My memories of the event include lots of different emotions.
Riding - the days I found most difficult were the ones with steep hills and rain. My best days were the ones with lots of rolling hills and sunny spells. Luckily all the hills were rideable although there was one hill in Scotland where we all had to stop half way up just after lunch at the Loch Ness Inn.
The Road surfaces - some local authorities need to spend more money on tarmac - East Ayrshire was very bad with a surface resembling the bumpy pavement next to a pedestrian crossing to help visually impaired people.
Lorry drivers - all very patient. Thank you.
Bus Drivers - all very good bar one - you are lucky we did't get you registration number!
Car drivers - most were good but a few were truly dangerous generally as they thought two feet between their car and your bike was plenty of room. It isn't at any time but particularly if the car is going at 70 mph!
The Scenery - England, Wales and Scotland - we do live in such a beautiful country. Cycling was the way to see it, smell it and really enjoy it.
The People - we met so many lovely people on the way - James has mentioned many of them in his blog. From the B&B proprietors to the cafe waitors, waitresses and shopkeepers to just people who stopped to talk to us. They were all so very kind and helpful to three middle aged men in lycra.
Matt and James - for keeping me going when the riding got tough for me - ie on steep hills.
Matt - for planning such a beautiful route well away from major roads.
Cathy - for being a fantastic support crew and wife.
Clare - for her incredible positive attitude when she joined us in Largs that helped pep us all up when we were getting a bit weary after five days!
Mandi Owens for the Cemon Homeopathics joint cream - a life saver.
All the people who sent messages of support ever day by text or by email. Especially, my cousin Tom for the endless supply of rude jokes.
And finally, a special thank you to all the donors who have helped us raise over £8,000 for Help for Heroes. You made all the pain and suffering worthwhile.
Yes - overall I did enjoy it. Would I do it again? Well let's just say that the most memorable moment for me was coming over the top of the final hill and seeing John O'Groats bathed in glorious sunshine with the Orkneys in the back ground and knowing that there were no more hills to climb!
Anyone thinking of doing LEJOG, speak to me first.
Joe
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