Day 1

Day 1
John O’Groats to Culbokie
108 miles

Off on an adventure, from John O’Groats to Lands End to take on the ‘End to End’ challenge.

There was a real mix of emotions as Wes, Scott, Jay and Lewis all prepared their bikes outside the Seaview Hotel at the crack of dawn in the most Northern part of Scotland.

At first the group all seemed fairly focused, making sure they had everything they needed, especially Lewis who looked all over for his sunglasses, only to realise they were hanging to the top of his shirt.

Once the lads reached the start line, marked by the signpost marking 874miles to Lands End, excitement continued to grow and after a few pics, some fist pumping and the chant of “by the power of Greyskull”, they were off at 6:45am.

Conditions were favourable, cloudy with a little bit of rain and in such a beautiful part of the world, spirits were high by they time they reached the first checkpoint in Lybster (29.7miles).

With an energy boost of sweets, crisps and flapjack they were off again following the coastline down towards Brora and a reward of a bacon and egg sandwich for lunch.

The purchase of a lottery ticket raised the question, would we carry on if we won the millions, the answer “yes, but delay the trip by a day so we can have a good drinking session in Edinburgh”. (Check back tomorrow to see the outcome)

Next we were on to Tain, meeting in a Lidl car park, not the most glamorous of locations, but it was practical and on route, plus providing the chance to stock up one again on checkpoint treats.

Everyone was still smiling and the sun was getting out, last leg on towards Culbokie, across the bridge, up a decent hill and arrive at Netherton Farm.

The guesthouse was really comfortable and had a cracking view of the trek we had just completed.

Day one complete and off for a well-deserved pint.

Wish us luck for the next EIGHT days.