The last two days prove to be no easy task with approx 180km and a horror of a hill coming up towards San Sebastian. The hill was 1650 meters high 7km long and in searing heat it proved to be the ultimate challenge. Thank heavens this hill was on the last day of our adventure as our legs found some last bits of energy to get us to the top and speed down the other side with much shouting for joy. On arrival in Spain we were greeted with a sign stating that you are not in Spain but in the Basque Country. ETA signs littered everywhere and a chap who I bought salami off today took great interest to know whether I was American or English so we will keep a low profile tonight.
The Spanish roads and courtesy to the lyrca warriors are nothing like France although the same respect for lycra warriors was enjoyed with shouts of Ola! along our way.
After 13,078 km, burning approx 18,500 calories (probably consumed close to 100,000 calories) the end of our journey has been completed and the exhausted exhilaration has now set in. The French prove to be a most amicable bunch and the scenery along the west coastline was some of the most spectacular I have ever seen.
Thank you again to all who kindly sponsored me and your money will now go towards three very deserving charities. As a reminder, those charities are WellChild, STOP Trafficking UK and the Countess of Brecknock Hospice. STOP Trafficking UK addresses the issues of modern day slavery, supporting the victims and raising awareness. The Countess of Brecknock Hospice was where our good friend Louis Bernon spent his last days – an incredible hospice in need of vital funds.
Finally a big thank you to Robert MacDonald for putting up with me and my lycra over the last two weeks. Big Mac was an incredible person to do this journey with and James Cracknell should seriously consider taking him on his next adventure!
Justin
P S: The lack of air going over the Pyrenees yesterday must have affected my mathematics! The actual completed distance was 1,378km as opposed to 13,078km. It reminds me of a faux pas or even an Eddie Izzard moment where, according to the Daily Telegraph, he ran 40 marathons and completed 28,000 miles. Anyway, thanks again to all but wanted to be sure that the recorded distance was accurate.
Justin
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