I had a comfortable night, with an unexpected stay in a real bed, thanks to Joy's cousin Chris and his family putting me up for the night. Sleep was as tricky as always but it poured with rain all night so I was more than glad not to be in a tent!
Because we had so much further to travel today than the other days - this being the longest day of the tour at 126 miles - it was an extra early start to the day this morning.
I started the day tired but OK however by the first pit stop of the day, I was suffering with an upset stomach which lasted for the rest of the day and has meant a disrupted ride with almost no food or water. This has made the day excruciatingly difficult and incredibly hard work.
I saw the ride doctors twice during the day and got some medication but that didn't do any good settling my poor tummy so I am physically more exhausted than ever, on top of which I am really dehydrated and also suffering from serious stomach pains.
Add to that, that as we were getting our bikes this morning, a fellow cyclist was none to careful in lifting his bike from rack, swinging it around baseball bat-style, straight into my thigh so my upper leg is now incredibly painful and not functioning too well.
If that wasn't bad enough, when we reached the Lowlands this morning there was an accident involving a cyclist who had hit a car windscreen. As a result, half the LEJOG contingent - a pack of several hundred riders - were held by the Police along with all other traffic for over an hour and a half while the cyclist was stabilised and sent off to hospital in an ambulance.
The cyclist is going to be fine thankfully.
The day wasn't totally awful of course. Heading into the Lowlands, the surrounding countryside was ever more stunning, absolutely breathtaking, and descending the hills through all that beauty was amazing.
Arrival at base camp was naturally very late today with the extra long ride plus the 90 minute delay earlier in the day but before settling in for the night, I went off to visit the Dr once more for advice and meds.
The group I've been riding with has been really supportive through the day and have insisted I ride with them tomorrow. They really are a great bunch.
So I'm hoping that I will have a reasonable night and that I will be starting the ride tomorrow as planned. I'm so close, I just have to get through the next two days.
Wish me luck!
Day 7 Stats
Start: Hamilton
Finish: Fort William
Distance: 127 miles
Climbing: 2,195 metres
Average speed: 14.9 mph
Duration: 8 hours, 30 minutes
You always knew this was a challenge, you put in so much training. Humbled by your strength. We are all routing for you Justyn, Wishing you all the best bro.
ReplyDelete