26/07/2026
FINAL DAY 🚴♂️
Day 5: Kilmore → John O'Groats
One last push.
The day started with another battle before we'd even turned a pedal... forcing down a huge breakfast. Eating enough when you're this exhausted is a challenge in itself, but with around 50g of carbs every 30 minutes, it had to be done.
Straight out of the door we were hit with one of the toughest climbs of the entire trip. Around 2 miles long, with brutal sections reaching 16%. Exactly what you don't want when you're already carrying four days of fatigue.
Once over the top, though, the reward came. Fast descents, breathtaking Scottish scenery, and a welcome tailwind made for some unforgettable miles.
We even got stopped by the police while three enormous wind turbine blades – each around 50 metres long – were escorted down the road. Apart from that brief delay, we kept rolling all day with very few interruptions.
There were still plenty of climbs left to conquer, but knowing the finish was getting closer gave us that extra bit of fight. The roads were brilliant, the views kept getting better, and every mile brought us closer to John O'Groats.
Then, with just 5 miles to go, the rain arrived. One final long climb... before a glorious 2-mile descent to the finish line.
We did it.
A massive thank you to everyone who helped make this challenge possible.
Especially Andrew Channing family who without the support wouldn't of worked out. 🙏🏽
To everyone who donated, supported, shared our journey, and sent messages along the way – thank you. Those messages genuinely helped me through some very dark moments when my mind was telling me to stop.
This is a challenge I'll never forget. It showed me exactly what ultra-endurance cycling is all about: resilience, determination, and finding a way to keep moving when every part of you wants to quit.
Now it's time for a well-earned break and to let the body recover...
..before the next challenge. 👀
887 miles 🚴
49,000 ft climbed ⛰️
57 hours in the saddle ⏱️
LEJOG in 5 days. ✅