So, the last day of Gibraltar to Yorkshire. An early start due to commiting to a 3pm arrival in Maltby. I finally got my English fry up breakfast, and have to say thats the best breakfast in the whole trip I ever had! I set off with awesome power, and of course excitement due to this being the last day. Everything I dreamed off would happen today.
Had the fun of cycling down more busy dual carriageways for the first part of the journey. I just really wanted to ge tthe first 40km out of the way, and then very familiar homeland territory and roads were appearing. Signs for Rotherham, Doncaster, Sheffield. My home turf! Absolutely amazing!
Had a stop to do a live interview with Radio Sheffield, and also Hallam FM had me in their news bulletens today. When I was in range of their transmission it was really surreal to hear myself on the radio as I was cycling along.
I got to Worksop, the last town in Nottinghamshire before heading out and across the border. It presented one last little hurdle. The railway crossing was closed, and I had to take a diversion around it.
I was then ahead of time so plodded along slowly for the rendezvou with my brother who was to film me crossing the border over into Yorkshire. Fantastic to meet up with him, and then was followed the rest of the way in car, filmed and pictures at the border.
And there it was, the sign for Rotherham! Absolutely amazing to have crossed into it! Just didnt feel real, the whole thing doesnt feel real! We had a stop for some photos, and then was just a matter of cycling, the last 10km - to home.
That road heading into my home town of Maltby just seemed to go on forever. I was running about ten minutes late. Cycled through into Maltby, down the high street, up past my old school. Down some residential streets - and then the moment that I have been dreaming about since the start of the whole of Gibraltar to Yorkshire. - Coming round that corner onto the street, to greet my family and friends here.
What I saw just absolutely and utterly was beyond belief. The whole street had been completely and utterly overtaken, there were people everywhere! A huge cheer went up and streamers and champagne being thrown all over me. Absolutely stunning! Will have the video up as soon as possible!
I just could not believe the reception. I want to thank everyone who came. The whole street came out and was totally taken over by this. Photographers from a number of local papers were there. It was just such an immense occasion. Just about everyone I know, and people I dont know so well had come out to see my arrival. I just cannot believe how surreal it was, and I just could not have asked or expected anything better. Gave my mum a huge hug who burst into tears. I was feeling emotional myself.
A huge suprise was Mike Tomlinson himself was there, and finally got to meet him and had a fantastic chat with him. Really appreciated him being there. Went inside and my family had prepared a party. Banners, just everything all in my honour.
Wow! Is all I can say! Didnt actually manage to sit down till gone 11pm with trying to get round everyone. I never realised I was so popular!
I want to thank everybody who turned out today, it made the whole thing worth it. Im still in a feeling of disbelief that I've actually done this. I just cycled from Gibraltar to my home town in Yorkshire, solo, and totally unaided. Done in less time than expected and also done without too many major problems.
I am absolutely elated, its just all wow! So much for the brain to process.
Keep an eye on the site, I'll be writing up more about the aftermath and feelings and posting arrival videos very shortly.
In tribute to a huge inspiration to me - Mark Beaumont - JOB DONE!
| Todays stats | |
|---|---|
| Start | West of Upper Broughton.09:00 |
| End | Maltby, YORKSHIRE.15:10 |
| Saddle Time | 4 hr 20 min 21 sec. |
| Distance travelled | 82.66km |
| Average Speed | 19.0kph |
| Max speed | 48.1kph |
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