Day 21 - The End.

We had left ourselves with a relatively easy 37 miles to complete today. By 11.05 we were homing in on John O'Groats with a closing speed of around 25 mph. With a stiff westerly wind propelling us to our goal we were 5 miles from the end of our LeJog journey but up until that time we hadn't been overtaken by our support vehicle. With the frightening prospect of arriving at the finishing line with no one to greet us we took the only option - stop for an hour and have a cream tea!  

With sufficient calories to sustain us we set off again, hoping that Mum and Sarah had got ahead of us by now. The last few miles shot by, and the hovering tv helicopters gave away the position of our goal. As we fought our way through the crowds, and the Saxo Bank and Sky Team agents waving pro contracts and cheque books at us, we spotted the tartan ribbon of the finishing line being held by Mum and Nick - resplendent in his Lindsay tartan kilt (the crowds are just around the corner in the photo below, held back by the police cordon)

We posed for the obligatory "signpost" photos, unfortunately upsetting its owner by a part soaking with a wayward jet of champagne, and then made sure we had good photo coverage for the archives.

And so it was over, after 1051 miles. I'm sure we'll all reflect in our own ways in the coming days and longer, but our initial feelings are of great satisfaction and a sense of achievement. The memories will of course be of all the sights and landscapes along the way (and the weather) but as so many people will say, the deepest feelings and strongest memories are for the people involved. We have had so much help and support along the way and been touched by incredible acts of kindness and generosity. A special thanks for all those who have given so generously to the Parkinson's UK charity - every bit helps.
Thank you so much to Mum and Sarah, and to everyone who has helped us along the way...it is a humbling experience for the riders who have had the relatively easy task of jumping on a bike each day and pedalling for a few hours.

It's been an unforgettable experience.

To see Lands End to John OGroats blogs from other people  and a huge reference for potential End to Enders see:
http://www.pewseys.co.uk/index.htm

Day 20

With slightly fuzzy but well rested heads, Team Probert made a slow start to day 20. As the Clynelish distillery was just down the road, and we'd sampled the fine single malt the night before, we thought it would only be right to take a tour of the establishment this morning. After a fascinating insight into the process, and a wee swalley for the road, we set off again into the increasingly wild and desolate wilderness.

After a 10 mile blast down the coastal road, we arrived at Helmsdale, home of the surprisingly named 'La Mirage' - one of the top 6 fish and chip shops in the UK - It didn't disappoint. Mum and Sarah joined us to enjoy the feast then the riders set off with that familiar stuffed to the gills feeling.

The rest of the ride was a 40 mile trek on a single lane road, cutting through stunning Sutherland scenery. Every car we came across came with its own dedicated fishing rod rack, as the locals flocked to reap the harvest from the area's wild rivers. We passed haunting remains of the old crofting settlements - remnants from the clearances. The rain showers we could see on the distant mountains finally found us and soaked us through and just as suddenly stop for us to be bathed in sunshine.



As evening drew in, the sight of the van signalled our stop for the night and as always Mum and Sarah were unbelievable in their support work, putting up the tent as we headed to the inn next door to refuel on soup and ale alongside a whole host of other Lejogers. The support team have been brilliant throughout and deserve another mention before the adventure is over - thanks so much!

So we're poised at our final stop in the north coast town of Melvich, ready for our final day assault on John o' Groats. Stand by for an emotional day tomorrow! 

Day 19

We had a really comfortable night in the Loch Ness-side caravan and wandered down to the B&B house to a fantastic full Scottish breakfast served by our amazingly hospitable hosts May and Duncan McIntosh. Duncan kept us entertained with great stories of Nessie hunting, and other local wildlife. Again it was very hard to tear ourselves away but we knew we had a long ride today - 80 miles to Brora. As we left, our hosts invited us to put our overnight accommodation fees to our Parkinsons UK charity. Once again we were taken aback by the incredible generosity and kindness we have experienced from the people we have met along our journey - thank you so much again May and Duncan.

Our ride took us alongside Loch Ness and then over the hills to Beauly, Dingwall, and then lots of miles along the A9. After 45 miles or so we noticed a highway maintenance car pull in ahead of us and the driver leaping out to take photos of the LeJog team. Fearing some sort of obscure Highlands cycling by-law rap we were extremely relieved and delighted to see it was Nick Lindsay - Dad's friend from early Ordnance Survey days. We were on our way to stay with Nick and Jacquie at Brora for the night and Nick had come down to welcome us. We stopped just north of Invergordon, after 47 miles for a Shandwick pub lunch, and were joined by our support team. 

Our journey along the A9 brought us into contact with many other cyclists doing LeJog or JoGLE. As we approached Brora we started to see more and more signs supporting the team and guiding us to our final destination - the local LeJog supporters club had done a fantastic job.

After 80 miles we reached Brora and followed the signs to Sunnybrae. Mum and Sarah were there already and the sun was beating down as the riders broke the tape on the finishing line - yes, there really was a finishing line.

In the evening, after the riders had been hosed down and made more sociable, we were treated to a fantastic Scottish themed meal from Nick and Jacquie - the centre piece being haggis, tatties and neaps. Our meal was washed down with coffee and then Clynelish single malt whisky - and we could see the distillery from our host's house!

Everyone can comment!

Have you just read about the LEJOG team's latest exploits? Are you inspired to leave a comment but feel baffled and confused by the complicated comments system? Well fret no more...Now commenting is easy and fun!

I've changed the settings so you don't have to log in or anything to leave a comment, just do it! I know it's a bit late with 2 days to go, but if you've got anything to say for any of the days just go for it, we appreciate the support!

Day 18

A day that ended with Dad realising he'd booked our Hostel for 26th June rather than July, started with him checking into Fort William hospital A+E to get his head checked after the crash. Enough said. He escaped with a clean bill of health but the medical team failed to find anything in there. It was Sarah's birthday, so our ride got off to a boozy start as we were treated to Buck's Fizz for our morning's hydration. After the birthday girl had opened her cards (thanks to all the senders) and Scottish themed prezzies, the riders set off.

The morning was a quiet ramble over a B road winding through pine forests, past fields of Highland cows, all the while in the shadow of the cloud-topped Ben Nevis. For sections the road hugged the Caledonian Canal with its crystal clear icy water, passing Neptune's Staircase, and finally leading us to our lunch stop: the Eagle - an old working barge converted into a floating pub. We weathered the storm that had been building as we tucked into jacket potatoes and local ale, then emerged into sunshine(ish) to pound out the final 19 miles with Loch Oich and Loch Ness as a backdrop.

Our plans to stay at Loch Ness Youth Hostel were brought to a halt by the aforementioned date mix-up, so with the support team safely installed in the hostel car park, the boys were forced to go in search of alternative accommodation. We eventually found it in the form of an old caravan, perched high in the garden behind a local B&B. There was no room at the inn, but the kind owner has let us hole up in their caravan and will be cooking up a breakfast for us in the morning. We even have Loch Ness views! And as a LeBlog exclusive we can bring you actual footage of the monster...

Day 17

Once again the weather continues to baffle. Another forecast of bad weather but after a slightly drizzly start the day was a real treat, and just as well because we cycled through the dramatic highland scenery of Glencoe.

Route finding was straightforward - follow the A82 to Fort William, not because we don't have time to meander the smaller by-ways, but because there aren't any. Our route took us north to Tyndrum, Bridge of Orchy and across Rannoch Moor. After a long Tourmalet - like climb (in as much as it was a climb) we came across a car park with great panoramic views, and a piper.

The road swept northwestwards in a roller coaster ride of long gradual climbs and descents, and then we got to the famous Glencoe. It didn't disapoint. Probably the best ride of LeJog so far took us between towering mountains, with tops peeping out between the clouds that scuttled past in the strong breeze. Blue skies and sunshine for most of the time were a completely unexpected bonus. It was so good to see this highland scenery in such perfect conditions, with big fluffy clouds casting dramatic shadows onto the steep slopes. We met up with Mum and Sarah at the Glencoe visitor centre, after 32 miles, and had a bite of lunch. We buzzed along beautifully slick tarmac for the rest of the ride, another 22 miles through Ballachulish, Onich, Corran and onto Fort William. We checked into the youth hostel while Mum and Sarah settled into the Caravan site just down the road. All of a sudden we realised we were only 4 days away from finishing this adventure.....we just might do it!!

Day 16

This morning brought with it a hugely significant achievement for the boys: The first complete night in the tent with no rain. The good mood continued as we lapped up a traffic-free, silky smooth road through forested glens and stunning moorland, winding between silvery lochs. The morning had a time-trial feel to it as we had a 10 o clock ferry to catch, or face a 4 hour wait for the next one. A punishing pace had got us within reach of the ferry with time to spare until a last minute decision to take a turning caused havoc in the team formation, leading to me ploughing into Dad and Greg toppling over me as he tried to stage a rescue. After we'd surgically removed dad from his bike, we realised we didn't have time to hang around and hammered towards Goruck, stepping onto the ferry just as it was leaving. Phew. As Dad started picking out debris from his grazes, he noted it was a lucky he'd shaved his legs to accompany the mini-kilt look a few days earlier.

After a couple of hours spent zipping along the undulating road that hugs the side of the magnificent Loch Long, we found an ideal spot to take on more local food in the shape of the Village Inn. At the waterside, surrounded by mountains grazing the clouds, we fed on jacket potatoes filled with haggis and 'neeps. The day also brought an unexpected first as we made contact with the support team on the road, and busted one of their secret tea-room stops. And another first: We're in a Youth Hostel tonight, which means food, comfy beds and Tour de France highlights. Ahhh! But the real highlight of the day came when Greg spotted some movement in the roadside ferns, and on closer investigation we found ourselves face to face with three magnificent stags, grazing in a glen. A typically Scottish scene and a really special sight, were all quite moved by the ecperience.

Day 15

Today was easily the sunniest day of LeJog - just like the Summer’s days we should have had all along. Pat showed us the house where Robbie Burns was born as a very young child early in his career as a poet. We stopped off at a bike shop in Ayr to get the rear brakes on Greg’s bike replaced then rode on to Troon where we sadly parted company with Pat. After a quick ice cream we rode on in scorchio heat and under blue skies past Irvine (no moor), Saltcoates, Ardrossan.

The ride along the coast to Largs was fantastic - great views of Ailsa Craig, Arran and then the Cumbrae islands. The riders met up with the support team at the campsite north of Largs and we then drove into Largs for fish suppers and then ice creams at the famous Nardinis ice cream shop, established in 1890. On the slow walk down the Largs promenade a lone rogue seagull swooped low over Dad’s shoulder and pecked a huge beak shaped hole out of a single cone luxury rum and raisin. The rest of the ice cream was disposed of on health and safety grounds.

Day 14

Day 14 was a relatively easy one, halting our relentless march northwards for a wee diversion to Ayr to see the Youngs, next door neighbours of Mum and Dad when they lived in Mauchline, Ayshire, back in the 1980’s. Between Muirkirk and Sorn, after 25 miles, we met up with Grant Young who had powered across from Ayr on his Ribble road bike to escort the Probert Challenge team into town.

We stopped just above Mauchline to take in the stunning panorama of the Ayrshire countryside. In Mauchline we visited the curling stone factory - still making the stones from granite hewn from the island of Ailsa Craig - the old volcanic plug off the coast of South Ayrshire known affectionately as Paddy’s Miletone. We visited the house in which Tom spent the first 6 months of his life but he didn’t remember a thing about it - there’s gratitude. As the Sky sports news helicopters hovered overhead to record every twist and turn, we turned onto the Ayr bypass and sped down to the Young’s house in Alloway. We were greeted by Pat and Dr Steph - and a great welcome banner. After a much needed freshen up we topped up calories with pieces on ham (I think thats what we say) and beer.

Then something very strange happened - there was this funny bright yellow thing that suddenly appeared in the sky. We finished of our tour of Grants bike shed (everyone should have one like that) and basked in the evening sunshine - it might be our only chance on LeJog. We had an amazing Scottish / cycling meal, featuring black pudding, haggis, tattie scone, lasagna, ice cream and perthshire strawbs, and a wee swalley of single malt (but not altogether). All washed down with copious supplies of beer and wine, and finished off by watching the Tourmalet stage of the Tour, it made for a fantastic evening. Great hospitality, great company and lots of laughter - thanks so much to Pat and Grant and Dr. Steph.

The hospitality of the Youngs threatened to soften the challenge team’s resolve and it was hard to prize us away from Alloway after a late brunch and a few photos posed with kilts, a wee tartan skirt and the “See You Jimmy” hat. After that Pat rode with us as far as Troon to make sure we really were out of town.

Day 13

Hurrah! Tom woke up to find both legs still attached and looking back to normal. Having got his leg sorted out he tried his best to steal the medical limelight by getting bitten by the farm's Shetland pony.

The night had been very wet and the forecast looked horrendous, with severe weather warnings for the border areas ...mmm. After putting on all possible waterproof clothing we set off into the early morning drizzle. As luck would have it, by the time we got to the Scottish border at Gretna the drizzle had fizzled and we even had glimpses of sunshine - bizarre.

We stopped for the obligatory photos then danced northwards with the M74, on the B roads alongside, over and under, through the southern uplands. For a while we cycled along with five other Lejogers who were on a more lungbusting 8 day schedule. We slowed down long enough to let them catch up, then let them go as they had another 80 or so miles to cycle. We passed through Lockerbie and then stopped at the Old Stables in Beatock for lunch - where we witnessed our first Scots, and our first Irn Bru (it's there in the background).

We only had 18 more miles to go after lunch and by the time we arrived at our campsite in Abington we had another 54 miles in the bag, 650 miles altogether. Mum and Sarah had set up camp, with usual efficiency and, having experienced stair-rods downpours since leaving the last site they were amazed to see us arriving dry.

Day 12

Tom had bravely battled through Day 11 suffering from a reaction to a couple of insect bites on his left leg. The leg had swollen and was quite uncomfortable to walk on, or ride a bike on. By the morning of Day 12 it was obvious that things weren't any better, in fact the condition had worsened, and Tom was not feeling at all well. It was decided to make a dash to Penrith to speak to a pharmacist for advice. A couple of packs of pills later we were on our way back to the last campsite and getting prepared for another day in the saddle i.e. packing the waterproofs. We bade our farewells to our new friend, the highland cow, and set off northwards again.

Strange but true, the forecast wasn't good, but we managed a nearly full day without rain. We made our way through beautiful Cumbrian countryside down quiet country lanes, gradually getting closer to the Scottish border. We stopped at Brampton for refreshments and got some local advice on where we could see remains of Hadrian's Wall. We diverted 10 or so miles from our original route to see 12th century Lanercost Priory, Hadrian's Wall and the remains of a Roman watchtower at the village of Banks. If we're honest the wall wasn't at its most impressive at this point but we didn't have time to explore for better examples.

Our last 10 miles to the campsite on Low Moor Head Farm were spent in light drizzle, quelle surprise, but we managed to arrive at the end of our 49 miles, without getting too wet for once. We are about 2 miles from the Scottish border, as the haggis flies. The support team, now augmented by Sarah, had established base camp, the tent was up, in the orchard with the ducks, and the evening meal was even under preparation. The lady of the farm had kindly given us a dozen eggs so our stores were topped up also. All good. We just need Tom's leg to respond to treatment now and allow him an easier day tomorrow.

Day 11

Over half way now - and we're still on schedule!

You can usually get a good idea of what somewhere is like by looking at the map of the area. Nothing prepared us for the amazing countryside of the Forest of Bowland though. The sweeping moorlands and hills provided us with the best morning's cycling of LeJog so far. Great riding and beautiful scenery.

And as a bonus we had a dry, and then sunny morning after a forecast of rain all day. Our ride today was a potentially gruelling one of 69 miles - with over 5,000 feet of ascent. We rode into North Yorkshire and into Cumbria, stopping at the very attractive Kirkby Lonsdale for lunch (including the local hot pot to keep up the local food thing). By the time we emerged from the Red Dragon the rain had started and stayed with us for the rest of the ride.... another 3 hours. By the time we got to our site, just south of Penrith, we were thoroughly soaked and at these latitudes that can soon lead to a survival situation.Then we spotted the campsite - yes. And then we spotted our van - with a highland cow right in front of it.

The owners of the Low Moor Park site were really kind to us, drying out all our kit in their tumble drier and over the Aga cooker. The team was finally augmented by the arrival of Sarah, our Nutrition and Media Director, who had come up from Southampton by coach. Why didn't we think of that?

At the end of day 11 we have completed 548 miles, over half way to John O'Groats and only 45 miles short of the Scottish border.

Some comments at the completion of the first half....

Dad: "We must try this again in the Summer"
Greg: "Its been sick man, here's to the second half" (raising bottle of Stella)
Tom: "Much tougher than I thought, not quite the sun-kissed holiday we'd been expecting but I'm looking forward to the heat wave in Scotland"
Mum: "Can't believe how quickly we've worked our way up the country - ready for the sunshine now"
Sarah "Way good, it all downhill from here"
Team Physician "These guys are amazing. The cardio-respitory figures are off the scale; I've not seen such stats since I started working with Lance"
Team Masseuse - "These guys are fit"

Day 10

Another day another downpour. We set off in light rain and it stayed that way for most of the morning, clearing up after lunch. Our blistering getaway faltered after about 500 metres when Greg discovered that he had a puncture. The emergency repair team moved smoothly into operation and had the team back on the road in less than half an hour.

Taking the adventure cycling concept to the max we cycled through several northern towns. We decided to keep close formation and to keep moving. Our route took us through a landscape of contrasts. Fields of cereal crops in rural isolation alternated with the red brick terraces, tanning shops and chinese takeaways in milltowns that were once the engine room of British industrial growth.

A feature of the morning was the number of cyclists out on the roads - more than the rest of our ride put together and great to see. We saw a variety of farm animals and wildlife on our travels through northern England - lots of sheep of course, lots of cows and the odd field of alpacas. Our route took us between Manchester and Warrington, over the Manchester ship canal, between Bolton and Wigan (nice view of the Reebok Stadium), through Chorley, around Blackburn (thus avoiding the 4,000 holes) and finally to Whalley. Our approach to Whalley was via high ground to the north of Blackburn with great views towards the Forest of Bowland and the Yorkshire Dales.

In the evening we had a visit from Mum's youngest sister Les, plus son Mark, and Arthur. They came across from Halifax with several tons of food supplies which made for a lovely evening picnic and leftovers to last until the highlands. Les also came with a very pleasant surprise in the form of a £75.86 donation to Parkinson's UK from money she'd collected at her school and in her village - a fantastic effort and a huge thanks to Les, Mark and Arthur x x x

Day 9

We've spent today getting back into the routine of life on the road after a whole day and 2 nights off. A massive thank you to Nan and Grandad for their brilliant hospitality, as always - fantastic food and a whole new set of clean cycling gear! The 5 star site comes highly recommended to anyone caravanning in the area. We managed to tear Greg away from the comfort of a bed using a full english fry up as bait, then bid a reluctant farewell to our extended support team who have treated us spectacularly well, and tentatively got back on the saddles.

There was a quick photo shoot for the local press to attend to before the riders headed out of Oswestry and into the Cheshire countryside. The stretches of canal along the way are well known to the Proberts and we used our maritime knowledge to locate a marina cafe where we re-fueled, surrounded by hundreds of barges.

In what was probably our easiest day of cycling so far, we ate up the 54 miles to reach our final destination - the spookily named 'Gravestones farm', let's hope we survive the night!