Facing a 20 per cent gradient hills, FRSB chief executive Alistair McLean ponders what it is that motivates him and his co-cyclists on their epic fundraising ride across Britain.

Day 7

It all seem quite competitive now. Early start, early breakfast and an early ride in the pouring rain. We make a short pit stop for lunch and then more relentless miles on the bike.

It is one of those days when the miles pass slowly. When you are trying to cycle such huge distances (90-100 miles) day in, day out, the weather sets the mood. If it is bright, sunny and warm, you feel as though you have the world at your feet. Grey, rainy and cold and you feel like packing it in. Riding up 20 per cent facing gradient hills today, my lungs were bursting and at times I just couldn’t think straight.  Why am I doing this?  

Today, we all talked about it – what is it that keeps us going? We have a target in mind – a sort of contract with our supporters, the charities we are raising money for and with ourselves. We have to make it to John O’Groats!  It’s about teamwork - keeping each other going, personal pride, responsibility to our supporters, cussedness, commitment and determination.  All these play a part.

But, when the hills are at their steepest, all you can think is 'one more turn of the pedals'. Climbing a steep hill and not knowing where you will find the top is a killer. You look up and all you can see is hill and tarmac rising before you. You run out of gears and think – what have I left? The hill can sometimes keep going on and on, just like life’s challenges. 

At other times you turn the corner to find, as was the case today, that the hill has finished and all that lies before you is the lowlands of Scotland.

We rolled through Gretna Green. No quick marriages for us – just another landmark and another great day.

Day 8

Today we cycled from Gretna Green via Glasgow to the breathtaking beauty of Loch Lomond.

Having set off again in the driving rain, with low spirits, the day ahead was to be an immense challenge.  We were on the move for 11 hours today. Seven hours in the saddle, five out of six punctured bicycles and one broken gear hanger later, the day was done.

From Gretna Green to Glasgow, some 40 miles, it was a tough ride – rain, wind and road surfaces were all against us. We were in and quickly out of Glasgow.

Then the day seemed to improve. We cycled along the canal for some 15 miles to Loch Lomond and a late lunch. It was flat, warm and sunny – what a lake! It was as beautiful and spectacular as we’d been told.

As we pedalled along the Loch, we decided to have a quick team paddle. Shoes off, we plunged our feet into the water for a refreshing foot and leg bath, it was absolutely wonderful!

Back on the bike, we made a quick stop at Luss and, late on in the day, we visited an incredible waterfall, before we call it a day.

Due to breakages, punctures, injuries and the weather, we are now sure to be taking advantage of the additional day we factored into our trip and will finish, all being well, at JOG on Saturday evening.   At this point in time, it feels like a long way off!