After 91 hours in the saddle over 9 days I crossed the finishing line at Lands End on Sunday after a 1,000 mile ride from John O'Groats. It was an extraordinary and at times brutal experience, which certainly tested my physical and mental fortitude.

Having set off on the 12 June with over 650 riders, we faced lashing rain and headwinds for our first day along the Atlantic Coast, but with conditions improving on day 2 we rode along Loch Ness looking out for the illusive monster and ended up at the foot of Ben Nevis.

Thereafter we enjoyed improving weather conditions, but some monster days and climbs, which included Glen Coe, in the Lake District, The Long Mynd in Shropshire and the Mendip and Quantock Hills in . Our days started at 5.30am and ranged from 103 to 133 miles, with overall climbs of up to 10,000 feet in a day. When not staring at the tarmac or the backside of the rider in front, I saw at first hand the stunning countryside of the British Isles, crossed iconic structures including the Servern and Clifton Suspension bridges, rode along Loch Lomond, Lake Windermere, the Solway Firth and the Wye, through parts of Glasgow, Manchester and Bristol and experienced the rugged landscape of Bodmin Moor and coastline of Cornwall.

Throughout, I was spurred on by the overwhelming support and encouragement I have received from friends, family and colleagues alike, and the fact that through your generosity I have so far raised £10,000 for two exceptional charities which lie close to my heart.  Helen and Douglas House in and in both help children, young adults and their families come to terms with life-shortening conditions, physical disabilities and associated learning difficulties. 

Whilst I have made my target, the two sites remain open http://www.justgiving.com/Jim-Johnston for Helen and Douglas House and http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JimJohnston for for any further donations. As an added incentive to anyone thinking of giving, Goodman, has agreed to double the £10,000 I have raised so far.

Once again, a big thank you to everyone who has supported and sponsored me.