The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Magnificent men and their cycling machines Eco-warriors cross Pentland Firth on endurance marathon
Five eco-warriors got a 1,000-mile endurance test off to a great start as they negotiated the Pentland Firth on water bikes.
Isaac Kenyon, Alex Pierrot, Sal Montgomery, Lukas Haitzman and Alex Egan are attempting to travel from the northern tip of mainland Orkney to the Isles of Scilly in 14 days.
The Pedal 4 Parks challenge will take them through six national parks on traditional bikes – and over water on aqua bikes.
After cycling from Birsay to Burwick, they got on their aqua bikes on Saturday to cross 15 miles to John o’ Groats.
The bikes, with a rudder and a propeller, are two paddleboards strapped together to support what looks like a spin bike.
They were supported by Hamish Mowatt at the wheel of the 39ft Njord, a former lifeboat.
Mr Mowatt, 66, said the group had planned to cross on Friday but were delayed due to the weather.
They got a flat while crossing yesterday.
“It was the best I can remember for 30 years and they did a steady four knots throughout,” he said.
The team expected the trip would take three hours but they managed it in an hour and 40 minutes.
The team then got back on conventional bikes for the 80-mile ride to Dornoch and were expected to arrive in Aviemore last night.
Once they reach Land’s End they will get the water bikes back out for the 26mile crossing to the Scilly Isles.
They are raising money and awareness for the National Parks Foundation.