I know, I know, sorry it’s late but I thought it best not to write up day 15 after champagne, beer and wine!

It was strange today waking up knowing in a few hours it would all be over. It was also strange the gang not all being together, the site had no toilet facilities so Mike and Sophie had stayed in a B and B as Mikes van doesn’t have a loo or shower. Gerry and Jim were really excited about today’s ride, they even set of a little earlier than normal. I got packed up early because Alex and I wanted to win the race to John o’ Groats. Lyn was almost done and she left about half hour or so after us.

As I was driving along the lane to the ‘main’ road we saw Mike bimbling along. We then got onto the main road and carried on with our journey. Again we saw some fabulous views, we stopped a couple times to take photos. The journey was a slow one as it is single track road with passing places. The lads had taken the back road which apparently wasn’t good for motorhomes although Lyn went that way and said it was perfectly fine! As we went passed the junction of the back road with the main road we spotted Mike. We stopped to make sure he didn’t need anything and carried on our way. Around lunchtime we caught up with Jim and Gerry, we stopped and fed and watered them.

Once we were passed Jim and Gerry we knew we were in the lead! We raced ahead arriving at John o’ Groats around 2ish. I went to check in at the campsite and was greeted by Mike’s Mum, it was strange seeing your old DS teacher (Betty Lowe – Longcroft School) somewhere where you least expected to! They have a house in Scotland so they had come up to surprise him. What a lovely thing to do.

Alex and I had lunch at the Last Cafe, Lyn, Sophie and Jack arrived shortly afterwards. Jim called to say that him and Gerry were about 12 miles away so Lyn, Alex and I got the Champagne from the fridge and headed up to famous sign at the end point. It started to drizzle whilst we were waiting and then out of nowhere it was like a monsoon had hit! The photographer from the End Point Sign opened the boot of his car so that we could stand underneath which was much appreciated. At this point Alex decided he needed the toilet, he and Lyn were just heading across the road when I spotted the lads coming in. I shouted them back and we all walked forward to cheer them in. It was still pouring with rain but somehow that didn’t matter, 1000 miles trip was now officially over for them.

We cracked open the champagne and drunk to of ours achievement. Alex was particularly pleased that he was allowed an inch of champers too! We had some official photos done and waited for Mike to return. Jim spotted Mike in the distance so everyone ran up to the signpost to see him in, that is everyone but me as Alex had decided that he really needed to go to the loo as he had forgotten about it earlier, chuh, kids!!

After everyone was showered and clean and a number of bottles of beer consumed we all headed up to the pub for tea. The kids kept the locals entertained with their pool game, nearly taking some guys eye out with the pool stick! Most of us had chicken stuffed with Haggis but ever predictable Alex had turkey dinosaurs! After dinner we bimbled back to the campsite, kids went to bed and we all relaxed witha nice glass of well deserved vino.

Day 16 – we got some photos taken with the two charties cycle shirts on and then we were all on our merry way. The others were all heading home with an overnight stop on the way. We are making our way home over the week with 2 nights in Culloden and 2 nights in Berwick.

It has been a fabulous two weeks, I have thoroughly enjoyed myself. I am absolutely shattered and am looking forward to a few peaceful days with Jim doing all the driving!

Thank you all for reading the blog, your comments have been great to read and have really helped in keeping us going.