The last post

I couldn't resist that title.

This trip started when Jon mentioned to Liz at swimming that he was thinking of riding from John O'Groats to Lands End. Liz mentioned it to me and I said I might be interested. Liz passed that on to John. It meandered for a bit. I was uncertain. Then 22nd August last year - my birthday, Liz bought me a book on riding from Lands End to John O'Groats and gift vouchers for Swinnerton's bike shop because I had been concerned with the cost. I knew I wanted to do it - I needed to know that Liz would support it. She did and she has. The last 9 days she has been amazing. 6 hour training rides take a lot out of family life. On rainy mornings she's nudged (in the way Liz nudges!) me out the door. I really couldn't have done this without her.

The ride has been a great adventure. I looked back at the blog posts and they capture something of the journey but my memories are even greater. Drafting down that hill with Jon will live long in the memory as a moment of great freedom. The borders were shockingly beautiful. Riding into Alton and seeing the kids (and parents!) cheering was moving. Seeing people (Grouts and Barriclough's were at Lands End) waiting for us as we road down to the sign at Lands End was a great feeling and seeing the emotion on Liz's face will live in my mind for a long time. Shaking Jon's hand at the end - great stuff.

I've been very lucky to have had the chance to do this and the reaction of others has been so positive. So, to everyone who donated, texted, commented (thanks Mum!), arranged a reception, rode with us (hills were steep weren't they Iain!), followed the blog or just patiently listened to me talk about the ride over the last year. I thank you.

To Neve and Euan - you are amazing; I'm sorry I was grumpy when I was tired and thank you for being such an amazing part of the trip.

Brendan

A good feeling

I'll write something properly tomorrow.  For now we're off for dinner.  Hope this picture sums up a feeling.

Location : Sennen, Penzance, Cornwall TR19 7AU,

Posted via Blogaway on phone....please forgive typos.

No need for words

Location : Sennen, Penzance, Cornwall TR19 7AA,

Posted via Blogaway on phone....please forgive typos.

Back here soon

Location : Sennen, Penzance, Cornwall TR19 7AD,

Posted via Blogaway on phone....please forgive typos.

Last stop before you know what

Location : 1-22 Wharf Rd, Penzance, Cornwall TR18 2,

Posted via Blogaway on phone....please forgive typos.

Small sign, big moment

Location : Treswithian Rd, Camborne, Cornwall TR14 7,

Posted via Blogaway on phone....please forgive typos.

Late, late lunch

Long stretch on a30.  Shattered but good, good news.....less than 30 miles to go.  Having lunch in redruth before final push.  Target finish of 6:00.  Vodafone poor here but will try to blog on arrival.  Starting to Believe.  :-)

Brendan

Location : 1-2 Alma Pl, Redruth, Cornwall TR15 2,

Posted via Blogaway on phone....please forgive typos.