Deloitte ride brings economic boost to John O'Groats
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JOHN O'Groats received an economic boost estimated at up to £50,000 when hundreds of cyclists taking part in the Deloitte Ride Across Britain made it to their final destination.
The challenge concluded on Sunday when an enthusiastic crowd of family members, friends and supporters gathered at a very breezy Groats to cheer on the cyclists at the end of their 980-mile trip.
Andrew Mowat, of the Seaview Hotel, said: "I was delighted with the way the day went. Local businesses got a lot of trade and there were no access issues. All the shops were busy."
Mr Mowat estimated that around £40,000 to £50,000 was taken in from the event, saying: "The economic benefits were enormous."
As previously reported, two John O'Groats businesses – Stacks Coffee House and Bistro, and Flavours, the ice cream and confectionery shop – took the decision to close their doors on the finishing day of the Ride Across Britain due to what they called the "consistently aggressive and rude attitude" of management and security staff, the "complete takeover" of the car park and litter problems.
Karen Hannaford, head of logistics for event organiser Threshold Sports, said: “It was wonderful to be in John O’Groats on Sunday and welcome in our riders as they completed their epic 980-mile journey from Land’s End.
"We were delighted to see so many locals brave the windy conditions and come by to help cheer them in.
"Crew and security were reminded to be respectful and courteous and a full litter-pick of the site was done to ensure no mess was left behind.
She added: "I hope to start dialogue with the café owners soon to chat about how we can help them next year and work together efficiently."
Local accommodation was in demand, with the Seaview Hotel full. Some guests arrived three days early to make the most of their visit to Caithness while waiting for friends or family taking part in the challenge. Business at Together Travel (formerly Natural Retreats) was also reported to be good.
Mr Mowat, who is treasurer of the John O'Groats Development Trust, said another benefit of the event was the money made from the new parking fee which will go towards improvements in the area.
He estimated that throughout the day there were around 2000 people, including crew and friends and families, milling around John O'Groats. Cyclists started arriving around noon, and continued coming in until about 6pm.
The local businessman, who had got in touch with the event organisers earlier to discuss changes to the parking arrangements, explained that the two main event lorries and water tanker were parked on a road at the back of the retail units with gaps left for business owners and staff to gain access.
This meant that the public car park was left free for visitors to the end-of-the-road venue, apart from the stances used for buses needed to transport competitors on the start of their homeward journey. A number of local taxis were also in constant demand.
Due to the parking arrangements the businesses in the units at the back of the craft area had more passing trade.
Mr Mowat said: "They had a busy day because everybody was going up that way to drop bikes off."
He added: "There was a new security firm and there was no hassle because the car park was left free."
Parking for friends and family of the cyclists was provided in the village field, used for events such as the Mey Games.
Local fishermen, who generally do their landing on a Sunday, were also pleased to find they had no access problems.
A manager at the John O'Groats knitwear company said: "We were very, very busy in both the coffee shop and the retail shop. We did not have any issues this year. They did use to take over the car park."
More than 1000 cyclists set off from Land's End on Saturday, September 7, to take part in the Deloitte Ride Across Britain. The end-to-end route is made up of nine stages over as many days.
