Summary

So, that is it. I am now back home, feeling quite tired but the body is strong. No aches or pains. It is good to be back home, but I will miss riding with all the people who I have met on this journey. I feel honoured that I was able to share this experience with Jonathan Thomson of the charity, 65 degrees North. He rode every single kilometre (plus more because of a wrong turning), and climbed every single Col (except Col de la Gallina; this time for not taking the correct turning). Although he missed this Col, he still climbed a fair way up the alternative route. I feel honoured because this is Jonathan's final challenge with 65 degrees North and at the age of seventy five, he deserves a well earned rest. I am pretty sure though that a man such as Jonathan will never rest completely and, even as I write, I am still getting news that he is riding his bike at his home in the Pyrenees.

I can not only take inspiration from Jonathan, but from every single person who I had the pleasure of riding with and meeting. We all helped each other and relayed experiences and personal stories. Nobody took offence or judged anybody else. We were all either ex serving or current serving military men who needed a challenge to overcome personal issues or injury or sickness. The challenge was not necessarily to complete or compete in the six days of riding. The challenge was to do ones best in an environment that was different and difficult. I know that within this group I was not the strongest climber, the fastest descender or most technically gifted rider. I did not care. I have learnt that when you challenge yourself, you have to prepare, do things at your pace and not compete all of the time. I learnt that I like the company of others and enjoy my own company too. I learnt that on occasion it is best to appreciate other peoples feelings and not to impose myself on them when things are getting tough. Most of all I learnt that comradeship, self belief  and determination will overcome even the largest of mountains that are put in front of you. I do feel different. I feel more humble and tolerant. This has been an experience that will stay with me forever. 

Because of this, I would like to thank every single person who shared this journey with me and to all of the people who have donated to any of the charities that I have mentioned in this blog.