Project Midge: 500 Mile North Coast Challenge
We swapped footprints for tyre tracks with a 500 mile fundraising challenge
Just arrived in Sterling ready for the drive to Inverness tomorrow, where the cyclists mount the bikes for the first section of the 500 mile challenge. An evening of strength building in the local hostelery ahead. Plenty of protein no doubt. Serious cycling ahead with with the odd drink to liven spirits. Special thanks to ALD Automotive for the brilliant support vehicle.
Starting at Inverness castle the boys mount their bikes for the first 65 miles of the 500 mile challenge. The support vehicle needed a new battery which was provided by the AA in record time (a common occurrence we are told due to vehicles not moving much over the previous 18 months). A bit of rain during the day and a bit cold but hopefully the weather can only improve! Stopping in Locharron over night with a lovely view of the Loch from the accommodation. A big thank you to Matt Kendall for jumpstarting the support vehicle this morning and lending us his jump leads!
Getting back on the bikes in Locharron the boys set off on an 80 mile stint to Gairloch, with 6,500 feet ascent and decent along the route! There was a small miscommunication which let to the support vehicle becoming increasingly concerned about the guys at the peak in single digit temperatures and strong winds, thankfully everyone was alright and even after one of the guys took a tumble, coming off with a few scratches but onwards they tread. We will work harder to provide these guys with everything they need going forward.
Leaving Gairloch this morning with 75miles to Altnacealgach with a total ascent of nearly 6,000 feet and a total descent of nearly 5,500 feet. On one of the many stops of the support bus to resupply the guys and offer some bottled water to a friendly lone cyclist there was a freak occurrence as the wind blew one of the back doors all the way open which smashed the window! Thankfully no one was hurt and a solution was found within hours thanks to the amazing support from Sureserve. A small treat for the team tonight staying at a lovely establishment in Scourie allowing the team to get some much needed R&R, sorry lads it wont all be as nice as this again!
The longest part of the 500 mile challenge, today consist of 85 miles between Rhiconich and Thurso. Weather is not great today but it could be worse, thankfully we missed the first shower of the day just before they boys set off, a bit of rain sticking with us and a temperature of 13° C. A late finish today of 7pm (over 10 hours on the bikes!) putting the teams dinner plans at the Hotel in jeopardy, alternate plans were made to ensure the guys get a proper meal and they can still hit their miles today.
The longest part of the 500 mile challenge, today consist of 85 miles between Rhiconich and Thurso. Weather is not great today but it could be worse, thankfully we missed the first shower of the day just before they boys set off, a bit of rain sticking with us and a temperature of 13° C. A late finish today of 7pm (over 10 hours on the bikes!) putting the teams dinner plans at the Hotel in jeopardy, alternate plans were made to ensure the guys get a proper meal and they can still hit their miles today.
Starting in Thurso and heading towards John O'Groats this morning before turning south towards Wick and finishing in Helmsdale. The sun in shining but forecast is showing the weather turning sour at midday, the guys will be hoping to get as many miles under their belt before that happens! Unfortunately one of the cyclists had to retire half way into the day owing to and injured knee he had been nursing for several days, we fear if he carries on he may have done some serious damage, we thank you for the 380 odd miles you accomplished.
A lovely meal awaits the team next door to the B&B, some of the best seafood we will have!
The final day! Only 72miles between the guys and the finish line. Owing to the excessive miles the guys have done so far this week and the busyness of the A9, the finish point has been moved to a Inverness Caledonian & Thistle, which is a outside Inverness center. The guys made good time today despite the busyness of the road (a lot of articulated lorries and camper vans making the road dangerous for cyclists).
