Henrikdoc

Hard to fully process the last 3 and a bit weeks, suffice to say that this small Island is a gem of people, locations, and scenery. Have reflected on the long journey back South and hope the following provides a small snapshot (best read with the rest of the blog. Apologies if occasional points are a bit obtuse. You’ll have to talk to me to get the details behind them!)

LEJOG OUTTAKES # 60 things I have learned

1. When there are 2 of you one will always pick a better lunch spot
2. 100m at 20% is far far worse than 5km at 7%
3. Route backup plans are worth it a) highlight route on road map b) photograph highlighted route on phone
4. 2 honey bagels for lunch are better than 1
5. A lot about pot holes
6. The sound of seals singing to each other is particularly haunting
7. White roads are too pot holey; yellow B roads are the best; red A roads in the north are like yellow B roads in the south; green A roads have great tarmac but can be busy, green dual carriageways are to be avoided. Blue roads are illegal
8. A rest day after every 3 days is well worth it
9. Cumbria and the North Pennines are beautiful places to explore
10. LEJOG should not be done without an A class support team, which we were honoured to have
11. You cannot eat too much
12. Best to follow “detour “signs than go “ off piste” unless it adds an extra 10 km
13. Highland cattle do not “moo” back at you
14. Enjoy the sunshine and prevailing winds as you can be sure it will all be different going up a  20% incline to a ski centre in the Cairngorm mountains
15. Always pack more snacks than you think you might need
16. The Wye Valley is definitely worth another visit
17. Sheep always “Baa” back
18. Not all campsites describe their facilities as accurately as they might.
19. Fields of buttercups are just as stunning as well-laid out gardens
20. A pastie in the hand is worth 2 behind the counter.
21. Strangers can be kind and generous
22. “Otter” sounds like “Orca” in Brora
23. A team mascot that loves attention is mandatory
24. Always do your own research on parking options if you are in the support team, as “bags of space for parking” may just be stretching it a little bit
25. It’s amazing how much stuff can come out of the boot of a campervan
26. Taking a rotary washing line is an essential part of the support team’s role
27. Ensure you have loose change for your 80p shower token in the barn.
28. Drink more than you would normally.
29. The New Testament book of Romans is a pretty amazing book for discussion.
30. If putting up the Rotary washing line THAT way works for you, that is just fine.
31. Broken coolbox? Just go to Halfords for an adaptor.
32. Scotland is stunning whatever the weather
33. It is painful to cycle past all the whiskey distilleries
34. When Glenda and Gloria are having an argument, don’t take sides….look at the map
35. Campsites by the beach are better than campsites in the woods- less risk of bears and midgies
36. It helps pass the time to think of / plan your next adventure while you’re still in the middle of the current one.
37. Put sunscreen on first, then moisturise
38. There is no loss of kudos in putting on an extra layer 600m up for the downhill
39. Some sheep are less ugly than others but lambs are always cute
40. Road surfaces are usually worse on the outer edge of a bend
41. Hills come in all shapes and sizes
42. A “clicking bike” is always significant
43. The generosity of friends has overwhelmed me.
44. Spinning is better than grinding at any gradient
45. Keeping the bike clean, maintained and well lubed is a good thing
46. 2 scoops energy powder / bottle and 2 scoops recovery powder in 1 bottle does the job
47. There are a lot of pine forests in Scotland but there also appears to be a lot of deforestation going on
48. Villages have 50 houses and are a few miles apart in the South. Villages may have 5 houses and are tens of miles apart in the North
49. If you want to do it on a Brompton Bike with a dog basket, then just do it. “Chapeau” to you.
50. Glenda’s classification of hills defies logic. Gloria just doesn’t bother.
51. Chevrons on a map are not to be feared but to be overcome
52. It’s a pleasure to have a pub meal despite the 20 different recipes for a wok and a saucepan
53. Sometimes it is just good to cycle in silence with a friend
54. It is good to savour the sense of smell on a bike ride
55. Bessie  the Bus has increased her fan base across the nation
56. There is no 5^th gear in Bessie
57. When it takes 2 full days of driving to get home, you appreciate how big this little island of ours is.
58. If you are bored with honey bagels, try bagel with cheddar cheese and marmalade.
59. Crossing a Firth is more amazing than being angry with a Colin.
60. Eat, drink, sleep, eat some more.

To date, over £2600 raised for WPCC with your support and generosity. Truly humbled.

Many thanks

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