Today is THE day! No alarm is set, none the less I am wide awake at 8 am. But this morning I take it easy. John O’Groats is only 30 miles away and I intend to have my lunch there.
Couple of horny beasts are grazing outside as I munch my porridge and slowly pack up.
Morning Coos
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Leaving Dunbeath behind I’m heading as far north as the road will allow.
On route I come across some oversized toys..
It feels like no time at all before I fly through Wick, not even stopping to look around. A faint line of the North – Easterly tip is now on the horizon and I can’t wait to get there.
The skies start forming fantastic cloud patterns as the Orkney cliffs appear on the horizon.
So I stop over at this little place. It’s of no real interest to the Bear, but might as well make a mark. Peeing on the post was not allowed so I settled for a photo instead.
Nice to see that Scottish Tourist Board is supporting my family’s business out here too
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More importantly it lunch! I look at the menu filled with various End-to-End cycling inspired dish names and decide to go for a culinary monster that is LEJOG Pizza (for those who are not down with the cycling lingo, that stands for Lands End to John O’ Groats – also known as the amateur trail).
LEJOG Pizza
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As I tuck in, I better check that I’m definitely at the right end of the country..
Aaaaahhh. Look at that little blue dot. How did it get there? I’ll tell you how: – on the power of two supercharged pistons that my thighs have now become.
Well, I have no interest of hanging about here for too long. My finish line is just round the corner, so I’m back on the road.
I don’t have to wait for long before I see the cliffs of Dunnet Head cut into the sea, a few miles ahead.
I think you’ll find THAT’S the true North of the mainland UK. And that’s where I’m heading
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As I approach Dunnet, I am pulled over by the local authorities..
Dunnet Head bike road-worthieness inspection
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I nearly got into trouble (slightly under-pumped tyres, empty water bottle and worn-out brakes), but I gave the inspector half of my last Tunnocks caramel wafer, stroke his face and scratched him behind the ear, so he let me off with a warning. Good job too, as it would have been slightly embarrassing to finish this challenge on foot.
Nothing left to do but power up the windy road that is bound to run out of land soon..
Dunnet Head Entrance
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Well Ladies and Gentlemen! The Bear has arrived at the Beautiful Dunnet Head Lighthouse! There’s absolutely no further north I can cycle without falling into the sea or getting a ferry.
Dunnet Head is also known for it’s abnormally low gravity force
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My pitch at the Dunnet Head and the journey home deserve a separate page each, so continue on to there for the conclusion of this Bear’s great cycling adventure.
Russian Bear On A Bike 