Well I'm back, still in one piece which is more than can be said for Kim, who after being treated by a doctor at the Centre (Scotties wife) was sent off to A&E. He's ok.
I can't begin to describe how yesterday felt from beginning to end, it was wonderful to be met and cheered by so many as I arrived although it was kind of hard to take in as I felt dazed and disorientated not to say a little wobbly!
In the build up over the last few days I was full of doubts; the weather looked as though it was going to be against me which did nothing to reassure me. When I got up on the ride day most of those doubts had gone and I felt ready. Having such good friends around me filled me with comfort, knowing they would do their best to get me through the day. Kim started the heroic ball rolling by taking out a cat that looked as if it may inpede my progress, that is what I call "falling on your sword".
This really upset the whole start, 2 hours unsupported was unbelievably worrying for me. I was eeking out my drink which should have been repleinished 45 mins early and I was just 3 mins from abandoning the ride when they finally caught up with me.
My thoughts in that second lonely hour were very dark, ranging from the "bleep, bleep, bleep bleeps have got lost, put the van in a ditch or rushed Kim to hospital, to worrying about if Kim was alright." Either way I could feel months of training and careful preparation was slipping away from me.
I could clearly see this reflected in my heartrate which was up to over 145bpm average about 5 to 10 beats higher than normal. So they were right - I was not in a good mood, I was very stressed, all of which was ploy, in that long lonely hour I pumped enough adrenelin into my blood stream to last me all day, just thinking of what I was going to do to them when I saw them again.
It was cooler in the south west of Cornwall and Devon but the strong headwind was making the going very tough. Arrived at Exeter having averaged just over 18mph despite it being the toughest part of the route and I still felt strong. Strangely, I didn't notice it getting that hot but I was grateful when the guys in the van cooled me off by shooting me with the super soaker water guns.
Exeter: 1st milestone, a few more miles and the first 100 is done.
When Adam, who despite being ill, joined me at Honiton and helped me up a long hard climb I realised this was going to be very tough. The wind was relentless and I wasn't able to gain the benefit of the downhill stretches having to still peddle hard to keep my average speed up. Felt ok when I was on the flats or slight inclines but on the steeper long climbs I was starting to use lower and lower gears.
Honiton: Half way I only have the same to do again.
After Chard the towns came in quick succession about 7 to 15 miles apart which meant I could mentally break the journey into manageable sections. I wasn't looking forward to the steep long hill up into Shaftesbury but beyond lay a much easier stretch to Salisbury.
Yeovil: A few more miles and I'm inside the last 100
Tom was with me through Salisbury and the first few towns beyond, keeping me company and egging me on. I had a puncture as I was leaving Salisbury which gave me a 10 min rest which was probably well needed as the next 30 miles was mostly uphill.
Somewhere along this section: 294km showing on my speedometer, 100km to go - I can do this!!!!!
As I neared Winchester I knew there was another tough section to come, through Winchester and up to Four Marks. Kim joined me for the second time despite his severe injuries of which I was not fully aware of at the time. I can't imagine what it was like for him sweating and putting in so much energy with so much skin missing from his back and shoulder. I'm not surprised his needed support and his legs so weak when he stopped. Despite what he says he did enough to get to the top of the hill. 
One last stop, one last Red Bull, my nutritional and drinking plan had fallen by the wayside a couple of hours earlier as I could not eat anything, despite Scotties best efforts to keep me on track. He spent the whole day mixing drinks, keeping water cold and coaxing me to eat and drink.
Tom joined me for the stretch down to Farnham which we made in good time, increasing my average speed by almost half a mile an hour.
Inside the last 12 miles: this road goes on for ever, surely around the next corner is the roundabout I want to see. Oh no ............. how much further??????
Farnham to Guildford, 12 miles - easy peasy - felt like 120. I couldn't let myself think I was almost there or I wouldn't make it to the end; I had to stay focused. Every part of my mind and body was telling me to stop. The feelings and emotions as I came down the last mile sapped any remaining strength I had so not much left to celebrate with when I arrived or, unfortunately, to take in the wonderful reception.
I'd like to thank everyone who sponsored me and encouraged me over the last few months.
A big thank you to Adam, Kim, Scottie and Tom without each of their support it would not have been possible they all played a huge role yesterday.
I would also like to thank everyone who turned up at the Samson Centre yesterday to welcome me back. I am only sorry I was not able to speak to more of you.
A very specal thanks to Sue for her constant support, encouragement and faith in me.
Date: 10 June 2006
