Audax rides

Final leg, day 4 Fort William to John O'Groats. The first chilly morning, let down by the cafe I had planned on stopping at being closed. So back to a garage forecourt for breakfast. Some fantastic riding, properly felt like being on holiday. The hunt for a soft toy began at Fort Augustus. A steep climb on the south shore of Loch Ness sucked all life out of my legs, but the views and the descent were worth it. I found a small cafe on the quieter roads near Foyers which had some lovely Highland cattle calves. A quick ride though Inverness later and I was at the Harry Gow bakery, with stunning views back along the Beauty/Moray Firth. This next section I wasn't looking forward to, as I was eventually joining the A9 for 9 miles. That said, despite the now crosswinds, I hammered down towards the Cromarty Bridge, which was exhilarating...the bridge was a constant battle to keep the bike upright though. The winds were, again, a constant headwind as I crossed the high land towards Aultanamain and Lairg. I had to disappear into the woods as the public loos at the Falls of Shin were long shut.
Going was tough across the moors to Crask Inn, but my word the views along Loch Naver were incredible. In my head I was counting back from midnight, wondering if I make it in my target of 3 nights/4 days. Hit the coast at Betty hill where I stuffed the croissants I'd been carrying all day, and picked up the first proper tailwind of the trip. Dodging the crap surface, interspersed with fresh tarmac, I felt like I flew to Thurso. What a shithole. Nothing open other than a takeaway surrounded by drunks. No dinner for me tonight, and still 30km to John O'Groats. It took me an hour and 10 minutes. Getting to JOG at 2330!! MADE IT. 90.5 hours. It then took me 90minutes to get the 15miles to Wick, adrenaline all gone.