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<\/a><\/p>\nI was looking forward to the finish, but these were long miles and I wondered if I’d ever reach Southampton. At Chilworth, that changed with a gentle descent all the way down into the city centre, where I found the Bargate proudly flying the rainbow flag for Southampton Pride.<\/p>\n
Buying my ticket for the crossing to East Cowes, I met a woman who’d looked out her window that morning and decided it looked like a good day to cycle round the Isle of Wight.<\/p>\n Ruth was great company and the hour or so it took to board and cross the Solent passed quickly. She cycled off on her trip round the island’s 64-miles of coast roads leaving me with cheery goodbye and some welcome professional advice about strengthening the muscles around my knee.<\/p>\n The Medina is the tidal river that runs from Cowes to Newport. I was on the east bank and Route 23, which runs down the middle of the Island, is on its western bank. Minutes after my first ferry journey of the trip, I took my second, on the Cowes floating bridge. Route 23 is largely on dedicated, traffic-free cycleways that were fabulously busy with cyclists of all ages on a glorious afternoon.<\/p>\n Five easy miles later I was in Newport with only ten miles of my challenge left. The hills in the final six miles sapped every last remaining drop of energy I had. Then, framed by trees, I saw St Catherine’s Lighthouse. My target. My destination. I was picked up by a wave of relief, achievement, and happiness. 926 miles, 55,000ft of hills and 15 days’ pedalling after leaving Strathy Point, I floated down the steep hill as fast as the tears flowed down my face, elated to have reached my goal.<\/p>\n 38 miles; 1,613ft of hills More photos, keep scrolling…<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
\n(And 16 miles over to Yarmouth for the ferry back!)<\/p>\n