DAY 1 - START - JOHN O'GROATS TO BONAR BRIDGE

I left my B&B at 8:45 after chatting to a couple of support guys for the Deloitte Ride Across Britain cycle event, which was finishing today. So glad they mentioned that a cyclist from the group died yesterday after being struck by a car carrying a bike on the back on Friday. That coupled with the female rower cycling JOGLE who was killed by a lorry in Betty Hill in mid-week, only about 50 miles from the start of her ride.

Suddenly, there is intrepidation as well as anticipation about this trip!!!

I cycled the two miles over to Duncansby Head, the true most North-Easterly point of the UK.

I took my first piccies of the challenge and, probably spent too long there really.

I got over to the famous signpost at John O'Groats around 9:30. It's a new, permanent sign so it was nice not having to pay just for a photo with it.

I set off officially on this crazy challenge at Cowboy Time (for the uninitiated, that's ten to ten.)

I cycled west along the north coast through Thurso which strangely, was the only place where I encountered traffic lights during the entire day!

I went past the controversial Dounreay nuclear power station quite early on.

I turned south at Betty Hill, passing some used bandages and antiseptic wipes on the road as I was cycling up a hill. It reminded me of the girl killed there, which gave me a chance to reflect a bit on life and how quickly it can be taken away.

Any road, I don't know if I was already tiring or, the head-wind was playing a significant part but, I found it quite difficult on what I would normally think was a nice long..... very very long single-track country road.

I got back on to the main A-road after Loch Naver and headed towards my destination for the night, Kyle House B&B in Bonar Bridge.

After taking plenty of photos on the way, I finally arrived at the B&B not long after 19:00 where, I was greeted by the owner, Sheila, before I had even got off my bike.

I'm absolutely knackered after today. The legs are stiff, the bum is sore and, I was just absolutely STARVING. I've gone through my energy food and fruit today like never before. It's just fuel to keep this machine going.

I had to stop off at a caravan site at the Southern end of Loch Naver where, the owner kindly refilled my three water bottles. That really was a life-saver.

After a quick shower at the B&B, I was straight down the road to the Bridge Hotel where, I devoured a massive plate of fish, chips, peas and salad. I really needed that!!!!

I almost forgot to mention that I passed the 800 riders from the Ride Across Britain cycle event, going in the opposite direction to myself. I've never nodded, waved and exchanged pleasantries with so many people before, all spaced out over the best part of an hour. They were on the final leg of their ride and, not far from John O'Groats. I was very jealous to say the least!!!

DAILY MILEAGE: 108.8 MILES