Hello everyone..... I've only gone and done it !!!!
I made it to John O'Groats, 10 days and 1000 miles on from Land's End and I am here.
After a day of sun, heat and latterly the strong wind against, it was another hard and tough ride, I got to JOG at around 4.15, then I rode with the group down to the 'Post' for prosecco, hand shakes & hugs and then several photo shoots.
I am now feeling 'very emotional'
The day started with a nice ride by the side of Loch Naver and a lovely area called Strathnaver, the scenery was again spectacular. It was short lived as the next challenge was to climb up Bettyhill which was very tough with the wind also now starting to pick up in strength. I did make it to the top to then join the coastal road to Thurso. It was a magical moment as I had now gone as far north as I could and saw the ocean, I was now riding due East towards JOG.
'Sheep Stop Play' !!
Yes, it was a similar situation to the other day down in Cheshire, with the cows, however this time is was Sheep.
It gave me quite a breather for around 15 minutes as the sheep were not happy to run past me, they were in awe though at the sight of my Bianchi Bike
I thought 'Ewe have got to be kidding' !!
Just look at these views I have seen today, aren't they brilliant.
It has been an experience of a lifetime to do this challenge, I am now absolutely spent and exhausted. It has taken some real effort to cope with each day and achieve and conquer the mileages, hill climbs, hot weather, strong winds. There have been many moments where I could have took the easy option, but I didn't, instead I thought about the reasons why I am doing this and the funding I am trying to raise for Born Free, not forgetting all of the support you guys have given me and words of 'total encouragement', this kept me going !!
This is, without doubt, the hardest thing I have ever done. My body feels like it has taken a beating by Mike Tyson, It held together well, however, now I have finished, I am aching everywhere. I think maybe a pint of Scottish ale may work wonders this evening.
My hard training of many miles, in all weathers over the past two years + has indeed paid off, I left absolutely nothing out there and gave it my all.
As the sun sets on this awesome challenge, I am very proud of my achievement but also I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all once again for your kind donations and your strong support, which drove me across that line. When i crossed it and arrived at the JOG post, I don't mind telling you all that I was very emotional at the sense of achievement that I 'have actually cycled the entire length of the UK (through
England, Wales and Scotland) in just 10 days!!
Can you tell I am buzzing!!
I will write another blog in a few days time everyone with some stats, facts & figures for you, but until then, may I extend my sincere thanks once again to you all for following my journey and taking interest in my blogs, not to mention all of your support and kindness too.
Take care all
Mark (live at Joh O'Groats)
My Just Giving page is: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mark-quince2
My Blog Website page is: https://mquince1.wixsite.com/cyclechallenge
The Born Free Foundation Link is: https://www.bornfree.org.uk
Fundraising In aid of the Born Free Foundation Charity No 1070906
Bravo Mark! An amazing feat! You must be so pleased, and rightly so! Bet the Scottish ale tasted delicious :-)
Well done Mark, fantastic achievement you must be buzzing, the journey will be forever ingrained in your mind. The Born Free foundation have a great champion with you, your love of the work they do and the difference the money that is raised by people like you keeps our wild life safer. Loved your blogs you made your journey come alive and the humour after such gruelling days was awesome 👏