Worldwide Cancer Research’s Post

Dover to Durness. An epic. 13 days. 951 miles. 69 hours in the saddle. 18,800 meters climbed. That’s 14 times up Ben Nevis (the highest mountain in the UK) or just over twice the height of Everest). So what was the experience like? It has been hard to process everything but a week after finishing here is my best attempt. Firstly a big thank you to Peak Tours, the organisers and logistics supremo’s. Excellence from first enquiry right through to the finish and departure. Tina, Matt and James were just brilliant. Secondly a big shout out to my 16 fellow cyclists. All of us strangers as we assembled in Dover, but quickly turned into a fabulously supportive team who buoyed each other through the tough times and made memories for each other. We shared many laughs, fascinating moments, wonderful chats, historical and engineering lessons and ups and downs along beautiful scenic roads. A disparate group with a common enthusiasm. The journey itself was a wonderfully unfolding tableaux of the very best of England and Scotland. There was beauty everywhere, whether industrial, infrastructure or the sheer scenic delights. There were also fabulous hosts at lunch stops – thank you for that extra scone at Loch Carron and the wonderful soup in Parwich – and superb overnight accommodation, not least the amazing room at the Packhorse Inn in Thornsett. The kindness of strangers is seared into the memories of this trip. The numerous motorists who obligingly gave way or gave space to us cyclists, the folks who took time to listen to the story of our journey and gave us encouragement, the ferry crews who made space for all our bikes, the Tebay truck stop staff taking care of very wet cyclists without missing a beat. Too many moments to list in entirety. And that’s what it is all about really. Meeting new people, creating memories, seeing Britain, and its people, at its best, It was a privilege to ride and experience all I have. It was also an honour to have your support as you read my posts and sent your encouragement. That certainly got me through some of the tougher days. Special thanks also to the wonderful team at Worldwide Cancer Research – following my journey each day and sending hugely well timed messages of support. Some other thanks to the people who got me physically able to do the ride and fit again after surgery: Adam Toms, Chloe Mason and Alex Hughes at Resolute. Jan and Diljyot at The Physio Camberley. Knee surgeon Simon Thompson. And not forgetting my beautiful wife who unfailingly offered support and encouragement through the year of getting ready and the two weeks of being away. In the end it’s all about people. It is people that make everything possible. It’s people that create shared experiences that stay long in the memory. It’s people that support and show kindness. Thank you all for your support 🙏 Any final donations https://lnkd.in/e5jJv5J3 (Channelling the inspiration of Peter Weissman for my Friday Photo)