Day 5 Thursday 30th July 2009

Started the day with 2 broken bikes but after lots of ringing around last night we managed to locate the 2 replacement bits. The only problem was they were at different bike shops. Terry had broken his campagnola centaur ultra shift ergo lever this could be repaired by Merlin Cycles in Chorley. Kevin's bike had broken his left hand gear shifter mechanism, his new bit was at Dales in Glasgow!! The boys got up at 6am to leave for Chorley, they should have got up at 5:30 but all was very quiet at 6 so Lesley had to ring Kev from one pod to the other to give him his early morning call. We must also say that Kevin didn't get to sleep last night as the neighbours in the next tent were partying until the wee small hours, mind you, us country folk all fell asleep as soon as our heads hit the pillow some even before that! The girls had a lie in, a monster one, first they were getting out at 8.00 but this passed by with no action, they didn't get out of bed until 8:15! Then they got on with the house work and the office work. They made contact with a very nice lady from the Liverpool Echo. The boys had a Costa stop for breakfast (the girls were still working hard at this point!), luckily for the girls Catrine Campsite is next to a coffee shop so they had brunch. Great coffee and a panini. They also met the 2 pigs , Baby and Jonny and the 2 resident reindeer Comet and Cupid. Back to the tent to finish the house work, they packed up as much of the tent as they could, still no sign of the boys. The campsite and tents quickly became shanty town with lines of washing everywhere. Well not quite lines, chairs, beds and guy ropes were the order of the day in the absence of a washing line! Once the chores had been don it was time for pudding, the girls returned to the coffee shop. There was far too much to choose from but after lots of deliberation they finally decided on a 'Big daddy': Chocolate ice-cream, caramel fudge ice-cream, vanilla ice-cream, whipped cream, warm chocolate brownie, chocolate sauce and chopped nuts - wait until you see the picture! Enormous is not the word! Delicious, however, is! Our intrepid travellers returned at 5.30pm. Apparently they had had a terrible day! Yeah, do you believe them? They had been sight-seeing to Chorley and Glasgow, had two Costa coffee stops (which included breakfast and lunch), went shopping for totally unnecessary accessories and put 400 plus miles on the clock! Call that terrible?!!! It was a quick pasta supper and then the boys were finally off at 5.50. It was a quick packing away of camp then the girls were off at 6.20pm. Time to play catch up! That bit was easy, 7.59 miles down the road and there they were, another puncture. This time it was Kevin's turn. Pretty serious though, as the support crew had to provide a new tyre as well as a nail file for the wheel rim!!! (They didn't pack one of them in there saddle bag!) Arrived at the camp site just before 8.00 and were greated by June and Roger in the absence of our landlord Hamish. Quick guided tour and then it was tent construction yet again. We na noo why this camp site was called Glen Midge - there were millions of them and the girls were under attack within minutes of arriving. The tent went up more quickly but several tent pegs were bent because of the stoney ground. Boys arrived at 9.35. The site was lovely, there was a large barn with a table and chairs, fridge, washing machine and sink. Very civilised. We had a snack, did our chores and finally went to bed just after midnight.
We would like to thank Amy (Squirrel)for sponsoring us for tonight and also our landlady at Catrine House who let us stay on the camp site for most of the day while the boys had their day out!
Many thanks Kevin Heelan for your donation - good on you mate!!!
Mileage bikes 42.2 today total 377.66 miles
car 42.4 total 466.2 miles
puncture tally Kevin 1-Terry 3

Day 4 Wednesday 29th July 2009

Everyone had a wonderful nights sleep in a bed all except Kev, he was obviously missing his camp bed and the midges!! Boys left at 9:25 still raining but with good spirits and kitted out in wet weather gear. We packed car, getting better and quicker,Had a lovely chat with the own of By The Way who thought our boys had done really well to get this far in all that weather. Sorted out the laundry, load in tumble dryer didn't completly dry and the las tload in the washing machine decided to keep half of the water in so we still have not done much laundry. Girls left 10:30 with 2 bags of soggy washing. We caught up with them on the banks of Loch Lomond everything was alright so then we left to head off to check the ferry. The girls flew past the Loch Lomond visitors centre, screeched to a halt, did a 'hand braketurn' and called into the centre just as the boys pulled in the other entrance, perfect photo oportunity. Spotted man in kilt girls attacked him for photo, very obliging, lovely picture, coach driver entertained us with stories then said "did you get the bloke on my bus?"and wondered away then returned with man with lovely long beard and dressed in full Scottish traditional costume. These buses contained American, Austrailian and South African heads of Clans. Girls headed to Kilcreggan fro the ferry fabulous drive beautiful scenery, girls got a lovely rest (had delicious paninis in 'The Terrace on the Water Front' shhhhhhh don't tell them! Boys arrived about 2:30 for lunch with the first puncture of the trip caused by a pot hole. Terry gave 3 cute little pigs a lesson on how to mend a puncture. Kevin had trouble with his bag of nuts! Boys caught the 3:30 ferry for Gouroch, while waiting for the ferry Hazel got told off by Ann and Ann who thought the boys are heroes and it was disgusting that they were camping sweet talking just sorted them out Hazel told them that the cyclists were being spoilt rotten she was happy after that. The girls went the long way round. It's been a very long day and 3 punctures later they arrived at the campsite at 9:40pm so another late supper .
Today's mileage bikes 95.6miles total 335.46miles and climbed 11085 feet, 21213 calories burnt
car 141 total 424 miles
Tonight we are sponsored by Bayfield B & B at Torcross, Thanks Jackie and Clive.
Still unable to upload pictures if all else fails we will add them when we return, enjoying reading comments keep them coming. Night Night we are all off to bed:)

Day 3 Tuesday 28th July 2009

Thinking of Niall. Hope the operation goes well today.
Bit of a delay this morning due to bike fixing but the girls had a lie in until 7. Boys went to Fort William. First bike shop closed, second bike shop very unhelpful but it was third time lucky bike fixed in no time. News of six young men who left with tandem. The back wheel fell apart and they were trying to get it fixed at the unhelpful shop. The boys had a fry up and we had toast!
They phoned at 9.50 to say all was well and they would be 30 minutes but at 10.40 we were still waiting for them!
While in Fort William there was a slight incident with a Reliance coach being hit by a bicycle on a car roof! Who was that we wonder?! Boys eventually left at 11.40 and the workers had to take the tent down in the pouring rain!
It has been very cold and very wet today. Waited at a waterfall for about half an hour to take a photo of cyclists so everyone ended up soaked. Met German Scouts in Fort William and Danish Scouts are staying here with us.
Rode up Glencoe Summit at 1142 metres in the driving rain.
Arrived in By The Way Hostel at about 7 and got on with supper and unpacking. Boys arrived at 8.27pm cold, wet but somehow still smiling. It's been a challenging day but completed in style. Hostel is fab. No tent! Beds made with duvets. Kitchen to cook supper in with all equipment needed. Tonight we are sponsored by Lansdale Building Contractors.
Mileage: Bikes today 75.3 miles making a total of 239.86 miles
Car today 78 miles making a total of 283 miles.
We are a quarter of the way. And all is well!! Goodnight!

Day 2 Monday 27th July 2009

Sorry for delay. Now have a good signal but still not good enough for pictures. The boys left Dornoch at 7.50 after staying at a really beautiful campsite. We had to go to the office to get our JOGLE forms signed and met a lady who told us about Niall. 14 months old and having an operation tomorrow. We wish him well.
Said goodbye to Reena and Harold - the dogs wanted to come with us! Then they were ready for the off in a super, upgraded car with leg room for passenger! What a luxury.
Then the girls headed for Eddington to sort out the connector on the gas bottle. Soon sorted and went the scenic route to Inverness for re-fuelling and ended up way ahead of the boys so had to go back for them. Had a snack at Beauly and a couple came out to see us after having read the webpage address and kindly gave us a donation. Thanks Roger and Sue.
Found a fantastic quote "never tell a woman that something is impossible to do especially when she is in the middle of sorting it out!" Ask Kev about the gloves!!
Met the boys for lunch Urquhart Castle right on the banks of Loch Ness. We had lovely chat with two young people, Catherine and Ian, thanks for the donation Mum and Dad! Went through Fort Augustus for a photo shoot and saw Nessie and baby beside the canal. Arrived at Faichemard Farm Camp Site at Invergarry. What a lovely spot! Part of the site all to ourselves. Bit of a small space for the tent but managed to squeeze it in, just. Terry's bedroom was full of ferns!!!! Not Cotton or Brittain! Managed to get the tent up and go shopping before the boys returned. Torrential rain. Slight problem with bike Terry was too polite and moved away from the path of some people and didn't notice something poking out of the wall and it broke his nut! (Can't remember the name of it!).
Miles so far: Bikes today - 84.3 miles making a total of 164.56 miles
Car today - 106 miles making a total of 205 miles

Day 1 Sunday 26th July 2009

Up with the lark this morning. The boys set off at 7:20am we waved them off, weather overcast and a strong head wind. The girls returned to strike camp, unfortunately it didn't matter that the boys were not with us we still struggled to get everything in the car. We finally left to catch the boys 8:55am they had motored on, we caught them up at 28miles just as the first spot of rain arrived so waterproofs on and drink bottles swapped. Even more rain, then on to Berriedale, 43miles now, guess what even more rain fell from the sky, we boiled the kettle for their cup-a-soup stop and got soaking wet, freezing cold, we still hadn't had any breakfast and they promised us a summer holiday, call this a summer holiday!!! We were told to find somewhere dry like a cafe so off we set. At 63 miles we arrive at Brora, we were still looking for a cafe still no sign of one, saw a distillery which luckly for the boys was closed!! Then we found a car park with a pub and waited and half an hour later they arrived rain had almost stopped so they didn't want to stop for long so tuna pasta for one and spicy chicken pasta for the other, then off again, now only about 20 miles to Dornoch. We caught them up and had a photo shoot at Dunrobin Castle by now the rain was back. But as we got nearer to Dornoch the sun broke through the cloud and literally as we got out of the car to pay at the campsite it was glorious sunshine. At the pitch blowing a gale but the sun still shone. Wrestled with tent quite a lot, it is bigger that us, what a laugh and a pretty good workout to boot!! As tent wrestling was in progress, one happy camper commented on our vehicle and wanted to know who Terry was? We said Who?! Our Knight in shining armour came to the rescue in the shape of Graham from Sterling who has left the wife at home working and he's camping with the children, who helped with tent wrestling until the boys arrived at just before 3pm with a smile on their face. Day 1 riding over, dry out began. Fabulous neighbours, Reena and Harold have very kindly leant us their portable washing line to dry cycling gear. We are at Dornoch Caravan and Camping Park, The Links. Amazing scenery, the sea one side, a light aircraft airfield another side, golf course on the 3rd side and golf club house the other. Tonight we are sponsored by Richard Carter, Painter and Decorator, Thank you very much.
P.S. After the best hot chocolate in world, made especially after hours at the Castle Hotel, Dornoch we met a couple of Brownies from Motherwell, walking past our tent who gave us a donation in our box they were Stephanie and Danielle with Mum Dorothy and their friend Lisa. Nice to meet you girls, put your Devon Star on your sash.

The day before the day

Yesterday Lindsey (Caithness C.C) came to visit and very kindly sponsored us and gave us guiders a county badge. We met 2 locals in Wick Tesco who where about to embark on a 110mile sponsored cycle ride they kindly sponsored us so good luck Arthur Bruce and Willie MacDonald. This morning after breakfast we went out to see Bob off while we where waiting we met a chap who arrived from Land's End via three peaks, he carried his bike up Ben Nevis! Then we met 'the 2 fridge boy' aka James and Marcus who are on a gap year and walking to Land's End, camping all the way, pulling a fridge each on wheels and hoping to be home for Christmas. Next 5 bikes including a tandem left they hope to get to LE on the same day as us they definitely need luck with them as one of the party is 20 years old and not done any training!! Then 2 walkers approached us, Henk and Di and asked us to take their photos they had left LE 120 days ago and walked all the way they have about 10 days left of their holiday and then they return to Oz. All this and we completed our forms to join the LEJOG club all before 11am. We would also like to wish a happy holiday to the Lady and Gentleman from Manchester/Cheshire who also put some money in our pot. Next to leave was Bob on his tractor and escorted up the road by Kevin and Terry on their bikes. Then we thought we'd send the boys shopping so into Wick they went on a 'magical mystery tour' they wanted new beds, like ours, the beds are so comfy (thanks Keith!). They also went to Tesco and got tea and tried to sort out our gas problem the bottle and the cooker don't match so we only have one stove, great for washing up, only one pot suppers!! While watching the 20 riders arrive from bike adventures we where approached by a nice Scotish lady who also sponsored us. Then home for tea, one pot supper, delicious as us girls didn't have any lunch as the boys took so long shopping. Then preparation for tomorrow drinks mixed and packing stuff. Will it all go into the car!!! It will now we have got rid of the boys!! We are having problems uploading pictures today we will keeping but don't count your chickens!!!
Tonight we are sponsored by Skirmish-paintballexeter, Many thanks its been a beautiful day. See you tomorrow.

John O'Groats

We have arrived not enough juice to run pictures will charge tomorrow and show you. Tonight at John O'Groats we are sponsored by Mr Acton. We found tractor Dave from Devon, he's nextdoor. Dave leaves tomorrow and arrives at Land's End the day before us, there are lots setting out tomorrow. It's now 10:40pm and still daylight, Terry can't sleep cause it's too light he needs a sleeping mask!! See you tomorrow. Night Night but not here!!

Still travelling(literally)

Lovely nights sleep, thanks Mandy. Even better breakfast as we didn't have to cook or wash up!! Just arrived in Scotland should be at John O'Groats late this afternoon. We have a date with Caithness County Commissioner for swapsies. Feel free to keep us entertained with news from home just leave us a comment!

We're Off !!

We would like to thank Vinyl Creations for the superb artwork on our car, it has turned many heads on our journey to Carlisle. Tonight we are living in style staying at a reasonably priced inn thanks to Mandy Luscombe and her family, before we start the camping tomorrow. We are heading out to John O'Groats first thing but it'll take most of the day. It's 9:53pm bedtime, night, night!

We would like to thank the following people Neil Bourne, Louise Southwick, Mark Pyper, Rob, Lindsay, Louisa, Will Lansdale & family and friends of Elerdale road for sponsoring us on our justgiving page its easy and totally secure. www.justgiving.co.uk/terrypyper and click on Donate Now. Thank you Kevin/Terry

We would like to thank the Cath & Joanie for sponsoring us on our justgiving page its easy and totally secure. www.justgiving.co.uk/terrypyper and click on Donate Now. Thank you Kevin/Terry

We would like to thank the Anonymous person for sponsoring us on our justgiving page its easy and totally secure. www.justgiving.co.uk/terrypyper and click on Donate Now. Thank you Kevin/Terry

We would like to thank John Mioore for sponsoring us on our justgiving page its easy and totally secure. www.justgiving.co.uk/terrypyper and click on Donate Now. Thank you Kevin/Terry

Saturday 27 June
Down in Devon again this weekend training from Kingsbridge to Torquay. Kevin / Terry

Sunday 21 June
Today we had a early start up at 04.30 for the 10 mile ride to Clapham Common were we joined 27000 other riders all looking forward to do the London to Brighton bike ride. We arrived in Brighton around 09.20 and stayed for about one half hours.
Then back on the bike for the ride home total mileage for the day was 106.5miles Kevin / Terry

Saturday 20 June
Terry came up to London this weekend and today we were out around Surrey. Kevin / Terry