Final Thoughts

We did it. The odyssey across Europe is complete.

It has been a few days since the last stroke of the pedal and, sitting in Lincolnshire, it feels as if it never happened. But, my bank balance and dodgy tan lines prove that it did.

The final few days into Amsterdam saw a massive drop in temperature, so I was back to shivering over my brioche on my breaks. The wind got up in a big way and the last 50km were awful. I was cycling into head-on 20 mph winds which is so difficult and not at all fun. It reminded me of the good old days in March where the weather was Baltic and Spring didn’t seem to be a season. The rain held off for our family days in Amsterdam and we had a great time exploring. It happened to be Kings day (a Dutch National holiday). Everyone was out in force, wearing orange and drinking beer at 10am. I wish we had a Queens day in the UK. It looked classic. No doubt there will have been many slightly inebriated party people who take an surprise dip in the canals.

It does seem surreal that I cycled 3,000+ miles by myself, through Europe, in the winter. I will be the first to admit that it was a pretty bizarre decision. It is not a decision I regret, although you won’t catch me repeating the feat any time soon. Others have asked if I ever thought of giving up - not really, is the answer. Although there were times it was a real drag, I didn’t ever seriously consider throwing the towel in. I must admit that I did consider how a minor broken wrist would get me out of the rest of the trip without too much pain, but now I have made it, I’m glad that didn’t happen! The hardest stretch, where I did the most clock-watching, were the last few weeks. The end was in sight and I was constantly worried that something would happen to my bike to stop me from reaching my targets. Luckily, we held ourselves together. I am very glad I spent a large slug of my hard-earned cash on the bike. It turned out to be quality and looks remarkably good for its excursion. 

Of the seven countries I cycled through, the only new one for my tally was the Netherlands. Despite this I saw so many new places which I have never visited. I think Bordeaux was the only city I had visited before. All other cities were new and exciting and had their own charms. Until Austria, my favourite country was Portugal. Unfortunately for my Portuguese pal, Austria knocked it off the top spot once I got there. I absolutely loved Austria. Both Vienna and Salzburg were exceptional cities and the countryside was fabulous. It was my first country where cyclists were a priority. Cycle lanes galore, and lots of fellow cyclists to wave at along the way. Full of green meadows and cows, very ‘Sound of Music’. Although apprehensive of the Austrian food, I thought it was great. What is not to like about Wiener Schnitzel and potato salad?

The Italians won the award for the most kind and generous. That was the only place where complete strangers were impulsively kind. I received an act of kindness almost everyday. It was a very heart-warming place. I enjoyed improving my French in France and would have enjoyed the country more had it not been the worst winter for 30 years down in the South… rather ungenerous. Germany was a joy because it was summer. Basking in the heat is so good. You could probably comfortably cycle in fairly high temperatures as there is always a breeze when bowling along. I think I will likely test that theory sooner than another winter cycle!

I am very glad to be home and to be able to chit chat to people, something that had been lacking from my solo trip. However, I found that I didn’t mind the solitude. I wouldn’t want to be alone forever but I am very content in my own company. I am happy to pop to a restaurant toute seule and read my book, or try and improve my cryptic crossword abilities in a cafe. I managed to read a fair few books and listen to countless podcasts which was brilliant. I have many recommendations if people are looking for their next read. 

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend cycling as a very civilised pastime to anyone looking to get outdoors. Positives include tanning, blonder hair and better muscles. The negatives such as, the weather, can be avoided by cycling in the summer. Much more clever. Although I researched bikes and read up extensively on other cycle tours, I didn’t do huge amounts of forward planning when I was on the road. I didn’t look up the weather forecast ahead of time because, why torture yourself. Ignorance is certainly bliss and had I known how poor the weather was going to be I perhaps wouldn’t have been able to get through the low days. For some reason I managed to stay pretty positive most of the time, with the exception of a few weeks in the middle section, which were characterised by negative temperatures and bouts of illness. I kept thinking, it can’t get any worse, even when it did! 

The trip was a real privilege and not something everyone has the opportunity to do, perhaps due to financial or life constraints. I really enjoyed my cultural and historical European education as I passed through the continent. It is a great feeling to be physically fit and mentally relaxed. Also, not something most people have much time for in our 24 hour hectic world. The support I received from the home front, from both friends and family, was very heart-warming and really kept me going. I’m not sure Mum and Dad particularly enjoyed me disappearing off into the distance by myself but they were nothing but my biggest champions. 

Thanks to all who have sponsored me. Maria Curie is such a fantastic charity and I am very proud to have raised (at last count) ￡3,380! The Just Giving page is still open (www.justgiving.com/EVStephens) if anyone hasn’t had chance to donate. 

Now it is time to say farewell to my bicycle companion and turn in earnest to the job hunt. Wish me luck!

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