Epilogue

1113 miles in 101 hours cycling plus quite afew feet - 75,000 or so. Cycled in 12.5 days in 3 sections with breaks between. Would I do it again - yes but not tomorrow. Highlights of the trip are the spectacular scenery in the lakes and the Scottish hills. Also the interesting paths along old railways and canals. Daily mileage was about right and it was good for the body to have to only do a maximum of six days on the trot. Choice of route was right for me very little on main roads and lots of cycle paths. These were slower but much more enjoyable. As I had planned my own route, I also included  some bits on farm tracks and bridle ways. These were generally hard and some too hard. Doing it on my own was probably a bit harder psychologically, but probably quicker as I only stopped when I wanted to. Doing it without a support vehicle was a bit tougher as I had to carry my own luggage but not too much of a disadvantage as my luggage was only 7 kilos including spare tubes, lights etc and the panniers. About the same as the weight i lost in training. The cycle way route was definitely longer and harder but also definitely worth doing. Bike was pretty much ok. I needed more hand positions which could be solved with bar ends. Injuries: sore knees - no real solution beyond less miles per day, sore bottom - should have used more cream and perhaps the cause was not wearing clean shorts on two occasions due to spares not drying overnight. Main injury was to my hands from the canal path vibration - more variation in handle bars needed. Let me know if you want more information and I would be up for doing at least part again, but I think next will be something different but similar - Lowestoft to St David's?
Finally thanks to all those who have donated, and encouraged me I think nearly £5,000 will have been raised, Alec and Shirley for sorting the website and meeting me on the way; Wallace for bringing my bike back and encouraging me along the way; Cheltenham Cycles for their helpful advice; Ben, Paul, and Wallace for the inspiration to do the trip; Bob, Lynne,Phil and Sue for putting me up, Phil, Sue, Catrina and Lynne for cycling with me but most of all to Helen for her understanding and support. ILYVM