Day 18: Luton to Amicii Beloved kennels, 89.4 miles.

THE FINISH LINE!!!!

Sorry, didn't take any photos today, although I almost took one of Luton Town Hall, because it's quite impressive.

Today was all about getting to the finishing line. I didn't know if I'd left myself too much to do, because I had a pretty rough day yesterday, what with being unable to stomach much food.

I was a lot better today, managing some breakfast before I set off and even some cake along the way. I still struggled up the hills, but as the day wore on I started to see more familiar place names and once I got to Stratford upon Avon I knew I was almost home.  

Absolutely fantastic reception at the Beloved kennels, so nice to see the team there and better still a waiting cuppa and a Mars bar!

In total, the distance ridden according to my wayward GPS was 1,700.1 miles (2,736 km), which is about the same as riding from Land's End to John O'Groats and then back again.

I've lost over half a stone in weight, despite eating all the cake and pastries I could lay my hands on. Nevertheless, I wouldn't recommend anyone repeat this as a weight loss exercise.

High points: Meeting Fodor Dora and the team at Amicii Dog Rescue Romania , who do an amazing job with the resources they have, working selflessly to care for all the dogs; riding down the Mureș valley in Romania, some beautiful scenery; riding parts of the Danube; arriving at the finish line!

Low points: fearing for my life on some of the roads in Romania and Hungary. Although I found the drivers as considerate as possible, there were some roads that just weren't appropriate for cycling; food poisoning/norovirus in Rotterdam. Late on Sunday evening, after being sick constantly and having an upset tummy I almost pulled the plug there and then. Likewise, the consequent days dealing with the aftermath were pretty bad too. Honestly, if Ann had sent Clive to abduct me with the van I wouldn't have put up much resistance. 

The best part, arriving home to see my Stella (and Jill, of course!).

Thanks to everyone for your donations, I'm overawed with your generosity and thanks for all the comments and encouragement along the way. You wouldn't believe how much they helped spur me on!

Justgiving.com/page/stellasjourney 

Blog.goingtothedogs.co.uk 

Amicii Dog Rescue and Rehabilitation UK 

#tractivegps

Day 17: Harwich to Luton, 101 miles.

As soon as I got onto the ferry I went straight to the cabin and straight to bed, because I was still feeling pretty rough. In fact, after I arrived in Hoek I fell asleep on a bench. I expect the locals thought I was some kind of vagrant!

We docked at 6.30 and I was on the road by 7.00. I didn't have any breakfast apart from a banana and a flapjack as I couldn't face it again.

Things went OK initially, first 50 miles or so, but the wind picked up and across the flat Essex countryside it was a bit of a battle. I did pass through some nice places, sorry I didn't take photos. I started to run low on energy and stopped at a pub for a bite. I ordered a cheese baguette, but I struggled to eat half of it. I couldn't manage more.

The other side of Harlow saw me routed up some pleasant waterways, the river Stort and Lee. 

Unfortunately, while picturesque, they weren't very conducive to good progress. Plus the jolting of the bad pathway wasn't doing either my nausea or saddle sores any good.

I was trying to make Leyton Buzzard today, which would have left 75 miles tomorrow. As it is, it leaves about 90. Under normal circumstances that shouldn't be a problem, but if I can't eat and still feel nauseous I'm not sure. We'll have to see how the day progresses.

Justgiving.com/page/stellasjourney 

Blog.goingtothedogs.co.uk 

Amicii Dog Rescue and Rehabilitation UK 

Amicii Dog Rescue Romania 

#tractivegps

Day 15/16: Wageningen to Hook of Holland, 87 miles.

 This should have been one day, but unfortunately I had a bit of a bug. The morning went OK, although once I got out on the levels it was hard work in to a constant headwind. I stopped for coffee and apple cake, then headed onwards.

About 3pm I started to feel bad. Weak and listless. I bought a sports drink at a garage, but it didn't help much. It also became obvious that I needed to visit the little boys room, so I looked up the local McDonald's and went there ASAP. I won't go in to graphic details, but I was quite unwell. 

I bought a large coke, but I could tell something wasn't right. I looked up the nearest hotel and booked a room. I wobbled up the road on my bike, being overtaken by everyone. I checked in and the lady opened a storage room for my bike, but I had to run to the bathroom, where I was violently sick. I spent the next few hours in my hotel room visiting the bathroom and collapsed on the bed. Jill called me several times to check I was still alive and she also called the hotel and asked if they could bring me a coke. Everyone knew where I was because of the #tractivegps . I was seriously thinking of asking for a doctor at one point, I felt that bad.

About 2 am this morning I found that I could keep fluids down, so started to rehydrate. I still didn't know if I was going to have to spend another night in Rotterdam, but by 9 I felt well enough to wander to the local supermarket and buy some bananas for breakfast. They stayed down, so I decided to head for Hoek. It's only 25 miles, but must have been the slowest 25 miles I ever rode.

So, now I arrived in Hoek, hours too early, time to kill. Ferry sails at 10pm and I'll be straight to the cabin and flat out. What happens tomorrow remains to be seen.