End to End debrief with a cornish pastie

Do not seemed to of lost any weight but the pies have been good

The final day

After sending a couple of messages yesterday while the sun was shinning after reaching Cornwall and seeing the sea since the last time in Scotland it all went down hill apart from the roads!

Soon after my last blog my computer went on the blink so not sure of the days mileage but as I spent 16 hours on the bike and was up to 123 before it broke I think it was over 150 miles for the day(will check google maps and post in a summary blog). It then started to rain which made the last few miles soul destroying watching the mileage signs reducing very slowly or increasing to my final destination for the day in Padstow to stay with Dave and Claire.

Today the rain was persistent from start to finish at times I was cycling up rivers as the cars rushed passed the spray and speed of the trucks was terrifying.

As I travelled down the A30 a sign informed me to leave the road due to road works. When exiting a sign read "cyclist find alternative route" very helpful. As I pondered over my map which was turning to tissue paper as the rain sheeted down vertical I found an alternative route which ran over the highest point in the area and added 5 miles to my day. Despite the gradient I was glad the be off the main road and enjoyed the alternative route to Penzance.

The final climb to the finish out of Penzance was tough and for the first time I thought about getting off and pushing.

As I reached the top of the last hill the sea comes into view and I can see my finish.

After 65 miles today and over 900 miles over 8 days cycling the sense of achievement was huge for a fat man and a bike. Also to any one that thinks its all down hill from the top of Scotland feel free to give it ago.

Now I must sleep for a couple of days but will post summary when I am back on the island

Also many thanks to all that have donated so generously. I am hoping we would of raised in excess of 5k when all counted.

The last one

Finally into Cornwall. Hopefully will see the sea again soon.

2 more Counties to go

Started off at 5 today to make up some miles by 50 miles in and second breakfast at 10am I don't look a pretty sight.

But on the bright side its not raining and a rough estimate I have 160 miles to the end and a cornish pasty

Day 7 - Chester to Bristol

A huge day on the bike after the rain in the morning (nothing new about my journey south in the british summertime) the wind moved from the west to north west with sunshine. What a difference this made to the afternoon.

By the end of the day I was just north of Bristol. As I cycled late into the day it was the first night to sleep out. Again this was not to be as I took out my phone to let every one know the good news unfortunately there was some bad news waiting for me.

My Grandfather has taken ill and was in hospital by twisted luck I am at one of the nearest points on the route to where he is. I plan to take the day off tomorrow and start again on Saturday. I have less than 200 miles left but its not all down hill.

Stats for Day

134 miles
13.4 Average speed
1176 Total ascent

Day 6 - Beetham to Chester

Still on course for a Monday finish. Today the morning was dry for 2 minutes before a shower hit me. For the next hour I remained dry cycling through areas which were wet and feeling smug that I missed the shower. That was stupid as by the time I got to Preston I was the wettest I have been on the trip.

I swapped Beckys ticket on the boat today to come over to Heysham rather than Liverpool by the time she reached me I was just outside Liverpool. When becky arrived she did not even offer to take my bags or drive me down the road a few miles.

To head down the country I crossed over on the mersey ferry, 1 because I have never crossed over on it and it saved heading down to Runcorn.(Hope no one thinks its cheating)

Rant for day - why have a cycle lane that go nowhere. After nearly 600 miles I have found that nearly all cities and large towns have them but just to show they are doing the right thing. Nearly all cycle lanes take you to dead ends or round industrial parks but of no actual use.

Tomorrow I am planning to head towards Gloucester let see where I get

Stats for Day

91 miles
12.8 Average speed
782 Total ascent

Day 4 - Sanqahar to Beetham

Sorry for the rubbish picture of me ruining beautiful landscape of the lake district fells. No other pictures for the day spent to much time on the bike.

Finally crossed the border today and heading down the country tonight I am just north of Lancaster. The ride today has been long but. Easier than the last couple of days. After a couple of hours rain in the morning it cleared up.

Now over half way, no idea where I will be tomorrow night as legs now feeling the constant battering.

If only it was flat to the end

Stats for Day

119 Miles
12.8 Average speed
1364 Total ascent