Thrill-seekers, Site Manager Steve Green from Linden Homes Guildford and former Finance Director Tom Amato from Linden Homes South East are setting the wheels in motion for their latest charity challenge. Having already conquered the three tallest peaks of England, Scotland and Wales, Kilimanjaro and Mont Blanc, the pair now plan to cycle the length of Britain, some 1050 miles, from Lands End to John O'Groats. Steve and Tom hope to raise £3,000 for St Catherine's Hospice (Crawley).

The challenge will take them two weeks to complete and you can keep up with their progress as there will be daily updates here direct from Steve & Tom via Maria.

 Day 1 – Friday 29 June 2012

They couldn't wait to start! Got to LE at 12.45 and they decided to start and get 40 miles or so "in the bag"! It was all I could do to get Tom to keep still for a photo! He was itching to get going. So, I am due to meet up with them in a couple of hours or so.  Sitting on a rock on a walk at LE.  Wind blowing furiously but sun is shining :-)

Very commercialised here. A few Germans around.  Wanted to say "ciao" but thought I better not!!!

Will check in again later

QUESTION OF THE DAY 

When did the last CORNISH TIN MINE CLOSE?

 

TRIVIA OF THE DAY 

The Minack theatre, located just a few miles from LANDS END, is probably the most spectacularly located open air theatre in the world  www.minack.com 

 

Day 2 – Saturday 30 June 2012

We set off from The Star Inn, Porkellis at 09.30, heading towards Truro, followed by St Austell where we stopped at the Eden Project for lunch. Liskeard was our final stop today at 4.15 via Bodmin. A tough day, with lots of hills, lots of rain and getting lost, trying to avoid the busy A38. It can only get easier.  Steve said, "after climbing the longest, steepest, straightest roman road, I wasn't very impressed with the world’s largest greenhouse [Eden Project]. Onwards. 

QUESTION OF THE DAY 

Who was the architect for the Eden Project?

TRIVIA OF THE DAY

Jamaica Inn, Cornwall's legendary coaching house, immortalised in Daphne du Maurier's novel of the same name, has stood high on Bodmin Moor for over four centuries. Bodmin Moor is one of the most breathtaking locations in Cornwall and is one of Cornwall's Designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 

Answer to Day 1's question:

When did the last Cornish tin mine close, with the loss of 200 jobs?

The last Cornish tin mine closed in 1998 in Camborne, near Redruth

Day 3 – Sunday 1 July 2012

We were looking forward to today's cycle after a very tough ride yesterday. We started out from Liskeard at 08.45, heading towards Tavistock and Okehampton. We had been warned that this section would be tough and it really did turn out to be a roller coaster of a ride with so many hills. Cycling downhill is brilliant and quite exhilarating but seems to always be followed not long after by a tough uphill stretch. After several downhill’s, followed by the inevitable uphill slog we really just wanted a level run!  Despite this, we were very happy with today's ride; in fact, it was fantastic, with great road surface and, with a more direct route, we didn't make a wrong move, unlike yday!  We ended today's ride at 2.15 at The Lamb Inn in Sandford, nr CREDITON. Tomorrow, our route takes us to Bristol, with Stefan [Tom's son] and his buddy, Charlie, joining us for the day.  

 QUESTION OF THE DAY

Before last night :-( When did Spain last beat Italy in a 90 minute [no extra time or penalties] competitive match?

 TODAY'S TRIVIA

Dartmoor is 365 square miles, one mile for every day of the year! 

ANSWER TO DAY 2'S QUESTION

The architect for the Eden Project was Nicholas Grimshaw

 Day 4 – Monday 2 July 2012

What would today bring? 

We met up with Stefan and Charlie at the Lamb Inn, Sandford, just a few minutes’ drive from our lovely B&B, Combe Lancey.  Maria took a photo of the 4 of us - 3 Giants and a squirt (!) - and we were on our way by 9.  Our destination was Clevedon, some 80 miles, via Tiverton, Cullompton, Wellington, Taunton, Bridgwater and Burnham on Sea, crossing over the M5 at least 4 times. We stopped for lunch north of Taunton where Charlie "demolished" an "all you can eat" carvery!  Charlie's afternoon performance consequently deteriorated!  We looked on, with our soup and roll!   The longest and wettest day so far. Onwards. 

 QUESTION OF THE DAY

What is the cycling record for Lands End to John O'Groats? 

TODAY'S TRIVIA 

There are 32 farms in Somerset devoted specifically to the production of cider. Blackthorn cider is produced in Taunton and Shepton Mallet, home of the biggest cider plant in Europe. The term "scrumpy", which gives rise to Scrumpy Jack, is from local dialect meaning a small or withered apple.

 

ANSWER TO DAY 3'S QUESTION

Before last night :-( When did Spain last beat Italy in a 90 minute [no extra time or penalties] competitive match?

According to Tom, in the 1920's.

Message from David Evans “"well done Steve and Tom, third of the way there all ready - proud of you guys! You really are doing something very special and for the benefit of others, brilliant!" 

Day 5 – Tuesday 3 July 2012

Where is the sun for goodness sake? Another wet start!  We started out from Tickenham at 08.00 after a delicious full English. Just the 2 of us today. You would be very welcome to join us at any time!  Our destination today is Ledbury via Bristol, then over the Severn Bridge (old bridge) into Wales (Chepstow) and a nice scenic route via Tintern Abbey, following the river wye to Monmouth, stopping for lunch here, the birthplace of Henry V.  After lunch, we cycled to Hereford and then on to Leominster, our final stop today. Although wet and windy, still a very enjoyable and scenic ride. Onwards. 

 QUESTION OF THE DAY

We followed a section of the River Wye today. Where is its source and mouth and what is its length? 

TODAY'S TRIVIA 

We crossed the original Severn bridge today and we were interested to learn the following:

1. The Severn Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the River Severn between South Gloucestershire, just north of Bristol, and Monmouthshire in South Wales, via Beachley, a peninsula between the River Severn and River Wye estuary. It is the original Severn road crossing between England and Wales and took five years to construct at a cost of £8 million. The bridge was opened on 8 September 1966, by Queen Elizabeth II, who hailed it as the dawn of a new economic era for South Wales. The bridge was granted Grade I listed status on 26 November 1999.

2. The Second Severn Crossing carries the M4 motorway over the River Severn between England and Wales, inaugurated on 5 June 1996 by HRH The Prince of Wales to augment the traffic capacity of the original Severn Bridge. The bridge marks the lower limit of the River Severn and the start of the Severn Estuary.  Its location is further to the south than the old bridge and being more in line with the landward sides of the M4 motorway, is a shorter journey when travelling between England and South Wales. The junctions at each end are designed for most traffic to use this crossing. To use the old Severn Bridge crossing one has to leave the M4 and join the M48 motorway either at Aust or near Magor. The new crossing carries more traffic than the original Severn Bridge. It is wider than the Severn Bridge, having three lanes and hard shoulder each way, compared to the two lanes, cycle path and footpath of the original crossing. The path taken by the bridge is close to that of the Severn Tunnel which has carried the railway line beneath the river bed since 1886.

ANSWER TO DAY 3'S QUESTION

What is the cycling record for Lands End to John O'Groats? 

The official Road Records Association record for a rider on a conventional bicycle is 44 hours, 4 minutes and 20 seconds, set by Gethin Butler in 2001. The record for cycling from Land's End to John o' Groats is held by Andy Wilkinson, who completed the journey in 41 hours, 4 minutes and 22 seconds on a Windcheetah recumbent tricycle.

Day 6 – Wednesday 4 July 2012

After another full English breakfast cooked by our great host, David, we were on our way from Ledbury to start from where we finished yday, Leominster. After our customary photo, we set off just after 9.  Our destination today is Welshpool but will, if feeling ok, head further north. Yet again,  constant drizzle for most of the morning.  Today, we cycled through Ludlow, Bishops Castle, Chirbury, Welshpool, Oswestry and finally Wrexham, clocking up 75 miles.

One thing, since starting at Lands End, we have only seen a handful of cyclists. Maybe we will see more as we go North into Scotland.  Although it has been wet, thankfully we have had no wind to contend with. Onwards :-) 

NOTE: As we only did 25 miles on the Friday, we are going to sort of "cancel" that day and start from the Saturday as Day 1.  

QUESTION OF THE DAY

A superb collection of treasures from which country is displayed in a museum within Powis Castle, Welshpool? The name of the museum would give the game away so a second question is what is the name of the museum?

TODAY'S TRIVIA

In Welsh, Cenhinen means leek and Cenhinen Pedr means daffodil. The similarities have led to both being adopted as national symbols of Wales.

For interest, here are the words of the lovely  Welsh  national anthem:

Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau - Land of my Fathers.  It was written in 1856 by Evan James and his son, James James, from Pontypridd in Glamorgan. 

This land of my fathers is dear to me

Land of poets and singers, and people of stature

Her brave warriors, fine patriots

Shed their blood for freedom

Chorus:

Land! Land! I am true to my land!

As long as the sea serves as a wall for this pure, dear land

May the language endure for ever.

Old land of the mountains, paradise of the poets,

Every valley, every cliff a beauty guards;

Through love of my country, enchanting voices will be

Her streams and rivers to me.

Chorus

Though the enemy have trampled my country underfoot,

The old language of the Welsh knows no retreat,

The spirit is not hindered by the treacherous hand

Nor silenced the sweet harp of my land.

Chorus

ANSWER TO Y'DAYS QUESTION

The source of the Wye is in the Welsh mountains at Plynlimon. It flows through or past several towns and villages including Rhayader, Builth Wells, Hay-on-Wye, Hereford (the only city on the River Wye), Ross-on-Wye, Symonds Yat, Monmouth and Tintern, meeting the Severn estuary just below Chepstow. The total length is 215 km.

 

Day 7 – Thursday 5 July 2012

The boys left Wrexham at 09.00 and, for the first time in a few days, no rain.  They took the A550 to Birkenhead where they boarded the Ferry across the Mersey [sung by Percy and his Pacemakers, according to lovely Steve!] Although a bit nervous beforehand at negotiating their way around Liverpool and ensuring they got on the right road, they actually found the A59 with ease and were on their way to Preston via Ormskirk, passing Aintree.  They arrived  at Deepdale [Preston NE] ground at 3.15.   For most people, Liverpool is the centre for music and arts.  However, the same cannot be said for its football as they are both crap teams!   Summing up the ride today,  Steve said "it was great tarmac, straight roads, no hills. A fantastic day with lots of sunshine". Only 1 more day's cycling before the lads are half way and Saturday they will be in Scotland.  Onwards.

 QUESTION OF THE DAY

What are the names of the 2 actresses who played The Liver Birds?

TODAY'S TRIVIA 

The Royal Liver Building is a Grade 1 listed building started in 1908 and completed in 1911 at a cost of £800,000 and is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the city of Liverpool. It is home to two fabled Liver Birds that watch over the city and the sea. Legend has it that if these two birds ever fly away, then the city would cease to exist.


ANSWER TO DAY 5'S QUESTION

A superb collection of treasures from which country is displayed in a museum within Powis Castle, Welshpool? The name of the museum would give the game away so a second question is what is the name of the museum?

India

The Clive Museum

 

Day 8 – Friday 6 July 2012

We started the day with a full English Breakfast at our B&B in Southport and then drove to Preston North End stadium where we ended yesterday's ride.   We started in torrential rain and, worst of all, wind. The "official" destination today was Kendal but, as with previous days, if all was going well, we would cycle further, on to Penrith.  The route today took us along the A6, via Lancaster, Kendal and Shap and the village of Clifton which claims the honour of the last battlefield in England, dating back to 18 December 1745 and the retreat of the Jacobite army to Scotland. No problems today apart from a very long and laborious climb between Kendal and Shap which was one of the hardest parts of our ride so far. The roads were all fine; fantastic scenery with magnificent views of the lakes.  Tomorrow Scotland. 

 QUESTION OF THE DAY

As we are staying in the Lake District tonight, we have a question about Donald Campbell.  He was a British speed record breaker who broke 8 world speed records in the 50's and 60's.  On what lake and on what date was he killed attempting to break his own existing world speed record of 276.33mph, set in December 1964?                                                           

 TODAY'S TRIVIA

The Lake District is England's largest National Park and covers 885 square miles - width (west to east): 33 miles / 

Width (north to south): 40 miles

HIGHEST MOUNTAINS

Scafell Pike at 978 metres (3210 feet)

Scafell at 964 metres (3162 feet)

Helvellyn at 950 metres (3114 feet)

Skiddaw at 931 metres(3053 feet)

Great End at 910 metres (2986 feet)

Bowfell at 902 metres (2940 feet)

LAKES & COASTLINE

Deepest lake is Wastwater at 74 metres (243 feet)

Longest lake is Windermere which is 10.5 miles long

ANSWER TO Y'DAYS QUESTION

What are the names of the 2 actresses who played The Liver Birds?

Nerys Hughes & Polly James

 

Day 9 – Saturday 7 July 2012

At long last, a beautiful morning. We set out from Penrith just after 9, heading for Dumfries.  We took the A6 to Carlisle, the A7 to Gretna where we crossed the border at 11.11.  Maria met us there for a photo at the "Welcome to Scotland" sign.  We then took the A75 to Dumfries where we stopped for lunch outside M&S listening to a band. We were up for cycling further - so on to Thornhill on the A76. Overall, today was excellent with perfect weather. Steve has a really red nose! The roads were very easy to follow with "great tarmac" says Steve. Tom commented "since leaving Preston, the route options are now minimal. Therefore, as a result, we have now come across more cyclists doing LEJOG in both directions".  Half way now.  Hard to comprehend that we are in Scotland with still 7 days cycling to do. A great day. Tomorrow, Ayr. Onwards

 QUESTION OF THE DAY

Steve and Tom crossed the border today at Gretna. Who were the "anvil priests" of Gretna? 

 TODAY'S FACT

Tom and Steve hope to arrive at John O'Groats within 14 days of leaving Lands End.  Over the years, many people from all walks of life have taken up the End to End challenge, for a variety of reasons [charity, lifelong ambition, just because it was there!] Records are available dating back to the 1800's.  The most popular forms of travelling are walking, cycling and driving.  Among the most inventive methods have been a harrier jump jet, a turbo-charged JCB digger, wheelchairs and, believe it or not, a motorised bath tub! 

 ANSWER TO Y'DAYS QUESTION

Donald Campbell was a British speed record breaker who broke 8 world speed records in the 50's and 60's.  On what lake and on what date was he killed attempting to break his own existing world speed record of 276.33mph, set in December 1964?           

He was killed on Coniston Water on 4 January 1967 aged only 45

 

Day 10 – Sunday 8 July 2012

Today was a short-ish ride [just under 60 miles] from Thornhill, 13 miles north of Dumfries, to Ardrossan via Kilmarnock.  The scenery was lovely with good roads. However, at times, the tarmac was difficult. The weather today was mild with no rain which made for a pleasant few hours cycling. Tomorrow morning, we take the 1 hour ferry ride from Lochranza across to the Isle of Arran for a short cycle ride from Brodick to Lochranza [rest day]. Onwards

 QUESTION OF THE DAY

Steve and Tom cycled through Kilmarnock today.  What brand of blended Scotch whisky originated in Kilmarnock in the 1800's?

TODAY'S FACT

Robert Burns, Scotland's most famous poet, was born in Alloway on 25 January 1759, just around the corner from where we are staying this evening in Doonfoot, Ayr.  Rabbie Burns was the son of a tenant farmer. A passionate, inspiring, forward thinking pioneer, he is regarded as the national poet of Scotland.  He is famous for his political views, his love for the lassies and, of course, his world famous songs and poems including Auld Lang Syne. Burns' cottage, now a museum, is the most important of the Burns Museums and contains not only many domestic relics of the poet's life, but virtually a complete collection of all editions of his work.  He died in Dumfries on 21 July 1796.  

 ANSWER TO Y'DAYS QUESTION

Steve and Tom crossed the border today at Gretna. Who were the "anvil priests" of Gretna? 

Gretna's famous "runaway marriages" began in 1753 when Lord Hardwicke's Marriage Act was passed in England; it stated that if both parties to a marriage were not at least 21 years old, then parents had to consent to the marriage. The Act did not apply in Scotland, where it was possible for boys to marry at 14 and girls at 12 years old with or without parental consent. Many elopers fled England, and the first Scottish village they encountered was Gretna Green. The Old Blacksmith's Shop, built around 1712, and Gretna Hall Blacksmith's Shop (1710) became, in popular folklore at least, the focal tourist points for the marriage trade. 

The local blacksmith and his anvil have become the lasting symbols of Gretna Green weddings. Scottish law allowed for "irregular marriages", meaning that if a declaration was made before two witnesses, almost anybody had the authority to conduct the marriage ceremony. The blacksmiths in Gretna became known as "anvil priests"

 Day 11 – Monday 9 July 2012

After a nice breakfast, we left our B&B in Ayr for  the drive to the Ardrossan ferry terminal where we boarded the 09.45 1hr crossing to Brodick on the Isle of Arran.  Although we only needed to cycle to Lochranza, a mere 14 miles up the east coast, Tom in his wisdom decided to add a further 20 miles and cycle round the island!  Steve agreed at the time but after a number of fairly steep climbs and poor Tarmac [Steve’s favourite word!] we both agreed to disagree! The scenery was spectacular, despite the rain, with views of the mainland, the sea and the Islands Mountains, forming a backdrop.  This evening was different to previous ones, in that our hosts cooked us a meal and we all sat together.  A relaxing afternoon and evening in readiness for the final 320 miles to JOG. Tomorrow, we take a ferry from Lochranza for the 1/2 hr crossing to Claonaig and then cycle up to Oban and beyond. 

 QUESTION OF THE DAY

What is a Munro and would Goat Fell [the highest mountain on Arran] fall within this category?

 TODAY'S FACT

Goat fell [Scottish Gaelic: Gaoda Bheinn] is the highest point on the Isle of Arran. At 874 metres (2,866 ft), it is one of four Corbetts on the island. The name is believed to mean either 'Mountain of Wind' (from the Gaelic gaoth) or 'Goat Mountain' (from the Norse geita).

 ANSWER TO Y'DAYS QUESTION

Steve and Tom cycled through Kilmarnock today.  What brand of blended Scotch whisky originated in Kilmarnock in the 1800's?

*Johnnie Walker

 

Day 12 – Tuesday 10 July 2012

We all boarded the ferry at Lochranza, the northern tip of Arran, at 08.15 for the half hour crossing to Claonaig. Our aim today was to reach Ballachulish, via Tarbert [lovely small harbour], Kilmartin and Oban. The roads were superb and the scenery spectacular. We passed many lochs en route. We had cycled 60 miles before lunch, arriving in Oban by 1.30, where we enjoyed a sandwich in the sunshine, watching the Caledonian MacBrayne ferries coming and going from/to Mull. We started our afternoon session at 2.00 believing that today could be our best day, potentially clocking up 90 miles with ease.  However, it was not to be as disaster hit us at about 2.45 at Durec. Steve lost control of his bike on a sharp bend. He suffered 8 broken ribs in the fall. A lady nearby came to our aid with pillows for Steve and within a short time an ambulance was with us and took Steve to Oban Hospital from where, at about 7.30pm, he was airlifted to Glasgow hospital. 

It was ironic that we had come off the main road on to a smooth cycle path, for the first time! The path curved around a tree in the footpath and this sharp bend, coupled with very smooth tarmac, caused the accident.  

I am, all being well, going to continue the ride alone and will continue our reporting but it will not be so upbeat, naturally.  We shall of course keep you posted re Steve's progress.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Postponed for now

TODAY'S FACT

Postponed for now

ANSWER TO Y'DAYS QUESTION

Postponed for now

 

 Day 13 – Wednesday 11July 2012

I started my ride today at 09.15 a few miles north of Oban in Duror, at the exact point I finished yesterday.  My aim today was as many miles as possible past Drumnadrochit.  The ride today was very rewarding, cycling past both Fort William at the base of Ben Bevis which, unfortunately, was shrouded in cloud, and Fort Augustus, at the start of Loch Ness. To cycle along Loch Ness epitomises what the trip is about; size and spectacle. The worst part of my ride today [apart from being alone of course] was a very long and steep climb just past Drumnadrochit. A real nutcracker, worse Steve even than the one at Shap! I ended at Muir of Ord on the A862 at about 4.30 having ridden approx 80 miles.

It was strange to cycle alone today after being with Steve for almost 2 weeks now. However, although he is no longer with me,  in his usual place in front [with me in his slipstream] which he constantly gave me grief about, I did feel his presence urging me along.

The latest news we have on Steve is that, along with his 8 broken ribs, he has a collapsed lung with some internal bleeding and is expected to be in hospital for at least a week. His wife, Carol, and son, Jamie, are now with him in Glasgow. 

 QUESTION OF THE DAY

We stayed in Drumnadrochit on the shore of Loch Ness last night [day 12]. What is the English translation of this place name?

 TODAY'S FACT

Tom cycled within 5 miles of Glencoe today where the famous "Massacre of Glencoe" took place. 

Early in the morning of 13 February 1692, in the aftermath of the Glorious Revolution and the Jacobite uprising of 1689 led by John Graham of Claverhouse, a massacre took place in Glen Coe, in the Highlands of Scotland. This incident is referred to as the Massacre of Glencoe, or in Scottish Gaelic Mort Ghlinne Comhann (murder of Glen Coe). The massacre began simultaneously in three settlements along the glen—Invercoe, Inverrigan, and Achnacon—although the killing took place all over the glen as fleeing MacDonalds were pursued. Thirty-eight MacDonalds from the Clan MacDonald of Glencoe were killed by the guests who had accepted their hospitality, on the grounds that the MacDonalds had not been prompt in pledging allegiance to the new monarchs, William and Mary. Another forty women and children died of exposure after their homes were burned.

 ANSWER TO MONDAY'S QUESTION

What is a Munro and would Goat Fell [the highest mountain on Arran] fall within this category?

A Munro is a mountain in Scotland with a height over 3,000 ft (914.4 m). They are named after Sir Hugh Munro, 4th Baronet (1856–1919), who produced the first list of such hills, known as Munros Tables, in 1891. A Munro top is a summit over 3,000 ft which is not regarded as a separate mountain. As of the 2009, revision of the tables, published by the Scottish Mountaineering Club, there are 283 Munros and 227 further subsidiary tops. The most well known Munro is Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles, with an altitude of 1,344 metres (4,409 ft).

The Munros of Scotland are known for presenting challenging conditions to hikers, particularly in winter when a number of fatalities are reported each year. Nevertheless, a popular practice amongst hillwalkers is "Munro bagging", the aim being to climb all of the listed Munros. As of 2009, more than 4,000 have reported completing their round. The first continuous round of the Munros was completed by Hamish Brown in 1974, whilst the current holder of the record for the fastest continuous round is Stephen Pyke who completed his 2010 round in just under 40 days.

Goat Fell [Scottish Gaelic: Gaoda Bheinn] is the highest point on the Isle of Arran. At 874 metres (2,866 ft).The name is believed to mean either 'Mountain of Wind' (from the Gaelic gaoth) or 'Goat Mountain' (from the Norse geita).

Goat fell, since it is 2866ft, does not come into the category of MUNROS [anything over 3000ft].

 

Day 14 – Thursday 12 July 2012

We said goodbye to our lovely hosts at Greenlea, Drumnadrochit and were on our way by 08.15. I started my ride at Muir of Ord, cycling through Dingwall, Bonar Bridge, Lairg, Altnaharra and Bettyhi on the north coast. The first 40 miles to Lairg were fine. However, the second 25 miles was painful. The road surface was poor, the road hilly and the wind was against me. This part of the trip was also the most barren and remote so far. Very few cyclists or vehicles passed me. We did, however, come across a lady from Austria who was walking JOGLE for the third time, no less. She was aiming to do 22 miles or so per day and would complete the journey in approx 2 months. The last 20 miles were fantastic. The road was good and flat and followed the river Naver. Certainly, one of the most pleasant parts of the journey. The view of the ocean as I reached the top of Scotland took my breath away. All being well, I have just 53 miles before reaching JOG. 

 QUESTION OF THE DAY

Cannot access Internet  

TODAY'S FACT

ditto

ANSWER TO DAY 12'S QUESTION

We stayed in Drumnadrochit on the shore of Loch Ness last night [day 12]. What is the English translation of this place name?

*The ridge on the bridge

 

Day 15 – Friday 13 July 2012

 The last leg of the journey started in customary rain at Bettyhill at 10.15. The route followed the most Northern Coastline in the UK (A836) via Dounreay, Thurso, Dunnet Bay and finally John O'Groats. I arrived safely at 2.15 feeling totally overwhelmed but with mixed emotions. The tragic event of Tuesday has been in the forefront of my mind and I constantly think of what might have been. For me, the cycling is the easy bit. The really hard part is to make sure that Steve makes a full recovery and we will all do what we can to make sure that this happens. We sincerely appreciate the support and best wishes from everyone. We would like to thank Maria who has been brilliant throughout both the planning stage and the long journey itself. We could not have done it without her. We will have travelled over 3,000 miles by the time we return tomorrow. We hope that you have enjoyed the daily updates. We were really amazed by the interest shown by you all as we made our way up through England, Wales and Scotland. We have lots of advice for anyone wanting to give it a go! Cyclists never mention the word ‘puncture’ but amazingly enough having jointly covered over 1,800 miles between us we ended up puncture free! Apart from a daily hose down, a bit of oil, a cleanup and one replacement set of rear brake pads we had no other problems (the bikes were fine as well!). We managed to negotiate every ascent without getting off our bikes. Well we missed the record by 11 days (hey ho) and sod it I think that I will start cycling back tomorrow. 

TODAY'S FACTS

1. John o' Groats (Taigh Iain Ghròt in Scottish Gaelic) is a village in the Highland council area of Scotland. Part of the county of Caithness, John o' Groats is popular with tourists because it is usually regarded as the most northerly settlement of mainland Great Britain, although this is not a claim made by the inhabitants and is false. It is, though, one end of the longest distance between two inhabited points on the British mainland, Land's End being the other. The actual most northerly point is nearby Dunnet Head. 

2. The famous "Journey's End" signpost at John o' Groats is privately owned and operated by the same Penzance-based photography company which operates its counterpart at Land's End, with a fee payable for having pictures taken next to the signpost. The signs, including the "John o' Groats" roundel at the top, are removed after the photographer's booth closes for the evening—so travellers arriving in the late evening or early morning may be disappointed in their quest for photographs at the signpost. It used to be left in place until someone threw it in the sea. A free plastic signpost is situated on the wall next to the First and Last souvenir shop and the harbour.

END OF THE END TO END! 

Regards Steve and Tom