James's bike ride

85 miles, 3800ft climbed, 4500 calories burnt ........ 8hrs on the saddle! We actually started from Brynamman this morning (where we stayed over night) up over A4067 up past Cray reservoir ( I believe, couldn't see anything through the hale!), down in to stennybridge, turned right on to the A40 to Abergavenny (with a few diversions) and from Abergavenny to Monmouth (not on the A40, but not really sure on the route) . Then we speeded towards our overnight Coleford) Tomorrow ends about 10miles past Bicester, bit further than to day! A few sore Achilles, bottoms but all in good condition after 150miles!

So today was tough as we expected. A day of hills, amazing scenery and too many punctures! The morning we travelled parallel to the sea and with the sun out the views were absolutely fantastic! Stopped for lunch after about 30miles and filled our boots! After lunch the sun went in and the temperature dropped! So an extra layer was applied and we got going! The rest is a bit of a blurr fuelled by Jaffa cakes, sugary drinks, malt loaf and the occasional chocolate raisin ha ha! Tomorrow is 75miles from Ammonford to just past Monmouth! The start of the day is through the Brecon Mountains which will be a challenge ;-)

Hi everyone, Im writing from home! Im back eventually after a combined 9 1/2hr journey back from John O'Groats. It seems weird being back it looks like home but its sunny??? None of us remember any sun from before we left 2 weeks ago!! But nice! I've had plenty of time to contemplate the last 2 weeks on the journey back. Im not sure what I was expecting to feel like after completing the ride, but I do feel slightly low and empty at the moment! Perhaps the return to reality or the fact the umbilical chord from the bike to me has now been cut, im not sure.... but I am happy I was able to complete the challenge. Before we started the ride I suppose I was using it as a form of therapy, escapism, a way of growth as a human being...... the list goes on, you know the usual personal growth through achievement/personal endevour.. but the day after I dont really feel that way. That aside I have seen some amazing scenery and experienced most exptremes of weather, incline, physical enduran

The team!

1st sign to John O'Groats