So we did it ... & the boys want more!! (cleve's closing post)

Just been out for a 30 min run & was thinking "there's nothing like cycling"! & must do my closing LEJOG post, it's 2 weeks since we finished the ride & like the lads have said on thier posts is so true .... i'm missing the bike & the miles!

The ride itself was a challenge, fun & at times painful. In fact as you've probably read on the daily blogs I had an almighty crash after 10miles, i won't bore you with the details but it hurt & I really didn't expect to be able to ride the next day, it was actually less painful riding than walking, in fact the part of the thigh which hit the curb is still a numb & my right ankle still hurts!

The negatives : I was very saddle sore at times, in fact it felt as though my saddle had razor blades sticking out, attempting to recall the pain brings tears to my eyes. The A30 through Cornwall was awful, yes there was a small cycle lane but with cars going past us at c.85mph it didn't feel right. The "detour" up Glenshee was difficult but a great achievement (once we hit the peak).

The positives: far too many to mention. Each days mileage achievement, the company, the support car, the B&B's and lovely people we met along the way, climbing hills & going down the other side, the pretty flat Devon to Cheshire, the weather (i can't believe there was no rain - although it got cold in the north of scotland), only 1 puncture each, crossing the scotland border, riding into John O'Groats.........

The recovery following the ride was quite remarkable, saying that unlike Matt I haven't been back on the bike yet but I did go to the gym for a session 3 days after returning.

I do miss the focus that the training provided and i'm now looking for events I can take part in, hoping to do a few sportives over the coming months & will run more as the winter kicks in........... do i fancy the 'cycle to africa' the lads have mentioned? Oh ... i'm not sure although i'd definatley do a leg or 2 as support to them...... watch this space.

I'll continue to promote the charity & will hope to continue to raise funds for sometime to come ...... finally just want to say thanks to everyone, the lads, Howard, the owners of the B&B's, the people we met, the donaters (of which there are many) and most of all our families for the support.

Cleve