It's been over a week and I can't quite get over it.

I DID IT! I BLOODY WELL DID IT!!!!!

I can't believe it. It feels very surreal thinking back to the event. I wasn't a nice person to be around on the hours up to the event.

I was very nervous and just didn't want any fuss. I wanted to get on with it.

Before I knew it I was lining up on the Start Line ready to tackle Highgate Hill.

The first leg was very easy once I got past Spaniards Inn the course levelled off.

Past Lords and through Marylebone. Broadcasting House Came and went. Central London that I know so well was alive at gone midnight.

Covent Garden and across Waterloo Bridge to the Imperial War Museum. So Far So Good!

Then a ride via Parliament to Hyde Park Corner heading south towards Crystal Palace. A hell of a hill leading up to the second rest point.

Then onto the third stage through Sarf London. Empty streets to Blackheath Common. Greenwich to Tower Bridge. Nice and Flat. Phew!

Part four was very hard and pushed me to the limit of my resiliance. Round a deserted Canary Wharf. to the final rest station.

I didn't think my body could take it. A sensible person would have quit.

I am not sensible.

I kept going and so did my body somehow. Past Arsenal and back towards Ally Pally.

One last hill. It wasn't going to beat me. Other had tested me but I had bested them and this last one wasn't going to stop me.

No getting off and walking for me.

I reached the top of the hill and crossed the line.

I collapsed onto my handlebars. I had no energy left. My medal was placed over my bowed head.

I wanted to cry but had no energy to do so.

I slept well that night despite cat napping throughout the day.

I have to thank all of you for sponsoring me. You are brilliant for your more than enerous contributions.

All the other riders were brilliant particularly Susannah, my riding partner for the night.

There is one person who without them I couldn't have done it. Claire was the best support team I could have wished for. You are just the best a husband could wish for.

So Nightrider 2012 . . . I have registered my interest.

 

;)