Story

<div id="story" class="frp-message-body" style="height: auto;">   <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: red; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">TO READ ALL ABOUT MIKE AND MARIA'S JOURNEY AS THEY CYCLE 463 MILES FROM CARLISLE TO INVERNESS, PLEASE GO TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE. <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Challenge Scotland <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: red; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">ESTATE AGENTS FOUNDATION AND HELP FOR HEROES <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: red; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">HELP THE HOMELESS AND OUR WOUNDED HEROES   <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">From 18 to 26 May The Property Ombudsman will be physically represented in Scotland by two of his Case Officers, Mike and Maria Evans, who will be venturing north of Hadrian’s Wall.  The couple will not be concentrating on the TPO Code of Practice during their visit but rather tarmac and two wheels as they meet the challenge of cycling, on a tandem, the 463 miles of the Scottish, Lochs and Glens, Sustrans National Cycle Route starting at Borrowdale, near Keswick, and finishing at Inverness in aid of the<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: red; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> Estate Agents Foundation <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">charity and <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: red; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Help for Heroes. <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: red; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">AN EXCITING DEVELOPMENT IS THAT THE PROPERTY OMBUDSMAN AS A COMPANY HAS AGREED TO MATCH ANY DONATIONS UP TO £1,000 <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: red; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">.<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;" lang="EN-GB">    <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;" lang="EN-GB">The duo are no strangers to physical challenges of this type having completed a number of demanding events and, over 4 days last July, cycled from the tip of North Wales at Holyhead to the Southern coast of Wales, and over three mountain ranges, on their tandem.  They then decided to cycle back home to the Salisbury area from Chepstow as the weather had cheered up and Mike had forgotten his Senior Citizens rail card!  However, this will be the couples’ longest challenge yet; they will be completely self-supporting and have no backup team which will necessitate them carrying all of their own kit and spares<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> so would welcome any support along the way whether it is in the form of encouragement, cups of tea, a carbohydrate fix or, most importantly <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: red; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">donations for the charities.<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;" lang="EN-GB">    <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The couple are funding the entire venture themselves, including all accommodation costs and commercial vehicle hire for them and the tandem.  Please be assured that not so much as a patch for a punctured tyre will be subsidised from any sponsorship money you may be kind enough to donate.<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;" lang="EN-GB">  <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Please give generously. <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Donations can be made to:   <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: red; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Donate at:<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: red; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.justgiving.com/Mike-Evans4">www.justgiving.com/Mike-Evans4</a><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: red; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> for EAF<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">  <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: red; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Donate at:<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: red; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.justgiving.com/Mike-Evans5">www.justgiving.com/Mike-Evans5</a><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: red; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> for Help for Heroes<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;" lang="EN-GB">    <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;" lang="EN-GB">Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.   <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;" lang="EN-GB">Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity. So please dig deep and donate now.<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">   <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;" lang="EN-GB">DAY 1 – Wednesday 18 May 2011<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;" lang="EN-GB">    <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">9:00 Met with the staff at the Carlisle Branch of Cumberland Estate Agents who saw them off on their 463 mile tandem cycling challenge to Inverness. When they arrived they did a live interview with Radio Cumbria and have been presented with their very own Olympic torch to take with them on their journey.<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;" lang="EN-GB">    <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;" lang="EN-GB">12:15 Arrived at Annan. It is very windy and they are looking for a cup of tea. Having to battle with 50 MPH head winds.    <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;" lang="EN-GB">15:50 Arrived in Dumfries (their stop off point for the night) completely drenched. The local Tourist Information office took photo’s for their weekly report and they have now had a call from West Scotland Sound who are very interested in their challenge. They have travelled 54 miles and used up 2,180 calories. Maria says that she has used up far more than this because she works harder!! <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;" lang="EN-GB">   <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;" lang="EN-GB">DAY 2 – Thursday 19 May 2011<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">   <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;" lang="EN-GB">Today is Mike’s birthday!  <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;" lang="EN-GB">12:02 Arrived in Castle Douglas at 12:02 by which time they had gone through the 100 mile point. It is cold but so far it has not rained. Moral is still high!    <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;" lang="EN-GB">13:55 Arrived in Kirkcubright and had a picnic at the harbour.    <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;" lang="EN-GB">16:20 Arrived in Gatehouse of Fleet (their stop off point for the night). They have travelled 47 miles today (143 in total) and used up 1,700 calories.    <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;" lang="EN-GB">DAY 3 – Friday 20 May 2011<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">    <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Unable to make contact today due to the lack of signal but message received on Saturday to say that they had arrived safely in Maybole.    <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">DAY 4 – Saturday 21 May 2011<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">  <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">12:57 Arrived in Troon having gone through the 200 mile point. Morale is still high but the weather is not being kind, as they are being battered by high winds and heavy rain.   <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">19:49 Arrived in Lochwinnoch where they couldn’t even go out for a meal because all of their clothes were drenched!     <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">DAY 5 – Sunday 22 May 2011<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">    <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">1:15 Hit Glasgow and had tea with Strathclyde Police Air Support Unit, which is based on their route. Then later they met with their friend Ellie, who had travelled from Aberdeen to Dumbarton to see them.    <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">21:50 Now at their B&B in Dryman contemplating the gale force winds that have been forecast for Monday and the BIG Mountains that they know await them on this leg of their journey.    <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">With diversions and twists they have done 300 miles and have 4 days to go!  <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">DAY 6 – Monday 23 May 2011<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">  <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">16:10 Still have 7 miles to go before they arrive in Killin (their stop off point for the night). They are in the middle of nowhere and are being battered by strong winds and falling branches. However, they are still determined to make it to their stop off point.  <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">DAY 7 – Tuesday 24 May 2011<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">  <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">09:00 As no message was received to say that they had arrived safely in Killin last night, phoned the B&B to ensure that they did. Spoke with Maria and she advised that they were unable to call as they had no signal on their mobile and all the land lines were down. She said that there is no electricity and that to enable them to make it there they needed to move fallen trees out of their path. They are just packing and will set off on their next part of trip very soon. They promised to call again later with a further update but she did say that more of the same weather has been forecast for Wednesday.<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">  <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">10:30 They can see snow!!! They are at the edge of Loch Tay. It is freezing cold and with diversions they have now travelled 353 miles, 340 of which are of the route. <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">15:47 Now at Pitlochry! Only 10 miles to go to Blair Athol (their stop off point for the night) but unfortunately the wind is going to be against them for that bit. Contemplating a big day tomorrow as they go into the Cairngorms. <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 140%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">17:35 Arrived safely in Blair Athol. DAY 8 – Wednesday 25 May 2011   12:33 At Newtonmore having conquered the Pass of Drumochter at 1516 feet. Now passed the 400 mile mark and have seen their first cycleway sign for Inverness – 70 miles. Very cold!   15:20 Arrived at their destination (Kincraig) already!!!! Really chuffed because they kept passing a group on racing bikes and they had no kit to carry.  They have travelled 447 actual miles and have 49 to go!!   19:45 Mike and Maria advised that it made it feel worthwhile when they met with some local workers in the bar of Suie Hotel, Kincraig near Kingussie and they kindly sponsored them £40.  DAY 9 – Thursday 26 May 2011     11:30 Arrived in Tomatin after making an early start to avoid bad weather. Raining very heavily now though but only 23 miles left!   13:45 They have done it! Mike and Maria made it to Inverness having travelled 496 miles in total. Their bike is now in desperate need of a service and they are off back to Keswick for a well earned rest. WELL DONE MIKE AND MARIA!        </div>

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