It was a great ride - not least because I had no mechanical problems whatsoever, not even a puncture. The weather was 'changeable': I set off and finished in bright sunshine, but in between experienced howling winds, fog, mist and all shades of showers from light to 'why is someone emptying a bathtub over me?'
En route I was given donations totalling £95 from total strangers - note to anyone doing anything similar - get an 'official' collecting tin from the charity you're raising money for, as people are often willing to donate but a bit embarrassed about handing money over. I also 'collected' 486 honks from motorists responding to the 'honk to support signs I was sporting. Once they saw those signs, drivers would beckon me to the front of queues, make way for me: might be an idea to carry them all the time….
I hope to get round to doing a write-up of the ride for various forums - let me know at ericonabike2004@yahoo.com if you'd like to receive a copy.FAQs
Q. Was this part of an organised ride?
A. No, it was a solo effort. I planned, organised and rode it alone.
Q. Why start from John O'Groats rather than Land's End?
A. Just to be different! But also because getting back by train from Land's End was a lot easier than from John O'Groats
Q. Wasn't it downhill all the way?
A. No!!
