I made the last mile in safety and reached the official finish line. Without a big fanfare, thousand bike escort or surprise party – just how I like it. It was a bit of an anticlimax, but thinking about it, it should be. I didn’t really have any great hardships, the bike performed superbly, I took less time and spent less money than I expected. (Delivering my last project early and under budget – must pop that one on my CV!).

I’d been wondering why Chip hasn’t done a ‘home’ update to his blog, effectively leaving us on the plane. Now that I’m home myself I know why! It’s an emotional rollercoaster, the elation at having ‘done it’ and excitement of seeing everyone, in sharp contrast with the emptiness of knowing it’s all over and the uncertainty of what to do next. I suppose that not doing the final blog entry is a form of denial? (Or maybe I should leave the psychology to psychologists?).

Anyway, the trip is over so I need to wrap things up. I’ve got some final statistics to work out, which I’ll post up shortly. In the mean time, the news today is that I’m big in Holland! I made the front page of the Harlingen Courier (though if I’m honest it’s all Dutch to me!). Thanks to the guys for sending me a copy.