The VC’s Life Cycle 4 Blog: Day 17 – The LC4 Community Day

An unusual start to the day: a blog to finish as always, but no breakfast cramming, no mad dash to get kitted up and get off, no route planning; some riders were even reading newspapers after breakfast. A minibus collected us at 0830 to go from Perth to Edinburgh Airport, and after check in, first …

The VC’s Life Cycle 4 Blog: Day 16 – Tongue to John O’Groats

At 14:40 we arrived at the place where the first Life Cycle began, John O’Groats. After 1,370 miles and more than 60,000 feet of climbing we reached our fourth corner and the end of our challenge. There were tears of joy and relief, there was elation, there was satisfaction. We had made it. We left …

The VC’s Life Cycle 4 Blog: Day 15 – Inchnadamph to Tongue

Some of us stayed at the Inchnadamph Hotel, and some in the hostel across the field. The owner of the hotel recognised us from two years ago, bought us a round of drinks, and although our deal was continental breakfast he was up cooking full breakfasts at 06:30, so we set off well fed. I …

The VC’s Life Cycle 4 Blog: Day 14 – Strathpeffer to Inchnadamph

At 65 miles, this was the shortest day of the entire trip. With almost 4,000 feet of climbing, and a lot by way of headwinds, it was still a challenge, but having a day of this length now was helpful. The child we were riding in honour of today was Leah Brockbank and Penelope was …

The VC’s Life Cycle 4 Blog: Day 13 – Spean Bridge to Strathpeffer

I started with the best breakfast of this trip today at the Spean Bridge Lodge B&B, beautifully served by Glen. Moreover, having pretty well finished Day 12s blog last night, I had time to actually eat it, rather than just cram. The only problem was I had left Marion to order for me last night …

The VC’s Life Cycle 4 Blog: Day 12 – Cairndow to Spean Bridge

Two further milestones were passed today: the riders have now cycled further than Life Cycle 1 (1,037 miles) and Life Cycle 2 (1,087 miles). That puts the current challenge in perspective. Well done to all. Today we were riding for Boyan Wei. I had the pleasure of meeting Boyan and his Mother at a recent …

The VC’s Life Cycle 4 Blog: Day 11 – Cumnock to Cairndow

We passed 1,000 miles today. I have done it three times before, but it was still a big thrill, especially because the Support Team had laid out a 1,000 mile finishing line across the road (using some of our protein powder!). Today we were riding in honour of Eloise Mills, and Steve W was our …

The VC’s Life Cycle 4 Blog: Day 10 – Carlisle to Cumnock

Today we were riding for Jessica Hope and David W was the designated rider. I unexpectedly met Jessica’s Dad the Saturday before we left, when I went to Guantleys to buy a bottle of Tomatin. As I was giving personal details for their mailing list, John Gauntley came from the back of the shop, introduced …

The VC’s Life Cycle 4 Blog: Day 9 – Garstang to Carlisle

Today Chris J rode in honour of Alfi Mjeshtri. Alfi lost his battle with the disease at age four. Chris J commented: ‘I am tremendously proud to be cycling in honour of Alfi. I am truly amazed at the courage and resilience of the children and families affected by this disease. This inspires us all …

The VC’s Life Cycle 4 Blog: Day 8 – Market Drayton to Garstang

We have reached the halfway point in terms of days, but with 762 miles completed, passed the halfway point in miles. Today we were riding in honour of Katy Holmes, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour at age 10, and died within three months. Karen was the nominated rider and said: ‘Katy’s parents set …