1 - John O'Groats to Altnaharra

Stats for the day:
Distance: 119.2 km (74.1 miles)
Elevation: 1125 m
Saddle time: 4:59 hrs
Total time: 5:25 hrs

Average 
Speed: 22.0 km/hr
Heart rate: 124 bpm

Maximum
Speed: 54.7 km/hr
Heart rate: 162 bpm

Elevation profile

Great day!

23.30 & it's finally dark, but I know we're in Scotland because it's raining. 

Today's highlight was the last 20 miles along loch Nevin, even the midges coming out for the last 5 miles couldn't spoil the wonderful scenery where the number of post boxes (3) almost matched the number of passing cars (5). 

Duncasby Head

 We started out from JOG, predictably a bit behind schedule, at 3pm following the obligatory photos at the sign and a detour to Duncansby Head to see the sea stacks. So, in an attempt to make up for lost time we flew out the blocks taking the coastal road west to Thurso. 

With the rain starting to fall more heavily we hit a series of short climbs which seperated the speedsters (Steph & Sean) from the climbers (myself & Nick). The climbs also provided some of the best scenery, cutting through hills. We also passed Dounrey power plant. Did you know the first fast breeder reactor to generate electricity on the grid came from here?

At the start

The coastal road continued on as we made our turn at Bettyhill. We also saw a good number of cyclists heading in the opposite direction all looking remarkably fresh, maybe just the consequence of knowing how close the finishing line was, but I'll be happy if we're looking like that in 2 weeks time. 

And so we arrived around 8pm into Altnaharra to be greated by a couple whose trade is 80% cyclists & it shows. We hadn't even unclipped before being greated with a cheery "Leave your bikes against the wall lads, I'll put them away. Cup of tea?"  Shoes in the drying room, kit washed & dried and a 3 course dinner of venison - what more can a man ask?

Nick leading Stephan & Sean up the long ascent

& so to bed, another day of the same beckons tomorrow as we head for Inverness, we only drive through it 14 hours ago but it takes a bit longer to return on 2 wheels instead of 4.