LEJOG Day 15 Inverness to Shrewsbury

So now the long train journey home and some final thoughts

Before we rode off from Lands End I was more than a little nervous about 14 successive days cycling and whether or not I'd done enough training

In the event I needn't have worried, but apparently that slightly nervous feeling is typical for LEJOGgers. My ability to ride each day, and all 14, exceeded my most optimistic expectations

So I had done enough training, and Shropshire hills and flat were absolutely the right training preparation. My legs held up to the end, my bottom was no more sensitive than after a hard day on the organ stool and I cycled all the hills, without feet touching tarmac once

I also had a brilliant bike, the only non-road bike in the group, the only bike pedals without cleats and the only flat bar cycle. This bike was apparently a "revelation" and "the most suited" to the ride of all 13

And I was determined to do it, and fly whenever the roads, gradient and wind let me - and I did!  Do not underestimate the power of positive thinking and determination

The breadth of scenery was astonishingly memorable, from the cornish coast and ferries, to Dartmoor, to the Somerset levels, over the Severn, on to the Marches and lovely Shropshire hills, through Bowland and the Lake District fells and finally into Scotland and the highlands and lochs - and all over just a14 day period. This was sensory overload big time and it really all is a bit of a blur

The weather tried and failed to upset the ride. Yes we were drenched more than once, and got filthy looks turning up to accommodation looking like drowned cats, but we survived and went on into clear and sunny days

Would I do it again? Probably, but there's lots more biking to do, so not immediately (in 10 years time........)

I think this challenge also struck a chord (literally!) as the combination of 1000 cycling miles in 14 days, and 4 organ recitals, was mad enough to spark interest. The organ playing was for me an essential part of the challenge; after all it was all about raising money for the Abbey Organ Fund - which for me is an exceptionally important project

This challenge is over...........or is this a beginning?  I am going to try and keep up this level of fitness and will keep on cycling!!

Thank you for reading my daily blog. It's been a great feeling to know that I have had so much support

Nigel
25 August 2019