Forecast was for fine conditions and a 20-30mph Easterly wind and it didnt take us long to work out what that meant - a headwind all the way to John O'Groats!
Having read out Birthday greetings to Kev we
left Tongue taking on 5 consecutive climbs and descents some 5-6kms long making the going tough from the start. Some great coastal scenery around Bettyhill eased the pain. At this point Kev and I parted ways with the climbs and the strong headwind caused Kev to suffer a first half fadeout
The terrain finally leveled out around Dunoreay site of the UKs first expiremental reactor. Thurso signalled only 30s to go and the first sight of the Orkney Islands.
After nearly 4700 kms I was intent on just finishing so just after 4p
I reached JOG ecstatic at having achieved the rare double and relieved it was over.
I checked in with birthday boy and the message was ominous "18kms behind and I'm buggered"!To his credit he didn't give up arriving close to 6pm and having to lever me as rigor mortis had set in - nevertheless a fantastic effort by the 64yr old!
A few hugs a couple of pics and then the real drama started taking a taxi with what appeared a home made bike rack back to Wick(30kms) and our accommodation. After 2kms it was apparent my bike wss striking the ground and inspection showed the tyre tread had been shredded. In Wick Kev took up the case indicating he would take the issue to the European court of justice until he realized his prized possession had also been damaged. With much argument and Kevs wrath the driver waived the fare!
2695 kms for Kev and a total of 4703 for me both efforts epic by all
measures - at time of writing there's not much celebration just two very weary Warby's!
direct into an easterly headwind !just !!!
Well done boys, a fantastic effort!!
ReplyDeleteNext Europe!!!
Kev, what a way to celebrate your 64th!
McColl of Appin
Heartiest congratulations to a couple of Aussie stalwarts. Easy on the celebrations!
ReplyDeleteLegends both, right up there with Cadel. He is getting a welcome home street parade in Melbourne today, I just hope we can organise one for you two when you finally make it.
ReplyDeleteAfter what you have been through the French Alps and Pyrenees should be a breeze, gentle of course. Mike would you please take it easy on the old bloke he is not as young as he used to be. Just wait for him occasionally.
Regards Bobbert.
Kev, you're a champ showing what us 'old blokes' can do!
ReplyDeleteSent you a pic on mobile today us at St Kilda Rd. Cadel was in town and was a fantastic reception.
Looking forward to your reports on Europe - take it easy on young Mike - he's bound to fade when the going gets realllllyyyyyy tough!!
Go Doggies!!
McColl of Appin
Well done Litchy (and Kev, although have not met you). Been great reading the updates.
ReplyDeleteWell done Litchy (and Kev, although have not met you). Been great reading the updates
ReplyDeleteEdited - I suppose it might help if I put my name. Dennis, Aust Post
Well done, great achievement. Hope the rest of the ride goes as planned.
ReplyDeleteAlan Field