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Iain's thoughts from the journey...
Swedish leg was an emotional journey for obvious reasons
Harald's family and friends provided us with a terrific send off after an emotional word from Bob (Harald's step dad)
Memorable moments
Kristina cycling from Gothenburg to Malmo - a fantastic effort
Daniel and & Frida cycling almost 75% of the way between Gothenburg and Malmo - another fantastic effort
Harald's sister Kirstein cycling god knows how many miles on a "shopping bike" with a seat on the back for 3yr old Elien who acted as her "in car" entertainment system by singing for most of the journey
Kirstein's friend who arrived at the start point in Gothenburg immaculately dressed in trousers, fitted leather jacket, with flowing pick scarf ridding a rust bucket of a bike
Cycling 40+ miles on the second leg of the first day with only a 30 minute stop for an ice cream convinced me that I was strong enough for the challenge ahead
Arriving at the lunch and end of day stops and being greeted by the welcome site of Moira & Jimmy waving us in with food and drink at the ready (evening alcohol)
Having 3 punctures in 3 days (2 on forest tracks and 1 on the road)
Terence running into my arse when I got off my bike to sort out a problem - he did not see me stop and dismount as he was too busy reading a map
Falling of twice while going uphill at low speed (poor gear selection)
The hill up to Bob & Kristina's place (got gear selection correct for a change) now hills will not be a problem
The bath at the Elite Savoy in Malmo - biggest I have ever seen - and very welcome
Lunch at Kristina's mums - the best Swedish meat balls ever - the apple crumble wasn't bad either
Sad moment - Bidding Kristina and the kids' farewell in Malmo - she will face a difficult few days when she returns home to normality and without Harald being there
Funny moment - Moira and Jimmy searching the camper van high and low for the keys - then Jimmy found them inside his hat which was on top of his head
Thursday 8th May - crossed the bridge from Malmo Copenhagen - 1 country down 6 to go. Highlight of Denmark was Terence falling over his bike while stationery at traffic lights in Copenhagen
Other memories of Denmark was never ending long straight roads with inclines at the end of them -
Cost of Alcohol was huge - ran out of the whiskey we brought from home in Sweden - could not/would not pay £20.00 for a bottle of ordinary blended whiskey so doing with out - nightmare knowing now no whiskey till we reach Germany
Tuesday 13th May
Crossed the border into Germany - 2 countries down 5 more to go - Had difficulty finding cycle route out of Flensburg - Information office out of cycle maps - local police very helpful and directed me to large cycle dealer in town - dealer out of maps but sent me to book shop who where assistant was most helpful - found way out to Road 200 which had a cycle path all the way to Husum - map ended just south of Husum but local cyclist guided me to start of cycle route to Tonning - completed 54.8 miles
Wednesday 14th May - Rest day
Jimmy buys new pair of casual shoes (open toe sandals) and we held ceremony to "bin" his "old favourites" of 10 years. He also bought some new pairs of socks!!!! Couldn't wear the ones he has as they were threadbare
Watched UEFA Cup Final in evening - disappointed that Rangers lost but at least the team in moving in the right direction.
Friday 16th May - passed the 500 mile mark - next milestone will be 750
Saturday 17th May - my 65th birthday - a milestone that comes upon you sooner than you think. Moira brought with her cards from the family along with presents. Went into Bremerhaven for some retail therapy. Jimmy bought another pair of shoes (is there no stopping the man) AND 15 pairs of socks. Paid a visit to the Maritime museum which was fascinating
Found my way across Germany quite easy by following the cycle routes although signage sometimes was confusing - from time to time the name of the place you were heading for disappeared only to re appear later - this was a particular problem at cross roads. However made it through Germany and crossed into Holland on the evening of 19th May.
3 countries down - 4 more to go - the trip has taken me through many beautiful little towns and villages'- found that if I needed to ask directions it was better to talk to the younger generation who all had a basic understanding of English and were very helpful
20th May - badly needed rest day - not from a physical point of view - we are running out of clean clothes and need find a washing machine. My cycling gear was beginning to smell badly. Camp site has the facilities and Moira as taken over the washer/dryer!!!!!! - we had campervan made mince, onions, carrots, and potatoes for tea - smashing - just like home
21st May - Nieuweschans to Leeuwarden 61 miles of long straight roads - nothing of interest to report - Moira made homemade chips with fish fingers for tea - fantastic
22nd May - passed the 750 mile mark just outside of Hippolytushoef (easy for you to say) Holland Feel that I am getting stronger as time goes on and I can measure this by the gears I am cycling in and the speed. On the dyke between Zurich (not the Swiss city) and Den Oever my speed was between 18 & 20 mph (not bad for a pensioner)
While the weather to date has been bright and sunny a cold North and East wind has been with us. Yesterday it turned to the west and the temperature has risen into the low 70's. Need to change cycling kit after 2 days now (saving on the washing) as it is beginning to smell
23rd May - Rest day - visited Dan Helder for a look round - nice little town with a very good Life Boat Museum which we visited. Included in the entry fee was a sail round the harbour on a life boat - very interesting. Jimmy indulged in a bit of retail therapy and bought himself a pair of shorts -pitty about the legs
24th May - made the trip from to Amsterdam (56 miles) - it was the worst day for me from a physical point of view - had an upset tummy and my legs felt heavy - this combined with it being a very warm day meant that by the time I finished the ride I was very tired. Early to bed for a goodnights rest!!
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