Day 11 - Inverness to Helmsdale (70 miles)

As Nick mentioned yesterday, we're both still in complete shock from hearing about our good friend Todd passing away on Saturday. He was an absolutely fantastic guy who everyone loved and its such a tragedy that this could happen to someone so young and so full of life! He'll be missed greatly and our thoughts are with all his family and friends right now.

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Today was...how can i put it...wet? I think that pretty much sums it up. Up until today, we've actually been pretty lucky weather wise, haven't had too much to complain about...sadly I think it finally all caught up with us! I attempted to prevent the water getting in before we left by wearing my high tech, top of the range shoe covers..



..and gortex "waterproof" coat, none of which worked! We got completely drenched from head to toe, no bodily parts were spared! The combination of the rain, cold, hills and the busy A9 didn't leave much for a fun cycle!



We stopped in a cafe at the 25 mile mark for THE best hot chocolate ever to warm us up! Leaving the lovely warm cafe and stepping out into the icy cold rain was not the easiest of tasks! It's actually the first time on the whole trip that we really didn't want to get back on the bikes! Still, we struggled back into our wet "waterproofs" and got on with it, cycling as fast as we could to get ourselves warm!

The next port of call at the 50 mile mark was a rendezvous with the support team who kindly had tea & biscuits at the ready!



Again, I've never enjoyed a hot drink so much! We lapped up the warmth of the caravan for as long as we could, siked ourselves up and got back outside onto the bikes.



I'm not sure how but it felt even colder than it did earlier on, I'm surprised it wasn't snowing! Still, we ignored the arctic conditions and pressed on along the A9 for the final 20 miles.



Didn't really see much scenery, I spent most of the time concentrating on keeping the wheels turning with my head down staring at nicks behind...not ideal!

Thankfully we turned off the A9 for the last 10 miles or so, managing to escape the rain and got back to the highlands!







Played a quick game of 'dodge the sheep' who had handily scattered themselves all over the road!





Took a few snaps with our new found friends and were glad to finish up the day, leaving ourselves with only 65 miles for the final stretch!

I can't believe we're nearly there! One day to go! Weather looks promising, lets hope it's a clear run to the finish line!

Ian