Today we left Dornoch at a leisurely 10am after picking up lunch from the local deli. As we rejoined the A9, our home for the day, we passed a sign stating that Wick was a mere 58 miles away and John O Groats only 75.

This is the first day that we have had to start out in full wet weather gear. It wasn't raining particularly heavy, but it was that fine rain that soaks you through... Also about 20miles in, we climbed a significant hill which took us into the low lying cloud, leaving us there for the next 15miles. This was a shame because the traffic was much lighter on this part of the road and up until this point we had had great views out over the North Sea.

The cycling was mostly easy, but visibility mostly poor. We dipped out of the cloud briefly before climbing more or less straight back into it. The only delay to our return was that this 15% incline broke the drive chain of the tandem.

We dropped out of the cloud once more a few miles further on and, as is now tradition, stopped in one of Scotland's many robust and remote bus shelters for a quick lunch. The sign next to the bus stop said Wick 21 miles.

The cycling continued much as before but the cloud began to clear over the sea. By the time we reached Latheron, where the A9 turns into the A99, the cloud had all but dispersed and we had a clear view of the landscape ahead.

We rolled into Wick at around 3:30pm and headed straight to a cafe for Coffee and a portion of scrumptious mint aero cheesecake to replace energy expended (and more).

We found ourselves somewhere to stay and have found a Wetherspoons for food and beer.

Tomorrow, we have about 20 miles to cycle to meet our goal. And a further 20 to (more importantly?) catch our first train homewards at 1:05pm.

Dave You are both crazy! But well done to you both. It would be good to catch up with you when you're back to hear the stories.

Sep 22, 2010

Finney sister number 2 Well done guys, can't believe you are nearly there. Enjoy the final part, hope the weather is kind and allows you to get some more great views. Looking forward to seeing you on sat. Love you xx

Sep 22, 2010

Mum/Rosemary Good luck today and looking forward to seeing you. Will be thinking of you doing your leisurely ride today! Well done.XX

Sep 23, 2010

Finney sister 3 Well done you pair! So close! Are you coming straight home or spending a day or two up there? Really proud of you both, bet your bums are rocks! See you when you're back (Sunday?) xxx

Sep 23, 2010

Mom (Sue) Hi Both. You have done brilliantly, well done, I am so proud of you. I knew you would do it though. What a wonderful adventure. I thought you would stay in Scotland and rest for a day once you had got to John O'Groats. Looking forward to seeing you and hearing all about it though. Arnold is OK eating well, Dad never stops feeding him. Loads of Love

Sep 23, 2010

Grandma and Granddad We missed a trick! All your families should have been there to greet you and it's your round. Congratulations seems insufficient!

Sep 23, 2010

Denz Hope today goes well Guys!!

Sep 23, 2010