On Friday 17th April, John and I set off to spend the night in Lochgilphead with Jenny and Colin before the four of us took the ferry the following day to Arran. The forecast was fair so we were all looking forward to our adventure.
As we were sitting on the ferry on Saturday morning we were planning our first stop (thinking of our stomachs!!), only to find the shop was shut when we got to it! The road was fine and quiet, though undulating it has to be said. John discovered a small off-road (approx 3 miles) piece which would take us right down to the shoreline and past The King's Caves (a one time hiding place of Robert The Bruce-I guess John wanted to seek out his ancestry.) We very quickly discovered why it was not marked as a cycle route!
We had lunch in a hotel in Blackwaterfoot and then we started the real hard-core cycling very hilly but the roads were not too busy and by the time we got to our stopover we were glad to be there. Though we only did 40 miles it was a pretty tough one.
The following day was interspersed with visits to a chocolate factory (Jenny runs a sweetie shop and we called in at one of her suppliers), cheese shop and Arran Aromatics. It was a short cycling day but we had a long drive to get back to Inverness that night. We stopped to have our tea in The Lock Inn at Fort Augustus, the same place as we ate in the night we stayed there, during our End2End cycle ride.
Well I hope I'm more fit to do the Malawi Bike Ride as I felt the Arran Cycle very hard work. I don't know how much weight the panniers were and if that had any bearing on it, but there was one hill in particular where I was sorely tempted to ditch the lot!
Thursday, 23 April 2009
Friday, 13 March 2009
Carbisdale Castle
On the weekend of 7th and 8th March a team of hardy cyclists set out from Inverness to cycle to Carbisdale Castle, spend the night there and return the following morning. The forecast was reasonable so Saturday saw us meeting at the Palace Hotel to set off around 9am (Bruce time)
We did have some rain and when we got to the top of the Struie, though a fabulous view awaited us, we couldn't really see it at its best! However we were geed on by the thought of stopping for a pint at The Lady Ross Hotel in Ardgay before our last 5 miles to the hostel. We hadn't bargained on the fact that the hotel had closed down for business andthe nearest was a couple of miles off our route in Bonar Bridge. We thought a hot bath was more appealing than doing an extra few miles even if the Guinness was calling!
Inside the castle was an awe inspiring sight. The decor, the statues, even the ceiling in the dining hall was beautiful. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The evening meal was wholesome and satisfying. The wine flowed and Ann's massage parlour was in much demand. A game of Charades finished the evening off nicely.
Sunday morning started off with the sun shining and gorgeous views up the Shin Valley, and the mountains on either side. However before we set off there were flurries of snow which kept us back but we eventually decided to go. The weather continued to close in. Snow flakes like needles on our faces and in our eyes, making conditions evermore hazardous until we came to the conclusion that it was both futile and dangerous to continue.
We stopped at Tomich Cafe, thawed out, had some tea and soup and called for assistance to come to our rescue. It was a sad end to our weekend but it was the wisest decision to make, we still had nearly 30 miles before we reached Inverness and the weather, though pleasant between the showers was not showing any signs of abating. We abandoned bikes and headed home.
We will return to complete the route but we'll wait for a better day!
We did have some rain and when we got to the top of the Struie, though a fabulous view awaited us, we couldn't really see it at its best! However we were geed on by the thought of stopping for a pint at The Lady Ross Hotel in Ardgay before our last 5 miles to the hostel. We hadn't bargained on the fact that the hotel had closed down for business andthe nearest was a couple of miles off our route in Bonar Bridge. We thought a hot bath was more appealing than doing an extra few miles even if the Guinness was calling!
Inside the castle was an awe inspiring sight. The decor, the statues, even the ceiling in the dining hall was beautiful. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The evening meal was wholesome and satisfying. The wine flowed and Ann's massage parlour was in much demand. A game of Charades finished the evening off nicely.
Sunday morning started off with the sun shining and gorgeous views up the Shin Valley, and the mountains on either side. However before we set off there were flurries of snow which kept us back but we eventually decided to go. The weather continued to close in. Snow flakes like needles on our faces and in our eyes, making conditions evermore hazardous until we came to the conclusion that it was both futile and dangerous to continue.
We stopped at Tomich Cafe, thawed out, had some tea and soup and called for assistance to come to our rescue. It was a sad end to our weekend but it was the wisest decision to make, we still had nearly 30 miles before we reached Inverness and the weather, though pleasant between the showers was not showing any signs of abating. We abandoned bikes and headed home.
We will return to complete the route but we'll wait for a better day!
Time to celebrate
Its been a long time since I was last on here. So I hope some of you ardent followers haven't given up. The team have not only achieve their goal but they have really surpassed it!
On February 27th we held a ceilidh to hand over the cheques, thank the sponsors and to celebrate the team's efforts.
The total money raised was £28,030 which far surpassed any of our expectations and well over our £20,000 target! I cannot get pictures on from this computer but will add it once I can.
NOW onto our next project in May John and I (Tina) are cycling in Malawi, raising money for Embangweni Hospital, which is in the north of the country near the border with Zambia. I will endeavour to update the website with information about this, but in the meantime you can make a donation via www.justgiving.com/john-tinabruce Thank you all for your continued support.
Tina
On February 27th we held a ceilidh to hand over the cheques, thank the sponsors and to celebrate the team's efforts.
The total money raised was £28,030 which far surpassed any of our expectations and well over our £20,000 target! I cannot get pictures on from this computer but will add it once I can.
NOW onto our next project in May John and I (Tina) are cycling in Malawi, raising money for Embangweni Hospital, which is in the north of the country near the border with Zambia. I will endeavour to update the website with information about this, but in the meantime you can make a donation via www.justgiving.com/john-tinabruce Thank you all for your continued support.
Tina
Friday, 26 September 2008
The graft is complete- Champers at the Palace..Great Ending
Friday 26th September
Today Mileage miles 39.5 ∑Total to date 1002.5 miles Complete
Today we awoke in the knowledge that this was the final fling, the last haul!! The Melvich hotel was a lovely final evening’s rest. We had planned to stay in Tongue Youth Hostel but we decided to stay a wee bit closer to our route. What a good decision this turned out to be.
There are a lot of thoughts and emotions tied up to what is effectively the last day and we were gladdened to start the day with a quick spurt to Castletown, a wee photo stop in front of Dunreay and on for a quick coffee.
We had the climax at John O’Groats where we were greeted by Birchwood Highland and Highland Breast Care members, a lone piper played a welcoming tune as we cycled to the applause of our reception committee, also including friends who travelled from near and far to greet us.
The blog ends tonight with a few reflections from the folk who have done the full trip and those who joined us on the way:
Jimmy:
There are two aspects that I feel have hit me very strongly. The importance of such events to groups such as Highland Breast Care and Birchwood was clearly made apparent to me at the welcome parties, “how much a little bit means to so many.” The other aspect is the generous giving of people, both the sponsors and those who donated in kind such as accommodation and unplanned giving such as donations en route and gifts of food and refreshments to help the team on their way.
Tom:
It has been wonderful to meet many people who are motivated to cycle for a great cause. The highlight of the week was to meet new people and see new countryside.
Peter:
The highlight for me – beginning, middle and end, was meeting the team, being with them and having a great laugh. The team are fantastic. It has been a privilege to share 150 miles with them.
John:
An epic journey on 2 wheels through the UK and Ireland. A journey that took us to new places and met many interesting people with a team that was comfortable with each other.
Stephen:
Its been great, tinged with some regret that its over for us three hangers on, just when we’re getting the hang of what’s expected. Tina, John, Jimmy, Corinne, Joan – thanks for the company and fun over the last few days.
Corinne:
Writing this, I am sitting looking at the coast at the North of Scotland. It seems incredible that we have travelled from the far South of the UK to this point entirely under our own steam! This leads me to believe that anyone can do anything, if they put their mind to it and just stick in there. Travelling through the UK, we have come across a diverse cross section of people, the vast majority of whom gave us help out of the sheer kindness of their heart without getting anything in return. This should restore everyone’s faith in humanity in what is sometimes a cynical world. Special thanks to Jimmy who looked after our catering needs, most important on a trip like this. Also to the big man upstairs as remarkably, we all survived the trip virtually unscathed – no major accidents or injuries.
This trip took place because of a personal mission of Tina Bruce. She has resolutely stuck to her plans and her organisation of the adventure has been without fault. I know the charities that she is raising funds for are proud of what she has achieved. More power to your elbow (or your legs maybe.....!)
Joan:
When I was asked to join this adventure I was excited but nervous that I would not be able to do it all but had the thought that we had a back up van. Little did I know that the adrenaline would kick in and keep me going. It is amazing what good company and a shower or a bath each night can do for you. You wake up every morning raring to go. The kindness and generosity we have been shown on this trip restores your faith in human nature. We none of us have any secrets anymore! We have eaten, slept (not all together apart from the Youth Hostel), pedalled, laughed and yawned together for nearly 3 weeks. My highlight was conquering Whitebridge hill on the South side of Loch Ness, which was a major achievement then flying down Essich Hill. The thought of seeing Denis might have had something to do with the wings that were on my pedals that day. This has been a fabulous way of marking my retirement but I have to confess that I am disappointed not to be a size 8 by now! The fact that Jimmy called us the locusts might have something to do with that. I am going to have to find another way of passing my time now but this will be a hard act to follow.
My thanks to the rest of the team for making this such a memorable trip. Special thanks to all the people who gave us free accommodation – you all looked after us superbly especially Sue and Alvin Trevenna who even gave up their beds for people they did not know.
Tina:
A journey of endurance, of bonding and of discovery! A group of five unlikelies coming together for a specific purpose – to travel from Lands End to John O’Groats over a period of three weeks, using pedal power.
And on a special closing note from Tina:-
We’ve met many kind and generous people, too many to mention in a brief note, but friendship, hospitality and donations have been poured upon us. We have been privileged to provide people with the opportunity to show this generosity and kindness!
A special thank you to the team, Corinne for her compassion and vision; Joan for her eternal optimism; Jimmy for his unerring support and John for his unwavering strength.
We are eternally grateful to our sponsors, HAEL, Highland Bicycle Co and all those providing accommodation and hospitality on our way.
Thank you to everyone who supported us, cajoled us and helped us on our way. Our sponsors, the charities we’re supporting, our friends who faithfully followed us on our journey and those of you who followed us but couldn’t get registered we are eternally grateful. That knowledge kept us going and you are as much a part of this journey as we are.
Today Mileage miles 39.5 ∑Total to date 1002.5 miles Complete
Today we awoke in the knowledge that this was the final fling, the last haul!! The Melvich hotel was a lovely final evening’s rest. We had planned to stay in Tongue Youth Hostel but we decided to stay a wee bit closer to our route. What a good decision this turned out to be.
There are a lot of thoughts and emotions tied up to what is effectively the last day and we were gladdened to start the day with a quick spurt to Castletown, a wee photo stop in front of Dunreay and on for a quick coffee.
We had the climax at John O’Groats where we were greeted by Birchwood Highland and Highland Breast Care members, a lone piper played a welcoming tune as we cycled to the applause of our reception committee, also including friends who travelled from near and far to greet us.
The blog ends tonight with a few reflections from the folk who have done the full trip and those who joined us on the way:
Jimmy:
There are two aspects that I feel have hit me very strongly. The importance of such events to groups such as Highland Breast Care and Birchwood was clearly made apparent to me at the welcome parties, “how much a little bit means to so many.” The other aspect is the generous giving of people, both the sponsors and those who donated in kind such as accommodation and unplanned giving such as donations en route and gifts of food and refreshments to help the team on their way.
Tom:
It has been wonderful to meet many people who are motivated to cycle for a great cause. The highlight of the week was to meet new people and see new countryside.
Peter:
The highlight for me – beginning, middle and end, was meeting the team, being with them and having a great laugh. The team are fantastic. It has been a privilege to share 150 miles with them.
John:
An epic journey on 2 wheels through the UK and Ireland. A journey that took us to new places and met many interesting people with a team that was comfortable with each other.
Stephen:
Its been great, tinged with some regret that its over for us three hangers on, just when we’re getting the hang of what’s expected. Tina, John, Jimmy, Corinne, Joan – thanks for the company and fun over the last few days.
Corinne:
Writing this, I am sitting looking at the coast at the North of Scotland. It seems incredible that we have travelled from the far South of the UK to this point entirely under our own steam! This leads me to believe that anyone can do anything, if they put their mind to it and just stick in there. Travelling through the UK, we have come across a diverse cross section of people, the vast majority of whom gave us help out of the sheer kindness of their heart without getting anything in return. This should restore everyone’s faith in humanity in what is sometimes a cynical world. Special thanks to Jimmy who looked after our catering needs, most important on a trip like this. Also to the big man upstairs as remarkably, we all survived the trip virtually unscathed – no major accidents or injuries.
This trip took place because of a personal mission of Tina Bruce. She has resolutely stuck to her plans and her organisation of the adventure has been without fault. I know the charities that she is raising funds for are proud of what she has achieved. More power to your elbow (or your legs maybe.....!)
Joan:
When I was asked to join this adventure I was excited but nervous that I would not be able to do it all but had the thought that we had a back up van. Little did I know that the adrenaline would kick in and keep me going. It is amazing what good company and a shower or a bath each night can do for you. You wake up every morning raring to go. The kindness and generosity we have been shown on this trip restores your faith in human nature. We none of us have any secrets anymore! We have eaten, slept (not all together apart from the Youth Hostel), pedalled, laughed and yawned together for nearly 3 weeks. My highlight was conquering Whitebridge hill on the South side of Loch Ness, which was a major achievement then flying down Essich Hill. The thought of seeing Denis might have had something to do with the wings that were on my pedals that day. This has been a fabulous way of marking my retirement but I have to confess that I am disappointed not to be a size 8 by now! The fact that Jimmy called us the locusts might have something to do with that. I am going to have to find another way of passing my time now but this will be a hard act to follow.
My thanks to the rest of the team for making this such a memorable trip. Special thanks to all the people who gave us free accommodation – you all looked after us superbly especially Sue and Alvin Trevenna who even gave up their beds for people they did not know.
Tina:
A journey of endurance, of bonding and of discovery! A group of five unlikelies coming together for a specific purpose – to travel from Lands End to John O’Groats over a period of three weeks, using pedal power.
And on a special closing note from Tina:-
We’ve met many kind and generous people, too many to mention in a brief note, but friendship, hospitality and donations have been poured upon us. We have been privileged to provide people with the opportunity to show this generosity and kindness!
A special thank you to the team, Corinne for her compassion and vision; Joan for her eternal optimism; Jimmy for his unerring support and John for his unwavering strength.
We are eternally grateful to our sponsors, HAEL, Highland Bicycle Co and all those providing accommodation and hospitality on our way.
Thank you to everyone who supported us, cajoled us and helped us on our way. Our sponsors, the charities we’re supporting, our friends who faithfully followed us on our journey and those of you who followed us but couldn’t get registered we are eternally grateful. That knowledge kept us going and you are as much a part of this journey as we are.
Thursday, 25 September 2008
Over the Forsinard to Melvich...Last Day tomorrow..Horray!!
Thursday 25nd September
Today Mileage miles 71 ∑Total to date 963 miles
Nice early start, on the road by 8.30am. Audrey and Sandy were perfect hosts – they’ve got the bed and breakfast routine par excellence and they don’t even do B & B! Corinne was most impressed by their new shower, but was a bit frightened to enter the chamber for fear that her body may be disparticled and transported elsewhere!! She thought Dornoch might have been chosen as the first venue for time
travel! Jimmy had trouble getting into his bed as it kept moving on the castors, at one stage he was in the hall way. Thank you to them for their hospitality and lovely breakfast.
First stop was Brora where we were treated to home made carrot cake and coffee at Morag Sutherland’s who has a beautiful sun porch overlooking the bay at Brora harbour. We didn’t want to leave here, especially with the thought of another 50 miles or so to go. We decided to go with a bit of local knowledge from Johnny, a friend of Morag’s who is a retired ghillie on the Helmsdale River. He advised us to go the route via Glen Loth which cuts off the corner of Helmsdale and takes you up to meet the Forsinard Road. He said we might have to walk the first mile (due to its steepness) however, Johnny, you didn’t tell us about the second, third and fourth miles that we might have to walk because of their incline!! However, this extra exertion was offset by the beauty of the hills with the heather just dying off.
Joan was in her element as she plummeted down the hill and on to the Forsinard Road (her choice over the Berriedale Braes) which we all agreed is a great, mostly flat road of almost 40 miles – single track with virtually no traffic, just a few hunting, shooting fishing types. We were again “buzzed” by military jets who seem to be following us with regularity. Corinne and Tina wondered whether the team might be a defence risk (sheep as secret agents perhaps?!). Corinne and Tina fancy their chances with the fly boys who they think have been stalking them all the way up Scotland!!!
Arrived in Melvich up the obligatory hill of course to the accommodation. Whilst we were all puffing and panting up it, Joanie remarked “imagine what it will be like tomorrow when we are cycling down it”. Typical Joan – Corinne is going to recruit her as her positive lifestyle coach when we finish this trip!! We are stopping for the last night before the push to J.O’.G. in the splendidly newly ongoing half-renovated Melvich Hotel where the rooms and the views of Orkney are fabulous. The “boys” (Tom, Peter and Stephen) enjoyed their longer trip today, Stephen having a little difficulty with his saddle (sore) and slight disappointment that Guinness is not available at the hotel, but soon made up by drinking the beer cellar dryl! Peter was delighted to discover that he was in a room with the two boys with two double beds but then found that they had split one of them and he has to sleep on his own!! Team bonding Birchwood style...beware all you Birchwood staff for future team building events?!!
LAST day tomorrow.....hoop, hoop horray!!!
Today Mileage miles 71 ∑Total to date 963 miles
Nice early start, on the road by 8.30am. Audrey and Sandy were perfect hosts – they’ve got the bed and breakfast routine par excellence and they don’t even do B & B! Corinne was most impressed by their new shower, but was a bit frightened to enter the chamber for fear that her body may be disparticled and transported elsewhere!! She thought Dornoch might have been chosen as the first venue for time
travel! Jimmy had trouble getting into his bed as it kept moving on the castors, at one stage he was in the hall way. Thank you to them for their hospitality and lovely breakfast.
First stop was Brora where we were treated to home made carrot cake and coffee at Morag Sutherland’s who has a beautiful sun porch overlooking the bay at Brora harbour. We didn’t want to leave here, especially with the thought of another 50 miles or so to go. We decided to go with a bit of local knowledge from Johnny, a friend of Morag’s who is a retired ghillie on the Helmsdale River. He advised us to go the route via Glen Loth which cuts off the corner of Helmsdale and takes you up to meet the Forsinard Road. He said we might have to walk the first mile (due to its steepness) however, Johnny, you didn’t tell us about the second, third and fourth miles that we might have to walk because of their incline!! However, this extra exertion was offset by the beauty of the hills with the heather just dying off.
Joan was in her element as she plummeted down the hill and on to the Forsinard Road (her choice over the Berriedale Braes) which we all agreed is a great, mostly flat road of almost 40 miles – single track with virtually no traffic, just a few hunting, shooting fishing types. We were again “buzzed” by military jets who seem to be following us with regularity. Corinne and Tina wondered whether the team might be a defence risk (sheep as secret agents perhaps?!). Corinne and Tina fancy their chances with the fly boys who they think have been stalking them all the way up Scotland!!!
Arrived in Melvich up the obligatory hill of course to the accommodation. Whilst we were all puffing and panting up it, Joanie remarked “imagine what it will be like tomorrow when we are cycling down it”. Typical Joan – Corinne is going to recruit her as her positive lifestyle coach when we finish this trip!! We are stopping for the last night before the push to J.O’.G. in the splendidly newly ongoing half-renovated Melvich Hotel where the rooms and the views of Orkney are fabulous. The “boys” (Tom, Peter and Stephen) enjoyed their longer trip today, Stephen having a little difficulty with his saddle (sore) and slight disappointment that Guinness is not available at the hotel, but soon made up by drinking the beer cellar dryl! Peter was delighted to discover that he was in a room with the two boys with two double beds but then found that they had split one of them and he has to sleep on his own!! Team bonding Birchwood style...beware all you Birchwood staff for future team building events?!!
LAST day tomorrow.....hoop, hoop horray!!!
Press and Teapots...onward to Dornoch
Wednesday 24nd September
Today Mileage miles 43 ∑Total to date 892 miles
I think even if we were Madonna and Guy Ritchie, we wouldn’t have got more publicity than we did today! Supporters were out in force for the next leg of our journey which gave us all a massive boost for the last push. Tina attended an interview at Radio Highland which is to be broadcast on Radio nan Gael about personal journeys undertaken by people who had had cancer. She then returned to the Palace where pictures and a story were taken for the Highland News.
We are a much bigger group today – we have 2 other vagabonds with us – Stephen and Peter from Birchwood in Inverness. Peter has a particularly natty little bike – a folding number put together by Bromptons with tiny wheels which certainly don’t seem to stop him flying along (could it be his well toned calves noticed by a female member of our company).
First leg was along to Cromarty where we got the little ferry across to Nigg, the captain of the ferry gave us a free passage, so many thanks to you sir! Jimmy was waiting for us in Nigg – he had made a special effort with the food as we now have “guests” – extra packets of Boaster biscuits to give everyone extra energy. However, you’ve heard the story about the guy who couldn’t boil an egg, well Jimmy is the guy who couldn’t boil the kettle for tea – he left the teapot on the portable stove and forgot about it and the bottom of the pot burned through completely!
Straight to Audrey and Sandy’s, friends of Joan and Dennis in Dornoch where we had homemade sausage rolls and cake. Sandy thought a stripper had been booked for his birthday when John turned up in a micro towel, just about covering the basics! He was disappointed about the gender of the stripper though!!
The ladies of the group are starting to feel outnumbered and are worried that we may have another one or two “gadget men” on board to join Mr Bruce and Mr Ferguson. The ladies might end up confiscating all mobile phones, GPSs, Blackberries, Blueberries, Strawberries....!!
Today Mileage miles 43 ∑Total to date 892 miles
I think even if we were Madonna and Guy Ritchie, we wouldn’t have got more publicity than we did today! Supporters were out in force for the next leg of our journey which gave us all a massive boost for the last push. Tina attended an interview at Radio Highland which is to be broadcast on Radio nan Gael about personal journeys undertaken by people who had had cancer. She then returned to the Palace where pictures and a story were taken for the Highland News.
We are a much bigger group today – we have 2 other vagabonds with us – Stephen and Peter from Birchwood in Inverness. Peter has a particularly natty little bike – a folding number put together by Bromptons with tiny wheels which certainly don’t seem to stop him flying along (could it be his well toned calves noticed by a female member of our company).
First leg was along to Cromarty where we got the little ferry across to Nigg, the captain of the ferry gave us a free passage, so many thanks to you sir! Jimmy was waiting for us in Nigg – he had made a special effort with the food as we now have “guests” – extra packets of Boaster biscuits to give everyone extra energy. However, you’ve heard the story about the guy who couldn’t boil an egg, well Jimmy is the guy who couldn’t boil the kettle for tea – he left the teapot on the portable stove and forgot about it and the bottom of the pot burned through completely!
Straight to Audrey and Sandy’s, friends of Joan and Dennis in Dornoch where we had homemade sausage rolls and cake. Sandy thought a stripper had been booked for his birthday when John turned up in a micro towel, just about covering the basics! He was disappointed about the gender of the stripper though!!
The ladies of the group are starting to feel outnumbered and are worried that we may have another one or two “gadget men” on board to join Mr Bruce and Mr Ferguson. The ladies might end up confiscating all mobile phones, GPSs, Blackberries, Blueberries, Strawberries....!!
Wednesday, 24 September 2008
Warm Welcome's in Inverness
Tuesday 22nd September
Today Mileage miles 35 ∑Total to date 849 miles
We left the hospitality of Margaret and Gordon at Thistle Dubh B & B after exchanging pleasantries with a fellow resident, a chap on holiday from North Carolina who was on something called a Haggis Bus Tour. They had journeyed up from Edinburgh and were “doing” Skye today.
The team were soon into the throes of Whitebridge Hill, on the Dores side of Loch Ness, a rather dapper little hill, 9 out of 10 on the Richter scale of hills for severity and length. Joan, the old warhorse, battled on, kept her head down and made all the hills, only stopped to text Dennis to say she hadn’t stopped!!?. Corinne decided, after being overtaken by 2 joggers, to hang with it and got off and pushed the bike! Tina made a comment to two surly workmen about the steepness of the hill and they replied that it wasn’t steep enough! (Tom offered to exchange his bike for their spade!) Joan flew like Spiderwoman on Speed down the hill at Essich when she saw the Kessock Bridge. It was the thought of going home to wash Dennis’ socks that kept the wifie going!
I think we were all a bit overcome with the warm welcomes that we got when we arrived in Inverness. Tina led the way to the Birchwood Recovery Centre in Hilton, where a banner and balloons were waiting our arrival, together with a mixture of folk from Birchwood and Highland Breast Care. A lot of people had gone to a lot of trouble to make soups, sandwiches, quiches, pies, meringues (which John found delicious but hard to eat without a mess!) A very big thank you to everyone who contributed to the event and for all the lovely things that people said to us.
We then cycled into the town where we said a quick hello to the boys at Highland Bicycle Co who have been very generous to us. Simon appeared, not knowing his mum and dad were going to be there, and his reaction was that of a typical teenager – just as if his mum and dad had popped out for afternoon tea rather than cycled from Lands End!
Tina, mega media star, popped into Radio Highland to do another interview which is to be heard on Radio Scotland on Wednesday. She and John finally arrived at the Palace where a reception committee were waiting for them – their friends from previous cycling trips including Evelyn who was celebrating her 70th birthday. They had set up a champagne and chocolate cake reception in the car park of the hotel, so that was another lovely welcome. Everyone felt like royalty.
A very special thank you must be given to Mark, the manager and the staff of the Palace, who provided the hotel’s accommodation, food, drink and facilities absolutely free of charge. Not forgetting the lovely, relaxing massage provided by Rebecca and Wendy. Dennis has been updating the map in the Leisure club to show everyone the route.
Various members of the team’s family and friends came to visit on Tuesday night which was very much appreciated – it was nice to see some faces from home after our long journey. We will be joined on the last leg of the tour by Peter and Stephen from Birchwood, onward and upward....!!
Today Mileage miles 35 ∑Total to date 849 miles
We left the hospitality of Margaret and Gordon at Thistle Dubh B & B after exchanging pleasantries with a fellow resident, a chap on holiday from North Carolina who was on something called a Haggis Bus Tour. They had journeyed up from Edinburgh and were “doing” Skye today.
The team were soon into the throes of Whitebridge Hill, on the Dores side of Loch Ness, a rather dapper little hill, 9 out of 10 on the Richter scale of hills for severity and length. Joan, the old warhorse, battled on, kept her head down and made all the hills, only stopped to text Dennis to say she hadn’t stopped!!?. Corinne decided, after being overtaken by 2 joggers, to hang with it and got off and pushed the bike! Tina made a comment to two surly workmen about the steepness of the hill and they replied that it wasn’t steep enough! (Tom offered to exchange his bike for their spade!) Joan flew like Spiderwoman on Speed down the hill at Essich when she saw the Kessock Bridge. It was the thought of going home to wash Dennis’ socks that kept the wifie going!
I think we were all a bit overcome with the warm welcomes that we got when we arrived in Inverness. Tina led the way to the Birchwood Recovery Centre in Hilton, where a banner and balloons were waiting our arrival, together with a mixture of folk from Birchwood and Highland Breast Care. A lot of people had gone to a lot of trouble to make soups, sandwiches, quiches, pies, meringues (which John found delicious but hard to eat without a mess!) A very big thank you to everyone who contributed to the event and for all the lovely things that people said to us.
We then cycled into the town where we said a quick hello to the boys at Highland Bicycle Co who have been very generous to us. Simon appeared, not knowing his mum and dad were going to be there, and his reaction was that of a typical teenager – just as if his mum and dad had popped out for afternoon tea rather than cycled from Lands End!
Tina, mega media star, popped into Radio Highland to do another interview which is to be heard on Radio Scotland on Wednesday. She and John finally arrived at the Palace where a reception committee were waiting for them – their friends from previous cycling trips including Evelyn who was celebrating her 70th birthday. They had set up a champagne and chocolate cake reception in the car park of the hotel, so that was another lovely welcome. Everyone felt like royalty.
A very special thank you must be given to Mark, the manager and the staff of the Palace, who provided the hotel’s accommodation, food, drink and facilities absolutely free of charge. Not forgetting the lovely, relaxing massage provided by Rebecca and Wendy. Dennis has been updating the map in the Leisure club to show everyone the route.
Various members of the team’s family and friends came to visit on Tuesday night which was very much appreciated – it was nice to see some faces from home after our long journey. We will be joined on the last leg of the tour by Peter and Stephen from Birchwood, onward and upward....!!
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