DAY 10!! How did that happen?
I woke up a little later as my wife made sure I had some breakfast at the hotel before leaving as she was kind enough to pay for my last night and wanted me to take full advantage of the services paid for. So, I did, a nice bowl of cereal, a bacon roll and coffee set me up for the start of my day.
Not too far along the road, I met by a friend (@1photoadayfortherestofmylife) who kept me company until Melvich, where we stopped for an espresso and juice. We had never met before, but the chat was great, and the company really helped me through the first half of my ride. Once I was alone again, the headwind seemed to pick up and the journey towards John o' Groats was very slow and tough. The sun was out as it had been the previous 9 days, but this was the strongest wind I'd encountered.
Eventually I could see John 0' Groats in the distance and knew I was close to the end. I had very mixed emotions, as I was very relieved, excited, and desperate to see my family, but I knew when I was there, the journey was over and the realisation of not cycling the following day was very strange. Although I was sore and uncomfortable, my body had adapted to long days in the saddle, and I know I could have gone further.
The final stretch of the road towards the famous signpost was in sight, I could see my family in the distance waving Scotland flags and cheering me on. I burst out crying and cycled the last few pedal strokes straight towards my wife and daughter. I hugged my wife tightly before looking down to see my daughter who was holding a LEJoG medal that she gave me before given her a big hug too.
My Dad, step-mum, stepbrother and his girlfriend were all there to welcome me and it was such a surreal few moments. I opened a can of beer, took a few sips and posed for photos with everyone. Then we sat down, and I absorbed the moment. 1025 miles from Land's End, across England, Wales and Scotland to reach this moment at John o' Groats - Done! Over £2000 raised for the National Autistic Society and memories to last a lifetime.
If this experience has taught me anything, it is this - You are stronger than you believe, your body, mind and soul are connected and when you think one can't go on, the other will get you through. Believe in yourself, know you are capable of amazing things, and you are never alone, even if you feel like you are.
There were moments throughout LEJoG where I could have easily jumped on a train home, but I knew I would be devastated in the long run and the more I progressed, the stronger I became and the more I believed in myself. I will forever be grateful to each person who donated, supported, encouraged, and helped me through the toughest challenge of my life so far.
Distance: 74.26 miles
Elevation: 3599 ft
Time in the saddle: 6:30:47