Hello everyone, as promised here is my final blog and summary of what I managed to achieve, what it all means to me and of course to The Born Free Foundation.
Unbelievably it is 4 weeks ago today when I started out from Land's End and to be honest, it is all still sinking in what I achieved, I am still pinching myself daily, especially when I look at a map of the UK and say to myself..... did I really cycle all that way!!
During the 10 days I went through a range of emotions, some dark moments as well as a lot of joy at what I was doing, the sights I was witnessing, the beautiful UK countryside and wildlife, the famous structures I cycled across.
My dark moments I guess were connected with days 1, 2, 6 & 8, when I tackled many severe and savage climbs, trying to keep my old legs turning, thinking of nice things rather than 'when will I ever reach the summit of this hill', or thinking that I had reached the summit, just to cycle around the bend and be confronted with yet another climb! As I said though in my earlier blogs, the easiest thing would have been to give up and stop, however, not me.... I was determined to do it and reach John O'Groats.
This was, without question, the hardest thing that I have ever done in my life and I am very proud that I finished. I learnt a lot about myself during the long and sometimes lonesome hours in the saddle (10-12 hours per day), but also from my fellow cyclists, none of whom I had ever met before, yet felt like old mates at the end. Some of them were ex Pro cyclists, so I picked up many tips from them, such as maintaining a rhythm, especially on the hills, as well as nutrition and fluid intake hints and tips.
Since my return home, I have reflected many times on LEJOG. On one blog I was talking about some descents, especially in the Cairngorms (Glenshee Ski Resort) and how my bike touched 40 mph when I felt that I needed to apply the brakes gently, as it was a little scary.
Well this week I looked back at my GPS stats and it wasn't 40 mph at all, I had actually hit 54.3 mph (as can be seen on this picture from my GPS). I am just very glad that the road was a smooth one with no pot holes!
The two peaks you can see on the profile are the Glenshee and Lecht Ski Resorts.
You have all been very supportive of me and your words of encouragement on various messages have been brilliant, they most definitely helped me though the challenge. To add, many of you have been very generous also and have sponsored me towards raising funds for my charity 'The Born Free Foundation'. I am eternally grateful to all of you, both for the support, encouragement and kind donations, I did you all proud, you are all brilliant.
I want to let you all know that I received some lovely messages too from Born Free's very own Dame Virginia McKenna. She was very humbled and delighted at what was achieved and also the funds that have been raised, so I am happy to pass her thanks on to you all also.
To date, I have raised £4,128 with some further pledges to add. This is an outstanding total and has been gratefully received by the BFF. Your donations and support will help tackle animal cruelty, captivity and illegal trade, provide education, as well as helping to preserve habitats and environments where these endangered species live, hopefully one day to do so without fear.
'Wild Animals that are Born Free should Remain Free'
After day 5 in Crosthwaite, I posted a mid challenge report with some facts & figures. Well, I have now completed my overall stats after the 10 day challenge, which makes for some remarkable reading, as follows:
Mileage cycled 1,012 (interestingly, this equates to 1,628 Km)
Average per day 101 162 Km
Elevation in Feet 62,244.ft 11.8 Miles - over twice the height of Mount Everest
Calories Burned 48,022 Wow... I know, however when you read what
I have consumed too, it sort of cancels it out :-)
Nutrition & Fluid Intake
30 Bananas, 42 Protein Bars, 20 Chocolate Bars, 9 Bags of Salted Peanuts,
10 Bags of Mixed Nuts, 14 Bags of Crisps, 32 Sandwiches, 4 Bowls of Soup, 4 Baguettes,
8 Pieces of Cake, 8 small Soreen Malt Loaf bars, lots of Cherries and Jelly Babies.
26 Mugs of Tea + Sugar, 20 Cans of 'full fat' Coke
104 x 21 fl.oz Bottles of Water = 64.5 Litres (some with Electrolytes added - to help rehydrate my body by replacing the salt, potassium and magnesium that are lost when sweating).
After consuming all of the above, I actually arrived home 4 lbs lighter than when i started.
However, the main thing was to feed my body to maintain good blood sugar levels as well as the energy and strength to complete the challenge.
After I returned home, I was tired for several days and placed my trusty bike in the garage and didn’t look at it for about a week. However, over the last few days I have started to venture out again, only short mileages of 10, but mainly to keep the old legs moving and to maintain my health & fitness levels. I will of course increase this mileage as & when.
Looking back at this challenge, I do miss it in a strange way, even with all the hurt and effort, however there were some funny moments too such as the cows and sheep blocking the road, the farmer trying to convince me that an Electric Bike was the only way to go and one of the Aussie riders who sadistically played the Sound of Music's ‘Climb Every Mountain’ on his mobile phone before we started the big Day 8, these things will live with me forever.
It was a great but a hard experience which I am glad and proud to have achieved.
Thank you all very much for taking the time to read and comment on my blogs, they have been a pleasure to write, even when I just wanted to lay down and rest at the end of each day. Most of all, thank you all for your fantastic support and kindness.
Until next time!!!!!!!!!
Cheers all
Mark
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