Why am I doing this?
I blame it on Larry. Sometime last year, he mentioned an interest in cycling the 4,253-mile TransAmerica Trail. I said, “How about starting with something more modest, like Land’s End to John O’ Groats?” Next thing I knew, we were both signed up for LEJOG, courtesy of Peak Tours, an England-based tour operator. We’re just days away from wheels up. I feel ready, I think, though a long spell of high temps and humidity in New Jersey has hampered my training schedule. Larry’s a beast, though, and a great traveling companion. I’m happy to have him as my partner on this adventure.
Here are some details from the Peak Tours website:
The Land’s End to John O’ Groats cycle tour or LEJOG conjures up a variety of images, an escapade, a challenge, hard work, a puncture or two, stunning scenery, and a tremendous sense of achievement. Since the 1960’s the End to End has become a firm favourite with the British people. Every year, walkers, cyclists, joggers and runners navigate the length of the British Isles. We are proud to support hundreds of cyclists to complete this iconic rite of passage every year.
Highlights
– Cycle the length of the UK!
– A tried and tested route, which keeps away from busy roads where possible
– A truly remarkable journey showcasing the spectacular countryside and exhilarating cycling the UK has to offer, including:
– The dramatic coastal scenery of Cornwall
– The beautiful landscape of Dartmoor – complete with plenty of wild ponies!
– The quiet and underrated Shropshire
– Excellent views as we weave our way through and around the Forest of Bowland, the Yorkshire Dales, the Howgill Fells and the Lake District
– Lovely steady climbs greet us as we enter Scotland…
– …followed by longer and harder climbs as we venture north – the Cairngorms offers a particularly spectacular and memorable couple of days of cycling
– The wild and vast landscapes of Northern Scotland, where mountains and lochs dominate
– Views of the Atlantic Ocean as we reach our destination: John O’Groats
Duration 15 nights / 14 days of cycling
Total distance approximately 1000 miles / 1600km (average 70 miles / 115km per day)
Total elevation 57,750 ft / ~17,600m m ascent (average ~4125 ft / 1257m per day)TK
Here’s Larry last week at Watchung Plaza, patiently waiting for the group to stop yapping and get rolling.
2 days to go
It’s Friday morning, August 2, 7 a.m. ET. Two days from wheels up in Land’s End. Our adventure has started in an unexpected way: a text message from United sent at 2:44 a.m. and read by me at 4 a.m., letting me know that our 8:30 a.m. flight to London was cancelled due to a “technical issue.” After some frantic scrambling, we devised a Plan B: A flight from Newark to Los Angeles, a short layover and then a redeye flight from Los Angeles to London. Sounds crazy, I know, but believe me, it was the only way to get to England in time to start our trip with the group on Sunday morning. Instead of arriving in London tonight and sleeping in a cozy hotel, we’ll be arriving Saturday morning and rushing to Paddington Station to get the 10:03 a.m. train to Penzance (a 5-hour trip). Oh, the kicker: our seats on both legs of the flight are middle seats in the last row of the plane, just in front of the bathroom. Yay.
Flying west to go east
One day to go
We made it to Penzance on time. Bikes are ready. Evening orientation meeting is over. Main point: “Just ride and have fun.” I think we can do that. Now for a good night’s sleep before the photo shoot at the Land’s End sign tomorrow morning.
Adam wins the caption contest: “Who the fuck flies from New York to LA to London?!”
Day 1 - Land’s End to Fowey
It all begins with an idea.
Day 1 is in the books. 70 miles heading east from Land’s End to Fowey, 5,300 feet of climbing. Beautiful country. Miles of narrow lanes lined with tall hedges and wildflowers and then opening up to expansive vistas of Cornish fields.
Larry and I at the start. We’re happy now, at least!
My pals for the next 14 days, including Andy, paralyzed from shoulders down as the result of an injury in his twenties, and doing LEJOG in Penelope, his custom-made vehicle that he controls with his chin. Andy has made it his mission to inspire not just individuals who have suffered spinal injuries but people everywhere, proving that no matter what the obstacles, you can live your dreams.
Many miles today on roads like this
Rehydrating with the lads
Day 2 - Fowey to Moretonhampstead
It all begins with an idea.
Day 2 was 63 miles with nearly 6,500 of climbing. We started with a ferry over the River Fowey. We were advised to be in a low gear on the ferry, for good reason: just off the ferry was a long steep climb of a few hundred feet, the first of many in the first 10 miles. The pain was tempered by the loveliness of luscious landscapes, and miles on narrow roads, like yesterday lined with ivy-covered stone walls, many of which date from the early medieval period. Then a descent to our Brew Stop (brew in this context means tea, not beer). At the stop, Jim (one of Peak Tour’s excellent guides) advised me that leaving the stop would be a “cheeky” climb. I soon discovered that a cheeky climb means short stretches at 8-9% followed by hairpin turns in the mid-teens, repeated until your legs want to fall off.
River Fowey
After many more miles of spinning up steep inclines, we descended into Plymouth for lunch, and it struck me that the real reason the Pilgrims left on the Mayflower wasn’t the pursuit of religious freedom but to escape the bloody cheeky climbs of England.
Eventually we made our way to the high moorlands of Dartmoor, where Larry found the beef.
The day ended with 15-20 miles of mizzle (a term specific to this area). It’s like riding through a very wet cloud. As you can see, visibility was limited which made for some slow, careful descents.
Here’s a shot from our lunch stop, with a look at Wack’s vehicle. You can just see the controller under his chin. (”Wack” is how Andy’s friends refer to him.)
Day 3 - M’hampstead to Street
Day 3 of Tour de LEJOG was epic. Less climbing than Day 2 (3,835 ft vs more than 6,000) and 72 miles. Still a couple of “cheeky” climbs, which as we know from yesterday mean segments at 13-15% grades. The peloton* held together for the first 55 miles, with any breakaways, such as Tama drafting the tractor (see photo), quickly reeled in.
At 55 miles, the tour got its first serious breakaway, as the two Hooligans from New Jersey made an surprising move. With 17 miles to go, it was risky. But Larry had the legs and led a number of strong pulls, giving Will the necessary lead-out. With 4.5 miles to go, Will said, “Come on, Larry, we got this!.” But Larry had nothing in the tank, and said, “Will, you gotta bring it home for the Watchung Plaza Hooligans!” So Will hammered ahead, glancing over his shoulder now and then, seriously worried about that last final climb, albeit a modest 100 ft and 3%.
Soon, The Bear (our finish line) was in sight, and Will rolled up, closely followed by Larry, and soon after the peloton.
A historic day for US cycling and the WP Hooligans Cycling Adventures team.
*Note: Honesty compels the author to admit the following: 1) The peloton waited up for Will more than once after he dropped. 2) At 55 miles there was a Brew Stop, and Larry and Will left many minutes before anyone else. 3) This is not a race but a fun ride. 4) Will and Larry had a blast hanging with the A Team.
Tama’s breakaway at 45 miles
Larry’s lead-out
Will after a “cheeky climb”
Larry and Will celebrating their achievement
Day 4 - Street to Monmouth
Day 4 was 69 miles and nearly 4,000 feet of climbing but it felt like a rest day, with a long and beautiful stretch at the end along the River Wye with some rollers through the gorgeous countryside that inspired Wordsworth’s “Lines Composed a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey,” which (if you were an English major), you would know is one of the most influential English poems from the Romantic period, published in 1798 as an entry in the Lyrical Ballads collection, by Wordsworth and Coleridge.
I say “rest day” despite a wicked climb early on (the Brits would call it “cheeky”), with grades in the mid-teens for some long stretches. Pro tip (or I should say amateur tip): If you have a 32 chainring and 32 gear on the rear, and you’re slogging up a 12-14% grade, every revolution of the pedals equals about a foot of cllimbing, so if you have, say, 300 feet left and you’re about to give up, you just tell yourself “Just 300 revolutions left, I got this!” and you put your head down and concentrate on spinning the pedals. Mind you, this means you miss the stunning landscape which is why you’re here in the first place, but, hey, you made it up the climb!
We left from Street in the Somerset Levels, passed through Wells and Bristol, crossed the Severn Bridge over the Bristol Channel into Wales, had a Brew Stop (again, that means tea) at Tintern Abbey, then enjoyed the last dozen or so miles along the Wye Valley to the town of Monmouth.
Shoemaker Clarks was founded in 1825 across the street from our hotel in Street, and still has its headquarters there
Heading north from Street
Me spoiling a nice photo of the Wells Cathedral
The town of Bristol
View from the Severn Bridge, heading into Wales. Strong winds and rain started right after this shot, halfway over the bridge.I thought I was going to be blown over the rail. Welcome to Wales, indeed! Rain stopped right when we got to the bottom of the bridge.
Tintern Abbey. It was already a ruin when Wordsworth wrote his poem.
Day 5 - Monmouth to Bishop’s Castle
Day 5 was another fantastic day of cycling. 66 miles and 4,314 feet of climbing through gorgeous, though wet, countryside, with the group riding through what the English call “mizzle,” alternating with stretches of serious rain. Our route started in Monmouth in Wales and ended in Bishop’s Castle in England. In between were the beautiful Shropshire Hills.
Most significantly, and unbelievably, today marked the second stage win of the Tour de LEJOG for a WP Hooligan (with a slight caveat). The peloton rolled out together from the second Brew Stop, but Paul quickly pulled away in a gutsy breakaway, with yours truly on his wheel. With ten miles to go, Paul stopped to take a photo of some roadside Skull and Crossbones, giving me the chance to power ahead at a breathtaking 17 mph. A final climb into Bishop’s Castle gave me some concern but soon I was alone on High Street with one last steep uphill push to the stage end at the Castle hotel.
Unfortunately, at the front desk, instead of the accolades I expected, I was informed I was at the wrong hotel. Checking my notes, I discovered that I was supposed to be at the Bank House, a lovely B&B 500 feet down the hill that I had raced past, not hearing the shouted “Oi!” from the landlady.
Arriving at Bank House, I discovered half a dozen cyclists already showered and relaxing with their tea. Nonetheless, it can’t be disputed that I was the first to arrive at the Castle.
Cemetery at St Mary’s Church in Pembridge, where we had our Brew Stop. The church dates from 1320.
Shot of the stained-glass window from inside the sanctuary
Wack rolling up at the second Brew Stop
Day 6 - Bishop’s Castle to Runcorn
Much better weather today for Day 6. Mix of clouds and sun, with a favorable wind from the WSW. 75 miles, 3,533 feet of climbing. Fairly brisk with a 15.4 mph average. We’re not quite halfway, with 415 miles done and a bit less than 600 to go.
We pedaled through glorious countryside. Not many big climbs but lots of rolling hills. From our start in Bishop’s Castle, we headed Northeast to Shrewsbury (birthplace of Charles Darwin) , then north through the county of Shropshire, with a brief excursion back into Wales near Wrexham, then into the county of Cheshire to Runcorn, with Liverpool to our west and Manchester to our east.
Statue of Charles Darwin in Shrewsbury. We didn’t pedal past it, but I’m including it here in honor of my dissertation advisor, George Levine, preeminent Darwin scholar and author of Darwin Loves You: Natural Selection and the Re-enchantment of the World.
A few miles north of Bishop’s Castle
River Severn near Shrewsbury
The Parish Church of St. John the Baptist in the tiny village of Bettisfield, on the Wales side of the England-Wales border, in the Wrexham County Borough
This is not necessarily a plug for the TV series Welcome to Wrexham, but I couldn’t resist stopping for a photo
Country road leaving our second Brew Stop, with about 20 miles to go
Tama giving his wife Nix a boost up the final tough hill. They traveled all the way from New Zealand to be here.
Day 7 - Runcorn to Lancaster
I’m happy to report we’re now at the halfway point, with nearly 500 miles traveled and about 32,000 feet climbed (more than Mt. Everest). At the start of Day 7 this morning (from Runcorn to Lancaster, 73 miles and 4,140 feet of climbing), I told my pal Larry that today would be totally chill. Which was true at the start, with an easy rollout from Runcorn. A few miles in, though, Paul passed me and of course I had to grab his wheel. Then, at about 5 miles in, to my surprise we caught up with the A group, consisting of Hannah, Charly, Neil, and Tama. From there, we had a nice peloton of 6, with me in the rear but staying tight with Paul. Much of the mileage was on a cycle path, with frequent barriers which slowed down the pace.
As we approached the first Brew Stop at 19 miles, I made an audacious move to secure the sprint points, passing Hannah on the right and leading the peloton to the stop at Plank Lane Lift Bridge at the Leeds and Liverpool Canal in the town of Leigh. (Proof is in the photo below, never mind the fact that this was all orchestrated by Hannah, who slowed for a bit so I could pull ahead with my camera.)
In front of Hannah, Charly, and Paul for just a moment
The 19 miles from the Brew Stop to lunch were a different story, weatherwise, with a constant light rain and low clouds that we climbed up into. I was again on Paul’s wheel and grateful for the steady pull. From lunch to our final destination in Lancaster, the weather gradually cleared, so by the time we finished we could enjoy a well-deserved libation in the sun.
Our route took us through the urban perimeter of Manchester, through or near towns I only know of because they have football clubs, like Wigan, Bolton, and Blackburn
Me, Paul, and Larry, somewhere near Wigan
The view after a long climb near Bolton. Would be spectacular on a clear day, I imagine. Larry remarked to me that the English seem so good-natured about the changeable weather, jolly in fact. “Ha ha, it’s England after all.” Larry wasn’t having it. “What’s wrong with these people! This is miserable!” But as Nigel explained to me, “You can’t have adventure without variety.” We experienced both today, for sure.
Weather started to clear after lunch. This photo is from near Darwen, 10 miles north of Bolton.
As we were rolling through Salesbury, eagle-eyed Paul spotted a cricket match a bit off the road, so of course we had to take a look. The pitcher is called a “bowler.” What’s up with that?
Weather continued to clear up. View from Barnacre, about 10 miles from our destination.
A few more shots above from the Lancashire moorland, with sheep, heather, and long views south and west
A group dinner, followed by a quick stop in the pub and it’s off to bed for all, to rest up for Day 8 tomorrow
Day 8 - Lancaster to Penrith
Today’s journey from Lancaster to Penrith was fewer miles than our earlier days but still a lot of climbing. Not “cheeky,” though. Today the climbing was “lumpy.” There is a difference. We cycled 60 miles with 4,600 feet of elevation. The weather was perfect: sunny and warm with a slight favorable wind. And the scenery was spectacular, with long vistas of the Yorkshire Dales to our east and the Lake District to our west. The lunch was at a truck stop at exit 38 off the M6. I had the Sunday Roast and it was delicious.
Me with Hannah and Charly, two of the strongest cyclists on the tour. Hannah needed a recovery ride and invited Larry and me to join them for a long leg. We figured if we went all out, we might just match Hannah and Charly’s recovery pace. Delightful young women and great company for sure.
Day 9 - Penrith to Moffat
I begin today’s entry by pointing out that, as my fellow cyclists know (Greg), I don’t have a competitive bone in my body. That said, Tour de LEJOG Day 9 started in Penrith and finished in the Scottish town of Moffat, covering 71 miles and 2,743 feet of elevation. It saw another stage win for a Hooligan (FYI, I’ve decided that every day has 4 stages: 1) start to the first Brew Stop, 2) Brew Stop to lunch, 3) lunch to second Brew Stop, and 4) Brew Stop to finish line.)
At the morning briefing, Russ explained that today the hills would be neither “cheeky” nor “lumpy” but rather “undulating.” I liked the sound of that so seized the opportunity at the start to latch onto the lead group of eight or so, maintaining my position in the rear all the way up to the final climb to the first Brew Stop, when I dropped 50 yards or so.
Stage 2 began with the same lead group, but minus me, who strategically decided to hang back and leave with Larry, and go at a more moderate pace. (If the WP Hooligans team had a race director, I’m sure this would have been the strategy.) By the time we rolled in for lunch, the A Team had all been served and were on their second cups of tea. Lulled into complacency, they barely noticed when Larry and I headed to the second Brew Stop, 15 miles away, with the first 5 heading straight west into a wicked strong headwind. I pulled Larry through this section and for a few miles more after we turned north and had a favorable wind. That’s when I went for the stage win.
I can’t say I was confident, since these were solo miles and I knew there were two or three groups of chasers, including the A Team (mostly incredibly strong women) and the gang I’ll call the UK Diesel Crew (some of you will know what that means). The hills were undulating but they were still hills, and I expected to be passed at any moment. With two miles left, I felt I had a chance and pushed hard on the up and downs, never looking back. What a great sight it was to see the big red Peak Tours van at mile 49, with crew member Dave standing beside it but neither a bike nor a cyclist in sight.
Stage 3 goes to WP Hooligans.
Of course, as I think I’ve mentioned, this is a fun ride not a race, and it’s mostly about camaraderie and enjoying the countryside. And again we were traveling through lovely country. Photos below.
The view from the men’s room in tonight’s hostel
Day 10 - Moffat to Kinross
Day 10 was 82 miles and 4,000 feet of climbing. We headed north from Moffat, into the Scottish Borders, through Edinburgh (crowded with tourists there for the Fringe Festival), across the Firth of Forth, and another 20 miles north to the small town of Kinross.
We started with a 1,000-foot, 6-mile climb at at an easy 4% grade, followed by a spectacular 12-mile descent, where we hardly had to touch the brakes. Soon we were traveling through moorland, surrounded by mountains. Larry felt like he was in a Western, and it certainly looked like that.
Day 11 - Kinross to Ballater
Day 11 took us from Kinross to Ballater, 82 miles and more than 4,300 feet of climbing. We had perfect weather, favorable winds, and stunning scenery through the Cairngorms National Park. We passed Balmoral Castle and saw the flag was up, meaning the King was in residence.
River Tay
I was struck by how many remote dwellings we passed in Scotland
Day 12 - Ballater to Inverness
Day 12 began in Ballater and finished 75 miles (and 5,253 feet of climbing) later in Inverness. During our morning briefing, our guide Russ casually mentioned that we’d face a challenging climb at the 15-mile mark or so, neglecting to mention that we’d have to climb about a thousand feet to get to the climb. Over the last 12 days, I’ve learned about “cheeky” climbs and “lumpy” climbs. Today I learned about a new category of climb, which my pal Bob says is a “naughty” climb. It’s called the Lecht (after the ski resort that’s at the top), and it’s about 1,000 feet of climbing in 2 miles, with a maximum grade of 20% or more. Absolutely brutal. But I did it.
The Brew Stop was at the top, right beside the ski lifts, and I had just taken my first sip of tea when a summer (i.e., wintery) squall kicked in and it took all of us to hold on the the gazebo poles so the awning wouldn’t be blown away. After securing everything, we retreated into the ski chalet where I had the world’s weakest espresso and waited out the worst of the storm. Still, I headed down the mountain in a hard rain driven right into me by a strong headwind. It felt like sleet.
From Lecht to Inverness was a slog, with the wind so severe that you even had to pedal hard on a descent lest the wind bring you to a stop or send you backwards up the mountain.
Arriving in Inverness was a welcome relief, as was the delicious Thai meal I enjoyed with five of the group. The evening was capped off by live traditional Scottish music in the Hootananny, a local pub and music venue.
We traveled through dramatic Highlands landscapes, as you see in the photos.
This photo doesn't give a good indication of the grade, but, believe me, right when we entered those woods down the way, the road looked like a vertical wall
I can't tell whether they are blasé or slightly annoyed
Larry: "Remind me again why I signed up for this?"
The view of the North Sea as we descend into Inverness
The River Ness in Inverness
Great vibes at the Hootananny
Day 13 - Inverness to the Crask Inn
Day 13 saw us ride 69 miles and climb a modest 2,772 feet from Inverness to the Crask Inn north of Lairg. It wasn’t exactly a recovery ride, since the first 10 miles were into a strong wind as we headed west along the Beuly Firth, before turning north and starting to climb. I was grateful to have Paul’s wheel for much of the ride into the headwind. Heading north from the Muir of Ord we were treated to spectacular views of a stark and beautiful landscape from the top of Struie Hill. Soon we passed the Falls of Shin, and caught a glimpse of the salmon leaping up the falls.
9:00 a.m. and ready to roll from Inverness
Paul and I by the Beauly Firth
Wack keeps rolling ...
near Dingwall
The Dornoch Firth in the distance
The fireweed of the Scottish Highlands
The video below shows a salmon leaping up the Falls of Shin
This is the view from the Crask Inn, known as the remotest pub in the United Kingdom. You can see why.
Day 14 - The Crask Inn to John O’ Groats
Day 14 brought my LEJOG journey to an end. Some stats: 1,009 miles, 59,000 feet of climbing, 70 hours in the saddle, 339,000 revolutions of the pedals, average speed 14.4 mph. New friends made: 20. Cups of instant coffee: maybe 50. Bites of haggis: 3 (that was enough). “Wee drams” of whiskey: 6. Pints of Guinness: Who’s counting?
The final 82 miles (3,720 feet of climbing) were aided by dry weather and a mighty tailwind propelling us east to John O’ Groats. At times, the wind was so intense that if I sat upright in the seat, it was strong enough to push me up a slight grade without my needing to pedal.
At the morning briefing, our guide Russ advised us to take it easy for this last ride, so the stronger and less strong riders would all ride the last stretch to John O’ Groats as a group. We headed north from the Crask Inn toward the north coast of Scotland and enjoyed a largely downhill ride along a country lane for 29 miles, to the first Brew Stop. Then we hit the coast, with a glorious view of the rugged terrain and blue sea, turned east, and immediately encountered a series of climbs, not too steep but serious enough to put some ache in the legs.
At the second Brew Stop, we could see our destination, a curved hook of land jutting north into the Atlantic, just 20 miles away. Larry and I took off. My adrenaline gave me an extra boost and he dropped. Soon my roommate Jim passed me and I was happy to grab his wheel and enjoy the final 12 miles whizzing along at 22 mph or more, pulled by Jim’s slipstream and pushed by a most welcome wind. It was glorious. So much for Russ’s advice to take it easy, although Jim and I did stop for photos.
We soon arrived at the famous John O’ Groats signpost, matching the Land’s End signpost that started us off 14 days earlier. Larry arrived and we took the obligatory photos as the other riders rolled in, then we all retraced our steps (rerolled our wheels?) half a mile to our hotel to rehydrate with a brew.
Meanwhile, we got word that Andy (“Wack”) was just a few miles behind us, and we all headed out to escort him to the finish. As remarkable as our journey was, riding 1,000 miles on bicycles, what Wack achieved is beyond comprehension: From Land’s End to John O’ Groats in a quad vehicle controlled by his chin, his head being the only part of his injured body that he can move.
The view from the Crask Inn
We see the sea
We're getting close to the end
John O' Groats is the tip of the peninsula in the distance, 20 miles away
Me and my buddy and roommate, Jim (a triathlete and ultramarathoner), who pulled me the last few miles into John O' Groats
Larry and I made it!
(l-r) Paul, me, Jim, Larry. Paul and Jim are strong and generous cyclists who were happy to lend us their wheel whenever we needed it
Here we are escorting Wack to the finish
At the celebratory final dinner, New Zealanders Tama and Nix honored Wack with this performance
Epilogue
It’s Monday, August 19, and I am 34,000 feet over the Atlantic Ocean on the way back home to New Jersey. The adventure that I casually mentioned to Larry last year is over. What an amazing experience it was. And what a fantastic group of people with whom to share it. Extraordinary individuals, each and every one, united in a simple and singular quest: to pedal the length of the United Kingdom.
I am grateful to all my companions on this journey. Kind, funny, interesting, talented. All bonded together in our shared quest. We all helped each other out, but I definitely received more help than I offered. From Jonathan encouraging me up the hellacious 700-foot climb out of Wells on Day 4, to Nigel offering his nutritional and fueling wisdom, to Paul and Jim lending me their wheel whenever I needed it, to the incredibly strong and generous Hannah and Charly inviting me and Larry to join them for an easy (for them) stage when Hannah was under the weather, to all the others who I shared this experience with: Jill, Gina, Bob, Neil, Al, Anna, Annie, Gail, Jo, Tama, Nix, David, Sanjay, Lisa.
There’s no better way to explore a new land than by bicycle, and no better way to do it than with a group of new friends. Of course, it wouldn’t have been possible without the fantastic Peak Tours support team: Dave, Jim, Russ, Swiss Tony, Stef. One evening over a whiskey in the drawing room of the beautiful Moffat Independent Hostel, Jim mentioned that his boss, Steve, the founder of Peak Tours, believes there is just one essential quality to being a successful part of the Peak Tours team: You have to “give a shit.” And they all did. No matter how big or small the issue, they swung into action to make sure all of us had the experience of a lifetime.
And then there’s Andy “Wack” Walker, MBE. I think his courage, determination, tenacity, good humor (and singing) set the tone for the entire group. Without a doubt, he was the hero for all of us. With him setting the example, there was no way I wasn’t going to finish this quest. Thank you, Andy. Thank you, Peak Tours. And to my cycling friends … hope to see you on the road again soon!
