Lands End To John O'Groats 2022

We DID it! After  6 months of training and 11 days of riding from Lands End to John o' Groats - we have finally finished our epic cycle.  It's been an incredible journey together. Should you wish to donate to one or both of our chosen causes, you would be making such a difference to so many lives.   Just giving for the Michael Matthews Foundation The Michael Matthews Foundation manages donations from the Matthews Family, friends and supporters for education projects in Africa and Asia. Just giving for Brighter Futures Brighter Futures is a charity that supports parents, carers, children and young people in Jersey. They provide key worker support alongside a number of free programmes and services to help support the parents and carers we meet.

  13th May 2022   We’ve FINISHED!!!  Our route lunged into the heart of the highlands along desolate single track roads, loads of yellow gorse and tiny lambs - it’s definitely spring time! A quick pause to see the salmon leap at Falls of Shin then a beautiful long lochside cycle.  After reaching the spectacular north coast at Bettyhill, we had a final sprint towards John O’Groats.  The final landscape, a rugged coastline studded with the distant islands of the Orkneys, felt like a world away from Cornwall, where our grand adventure began! Happy birthday, Stegsy! We’ve loved this entire journey together from the very start.  Our trusty guide, Kev  Falls of Shin - salmon leap Arriving at the north coast of Scotland  Soup and yummy sandwiches at  The Store Cafe John O’Groats We did it!

12th May 2022   One of our best days so far! Today, we enjoyed panoramic views of secluded lochs, ancient woodlands and dramatic mountains. It felt like we were going downhill all day on one long descent 😁. We saw four Firths in one day as well as Clava Cairns, an ancient burial site. Kevin, our amazing guide from 42 Cycling (@42cycling), continues to educate us with interesting facts all day.  We passed through the famous ski resort of Aviemore, surrounded by snow capped mountains. Our final climb was Struie, a prominent ridge above the Dornoch Firth, and  and we were rewarded with the most spectacular views. We are feeling very emotional that it’s our last tomorrow - tempted to turn around and cycle back again! Goodbye Fonab - we loved our stay! Paulo - we love you! The birthday boy 🥳 Another downhill 😁 Another bridge! So close 🚴🏻‍♀️

    11th May 2022 - Lucy’s birthday A bridge too far! Today has definitely been the most challenging day in terms of distance and hours in the saddle. 8.30am to 8.30pm. A very memorable birthday celebration for Lucy😊. After skirting Edinburgh, we crossed over the incredible Forth Bridge and continued heading north. Much of today, we enjoyed beautiful riverside roads alongside the rivers Tay, Tummel and Garry. This route is aptly nicknamed the Lochs and Glens Way.  The scenery has been breathtaking. Snow capped mountains, flowing rivers, old stone bridges and spectacular cycle paths that went on and on on. We are beyond excited to arrive at at Fonab Castle after an epic day of cycling. Waving goodbye to the Balmoral Edinburgh  The Forth Bridge The birthday girl Perth Black Watch Castle and Museum, Perth

  10th May 2022 We now leave England and head into the bonny hills of Scotland.  After an “interesting” evening at Dalston Hall in Carlisle (haunted?!?) we passed through the chapels of Gretna Green and made it to Scotland!! Can’t believe it!  The Southern Uplands were the most beautiful so far with epic long mountain roads. The least populated region in Scotland. Only sheep, lambs and the odd deer for company. Innerlethen for lunch. A mountain biking hub who knew?  Hail rain sun and wind we had it all. A glorious ride into Edinburgh and a slap up meal at the Balmoral. Happy day 8 done!!! We said a very sad goodbye to Adam and Nina - peloton leader and best dinner lady EVER - we’ll miss you both. A warm welcome to Pete and Lou - you’re going to love every minute!  Early start! Made it to Scotland👍🏻 Another old stone bridge We can’t keep up 😉 Peloton  Single file… Amazing canopy roads Such a sad goodbye to Neen and Ad - We are FOREVER grateful Last lunch ...

9th May 2022 Today’s route is one of drama and beauty, as we pass through the Forest of Bowland AONB, the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Equally stunning are the distant views to the west of the Lake District National Park. We had four seasons in one day - ending with hail and serious wind. But the scenery was amazing! A highlight was the Kirkstone Pass, a very steep descent from 1489 feet. We all decided that Lancashire is the prettiest county so far. Tonight we are in Carlisle, excited to move into Scotland tomorrow.  Saying a very sad goodbye to Ad and Neen - indispensable part of our team. We’ll miss you, but enjoy the beach! Goodbye beautiful Northcote 😍 Biker chicks  Beautiful Forest of Bowland Hills of Lancashire  Long road ahead! Our cool guide’s tech skills - thanks Kev 🙌 Always in high spirits! Almost in Scotland! 

8th May 2022 As we approach the industrial heartlands of Manchester, Liverpool and Preston, it begins to get more built-up but we enjoy a route on minor roads before arriving at the Northcote Manor. We have at last reached halfway! Shropshire is the pothole centre of the world 😳. The views have been diverse - ranging from shocking to magnificent - the arduous last long climb was rewarded with spectacular scenery. Coffee and lunch stops have been a welcome break. Thank God for Neen and Paulo ♥️♥️. We say a sad goodbye to Andrew and Tors, Dave and Jane… but welcome Steven and Victoria. They have no idea what they are in for! Pete looking like a boy racer on a Cube. Leaving Fawlty Towers this morning First welcome coffee stop!  Warm welcome to Pop meeting us for lunch 💕 One team, one dream.  Welcome drinks at Northcote, Clitheroe  Past halfway! 

  7th May 2022 We enjoy a day cycling north through Worcester, stopping at beautiful Ironbridge, heading towards Shrewsbury for the night. We rode through amazing countryside with endless fields of yellow rapeseed. PHighlights were lunch by the river in Bewdley and the sensational Ironbridge. Stunning Shropshire we love you!  Leaving Ellenborough Park, Cheltenham  Coffee stop by the water in Worcester Ironbridge The man, the myth, the legend  Well earned sundowners  A massive leap forward!