Day 17 - Inverness to Helmsdale

Everyone woke this morning to the Inverness drizzle, however spirits were still high after a night out the day before; everyone was treated to Big Dave dancing like a queen too.
All the riders were again joined by Geoff Coleman (who is still looking for sponsorship for his part in the ride) who also looks fantastic in Lycra. After 8 miles of cycling into wind and rain the team saw a lonely bald headed man with a sweet doggie, only to discover it was Steve Cook from Witney who has flown up to see the end of the ride. Steve you will remember was also dedicated enough to be at the start at Lands End!
As always the 'Busy Lizzie Kitchen' provided a yummy lunch. However the flap jacks weren't quite as good as Chris Harris'. The afternoon journey skirted the East Scottish coast, the sea breezes wafting up our noses!
Our digs for the night are at the Helmsdale Youth Hostel, and on arrival we had two surprise visitors; Mike Brooker (stage 2) drove the 600 miles bringing with him Neil's good lady Treez, and was once again flaberghasted to see his wife again.
Jules was doing his best Keith Floyd impression as master chef in the kitchen and with his kitchen porter Dave turned out a mean Chilli on rice.
Everyone is now relaxing for the final push to John O'Groats tomorrow; Jules and David are busy corrupting Geoff and polishing off a bottle of JD. Owen and Steve are starting to look a bit glum because the ride is coming to an end but are already planning their next trip - cycling round the world! No-one has seen Lance for the last 3 hours because he is on the phone again, I'm sure he will reappear at some point when his battery runs out.

P.S. On a personnal note the team would like to thank Dave E and Pete 'the blag' C for their supporting texts and phone calls.