Day 13

Today was the big day. Our only rest day in the entire 16 days of cycling. We woke up nice and late (8am) and enjoyed a continental breakfast. I depleted the store of cornflakes, and remained in the dining room for a good hour regaining carbs.

We then decided to go down to the village, which was about 2 miles away. We had to cycle, but we didn't have to lug around panniers so it was really easy going. Luck was with us and we enjoyed amazing warm, sunny weather (so hot I had to remove my raincoat).

From LEJOG Day 13

The village was really nice, and we spent a lot of time in a cafe, which sold tourist bits and pieces. Lunch there was delicious, and we all had chocolate milkshakes and cake. Outside we chilled by the loch, and just wandered around, doing what teenagers do.

At about 3 we met up with a bike repair man who worked in his shed, who agreed to look over all our bikes. Sam's was worst off, in the end requiring a whole new back wheel. The rest of us just got a clean down and new brake pads, to ensure we'd get to John o' Groats problem free. The price was very reasonable, and we all felt better knowing our bikes should be ok.

After we'd seen all there was to see, we bought tea at the local shop and headed back. It was strange to return to the same hostel twice, but we enjoyed a game of scrabble and a weird game called Absolute Balderdash, which proved to be a lot of fun.

Today our total distance was about 4 miles... much more sensible.