The practicalities of being on the road have meant my blog has been neglected and I am sorry. I have been updating via facebook and this has been easier and a great way to stay in touch with people.
I have been missing writing stories and can't wait to write about things that I have experienced in Sweden, Norway and Iceland.
What has it been like? It's been ever changing.
The landscape, the cycling, how I feel, have evolved and devolved.
Each day has been a story unto itself. I have had days where I have felt on top of the world - free as a bird and alive with new experiences. Other days where I have felt defeated by what I am trying to achieve.
To paint a picture of a regular day: wake at 6, breakfast and coffee and packing. I seem to be always adapting my packing system. I opted to travel only with rear panniers as I wanted to travel light. I ended up getting a handle bar bag in Reykjavik and have enjoyed this extra luggage space (and sweet 'inflight mode' map case).
On the road. 7.30am. My favourite time of the day. The quietness. The feeling of expectation in another day unrolling with unknown experiences, sights and challenges with each revolution of my tyres. The freshness in my rested legs making the extraordinary seem possible.
The pace of the day depends on many things - weather, road condition, distraction from bakeries, beautiful things to see, people I meet, free wifi :), animal encounters, bike dramas, body dramas, energy, laziness, hunger levels, motivation, nice places to stop and daily goals or lack thereof. My shortest day has been 24km (my first day) and my longest has been 162km. Generally I aim to reach 100km a day which means anywhere from 5-10 hours pedaling.
My second favourite time of the day is the end. Resting, setting up my tent, making dinner and collapsing down into my sleeping bag. Usually a feeling of accomplishment and exhaustion. Sometimes a feeling of aloneness and sore legs....
Marathon training
Hmmm....
Q: have I been training for the Rekjavik marathon which is on next Saturday the 18th of August
A: sorta ...
I have managed to run 2-3 times a week. While my fitness is good from cycling, you complete a marathon by RUNNING.
Training for the marathon was always going to be a challenge. However, I have been able to log some 30km runs and feel pretty good with my running.
If I was able to have two wishes granted for the run it would be 1: finish in under 4hours. 2: if not, then finish it! (I have 6 hours).
My first marathon! In a week! Holy smokes...
Thanks everyone for your support for Devil of A Ride and all your awesome donations. It means so much!
Bless Bless (Icelandic for bye bye), Kat x
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