Back in Blighty & end of blog - until 14th May

Here I am in Kings Cross waiting for a train to Cambridge. Much as I enjoyed USA, it's good to be back in Britain. I love it here. It is my home. Perhaps the only other place I love like Britain is India. I could definitely live in India, but well..... I have happy commitments here in Britain.

The overnight flight from New York to London went well. On time and reasonably comfortable.

How to reflect on USA? There was so much that was deeply positive: my friends and their company, the very beautiful landscape, the cycling itself, general American culture and it's many good sides. Finally, there is the experience of being well outside my comfort zone, and surviving that. Going beyond my comfort zone makes me strong and flexible. I need to have an adventure from time to time.

The down sides: there weren't many. America is expensive. Everything costs much more there. Obviously I got some annoying health issues to work with. Finally, the fact that my arthritis really means I can't hike on rough or hilly ground now. It can cause a complete seizure of my knees. It nearly did hiking up to Avalanche Lake in Glacier, but I got away with it this time - just.

Please remember to tune in to this blog next week - Tuesday May 24th, for the final Big Ride. Inverness to John O Groats solo. The final leg of my LEJOG (Lands End to John O Groats). Over and out. Thanks for following me!