Just watched the video of John Woodburn's record ride in 1982 and how the roads are easier these days. Back in those days for instance, John had to ride much of the Old A30 rather than the modern dual carriageway, let alone have to cope with the A74 as it was, plus some of the Old A9.
Not to mention the Old Berridale and Old Dunbeath roads up in the highlands.
I remember all those roads well from back in the 80s, so it fills me with awe how they got on 60 years back!
The last 60 years of the End-to-End
1958: Dave Keeler – 51hr 9min
1958: Reg Randall – 49hr 58min
1965: Dick Poole – 47hr 46min
1979: Paul Carbutt – 47hr 23min
1982: Mick Coupe – 46hr 39min
1982: John Woodburn – 45hr 3min
1990: Andy Wilkinson – 45hr 2min
2001: Gethin Butler – 44h 4min
Considering Ian To made it to the half-way point in 26hrs ish, he must have had big problems because in 1958 they did better.
Mick F. Cornwall