Stage 23 Rest day - Siena, Italy
Distance travelled 0 miles
It may have been said already on this incredible journey I find myself on, but I really needed today's rest day. Five consecutive days in the saddle, covering 375 miles and some brutal mountains have taken a heavy toll since I left Como, picking Grant up along the way outside of Milan. Grant is also hurting after 225 consecutive miles in 3 days, smashing all of his own personal bests to bits.
As is now traditional on a rest day, it's time to update a few tour facts and figures:
1. Total Distance cycled: 1390 miles
2. Total Height climbed: 16,090 metres
(Two Mount Everest's + Danbury Hill)
3. Days cycled: 18
4. Rest days: 5
5. Countries: 7
6. Rain days: 13 of 23
7. Calories burned: 116,000
8. Weight lost: 17lbs
9. Gruffalo sightings:7 Still zero
10. Time taken to drink these two 1 litre tankers of coke and beer yesterday - 94 seconds 
I mentioned the cycling conditions in yesterday's blog, this one minute alternative view video of yesterday's world cycling championships will give you an insight of what Grant and I endured for nearly six hours yesterday.
Shattered, broken, tired, empty are all adjectives that would adequately describe how we have felt all day. Whilst Mum and Dad enjoyed the sights and tastes of Sienna today, Grant and I finally ventured to a spa for a few hours, but have otherwise have spent most of the day lying down. Siestas all around.
Mentally though, we are both still in great shape. The finish line is getting close now. Only 250 miles to go.
I can't wait to see everyone in Rome, particularly my wife and children who I am missing desperately.
By all accounts, there are now 26 of my family and friends congregating in Rome this weekend to greet Ethan (Clive's son riding his Dads bike), Grant and I compete the ride into the Collesium this Saturday. I'm pretty sure that it is going to be an immense feeling. I have pictured it in my mind a number of times recently, whilst staring at the road, legs pumping relentlessly.
Another thing that has kept me going throughout this tour has been the constant stream of donations that continue to roll in. Another £1,000 has been donated this week, taking the total raised to nearly £32,000 (with gift aid). I haven't had the chance to thank many of the recent donators personally, but I will upon my return to the UK. Thank you all again for your generosity. I have been in regular contact with the team at Bowel Cancer UK and they are completely bowled over by the sums raised. It is making a big difference.
More mountains to climb tomorrow, Grant and I will make an early start as we head to Sorano....75 miles south of here.
Here's Grant preparing his nipple protection plasters for tomorrow.
Until then....Brett x
Wow to those stats! wow. Loved the vid of the weather endured, was Grant playing some tunage to add the same dramatics? Nt that you need it to be any more dramatic!
ReplyDeleteWow to those stats! wow. Loved the vid of the weather endured, was Grant playing some tunage to add the same dramatics? Nt that you need it to be any more dramatic!Bikesy UK
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