LEJOG Day 8 - Perth to Grantown-on-Spey (95 miles)

Hello everyone, today was without doubt one of the toughest of my challenge so far, with several very long and savage climbs up to the Glenshee and Lecht ski resorts in the Cairngorms. The descents were scarily quick but very welcome, on one I touched 40 mph+ but had to caress my brakes as I was getting even faster, that was quick enough for me!

Day 8 has been on my mind for quite a few days as I knew what was about to come, its not called the Highlands for nothing. At the morning brief one of the other riders played the Sound of Music's 'Climb Every Mountain' on his mobile, which brought a few laughs, however I did start to consider how many different ways I could dispose of his mobile phone.... and where!!,

I did also see the funny side too.

As well as the high ground, it was also very nice to cycle through the woodlands of Braemar too. I saw some interesting road signs today, which were great to see as they show how far north I actually am, with only two days to go to reach the 'holy grail' of John O'Groats.

The sign on the right will interest all of you that enjoy a wee dram. I did actually cycle through

Glenlivet this afternoon too.

When cycling on the Braemar Road, I caught a glimpse of the Balmoral Estate in the distance, which was nice as it was our late Queen's most favourite place to be.

Also along the same route I saw the Braemar Golf Course, which is the highest golf course in the UK at 1,200 feet above sea level. I guess that may mean the ball would fly further at altitude? but alas so would my hooks and slices!

Today was undoubtedly a painful one, I am sore and aching this evening, however once I have freshened up, done my stretches, eaten some food and get some serious sleep, I will be good to go for tomorrow, the ninth and penultimate day.

I still have some numbness, pins and needles in my left hand but am coping, however, the most pleasing thing is that my suspect left hamstring is now fine, with no pain at all today, even on those big climbs.

The total elevation I achieved today was 7,939 ft. that is 3 x the height of Dubai's Burj Khalifa, the worlds tallest building, just to put it into perspective. Today, I also burned off 6,954 Calories but i also ate well in order to balance and maintain my strength and blood sugar level.

So, as my mind now turns towards tomorrow's cycle to Lairg, via Inverness, I aim to do you all proud again, I am excited at the thought of achieving my goal, my determination has never waivered. This has been the toughest of all tough challenges but all of your words of support, encouragement and reactions to my blog, help me get through each day with the same determination as when i started day 1 from Land's End.

Thank you all for your kind donations, which are still coming in. The total currently stands at £3,388, 67% of my target, that is sensational, thank you all again.

Have a good evening all, take care all and I'll see you tomorrow.

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