Day 17 –Brora to John O’Groats 68 miles - Mission Success -Total Mileage 944 miles - UK Record/First Achieved!

Today was the day that even the team dared not assume; the day the end2end Team actually would achieve their aim of cycling just short of 1000 miles from the most southern tip to the most northerly point in the UK and secure a UK Record first. It was a day of mixed emotions, elation and delight of achieving an incredible life goal but also a tinge of sadness that the challenge was soon to come to an end; the routine of life, jobs and families that had been excluded from this selfish bubble of indulgence was about to explode into our worlds once again. Equally, we thought about Dad, his death was the catalyst for this madness, he would be proud of his boys and what they (the Team) had achieved. Today was the day it was all about; today was about friendship, life, love and looking ahead to greater challenges that life would hold. We had all learnt much and without doubt are better people for it. As the team as said...COME ON now let’s get on it!

The plan was to get on the road and chomp at this ‘badboy’ early. ‘The Major’s’ alarm went off at 0500 hrs...’Gentlemen we have some unfinished business to attend to...’ The team were up, breakfasted and out by 0615 hrs. Naked bike (something that was planned) may have to wait. The sun was bright and high in the northern sky. The ambiance, when one is so far north, is slightly strange, it feels like the afternoon when in fact it is early in the morning. Ray pulled into a local garage only to find that they open at 0800 hrs; he would catch us up. The lads powered on in quiet anticipation of the stories Hamish had filled our heads from the night before. Ali was driving, a privileged position as he would be the one to cross the line first! His knee was much better; some strapping was doing the trick. The bike was on top form and we flew towards our first challenge at Helmsdale. We just wanted to get on with it...if fact Helmsdale was no problem. First scare story had been discarded...COME ON...we now powered to the dreaded Berriedale valley...bring it on!

The scenery was outstanding. We have been through some of this country’s finest scenes but this was breathtaking. The North Sea was like a deep blue mill pond, the rugged green coast was almost tamed by the lush greenery of the shores and surrounding countryside. The flowers, the crofter’s cottages were all just perfectly placed. It was almost as if everything was deliberately conspired to create the conditions for the perfect arrival and conclusion to this special project. We gave up expressing our delight with the sights...Meanwhile, Ray met with Paul Golging (Aged 50) from Loughborough who had completed his end2end in 18 days covering a distance of 1050 miles. Top fella who looked like a seasoned pro, a man who ate, slept and perspired cycling. He was one of those blokes you look at and know that nothing will stop him, another Eddie Sedgemore, another Alex Baxter. Mind over body sort of guy. He said his farewell and stormed on.

Berridale arrived. A sign indicated the start of something we would not have encountered before on the trip. A sign stated ‘low gear’ 19%, the brakes were applied, disk followed by callipers, we were still travelling too fast. The smell of rear brakes was enough for ‘The Bearded One- Jonathan ’...’Ali pull in were walking down this chap’. Initial resistance from the team was soon silenced as we walked and walked and walked down and then up this ‘abyss’ Jonathan’s memory of 17 years ago was sufficient to know that this fella claims many victims to poor judgement. He stopped at the point he too was nearly claimed by the Berridale hairpin. The team remained safe and after 40 minutes of walking we emerged at the top of the ‘naughtiness’. Wick was 20 miles away...the team pressed on.
Progress was outstanding. Drawn like moths to the flame we saw many fresh end2enders pass us. They were setting off on their journey; how many would complete it? Even the castles and ancient ruins stood silent, how many end2enders had they seen pass. They will have seen it all; even a quadracycle probably wouldn’t impress them now. As the mileage reduced and end approached caution crept in, a silly mistake at this stage would be disappointing if not disastrous. At 1150 hrs we pulled into Wick and found the TA Centre. This would become our spring board for our ultimate goal. Memory cards were down loaded, batteries recharged, lunch and then, COME ON LETS HAVE IT! John O’Groats waited to welcome the lads...a small issue of 17 miles now stood between them and their goal...the boys set off after Jonathan had done a live broadcast to BFBS Forces Radio. Hearts raced as we pulled out of Wick, on our return we would be UK Record Holders. We were off.
Morale was high within the team. It was the strangest journey one could imagine. We were desperate for this to end, to achieve what we had set out to achieve yet we also wanted it to last forever. With every turn of the pedals we approached our end. The scenery was enjoyed, savoured, almost indulged in every moment. We knew that this was it, soon no more bike, no more listening to the calls from the ‘supreme bike commander,’ no more gear up - gear down, no more bloody sore arse! The miles zoomed by, the coastal scenery was yet again outstanding. Castles, old deserted crofter’s cottages, and mile after mile of gorgeous road that seemed to disappear into the distance. It was ironic but even in the final stages when the mileage count down was now in single mileage figures it was almost that this journey needed to make us work one more time. A menacing storm gathered in the west. Black and threatening we almost dared it to beat us to John O’Groats. The final hills were ‘cheeky’ but we didn’t care. As we climbed and descended from the final summit of Warth Hill at 124m, bikecam was activated and we ‘presented’ the pedals for the very last time. The final run in was fast, very fast, and almost too fast for our comfort; Jonathan had visions of a final pile up on the approach road. We remained ok. Every local person we saw was subjected to a mobile chorus of screams, whooping and cries of ‘COME ON.’
We turned into the final John O’Groats site and immediately turned into the car park! Classic, we have successfully travelled 944 miles and then managed to get ourselves into the bloody car park. We cycled out and after a couple of corrective turns we arrived at the genuine finish. Ray waited with the camera. A small crowd had gathered, including and Dave Powell and Derek Draper from the Lake District, they had finished at 1505 hrs covering a total distance of 1020 miles. We also met Janet Wastall and Neville Ward from Bedforshire and Herefordshire they completed their journey the previous day covering a distance of 880 miles. People who could genuinely share in our moment; they too had covered and achieved the distance. To say we were elated is an understatement, moments like this are always strange. We punched the air; we yelled and embraced each other. It was an emotional moment, a moment to savour, a moment to remember, yet a moment that was equally unlikely to be repeated again in our lives. It was special. The champagne was handed to Jonathan and with a couple of shakes the contents were sprayed in a ‘Formula One style’ over the end2end team. Many spectators stood and watched yet we didn’t care this was our moment, ours for pure selfish indulgence. Dad looked down and smiled, his lads had done it and pride filled his heart! Equally, we thought of our mum and the emotional rollercoaster she no doubt had endured. 18 days ago she kissed her boys off on a journey that was full of risk, a journey that 3 of their 4 offspring were sat on the same vulnerable machine. Her boys were safe; we phoned her so that she could share the moment. She now had 3 Record Breaking sons. She was understandably emotional. So, whilst the catalyst was Dad, maybe we did this for Mum, ourselves, our wives, our children or maybe even just for the hell of doing it!

Photographs filled the next 40 minutes, in every style, pose and arrangement one could imagine. JD tops, BLESMA and our normal ‘knight rider’ kit. Ali then got out his didgeridoo and played to the North Sea. It was a great moment; we all stood and watched, listened and enjoyed the soothing effect of the didg! Jonathan (anal boy) went off and got validation forms for the shop followed then by another radio interview with Dune FM. Meanwhile, Mark and Ray dismantled Sheila to allow us to get back into the vehicle. It was a sad moment our trusty stead was reduced to mere collection of component parts; Sheila was no more but a high tech pile of bits. In Southport she would be rebuilt.

The visitors’ end2end book was signed. It was one of the most emotional moments of the project. Jonathan had filled it in, the team signed it. At the base was the simple but true statement that thanked ‘Big G’ for watching over us and keeping the team safe. It was a tear filled moment.
With nothing more to do we said our goodbyes to the place that had been our ultimate destination for the last 17 days. The vehicle was filled with jubilation, people were phoned, Mum, Uncle Phil, Oli and beers were opened. The TA centre soon arrived and after an initial inspection of the photographs and video that we had collated we showered and went out into town.

The evening was predictable. The team reminisced over the experience of the last 18 days. Tales were recounted, experiences and emotions shared; differences and frictions forgotten. This was the night to enjoy and bathe in self congratulation, savour the moment; to enjoy. The processed food and cheap beer of Weatherspoons was to become our place of choice. There we were fortunate enough to meet Lynda and Richard who kindly gave us a donation [Thank you very much]There wasn’t much else in little Wick and as midnight approached eyes and limbs grew tired. The floor of the TA centre called; it was time for bed. The rain started; ironically the first time the team had felt the rain apart from a small drizzle a week ago. The team was hungry. A local police car pulled up and asked if we were ok – ‘sorry lads no food now at this time’ The TA centre called. Ali’s eyes lit up – he would set himself the mission to obtain the Record Setting team emergency nutrition. Ali’s mission was set.

Ali departed from the TA base into the night rain. The time was 0130 hrs, the door shut behind him. The rest of the team went to bed. Meanwhile, Ali spotted the waiter who had served us earlier in the evening. ‘Mate you have got to help...we need food, Can you help?’ The poor fella shook his head and then replied, ‘rumour has it, that a bakers in Wick will provide food as they prepare food for the morning.’ Ali’s eyes lit up, he must now find this bakers whatever it would take. His quest took him down several alleyways and darkened streets. The team must be fed. Still assisted by the Weatherspoons’ waiter, a door with a heavy metal grill came into view. They had discovered the rear of the night bakery. The smell of fresh baked food wafted through the grill door; a radio could be heard. Food was near. Lifting the grill door they managed to prize open the barrier. Anxiously and rather apprehensively they made they’re way through the aroma filled bakery corridors. Two bakers [David and Brian] were startled to see two , wet and wide eyed lads looking at them.

‘Fellas, my names Ali, I’m part of a UK Record Breaking team and we need food.’ Ali looked about, they had just entered the Aladdin’s Cave of pastries, pies and all things good! David and Brian were superb [thanks lads] Ali holding out his last remaining £5 said ‘this is all I have’. The lads did the end2end team well and filled a bag full of the nicest of pies. Ali thanked Dave and Brian and set off to make his way back to base. Mission success – back at the TA centre the team was delighted to see Ali and even more delighted to tuck into his spoils of war. As Jonathan wiped the last bit of pie from his beard, he did comment. ‘Ali you have done well, but this pie could have been slightly hotter mate and you forgot the brown sauce!’ Top effort Ali – the tale went down as one of the legends of the end2end08 tour, the night Ali was determined to feed the boys! [A big thank you to David and Brian from McDonalds Bakery, Wick – your efforts were hugely appreciated by a very hungry end2end team]

With record breaking tummies full the end2end team went to sleep. The day was drawn to a conclusion. Eyes closed and the team drifted away to a land of bikes, pedals and above all returning home. Mission success – top effort lads.

Big G smiled; his lads had done it.

This is the end of this journey...when will the next begin???

Day 16 – Inverness to Brora 59 miles – The Day of 4 Bridges

4 Bridges, several end2enders, top road kill action and a bloke called Martin from Tain. Day 16 was another hard pushed day. The end was now almost around the corner never mind smelling it we could almost touch it. This was the penultimate day and the team was loving it although keen to box this one away. Brora would form another 59 mile bite into the final sprint...

The Officer’s Mess floor looked like a scene from a plane crash, bodies lay strewn about. Ali and Tony (who share the double mattress) appeared comfortable. They had not adopted the spoon position although who knows what had happening in the night. Two weeks is a long time for any man! The team was very lethargic, energy levels low and even Jonathan was not at his ‘normal’ pain in the arse self. It was apparent that the project was starting to tire the team, this is not a quickie. The team thought of home. Jonathan completed the blog upload and the vehicle was packed.
Jonathan decided that we needed a picture of all our equipment, spares and tools etc. This would from an effective picture for our presentations that would follow this epic adventure. The team didn’t dig his plan but complied as the path of least resistance. The pictures were good. With the vehicle repacked and new locations entered the team pushed off. Goodbye to Douggie and staff at Inverness TA Centre – another top bunch. [Thanks fellas]. Energy levels remained low, the time was 0950 hrs and 1 mile in the team pulled into a garage for bananas, chocolate and flapjacks. A lovely lady stopped and gave us £10 for the charities and took our photograph. 58 miles remained. It is a defining moment of the day when you mentally calculate the journey entirety. Characters are fortified or broken at this point; and is usually the moment 'Jonny spin' is deployed. Bridge one (Kessock) formed our extraction route from Inverness to Black Isle. The North Sea looked cold. We considered our desire to fit in a tour swim before we finished – the plan was soon forgotten. We pressed on.

The bike was silent, only the whir of the gears and tyres on the road could be heard. The team was tired and there was nothing to say. Nevertheless our speed was good. Suddenly Jonathan burst into announcement, ‘Gentlemen, we have now covered 10 miles since departure.’ Morale was lifted – the boys and Sheila were shifting with our newly found breakfast energy levels raised. Come on!

The entrants for the road kill competition were excellent. The amusing thing about road kills is that regardless of the speed you are travelling you will always smell it first! Two deer were recorded – they were ‘proper rancid’ even Jonathan, who likes handling dead stuff, was not drawn to handle the entrants. The town of Tain was our lunch target, sitting at 29 miles. Bridge two (Cromarty) was crossed at speed with Doctor Tony at the helm. He now has the downhill braking technique sorted utilising Mr rear disk brake and ‘pulsing’ both rear and front rim callipers. It is like watching a master at work – Ali commented, ‘The doctor is clearly at work in his clinic’ as we all tucked in behind the busy and rather involved ‘Doctor;’ Tony did a superb job – top effort ‘TJ’

Royal Tain was entered at 1350 hrs. What a beautiful town, several heads were turned as the long machine entered. We never fail to have a chuckle to ourselves when ladies say ‘I have never seen one that long!’ Hmm thank you madam...but how about this bike! We pulled in and spoke to Martin. Jonathan asked him, ‘mate do you know any good places to have a bite to eat?’ we then looked up and saw that we had pulled outside his cafe, amusingly he recommended several other places. Martin, who clearly is a local character, was offered a ‘seater’ on Sheila. We carried him down the road, he offered us to come back to his cafe for all the free tea and coffee we could drink. Lunch of local meat pie and chips was delicious. Everywhere we ask for discount people always oblige. The pub gave us a generous £10 to the charities [Thank you]. 23 miles lay ahead...

Starting again after lunch is always very difficult. Your legs are filled with lactic acid and your stomach is desperately attempting to digest the largest meal you have ever seen. The worst thing one could ever do is sit yourself on a bike and start pedalling. We now have got into a routine of stopping every 10 miles. The team gets their heads down until the counter clicks to 10. The boys continually will ask ‘how much further’ privately they know that Jonathan will push extra mileage out of them if he is able. We stopped at 12.5 miles – Jonny had squeezed a cheeky 2.5 miles out of the team. Momentum and pace is everything. Bridge 3 crossing the Dornoch Firth we met Erwin from the Netherlands. He was cycling around Scotland for a week before returning to work as a Chartered Engineer. Top fella, we stopped for mutual bike pictures. He was heading to Edinburgh A9 mate keep on going. [Thanks Erwin – keep on cycling chum]. Finally, bridge four crossing Loch Fleet into Golspie.





That afternoon we past several end2enders who were clearly just starting out. We felt smug and almost veteran like, we had nearly done it yet they were just at the start of a long journey. With leery cheers and fists punched into the air we encouraged our fellow end2enders! The final push into Brora was, as they say, ‘sweet’ although it took 20 minutes to find our accommodation in the Army Cadet Force hut. Fabulous facilities, floor, walls and white porcelain for our sore bums. The team was tired, Ray, Ali and Tony went down to the local sandy beach; it was incredible scenery. Ray got artistic with two dead lobsters. Jonathan and Mark were left sleeping in their sleeping bags. Ali and Tony joked about leaving Ray at the beach although admittedly they wouldn’t have the balls to mess with ‘The Rayster!’

The blog was written; Ali, Tony and Ray recced the local establishments. The boys departed into town for evening scoff where we went to the local Italian Restaurant ‘Il Padrino’. What a fabulous meal we had washed down with the local Base bitter. The meal was one to remember, we all reminisced about the last 2 weeks, the tales, the experience and the impending conclusion to this life experience. There was an air of anticipation. Everyone we had spoken to mentioned the climbs and mad descents on the next day. We met mike (the chef), young Scott and Renato (who served us) they gave us 10% off the bill for charity [Thank you fellas]. End2enders you must stop at this restaurant, great atmosphere and great food. We departed and went for a pint at the Sutherland Hotel. There we met Sandra, her husband Ken, Hamish and Alan. Hamish used the pool table to describe the Mendip Hills compared to what we would face tomorrow! They relished describing the climb and mad descents that we would ‘enjoy’ tomorrow. Hamish gave us his email address so that we could email our experience. Sandra once again collected even more money for us. She was an absolute star, collecting inn total £56 for charity – what nice people, such generosity [ Thank you Sandra for your efforts it was very much appreciated]. With a beer sitting heavy and tales to scare the arse off anyone we returned to our cadet hut. The blog was concluded and the alarm set for 5 am... Tomorrow we would get this cracked...62 miles of hurt but it was time to draw this show to a close. John O’Groats here we come...COME ON BRING IT ON!

Day 15 – Dalwhinnie to Inverness 58 miles – The Team is on fire!

This was the day the tour pace record was smashed. Monday (Day 15) would witness the end2end boys, bike and support at their most efficient. The team machine was now firing on all cylinders as we covered just short of 60 miles in a blistering 6 hours (including stops) pulling into Inverness at 1535 hrs. Dalwhinnie – Kingussie – Aviemore – Inverness. COME ON!

There must be something for alcohol fuelled power. We pulled out of Dalwhinnie, Ali made a slight whimpering sound as we left his beloved Dalwhinnie. The bike was running like a dream, the tyres were pumped to a mind blowing 160 PSI [Only joking JD Jamie ]...seriously 90 in both tyres. Everything conspired to create the conditions for us to cover 26 miles in 1 hour 20 mins! Wow the roads were gorgeous, Ali’s knees were great although he had them strapped up, and the bike was tight and running superb. 2 weeks in now we know so much about this bike. Team and machine work as one. We now operate the machine with few words of command, everyone acts in quiet anticipation. Our plan was to ensure we complete this project in good order. Jonathan’s concern was that the team would become complacent in the last couple of days and place ourselves and the bike at risk. The team must refocus and above all remain safe.

At 1040 hrs we pulled into Aviemore, pictures at the sign and Ali use the opportunity to play his didgeridoo in an access tunnel. The team loves the Didg! Breakfast was served at the Mountain Cafe – highly recommended by several locals. The cafe was outstanding and served us possibly the best breakfast we have had on this tour. [For any end2enders passing through Aviemore you must stop at the Mountain Cafe, who incidentally gave us 10% discount for charity] We met the Hill family, mum dad and 3 lovely daughters [Katie, Emma and Zoe] Hi girls hope you enjoyed your breakfast – leave us a message, plus Grandparents. They gave us a donation for our charities [thank you]. With breakfast sitting very heavy we mounted up and pressed on. Prepare for a cheeky 10 mile climb...

Once again our pace was outstanding, we chomped up the hills reaching the summit of Slochd (how very apt) at 1400 hrs. The descent was enjoyable as we were rewarded with mile after mile of FREE MILES. We pulled into a lay-by to rest our bums; an elderly couple came over and chatted. She reached into her purse and said here boys put this £10 in your bucket. People are so generous, they wished us well and the departed. Alistair looked at the money – lads she’s only given us £20! We felt we should have caught them up...but amused ourselves with the image of screeching brakes and reversing lights as they realised their over generosity! The boys pressed on.

The descent was fabulous with the rear disk brake worked hard. Suddenly flaring nostrils preceded the combined comment of ‘is that burning I can smell?’ - the disc brake was not happy...a rapid pull in for several minutes allowed our white hot component to cool. Inverness was 5 miles away.
1535 hrs the monster bike pulled into the TA centre of 7 SCOTS. Sgt Major Lyon greeted us and showed us to the Officers Mess. This was outstanding. The lads worked on the bike and Jonathan (Blog Geek) sat in the corner of the Mess and blogged away. Showers and the out for a bite to eat. The end is in sight we can smell the finish line but now is the time to switch on and keep focused.

Day 14 – Dunkeld to Dalwhinnie 47 miles – Mutiny on the Bike

Sunday 15th – Father’s Day. It was a mutinous day and the first genuine challenge to Jonathan as ‘Supreme Bike Commander’. It took some delicate negotiations. The team had now realised that Jonathan’s positive approach and unrelenting upbeat attitude was wearing thin...Tony now recognised that Jonny’s ‘spin’ was the chosen method of managing the team. Regardless of the distance still to be chewed according to Jonathan it was still ‘not far lads we will have this bad boy cracked in no time’...The team had seen through the presentational front; their patience had now run out!
Breakfast was superb, delivered in the Army cookhouse. We were so fortunate, a typical full fat boy’s breakfast was to prepare us for our day’s cycle. Bike was prepped, vehicle was packed and the route entered into the support vehicle GPS. Ali took the team on their warm up before departing the TA Centre. What a top stop over, WO1 Wallace, WO2 Biggar and Sgt McGowan were fantastic. The food was outstanding – thanks fellas, if your reading this – your support was very much appreciated.

The cycling was tough going and almost deceptive. Looking at the road it seemed to be a descent yet the whole day it felt as if we were pulling ships chains or cycling through treacle. Every turn of the pedals was an incredible effort. One begins to think that someone is not pulling their weight. Those who crack a gag or say something, if they don’t sound out of breath one immediately considers that they are slacking. Ali’s leg was better but still recovering. His morale had improved but the suspended leg on the bike was a distraction to the team as the bike pulsed forward and back. Tony shared the driving effort with Ali. Both lads are top drivers. It is an exhausting job and the most demanding position on the bike. The pressure on the arms and hands is considerable and requires the team to pull into a lay-by every 10-15 miles.

The scenery was yet again outstanding. The air seems so clear and fresh; colours so crisp. You can’t help but feel healthier here. We were now entering the proper highlands. Tony clearly had some mental block about this...’Fellas, are we actually in the Highlands?’ Jonathan replied ‘Yes Tony we’re been in then for the last day or so’...we suddenly passed the ‘Welcome to the Highland’s sign’ Jonathan spin had been yet again exposed! Mutiny was stirring on the SS Sheila...

Mother phoned her boys as we pulled into a lay-by allowing the lads to pass on their regards to Daddy Reg on Father’s Day. The hills did not stop, progress was extremely slow and the team was tiring. Jonathan’s increasing frustration on the ‘requested bike stops’ was becoming more evident. He would continually attempt to push the bike – that little bit further. Patience was running out...it was only a matter of time. Meanwhile more road kills were logged with the team cataloguing possibly the trip winner...’Bambie’ whose rear end had been hit. Ali scrutinised it with relish, visually dissecting it..hmm nice.

Yet another lay-by stop to relieve the driver’s arms and hands and some immaturity with a Layby 69 sign. Jonathan burst into life. ‘Ok Tony I’m going to have a go at driving...I’m mean how hard can it be?’ Tony and Ali looked at each other. [Comment consider that these fellas had been driving this bike for approx 3 months now and yet Jonathan considered he could pick it up in a flash on the A9 – Road of death!] Ali exploded ‘Jonny now way mate, I’m seriously not happy with this, you will get us killed...just now way’ Jonny replied...’Just listen to yourself mate, such an old woman, just get on the bloody bike and lets go’ Tony..’Jonny I’m sort of agreeing with Ali, Its not easy mate!’ An emotion filled exchange lasted another couple of minutes until Ali agreed to get back on the bike. Jonathan was about to assume the task not only of Supreme Commander and driver! Ok lads...3 – 2 – 1 go, the bike slued to the left, then the right the team hung on, the end of the lay-by approached. Suddenly the brakes were jammed on bringing the bike to an abrupt halt. An ashen looking Jonathan turned to the rest the team ‘Lads I was proper freaked by that!’ Tony get your arse into this seat’ The team burst into relief filled laughter. Jonathan’s driving experience had lasted all of 15 metres...Both Ali and Tony were delighted. They were the true drivers. ‘Jonny stick to reading your map mate’ the team pressed on. Mutiny had been avoided but thankfully before we all became a picture of Road Kill. Tony chucked to himself for over 10 miles. He had forgotten the pain in his hands – he was amused and privately indulged himself in another chuckle. Jonathan remained quiet for some time...

At 1430 hrs we pulled into Dalwhinnie (twinned with Las Vegas) and into the Inn Hotel. What a fantastic hotel, it had a cult almost iconic feel about the place. The team made a beeline for the huge leather sofas in the centre of the room. Everything about this place was great, the music, the staff, the surrounds and top beer and food. We met Ian the local game keeper, who looks after 23,000 hectares of estate (mainly deer with some pheasant). He told us main a tale of when he has the military to go shooting ‘Bloody rubbish shots, even those specialist ones especially in their mustard and red trousers.’ He was a top guy who gave us £10 for our charities; after a pint he left. [Thanks Ian] The lads settled in, yet Jonathan was aware that our intended daily destination was Kingussie approx 15 miles up the road. Ali can only be described as ‘hyper’ ‘lads do you realise where we are..Dallwhinnie – home of the famous whiskey’ It was great to see him like that after some days that he has been very down. The boys settled into their large sofas, their eyes and legs got heavy. Once again mutiny was in the air, extracting the team from here and onto the bike would be one hell of a leadership challenge.

Meanwhile we met Amy (Student from Glasgow studying Psychology and Computing) she had arrived 3 hours earlier and had just started her summer job. She is seen here using a ewbank (wow last seen in the 70s]. She and the rest of the staff (Adidale from France) were so friendly. Ali looked at Jonathan, ‘Hey mate what is the chance of staying here tonight?’ Jonathan realising that he was looking down the barrel of bike mutiny agreed to ‘see what he could do’ He had a chat with Calam (the owner) and Tracey who were planned a huge music festival for next week. What a top fella – Calam agreed to put the whole team up in one of their 5 bedded family rooms for £15! [It should have been £35 per head] He might have ralised that these UK Record breaking team like put some money behind the bar...and he was right.
The afternoon was one of those opportunistic moments that will go down in tour history books. The beer flowed and we had such a laugh. This was what the end2end was all about. We raised a glass of beer to Dad (The Ox) on this Father’s Day, he would be proud to see his lads now; he would have loved this. With the team now accommodated, Jonathan completed yesterday’s blog and Ali sorted his knee out. The rest of the afternoon was a blur! We met a lovely couple Barbara and David who now live in Glasgow but looking to settle in the East of Scotland. He was a Vietnam vet...with the whitest of Father Christmas beards. Tony and Barbara discussed their shared passion for genealogy!
At 1020 hrs the bar was shut and the staff settled in for a drink we got chucked out and ended up residing in the hotel reception. Top night but tomorrow we will have to make up the lost ground, with or without a hangover.

What a great day, Inverness here we come!

Day 13 – Edinburgh to Dunkeld 66 miles – Ali’s Back on the Bike!

Escaping the Edinburgh cityscape, crossing the Forth Bridge, hail and torrential rain and the beautiful scenery of the Kinross Perth corridor; but more important than that, Ali’s back! The team is once again on their trusty stead. 277 miles to go and a daily target of 66 miles to Dunkeld. Dig in fellas...the end is in sight.

Fatigue is setting in. The team was tired and it is only now sinking in how long this venture actually is. It is a long time – possibly too long. With sore heads the team was up and out by 1000 hrs. Accommodation block handed back and by 1020 hrs the end2end08 team was on their way. Jonathan had made a series of modifications to his ‘mobile office’ space. The fitting of a compass provided to be invaluable, the odometer too is indispensible in plotting progress. Alistair’s modification on the bike was superb, allowing him to keep his bad leg out of the way of the pedals. By his own admission he does look ‘strange’ a one legged cyclist balanced on the end of this enormous bike.

The extraction from Edinburgh was a navigational challenge as the team was unable to us the A720 (City Ring road) and the A90/M90. Jonathan ‘shnurggled’ and picked the bike through the back roads of the Scottish capital. The day was gorgeous, bright, sunny and with little wind. It was an excellent day for cycling. We ended up cycling around the Royal Highland Showground – wow what a facility, this was Edinburgh’s huge event. We ended up having to cross a dual carriage way another opportunity for a top photograph. One thing that we have done well is capture the moment through phototraghs, we always have a camera available – although does have its bad aspects. More road kills were photographed before we crossed the wonder of the Forth Bridge.

For those who might not have seen this piece of construction wizardry – it is immense. We cycled over on the cycle path. The experience was slightly unnerving – the big T was not a happy chap. Crossing the bridge another opportunity for more pictures to be taken. We met a lovely family with daughter Chloe [Hello Chloe if you are reading this – hope you are ok?] they photographed the team with the backdrop of the 2 bridges. I see this being the journey photo...

The team then pushed to Kinross for rapid lunch and a break from the bike. Ray moved ahead to the night stop at Dunkeld. The bike was working like a dream, she is so happy and it shows, even with Alistair’s modification. Perth was a fleeting vision before we hit the A9, we will get very familiar with this route for the next few days. The evening sun was gorgeous, a head on crash caused a huge traffic tail back but not for the end 2end lads as we sped past the queuing cars. The crash looks terrible. The final 8 miles was extremely tough. Ali was in considerable discomfort with the leg and sitting position but soon the base came into sight. Dunkeld is outstanding and what a fabulous venue. Ray had already positioned our bags in our accommodation and awaited our arrival. 1850 hrs we arrived.

The RSM (Mr Wallace) was a star. They had kept some food back for us, it was just like some eating competition, we couldn’t have eaten any more even if we wanted to. What top fellas, we were warmly received and superbly hosted. Blog was written, although no 3G connection meant that we will have to upload our text and pictures tomorrow.

The team is mentally and physically fatigued. We went for a quick beer then bed.

Day 12 - Edinburgh Rest Day - Bike Modifications

Day of Administration. 0745 hrs and Jonathan’s phone burst into tune. ‘Hello Jonathan, this BFBS Forces Radio and your live on air – would you mind giving us an update’ ‘Urrr what’ ...what BFBS didn’t realise was that we were having a lie in. Jonathan was up and so phoned Dune FM to give them an update. The time was 0810 hrs. Edward, Bertie and Kitty (and Joanne) were listening.

Jonathan met the Quartermaster and then sorted out some accommodation for the rest of the project. The rest of the day consisted of bike, blog, knee and vehicle administration. Jonathan planned and arranged the rest of the journey. The team had agreed on one thing, Alistair would be on the bike the whole way from now. A modification on the bike meant that Ali could cycle with one leg up held on the bike clamp. The team must remain as one. Jonathan got a text from Neil Buckley (Click Sergeant) Charity who we started with on Mon 2nd June. They had just finished - we still have another 6 days to go

The computer that was sent by 42 Brigade did not work...however that didnt stop Mark from removing the back off the computer, testing all the cables and fixing the box of tricks. He is 'Techboy' - once again the team is using everbodies niche skills to the full. ...

Meanwhile Alistair found out that Hailey (Alistair's sister in law) had just given birth to a baby girl 7lb 2 oz. [Congratulations Hailey and Ashley] Another good excuse for a celebrational drink tonight...Uncle Ali was chuffed!! To celebrate Ali went and played his digeridoo on the stairwell - the acoustics was unbelievable.

The Plan (>270 miles to go)
Fri - Rest Day (Admin)
Sat - Edinburgh to Dunkeld (stay at Cadet / TA training camp) – 58 miles
Sun - Dunkeld to Newtownmore (outdoor camp) via the A7 thought the Grampian Mountains - 57 miles
Mon - Newtownmore to Inverness (TA Centre) - 45 miles
Tues - Inverness to Brora (Cadet Hut) – 55 miles
Wed - Brora to Wick (TA Centre) – 46 miles
Thu - Wick to John O’Groats – 16 miles (The end)

Finally - top tip if you find your self in an old Victorian Barracks always ensure you have an emergency toilet roll with you...Jonathan will tell you that your trip log book does not really work!

Day 11 – Carlisle to Edinburgh 98 miles – The big push!

The team was faced with a dilemma; there was no accommodation between Carlisle and Edinburgh just 98 long miles of A7. Nevertheless, there was a plan. The team would attempt to cycle the 98 miles in a single day. The plan was full of risk; this would be their longest day so far and would test to the limit, the bike, the physical endurance and the mental resolve of the team. This was going to hurt; this would be the end2end longest day. At 2300 hrs an exhausted but elated team turned into Redford Barracks, Edinburgh. They had done it!

Thank goodness for wives. At 0750 hrs Joanne phoned Jonathan, fortunately waking him from a heavy alcohol assisted sleep. By the sound of the snoring in the cadet barrack block, the team had enjoyed their night out in Carlisle. Hangovers or not we had to be up. Jonathan delivered his normal dawn chorus of, ‘wakey - wakey – rise and shine, those miles aren’t going to cycle themselves!’ Cups of tea all around and goodbyes to Major Paul Chandler and staff. A small crowd had gathered to watch the spectacle of 4 hung-over lads co-ordinate their efforts on a monster bike. As the castle became a distant image our minds switched to the challenge of the huge distance ahead. Once again time would be our nemesis. Jonathan reminded the team not to think of the overall task ‘How do you eat a whole elephant?’ ...’bite by bite.’ The route was broken into bite size portions – first target; the Scottish border.

At 1110 hrs we crossed the border. Alistair’s knee was once again injured so he assumed the post as support 2 in the vehicle. Photos were taken and after some ‘faffing about’ we push on again. Ironically, the greater the distance ahead the more the team has a tendency to ‘avoid getting on the bike’ – time was our continual enemy. Tick - tock... with no breakfast in us, it was nearly time for lunch.

The support lads shot forward to Langholm and found a small village cafe that was prepared to sell us as much greasy ‘lard’ on a plate. The time was 1220 hrs. Locals’ heads turned as we entered langholm, we amused ourselves thinking we could cycle through some villages with the front of the bike sticking out one side and the back still to enter on the other. We commented on the lack of quad-tandem bike racks in Scotland. We must write to Mr Salmon and express our displeasure! Breakfast was inhaled although Jonathan’s searches for a loo found him in a private adjoining flat. Opps. Alistair’s ‘eccentric requests’ attracted some surprised looks. ‘Excuse me could I have a cup of hot water and would you mind heating up this heat pad in your microwave. Just place it in a bowl of hot water for approx 2-3 mins...thank you?’ Tick tock...time was on our backs again. The scale of the task remained huge 73 miles to do. Incidentally, a newpaper picture of George If like public toilets Micheal) was liken with Jonathan...(what do you think?). Now everyone in the team needed the loo – things were getting more desperate, only one thing to do; we all stormed the local hotel – walking swiftly past the reception and before anyone could say, ‘hey you lot’...we were secure in the gents! Mission accomplished. Outside Tony and Ray met a new pall – George was a friendly fella who was fascinated by the bike. Tick – tock...we pushed on.

The afternoon sun was glorious. The A7 corridor (Tourist route to Edinburgh) was beautiful. If anyone ever decides to drive from Carlisle to Edinburgh – A7 is a fabulous route. Shella was on top form; our maintenance on her last night was just what she needed. Gears whirred in beautiful efficiency. We understand this bike totally now. Gear changes are smooth and effortless. Everything is co-ordinated by words of command from the bike commander ‘Gear up – gear down – coast, freewheel, prepare to stop’ we have assumed another language...and Sheila likes it. She is happy with her boys and loves to be pampered. Some hills we will walk up, not because we consider we cannot physically do it but because we do not want to place too much pressure on the gears and chains. Every possible risk reduction with this bike is taken; without this bike we have no UK Record!

The hills were long although the roads good. At 1420 hrs we met Mr Eddie Sedgemore, a 65 year old from Bristol. What a top fella. He was cycling Lands End to John O’Groats for The Royal British Legion. This was his 3rd end2end...and he was a UK record holder himself for end2ending a scooter in 2001 taking him 20 days and 5.5 hours! This guy was another Alex Baxter (Penny Farthing) chap in Southport. These guys are a total inspiration and illustrate how mind over matter is everything. His bike was state of the art, he travels light with no more than a shopping basket of stuff behind him. Behind his silver grey beard and healthy weathered looks hid a man of immense steely determination. In a modern world were self pity and state assistance is common place here was a man who found solutions from within. The human body is an incredible machine but the most important component is the mind and ones mental approach to life. ‘Just bloody well do it!’ With photographs exchanged and handshakes concluded we watched Eddie accelerate off from our lay by. His orange top became a distant dot in the distance. We wouldn’t see Eddie again.

Now at this point it must be mentioned that we were conducting a road kill competition. Jonathan saw a rather good looking peasant, and knowing how much it would impress Edward and Bertie back home we had to stop to photograph him. Some of the day’s competition entrants are shown here:

1540 hrs and we just reached the day’s half way point - Hawick! Alistair darted off and got some isotonic drink (powder) for us...wow it made such a difference. Odometer reading = 598 miles so far. The climb out of Hawick was ‘cheeky’ we climbed and climbed and climbed all the way to the top with some hill antenna. The late afternoon sun was gorgeous although still chilly in the wind. Now for the descent or as we say ‘time for some MILES FOR FREE’ Jonathan hates (with a passion) down hills. His experience with the Mendip exploding front tireS has left him emotionally scarred. Down hills must now be accomplished at a girly rate with the reassuring sound of ‘Mr Rear Wheel Disc Brake’. Another blow out is unlikely but you try telling Jonathan that.

Galashields was passed in blur...some cheeky climbs but soon was a town some distance behind. The bike and team were working so well, many descents and gears to die for! The road surface was excellent. We have also realised that the tyre pressure makes a HUGE difference to our progress. Currently we have 70 PSI on the front and 90 PSI on the rear – wow we motor. With progress like this we would be in Edinburgh before you could say ‘och I the noooo’

‘Pull in, pull in’ Jonathan looked anxiously at his map. In our team excitement of making so much progress we had taken a wrong turn and sped past the turning form the A7. We were 8 miles along the A72 – heading Glasgow!! Two police ladies in their Police Volvo pulled up and gave some advice. Our corrective route now took us over the top of a hill – this was Jonathan’s first navigation error and we were now being punished for it. The climb and descent allowed us to see some magnificent houses. A lady pulled in and said I keep passing you all afternoon, Jonathan responded ‘You’re not one if those quadracycle stalkers are you?’ She shook her head and drove on...

Fountainhall lay-by provided the team with a rest. There we met Dougie Johnston (a free lance photographer) who was keen to get a picture or two of the bike and team. He ended up watching and photographing Alistair playing his didgeridoo on a 4 seater quadracycle...how random is that! Our pictures may end up on the BBC news website. Fame at last.
The final push and descent into Edinburgh was tough. We had been cycling for 13 hours and we were knackered. The sun set over the Edinburgh hills as we dropped into the plains of the Forth Estuary was awe-inspiring. Edinburgh was very close but we still had some pain to go...dig in fellas. Mark fitted his helmet cam and with a mouth full of some foul tasting energy gel we pushed into Edinburgh. Finding the barracks was naughty...hill after hill. It was 2240 hrs and we were concerned that we could make a mistake as we were all so tired – it was now we were at most risk.

The sight of Redford Barracks, home to 3rd Bn the Rifles, was a sight to be remembered. Pictures outside the main gate. The guard commander was given a seat on the quad as we were shown to our block. Home, shower and then out for a delicious meal in an Italian Restaurant.
Today was an incredible day but not for the reasons you may consider. The achievement was admirable but today we met Eddie, the 65 year old who could teach the world a lesson or two in life. The world would be a better place if people adopted the Eddie Sedgemore approach to life...head down, travel light and just bloody do it!

And finally...the mostache / beard competition...progress so far...!

So, who ordered pizza with extra topping?