Day 9: Launceston to Land's End

There were times that neither of us thought this day would come, but finally it was Day 9, and we were cycling the last 95 miles to Land's End. A sub 100 mile day, but after 8 consecutives days cycling, early stages of saddle sores, very tired legs and Adam still struck down by 'The Bug' (D becoming more prominent than V) meant that it felt like one of the hardest days. In addition, Cornish roads are not famed for their flatness. In fact, it was a pretty tough day.

Pit stops became longer, a number of emergency stops to friendly pubs were required so Adam could contend with 'The Bug', and little hills turned into huge mountains.

The scenery was stunning, and the weather fine, if not a little hot. As we climbed up a very steep slope from Penzance (passing a number of people walking), both of us firmly had the end in our sights. We must have cycled on autopilot, because the details of this day have long been eliminated from our memory.

All of a sudden we were seeing signs for Land's End in 5 miles. Before we knew it, we turned a corner and were in the final straight. Putting on our best smiles and cycling together we crossed the line. Justin was expecting to be bawling his eyes out by now, but the whole thing was so overwhelming after thinking about ending for 9 solid days, that we both crossed the line in a daze and were ushered on to our final photo without having time to process the fact that WE HAD JUST CYCLED 1000 MILES IN 9 DAYS CONTENDING WITH 'THE BUG' AND VARIOUS HIP KNEE AND ANKLE INJURIES!!!! It was lovely to see Justin's mum and uncle cheering us on at the line, but we were hardly in a fit state to have a sensible conversation with them.

Crossing the finish line.

Posing with James Cracknell and our medals.

All too soon, it was time to pack up our bikes back in their boxes and get the bus to the final base camp. We had hoped for a big party with lots of lovely scrumpy and dancing but after a cornish pasty, a cider for Justin and a lemonade for Adam we collapsed in bed.

Suddenly it was over. We had done it. Although Justin didn't cry crossing the line, reliving the ride by writing this blog has certianly brought a tear to the eye.

It was the hardest thing, physically and mentally that either of us had ever done. Battling through physical pain and exhaustion, we managed to summon up the energy to get up at 5:15 every morning in a campsite, and get back on the bikes for 9 consecutive days. Clearly, with the lows, came fantastic highs. Amazing scenery, fabulous people, the joy of watching the landscape, architecture and feel of the country change as we pedalled across the entire country. However, if it weren't for the support of many of our family, friends and colleagues each pedal stroke would have been that little bit harder. Thank you all.

As Threshold Sports (organisers of the event) would say - "more was in us"