Only one full day to go after today's ride from Invergarry to Bonar Bridge. The day started with a ride along Loch Ness but no sign of Nessie followed by a run through Inverness and then on following the Far North line via Dingwall to Ardgay and finally Bonar Bridge.

Mileage today was 86 making 886 miles in total so far in 10 days.

Thurso tomorrow and if that goes well then the short hop to John O'Groats on Saturday morning. Fingers crossed for no problems now.

If you would like to sponsor Ian with all money going to help DPS projects then please go to: http://www.justgiving.com/IANKENNANDPS

or click HERE.

Today was 97 miles from Inveraray to Invergarry which is on the A82 from Fort William to Inverness.

Arrival was at 4pm followed by an immediate trip to the pub and it's BBQ night tonight whilst dodging the famous Scottish midges.

On to Bonar Bridge tomorrow and only two full days to go............

If you would like to sponsor Ian with all money going to help DPS projects then please go to: http://www.justgiving.com/IANKENNANDPS

or click HERE.

It was Kilmarnock to Inveraray today. There seems to be some dispute about how to spell Inveraray but anyway, it is in Argyll and is 80 miles from Kilmarnock. A special treat today with a break for a ferry from Gourock to Dunoon.

Arrival in Inveraray was at around 4pm. The days cycling saw torrential rain followed by hot sun for 10 minutes then more torrential rain. All that whilst climbing some Scottish hills that seem strangely bigger and longer than the English ones.

This evening it is both torrential rain and sun at the same time.

On to Invergarry between Fort William and Inverness tomorrow. 703 miles covered so far in 8 days and the dodgy knee is holding up.

If you would like to sponsor Ian with all money going to help DPS projects then please go to: http://www.justgiving.com/IANKENNANDPS

or click HERE.

A steady run from Carlisle to Kilmarnock following the Glasgow & South Western Railway. A total of 96 miles. One person in the party had a big crash today but is apparently ok and is carrying on. Another cyclist has had to leave the ride with a knee problem leaving 26 in the group to try to make it to John O'Groats. Ian's knee is hurting but he is able to keep going.

Arrival in Kilmarnock was at 3.15pm which gives time for a rest before a run to Iveraray tomorrow.

If you would like to sponsor Ian with all money going to help DPS projects then please go to: http://www.justgiving.com/IANKENNANDPS

or click HERE.

Day 7 was from Preston to Carlisle and was 93 miles including a horrendous climb over Shap and then hills and more hills via Kendal to Carlisle.

Ian's knee remains very painful and probably has fluid on it but he is determined to press on.

Got to reach Kilmarnock tomorrow.

If you would like to sponsor Ian with all money going to help DPS projects then please go to: http://www.justgiving.com/IANKENNANDPS

or click HERE.

Saturday's journey was from Shrewsbury to Preston which was 95 miles. The day passed off without incident on the road but Ian is suffering with stiff knees which are inflamed. He is carrying on with the journey with ice packs and painkillers.

Arrival in Preston, the birthplace of the prototype Deltic was at 4.45pm around the time that Alycidon was heading out of Loughborough on Members Day.

If you would like to sponsor Ian with all money going to help DPS projects then please go to: http://www.justgiving.com/IANKENNANDPS

or click HERE.

Day 5 was 97 miles from Chepstow to Shrewsbury. Early start with 35 miles to Hereford covered by 10.30am and then following the route of the railway from Hereford up to Shrewsbury arriving at 4.30pm. 339 miles now covered in 4 days. Tulyar would have done it in 4 hours but that is with 3300 horses and not 1 bike.

Got to get to Preston by tomorrow evening.

If you would like to sponsor Ian with all money going to help DPS projects then please go to: http://www.justgiving.com/IANKENNANDPS

or click HERE.

Day 4 was 91 miles from Tiverton to Chepstow. A steady cycle over the Somerset Levels followed by a crossing of the old Severn Bridge to Chepstow.

On to Shrewsbury tomorrow........

If you would like to sponsor Ian with all money going to help DPS projects then please go to: http://www.justgiving.com/IANKENNANDPS

or click HERE.

Day 3 was Liskeard to Tiverton. After a stop in Tavistock to take on water it was a huge climb up and over Dartmoor, followed by a run down into Exeter passing St David's and ending in Tiverton.

Total distance today was 75 miles starting at 8am and finishing at around 5pm with around 7.5 hours of cycling.

On to Wales tomorrow........

If you want to sponsor Ian with all proceeds going to the DPS then the link is: http://www.justgiving.com/IANKENNANDPS >

or click HERE.

I am pleased to be able to report the final arrangements for Members Day which is to be held at the Great Central Railway on Saturday 4 September 2010.

First of all the diagram for Alycidon:

All times from Loughborough Central

10.55 Driver Experience light engine - return 11.55

12.15 Passenger service with Griddle Car - return 13.30

13.55 Driver Experience light engine - return 14.55.

16.45 Passenger Service with Griddle Car - return 18.00

19.00 Special BEEREX Passenger Service with food - return 20.30

The programme for members is as follows:

All travel on the GCR is COMPLETELY FREE on both 4th and 5th September as long as you show your up to date membership card. Free travel is not restricted to trains hauled by Alycidon.

As well as the Deltic haulage there will be the opportunity to visit Loughborough Central signalbox and locoshed on organised tours. If you want take part in one of those tours then please e-mail or telephone me - my contact details are in Deltic Deadline - and provide your name and membership number. They are likely to take place between 3pm and 4.30pm and each will last 45 minutes. Places are limited because of restrictions on numbers in the signalbox.

Food: The Griddle Car will be operating on the 10.15, 12.15, 14.15 and 16.45 services but I strongly recommend that you place your order early and don't wait until you board the Deltic hauled services. The stock is in the station well before departure time and so advance ordering will avoid disappointment.

The Beerex at 7pm is open to all passengers but priority will be given to DPS Members in booking food. Please prebook your food from the following choice:

* Steak & Kidney Pie or Chicken & Ham Pie or Vegetable Pie

* All served with mashed potatoes, peas and gravy

* A selection of beer is available from the bar

Again if you would like to book food on the 19.00 ( £6) then please let me know by e-mail or telephone quoting name and membership number.

If you want to stay over then the Ramada Hotel is a good option and is staggering distance from Loughborough Central. Other hotels and guest houses are available.

If you need any more information then please e-mail or telephone me. I hope to see you at Members Day.

Peter Kennan