End +3: The last post

This last post will gather some concluding thoughts and stuff that never made the daily posts. I'll write up some stuff aimed primarily at cyclists in another post.

One of the biggest surprises was what a sensory experience the ride was. At times, there was almost an overload- either there'd be a fantastic woodland smell and the sound of lots of songbirds while enjoying the dappled shade and pleasant temperature of a scenic forest road, or I'd be shaken from a poor road surface, deafened by the noise of cars and wind howling, soaked and cold from the rain and aware of traffic in every direction while going trough a town.

Being outside all day, I was much more aware of the cycle of the day than usual - the sun's position in the sky, when the next rain shower might come, when the temperature would drop in the evening.

Every part of the UK had a distinctive feel to it. It's easy to miss when travelling from town to town - a Marks and Spencer in Bristol looks much like the one in Bolton. It was fun seeing the clues to how people lived. One good example was in the middle of a small village in an area that appeared to be rather poor. There was in that village though a sumptuous soft furnishings shop, that would not have looked out of place in an expensive London neighbourhood. Any money in the area was not spent on show or visible trimmings, but inside people's private domains.

Every day had different challenges and a different pattern. There was usually
- a really enjoyable section because of scenery, a great downhill, a good climb, some sunshine.
- a tough section because of relentless hills, onset of fatigue, rain, going through a town
- a mileage section, usually on larger A roads where we did the miles to get on.

It was great cycling past so many farms and houses advertising local produce - asparagus, prize-winning beef, cider, honey, eggs, fruit, vegetables, bacon and sausages, jams and preserves. It was also a bit frustrating not being able to buy any.

We passed through 3 built up areas - east of Bristol, Knutsford to Chorley and round the east of Glasgow. Each time we came out the other side, it was like emerging into light, seeing hedges, hills and fields, hearing birds, smelling something other than exhaust fumes.

Random observations:
Cars are really noisy unless you're inside one. A passing car completely removed any chance of a normal conversation with Robert - we had to shout to be heard above the noise.

There are lots of bolts along Britain's roads in the space between the white line at the side of the road and the verge. They are of all shapes, sizes, lengths, diameters. I didn't see any nuts or washers, though - maybe they all accumulate on the southbound carriageway.

Bridges are amazing. We went over several, including the old Severn bridge. In a car, I never realised what big, tall, long and impressive structures they are. The exception was the bridge over the Manchester ship canal that felt decidedly fragile.

Things I liked:
+ The many, many other road users who showed patience and courtesy to us when we were the slowest things on the road.

+ The amazing hospitality and warmth we received from the people in hotels and B&Bs.

+ Hand driers

+ "Eat Natural" cereal bars - favourite sort was cranberries, macadamias and dark chocolate.

Things I didn't like:
- Even though I didn't have a cold, my nose was perpetually running. Now I know why there are 3 pockets in the back of cycling jerseys - one for a family size box of tissues, and two for used ones.

- Falling off my bike - I did this a few times (all at very low speed). It was mostly my pride that was hurt, but I carry a few bruises and scrapes.

- Being blown across the road by a gust of cross-wind.


Thanks for reading - my posts were mostly written on a mobile phone while battling to stay awake long enough to complete them, so it's a wonder if any of them make sense. I hope you've enjoyed a taste of end2end.