Day 1. JOG to Helmsdale via Thurso. 78 miles

So finally we've actually started! We cycled down to JOG for some photos and then struck off. Gandhi wanted to take a detour through the Highlands so we headed for Thurso. Stopped at Tescos to buy some lunch and got a couple of people approach us and give us a tenner each as we were wearing our MND t-shirts. Out of Thurso and straight into a long steady climb. After around 10 miles we turned left and headed inland. Another steady climb and then down into a valley on a single track road. Beautiful scenery - just as you'd expect from the Highlands. A passing motorist pulled alongside and handed us 4 quid for the charity - God bless the Scots; a very generous bunch despite their reputation. Arrived in Helmsdale at around 5 and went straight to the local hotel for a beer. They had some vacancies so I promptly told the boys I was gettting a room. After calling me all kinds of names, the other guys headed down to the river to set up camp. Ignoring their poisonous barbs I had the best hot bath of my life and stuffed myself with sausage and mash followed by a phone call with my lovely missus. Life is good!