End of the Lure.

Cold Sweats.

Sometimes I run.

Chewing the Fat.

Provence Verte.

A final taste of ‘French’ viennoiserie, a very welcome appearance of a co-equipier for the first stretch (thanks Fraser Hughes) and an appropriate way to round off a trip which was exactly what I wanted it to be and more.
I set off from Rotterdam two weeks ago with a route planned, but nothing else apart from a train/ferry back to the UK 14 days later. I knew what distance I had to an average each day but left myself the liberty to decide day-by-day to ride as far as I wanted as stay where I wanted. I enjoyed myself so much that ended up adding extra distance and climbs to the final couple of days to bring the total distance to 2,736km👉/32,200m👆.
Despite (or perhaps due to) a quasi rest/travel day yesterday this was the day where my legs finally decided they didn’t have the desire to give much more. Fraser Hughes met me at Portsmouth and did a great job of putting up with me talking non-stop for 5+ hours about this and that climb, this and that croissant etc before leaving me to my own thoughts after Oxford. Unfortunately this point coincided with when the route turned slightly crap. The south was constantly rolling on quiet lanes but from here on I had plotted the most direct route and the next 100k were on largely straight, almost flat minor A roads for miles with no deviation which offered little to attract attention. Maybe just a far cry to the scenery I was treated too especially over the past week. 
My legs kept spinning but finding a comfortable position for the long flat stretches was difficult and I could sense my ability to put of consistent power just wasn’t there. When things got spicier again for the final few hours I chirped up a bit, also boosted by a pleasant sunset and the promise of accomplishing a fitting finale to the journey.
Unfortunately it’s not time to go cold turkey on the daily pastry fix (will still be a weekend thing though, don’t you worry 😁) and figure out how to re-adjust to a lifestyle where I’m not on the move each day, sleeping in a different bed/field each night and consuming 3 breakfasts without it even touching the sides. This has been the best thing I’ve done in a long time. There was no performance goal, no specific outcome I was after except for having a positive experience doing things the way I wanted and that felt right. When I do next take part in a competitive event, the alternative perspective this trip has offered will only serve me well. Travelling solo by bicycle also pushed me to engage more with my surroundings and the people I met along the way. People in general are kind, welcoming and show a genuine interest in your journey. Being receptive to these exchanges and savouring the opportunity to practice my (apparently fairly good, according to the locals 😊) French enriched this experience. Perhaps I will return with a more open attitude to everyday life, which would be a positive outcome.
Thank you to everyone who has engaged with this journey along the way, it is flattering to appreciate the interest and a pleasure to hear from you.
Up next, a few weeks of sitting in my pants on the sofa watching the Tour whilst admiring my tan lines (there may be photos to follow…🫣). Then, maybe this has given me the taste for something a bit more extensive…..

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Samuel Thompson | Acier,cc

15. Portsmouth -> Sheffield.

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End of the Lure.

Cold Sweats.

Sometimes I run.

Chewing the Fat.

Provence Verte.

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