A successful summer for many reasons

“Bicycles have no walls.” ~ Paul Cornish

Back in Tashkent now, making our final preparations for the start of another school year.

We haven't had much time to look back at our summer, as we only arrived back on Sunday and have since moved into a new house.

Let's start with the most important point- little Max Good. Riding for a reason helped push us on. It also helped engage conversation, raising awareness of PWS and supporting the hard work of www.PWSA.co.uk. 
Thank you so much to those of you who have expressed and interest in our ride and the reason behind it, especially to those of you who have donated     (it is not too late if you have not yet done so!!)
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/displaySomeoneSpecialPage.action?pageUrl=3000km10countries

Max is certainly going to face a lot of challenges in his life. Challenges that make our summer ride look daft, but I am sure that with his loving parents, and their parents and just about half of Norwich there to love and support him, Max will be wonderful Millwall fan.

“It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength.” — Maya Angelou

It's tricky to find something original to say in this final post. Something that is not obvious, such as; It was a real challenge, there were times when we struggled, but also times when the elements were with us. 

“It never gets easier, you just go faster.” ~ Greg LeMond

Considering the distance we covered though, having had to repair only 2 punctures is pretty remarkable. I dare say now, but not during the ride, that we were quite lucky.
We certainly had some mechanical issues, hence the replacement back wheel-set, but really the whole trip went smoothly. Skipping to the front of queues at the borders, navigating our way through the heartland of south eastern Europe. Sticking to a rough schedule, conquering climbs which took all morning. Staying hydrated in the 40c plus heat. And in the end- Niamh still likes me!

“The bicycle is a curious vehicle. Its passenger is its engine.” ~ John Howard

It is so exciting to hear that Niamh enjoyed it so much that she would do another ride. I and have no doubt that wherever and whenever that takes place she will more than cope with the challenge.

“Life is like riding a bicycle. In order to keep your balance, you must keep moving.” Albert Einstein

I've added a few images below. The first, our ride this summer. The second, the rides I have now completed around Europe. I was trying to do some calculations today, and I've come up with the figure 24%.  
Yup- 24% of the world land masses covered, in order to really feel that I have made it around the world by my pedaling. This takes into account rides in Nepal, Thailand, Australia and New Zealand. (See blog post on completed rides- and future rides planned).

I guess that is it until next summer. Thank you again. 2000 hits to this blog, now lets hit 2000GBP on the donation page!

“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” – Henry Miller