, back in February, when Andy himself accompanied and encouraged me to complete a 40 mile ride when I wasn’t fit enough to complete the 50 mile ride we were on.
The organiser of the ride’s motto is “more is in you” and they are absolutely right. These challenges are 90% completed by the mind and the body seems to cope with anything.
Clearly I have my wife and family to thank for their patience and support over the last six months that left me free to train and complete the challenge. I would also like to thank Rosie, a great business partner and fun riding companion for the 900 miles. Brydie Bray had been absolutely fantastic in training me for the ride, covering over a thousand miles (at speed) and teaching me how to ride a bike in an endurance event. The preparation was perfect and paid off.
Thank you for all your support guys, it has been one of the times of my life and it was made all the better by the kind words and numerous likes during the trip.
Medical update. All fine and dandy. Aches and pains have gone except a slightly tender right achilles, almost no damage visible and the body is feeling absolutely great. Yay J
Treve