It has now been a complete week since I set off from London and I have reached 730miles.
During that time two riders have dropped out both of whom I’m pleased to say are younger than me!
Other casualties have been one pair of gloves, one brand new camera that managed to take one picture before that packed up, one hat, one phone cable, one pair of cycle trousers and one packet of wine gums (trust me they were important).
Temperatures dipped as low as -5 and French roads were like constant waves and I was unable to get into a routine so day three saw me deviate east towards Nantes cycling past midnight. The gamble worked and as temperatures rose land flattened and I achieved 120 miles reaching Spain on Friday night.
During a challenge such as this the body takes a real beating. I’m pleased to say the muscles are fine but its the knees ankle tendons and bottom that need attention. As time goes on they will recover.
Michelle the csr sponsored battle bike looks like she is at war and needs a good clean and oil on the chain which has stretched quite a lot after 720 miles.
This week should see me pushing on to Madrid and then Portugal where temperatures will rise and shorts preferrable. I’m hoping that I may be in Lisbon ahead of my schedule.
Interesting fact for you if I had been doing this in 2007/8 I would be beating Mark Beaumont to the record!
See more about Stephen’s adventure here
