As you might have guessed from reading this blog, I thoroughly enjoyed the adventure. I met some kind, interesting and helpful people and saw parts of the country I may not have otherwise seen and certainly not from a bike angle.

It was a lot of fun and mentally relaxing for two weeks. At times I did remind myself to enjoy it, to remember why I was doing it and to take in the experience. I was fortunate not to experience any saddle sores but good hygiene and padding assisted here. I was also fortunate with the two week weather window where sunshine prevailed for the most part, however I did have a lot of headwind but I think every End to Ender will tell you that!

Preparation helped and I've identified the following points which personally stood well for me:

1) Having a decent touring bike with drop handle bars to vary the riding positions with a great saddle, once broken in.
2) The training ride to Milton Keynes and back on the Sunday/Monday of the last B/H weekend. 116 miles each way on consecutive days taking me through the Meon Valley and the Chilterns.
3) Having a destination goal each day, knowing that the accommodation was pre-booked.
4) The Rest Day in the Lake District.
5) Cutting up several O/S Maps into 26 uniform sizes with a blue line inked in to show my route.

Doing the ride solo and unsupported, can make the ride harder but I believe this is dependant on your mental strength. I did get a boost every time I overtook a cyclist who was part of a group or had no luggage but had to remind myself this was not a race, although I did give myself some timings to aim for in order to keep motivated.

My photos have been developed today but it will take a week for the photo lab to convert the negatives onto a CD so I can put some of these up.

My trip highlights are numerous but ones that stand out include:

- The Camel Trail between Padstow and Wadebridge
- The B&B experience in Highbridge (Day 3/4)
- The Wye Valley between Chepstow and Monmouth
- Seeing Helen and Brian in Oswestry
- Morecambe and then the beautiful Lake District
- Loch Lomond and the stunning Scottish mountains

The stats are as follows:

Distance: 991 miles
Avg. Speed: 12 mph
Punctures: 1
Broken Spokes: 3
Other: Slighly buckled back wheel (too much luggage)

I'm pleased as punch to raise almost £3,000 for CMH and I've achieved a good fundraising amount and completed a personal goal at the same time. Good luck to anyone who attempts this - you won't be disappointed.

I would like to sign off with a Big Thank You to everyone who has had any involvement in my venture. The list of people to thank is fairly large and if I have missed you off from the list then please accept my apologies:

Thanks to:

Lynn
Kat (Head of FundRaising at CMH)
Helen and Brian (putting me up on Day 5/6)
Julia and Paul (picking Lynn and I up from the airport)
Friends, Family and Work Colleagues (sponsoring me and sending me supportive/encouraging text messages)
Norwich Union esp. Lee Roberts, my boss and Internal Press Agent(!)
Readers and contributors to my Blog
Sivyer Cycles in Havant
Mastercraft Cycles in Hereford
Off Beat Bikes in Fort William