Final reflections and the all important stats

Our journey back from Thurso to Axbridge went like clockwork. I had booked 3 of the 4 precious cycle spaces on the 08.34 train to Inverness.We then dropped our bikes off at the bike courier service in Inverness, got a bus out to the airport and flew Easyjet back to Bristol where Diane Lukins was waiting to take us home.

http://www.johnogroatsbiketransport.co.uk/

On the 4 hour train journey we were able to reflect on the highlights of the trip, so here they are:

1. Best Hotel : Wrightington Spa Hotel, Wigan

2. Best B&B : The Pentland Lodge House, Thurso - a close call as they were all good but Lisa's customer care skills and "nothing is too much trouble attitude" stole the show.

3. Best cafe : Moniaive cafe and bistro - Day 6.

4. Best Evening Meal : Wrightington Spa Hotel/the Bistro in Thurso and Ollys home made Venison Bolognese.

5. Best Days riding : Wrighton to Carlisle via the Lake District (Phil), Ballachulish to Sittenham (Chris and Mike).

6. Hardest Climbs : Cul Na Kirk (Day 8), Yogi Hill Climb, Dartmoor (Day 1), Bogoullie Climb -Arran (Day 7).

7. Worst moment of the Tour : Tavistock (Mike), China Clay Area Cornwall (Chris), Alness (Phil).

8. Defining moment of the Tour- Whisky tasting session at the Oban Whisky and Fine Wines Shop (we now feature on their facebook page!).

We all had songs floating around in our heads whilst cycling. Mine were I'm Gonna Be (500 miles) - The Proclaimers and News from Heaven - Runrig.

We had no mechanical problems and not one puncture between us which was quite remarkable. I took spare spokes, a spare tyre, 3 inner tubes and some spare chain links and a multi tool but these were not used.

Generally motorists were very kind to us particularly in Scotland (apart from coach drivers and timber lorries) and we didn't get the brunt of any road rage to cyclists which is often a feature in Somerset.

And now to the stats. - our 3 garmin cycle computers and 2 i phones told very different stories particularly the height ascended. Phil took some different routes to Chris and I so I have set out below his and my recordings

Thanks must go to everyone who helped us on the route, get us to the start line and who kindly sponsored me - my current total is over £2,500 for the Nepal Earthquake and Weston Hospice which I am absolutely bowled over with - originally I had no plans to get any sponsorship.

Final mention and special thanks must be given to our long suffering and supportive wives - Trina, Diane and Sue.

"When I see an adult on a bicycle I do not despair for the future of the human race" HG Wells

 (thanks to Mendip Rouler's excellent blog for that quote)

http://mendiprouleur.blogspot.co.uk/