DAY 5 - GRETNA TO PRESTON

Late start of 11am but made good time, went up 1400ft to Kendal, then all downhill. The fastest speed for Nath was 41mph coming down the hill. Once Preston was in sight Stephen was pushing on as home was in reach!! Got to Preston 8.30pm, loaded the minibus and made the short journey into Chorley to their bed for the night!! Ordered Pizza which arrived at about 11pm then sleep!!

105 miles
TOTAL - 523 miles

DAY 4 - ARDEN (LOCH LOMOND) TO GRETNA

What a day!!! They started out at 9am from Lomond Lodge, got well and truly lost going through Glasgow, but with a little help from me with the computer and a friendly Glaswegian policeman they managed to get out!!! Arrived at Gretna at 9.30pm had fish and chips, then travelled 37 miles in the minibus to get to their accommodation for the night!!! The B&B was lovely which made up for the long journey to it!!

136 miles
TOTAL - 418 miles

DAY 3 - FORT WILLIAM TO ARDEN (LOCH LOMOND)

They have cycled from Fort William through beautiful mountains today, they set off after getting some repairs done at Offbeat Bikes. They arrived at Lomond Lodge (looks gorgeous, will post a pic when I get it off my phone!!)at about 6pm. There was acouple of injuries today, Stephen sustained a sprain and Carl's knee is a bit swolen. Wayne had 2 punctures, but everyone is still in high spirits.

Pics are Lomond Lodge where they stayed and the view from the window at 7am this morning.

115 miles
TOTAL - 282 miles

DAY 2 - TAIN TO FORT WILLIAM

A late setoff again, took a slightly different route bypassing Inverness and cycled along Loch Ness (they didn't see Nessy but did see seal's sunbathing and a rock that looked like a seal!!!!) A couple of problems with a snapped chain and a buckled wheel, but they made it to Fort William. They were even joined for some of the way. They stopped at a Youth Hostel and went for Chinese, they said it was nice to have a bed.

115 miles
TOTAL 197 miles

DAY 1 - JOHN O GROATS TO TAIN

Set off was later than anticipated but they registered and set off at 9.45. After 30 miles they hit the monster of all hills but all managed it!!! Well done!!! They managed to get another meal out of the friends from the day before, which was apparentaly absolutley gorgeous!!! They set up camp in Tain and got some more rest before the next day, the only mishap was a couple of punctures, Nathan managed 2 miles and Carl fell off his bike a couple of times.

82 miles

TRAVEL TO JOHN O GROATS

The group set off at 7am on Friday (5th June) in the mini bus with the trailer loaded up (and the back of the mini bus - luggage!!!) After stopping off at a few services and a friend who fed them all they set up camp in John o Groats and got some rest before starting the epic cycle the next day!

About Sophia

Please take a moment out of your busy life to allow us to describe a chapter in Sophia’s short life.



Sophia was born 28th January 2006 to John and Louisa Williams, she was cheeky and into everything a young child gets into and was loved by us all.For nine months Sophia was a healthy little baby and then without warning she suffered a cardiac arrest. This proved to be the start of numerous visits to the hospitals and specialist, although totally dedicated they were unable to save Sophia and on 2nd March 2008 weakened by her ordeal she gave up the fight.



Only God knows how much John and Louisa loved Sophia and she will always be the light and joy of their hearts.After much deliberation with friends and family we made a decision to celebrate Sophia’s short life and in an effort to make a difference for other mums and dads who are and will go through similar circumstances, we set up “Sophia’s Legacy”.A group of ordinary people have decided to raise money for “Sophia’s Legacy” and through “Young at Heart, a dedicated Charity which helps babies and children suffering from various heart diseases and disorders we could not find a better way of making a difference.



With your help and support we intend to raise £10,000 over the next twelve months starting with a cycle ride from John o'Groats to Land's End. Starting in June we will cover approximately a thousand miles in ten days.We will have other activities throughout the year which you may like to come along too, but we’ll keep you posted!If you want to monitor our progress or make a donation please visit us at http://cycle4children.com


We thank you for your time, and hope you decide to make a difference……. Sophia’s Legacy



28th January 2006 ~ 2nd March 2008