WE'VE DONE IT! TRAT update, day 6 pm - Pierre

Hurray!

 

We’ve done it. The group crossed the line at John O’Groats just after 8:00pm, having cycled 153 miles since Aviemore. The final 75 miles were just stunning with great weather, tail wind, and clear views over the North Sea. There were some cracking climbs too out of Hemsdale – our last opportunities to chase Bruce at flat-out climbing speed. Loved it. I wish Britain was hillier. BST should really consider a Lands End to John o’Groats that takes in the Alps on the way…

 

After fixing a last minute puncture before Wick (which provided the local midges with an opportunity to have cyclists’ blood for dinner), Neil found some new energy and took a 20 miles turn at the front to bring the excited group to the end of the country. Fewer and fewer “EASE UP” shouts could be heard from Erica (the group public address system – and a great wee lassie!) as even tired riders decided to get a move on. We took our wind jackets off to look good (very important) as a group on the finish line, and cycled through a shower of champagne whilst Hiten’s car stereo blasted Scottish bagpipes music! I am sure I was not alone in shedding a few tears of joy behind my shades. Called Jenny, Mike and texted my friends. Then drank champagne and paused for the obligatory pictures. TRAT 2008 was in the bag.

 

WHAT A RIDE! Britain is actually quite a big country.

 

We stayed at the “famous” Sandra’s budget Backpakers hostel in Thurso – which provided the group with an opportunity for hysterical laughter. Does this place really exist in Scotland? If you are curious about it, go and check it out for yourself!

 

Here are, then, the final stats for the 2008 TRAT:

881 miles cycled, incl 5 miles navigational error at Carlisle (and not even a sore bum)

56 hours 45’ in the saddle – LEJOG could be cycled a lot faster. I’ll try again.

9675 metres of total ascent (equivalent to climbing Mount Everest + 1 Munro, from sea level, in 6 days)

30,000 kcal of energy burnt (by each rider) – the equivalent of 10 marathons, or 14 days of food.

 

Bloody brilliant. I will never forget this ride. And all the children it will have helped in South Africa.

 

Pierre