Day 28, to John O’Groats

Last night we stayed in Sandras Hostel in Thurso and Pascal turned up to ride the last stretch of Le-Jog so we did some pre-celebrating by having a curry at The Pride of Bengal.

A sunny and (more or less) cloudless sky

Today we set off for the last few miles of this beautiful and memorable journey. The day began with the best weather so far – sun in a cloudless sky. We made a detour to visit Dunnet Head, with is even further north, and more remote, than John O’Groats. We saw Puffins flying around the cliffs – Yippee, I Dunnet!

Dunnet Head

Arriving at John O’Groats I celebrated with the hugest chocolate brownie that I’ve ever seen. It rivalled the famous deep fried mars bar. You could only eat such a treat in Scotland. I thought that I would save half, but then I ate the lot. Now I feel slightly queasy about eating chocolate ever again!

The finish line
Death by Chocolate

After coffee and the chocolatey treat, we climbed down to the beach to do some paddling. Did I really do this or did I dream it all? I’m going to miss my life on the road on this memorable journey.

Paddling at John O’Groats

Finally we tore ourselves away for the long drive home. I do hope that this ride will have helped to raise awareness and much needed funds for Refuge and Women’s Aid, and help women and children suffering from abuse.

Thank you all so much for following my blog. I’ll be back just as soon as I think of another adventure – and I will update my blog with the exact details (and distances) for the route.

Stats

20.6 miles (946.21 miles total), 625ft ascent, 650ft descent

18 thoughts on “Day 28, to John O’Groats”

  3. You are a massive inspiration to me, as a cyclist who only recently starting taking it seriously, and thought that, at 62, I’d left it too late. What an amazing achievement, well done!

    Like

    Reply

  5. You’ve done it! So very brilliant! Well done! What a fantastic good example you are. Great achievement! What your next plan? Lots of love.LB

    Like

    Reply

  6. Gina
    Fantastic! I never doubted you’d do it but I didn’t expect you to enjoy the ride and all that porridge. Brilliant
    John

    Like

    Reply

  7. Very well done Gina. Absolutely fantastic achievement and you sound like you enjoyed it.
    Hopefully the charities are pleased with the money raised.
    Safe home and enjoy a rest.

    Like

    Reply

  8. Amazing ! Well done Gina ! We never doubted for one moment that you would complete such an incredible achievement . Your gritty determination has been awe-inspiring. Well done .
    Love Clare and Paul

    Like

    Reply

  9. Amazing, Brilliant, Cheerful, Determined, Excellent….I could use a whole alphabet to describe you, Gina. Many, many congratulations, and well done on raising funds for and awareness of these causes. (I’ll miss reading your blog too!)

    Like

    Reply

  10. Huge congratulations. What an amazing lady you are. Such grit and determination. Cycling through, rain, shine, wind and traffic filled roads for such a worthy cause. And writing a daily blog after the slog! Thank you. It’s been a great journey for all your readers. Thank you for the stats too. Enjoy a bit of R and R before your next adventure 🚴‍♀️
    Liz

    Like

    Reply

  11. What a wonderful and inspiring achievement Gina,we will miss reading about your adventures. Enjoy your success.
    Gay x

    Like

    Reply

  12. Brilliant Gina. A fantastic achievement and you seem to have enjoyed (almost) every minute. Have a well earned rest and I will see you soon. Harry

    Like

    Reply

  13. Congratulations Gina, fantastic achievement. Your first day was our last day! 19 of us rode LEJOG on a fully supported tour (we were spoon fed!) Your weather at JOG looked great. We were at risk of hypothermia for our photos!

    Like

    Reply

  16. Well done Gina – and congratulations Pascal and the team! It’s been great to read about your trip on this blog 🙂

    Like

    Reply

Leave a comment