Hi William
You say you can get to Inverness. Airport or Town?
If town then there is a rail link to Wick and Thurso which would both be within biking distance of the start. I would imagine that it is possible to get on the train with a bike at the quieter times of day.

Alternatively hire a van and look for a pal to drive the return trip to Inverness.

Where were you looking for a location to rebuild the bike. John O Groats, Inverness, Glasgow.

Colin

William - if your trip is is after The Challenge dates I'd be happy to drive you up from Inverness to your start-point. I can't do dates prior to The Challenge, but anything after May 25 is cool. Usual terms and conditions apply - ie a beer or two! Contact me through my email off-board if this is to yr liking.

William, If your trip goes ahead and post Challenge 2014 I am happy to give you a pit stop before your final leg to Lands End. I am 10 miles from the A30 so you are more than welcome to stay. I can also help with border control from England through to Cornwall. Regards and good planning Barry

Hi William

You can take a bike on the Scotrail train from Inverness to Wick/Thurso provided you get a reservation in advance:

http://www.scotrail.co.uk/sites/default/files/documents/Connections_Guide_May_2012.pdf

Alternatively, can I suggest the much more scenic west coast start point of Cape Wrath/Durness? You can get the bike bus from Inverness to Durness, although I'm not sure if you're allowed to take a bike on the ferry from Durness across the Kyle to get to Cape Wrath. Let me know if you're interested and I'll find out. Bike bus information here:

http://www.inverness-durness-highland-bike-bus.co.uk/

Email me off board if you want any more info or any help in the north. I live on the west coast near Lochinver.

Vanessa

Thanks very much for all the help that has been offered for this trip. I am planning to do it in June or early July 2014.

I have started to train and hopefully by then I will be fit enough to take on the 14 to 16 days. I will keep you updated as the plans are confirmed.

Thanks again

William

For an off the wall solution, have you thought to buy a bike from the shop in Thurso ? (I have no connection with this establishment)
Yes you would end up with a bike that you are not used to but a few days in the saddle would soon cure that.