John O'Groats not 'Deloitted' with arrival of mass cycling event
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TWO John O'Groats businesses are getting ready to batten down the hatches as the 1000 cyclists taking part in the Deloitte challenge set off on the final stages of their end-to-end journey.
Stacks Coffee Shop and Bistro, and Flavours, the ice cream shop and confectionery, took the decision to close on Sunday due to what they see as a lack of respect shown to the community in previous years by those involved in the mass cycle event.
As previously reported, an apology was issued by event organiser Threshold Sports this week and its head of logistics Karen Hannaford got in touch with Stacks offering to talk through a solution for future visits.
Rebecca Wymer, one of the owners of Stacks, said: “Regrettably, after several years of grief from the Deloitte’s security team and the inconvenience caused to our regular customers, we have decided to close in a peaceful protest to avoid further aggravation.
"Having spoken to Karen from the organiser, Threshold Sports, she was surprised to hear of any issues, as three years of feedback from ourselves and Flavours was not passed on by Deloitte.
"Her response was positive and we look forward to working closely with her for next year’s event, reducing the impact on the community and John O’Groats businesses.
"The Stacks team wish the riders well and hope that they enjoy our county with safety and respect to other road users and residents.”
Sandra Thain, of Flavours, said: "I took the decision not to repeat the experience this year directly after last year's event. It is, quite simply, a very unpleasant experience for my poor customers and staff.
"They are refused entry to the car park – the very car park they park in every Sunday when they come for ice creams. My staff are turned away too and if anyone dares ask, never mind protest, they are met with a barrage of verbal abuse.
"The decision to close Flavours is taken with a heavy heart, but I simply cannot tolerate another year of this type of abuse targeted at my customers and staff."
She went on to say that in other circumstances the event would be welcomed, even "embraced" by locals, who are very generous in supporting annual fixtures such as the vintage car rally, the Mey Games and the John O'Groats Harbour Day incorporating the strongest man competition.
I am personally distressed about the effect this annual event has had on our local community. It is a very sad state of affairs.
Mrs Thain said: "The Ride Across Britain event could not be further from what we are used to – arrogance and heavy-handed tactics from organisers who treat us very badly. My pregnant daughter suffered some serious verbal abuse last year.
"I decided – no more. It is such a pity, as the event itself is amazing and the participants deserve our congratulations and a very warm and hospitable welcome."
It is not the first time the business owner has protested about the event. After a story appeared in the John O'Groat Journal in 2015 she said the organisers had been respectful and helpful and had parked at the local field, freeing up the car park for all to use.
She commented: "I actually got to meet many of the cyclists and their families as our shop wasn't blocked from view by the huge lorries parked in front.
"The event actually went very well, with locals really enjoying seeing the cyclists come in, and it was a memorable event for all concerned. It was a huge relief and I thought we had all moved on.
"Sadly, the following year, it reverted to the nonsense we have come to expect from this event and they resumed their normal tactics. From the minute they appear on the Saturday, when the entire car park is cordoned off, to the minute they depart on the Sunday night, they cause utter chaos."
Pointing out that she was making a stand against the event, rather than a protest, she added: "I am personally distressed about the effect this annual event has had on our local community.
"It is a very sad state of affairs and one that I will no longer associate myself or my business with. I am pleased that Stacks agreed to join me in closing. I am hopeful that this will not go unnoticed and that positive changes will result.
"My sincere apologies in advance for any inconvenience caused to our customers and an unreserved apology for being closed on a Sunday – unheard of for Flavours in the season."
As reported earlier this week, Threshold's Karen Hannaford said: "Threshold apologises profusely and we are ensuring all riders and crew members are briefed thoroughly about not leaving litter, and being respectful to the local area and community.
"Although we will still be using the car park for coaches, we will try to move the bike packing round the back. However, we cannot promise this at this stage. We have also offered to pay for all use of the car park."
Participants in the Deloitte Ride Across Britain cycle challenge took off from the start line at Land’s End on September 7, with the goal of reaching the finish line in John O’Groats this Sunday (September 15).
By the end of the journey they will have cycled 980 miles, over 100 miles each day, and some days will have sat for more than 12 hours in the saddle.
The cyclists started the first leg of the Scottish journey on Friday when they cycled from Hopetoun Estate, South Queensferry, to Strathdon, with Saturday's penultimate stage taking them up to the Kyle of Sutherland before setting off on the final section on Sunday morning covering 104 miles up through Strathnaver to Bettyhill and then on to Thurso before continuing along the coast to John O'Groats.
