Epilogue



It seems like only yesterday I was on the train heading for Penzance to start the adventure, and now already heading back from Thurso racing through the Scottish countryside on the bumpy train to Inverness. Was it all worth it? Absolutely! I've had highs and lows; seen a lot of amazing sights, from mountains and rocky coasts to deprived council estates, cycled on farm tracks, dual carriageways, towpaths and everthing in between, and been delayed by cows, a flock of sheep and broken spokes. I was so lucky with the weather 

with great variations, from 10 to 30 degrees, from blinding rain to scorching sun. On the downside, some of the hills, especially late in the day could be exhausting. Cornwall, Devon, the Lake District were the worst. 

Living out of two bike panniers for 12 days is not to be recommended! Saddle soreness began only after a week but could be quite painful. 

There are some things I'd change next time..... Firstly, make 
sure the bike is up to the job. My £200 off-the-peg bike was generally OK but obviously the back wheel just too lightweight for such a trip. It was not so much the weight, but the sometimes dreadful road conditions with potholes and drains, and bumpy farm tracks and towpaths. Secondly, the route. I planned it all on Google Maps but on several occasions ended up in a field or a bumpy track to nowhere! The other thing I'd get would be waterproof panniers (mine had covers), and a decent, waterproof, handlebar bag.
The overnight stops have generally been very good due to 
Trip Advisor (love it or loath it...) checks, and I will submitting my own reports as well, also for the restaurants I visited.
Car and lorry drivers have been courteous the whole time, waiting to pass and giving me a wide berth for which I am grateful.
For any cyclists wishing to do the trip, 12 days is OK but expect eight to ten hours on the road each day with no time for long stops or serious sightseeing, just pauses to eat, take on supplies and some picture taking. Some of the hills are 
long and tough. The condition of the roads can be really terrible at times so be alert at all times. I found my rearview mirror invaluable on main roads. A loud bell is also essential, mainly to warn dog walkers on towpaths.
The train journey back wasn't without hiccups. Set off on time but  'due to signalling problems' arrived in Edinburgh over an hour late, leaving around 7 minutes for the (vital...) connection onto the London train. I ran through the station ringing my bell..... The train pulled in a few minutes later, I 
stowed my bike and within minutes we were off. The journey to London was luckily less exciting and I arrived in Deal, on time, at half past midnight...

STOP PRESS!
I got a £15.70 refund for the Thurso to Edinburgh journey, plus £5 as they didn't respond within a week.

Finally a big THANK YOU to all who have donated to Cancer Research UK and KWF Kankerbestrijding in Holland. I am extremely grateful and moved by your good wishes and generosity. For those who haven't yet donated, there is still time as the pages are active for another couple of weeks. Also my gratitude to DFDS Seaways for providing a free crossing and to Startpagina for their generous donation (www.startpagina.nl).
Final Stats
Total distance:  1.566 km (978 miles)
Average distance per day:  130.5 km (81.5 miles)
Average speed: 16.3 kph (10.2mph)
Maximum speed: 56.6 kph (35.4 mph) (NCN Route 775 near Bridge of Earn)
Uphill: tba
Downhill: tba
kCal: 35.849 (= 130 cheese and pickle sandwiches!!)
Punctures: 1
B&B average price:  £40
Rail fares: £88.50
Bike repairs: £90


1 comment:

  1. Dag Michael,
    Met heel veel plezier je verslag van de reis gelezen en de foto's (met name van de ontbijttafel) bewonderd. Complimenten.
    We zien elkaar zeer binnenkort om nog wat bij te praten.
    Dick van Veen
    Schouwerzijl

    ReplyDelete