I am now relaxing at home, warm at night and with access to tea and power, celebrating cycling my 20th country.
It happened to have been Denmark – I was working out there anyway, so I took my bike and cycled the length of the country from North to South. Skagen to Padborg on the border with Germany. 270 miles.
At first the weather was against me, with 18 – 25 knots wind on the nose. Occasionally my bike stalled. I was happy if I did 6 mph. It was hard work and freezing camping at night (5 degrees).
After working in Aarhus, the cycling was much more pleasant and I was able to relax a little and enjoy the natural beauty of Denmark. And the pastries! But it was still freezing at night with very little sleep and nightmares.
But, as always, I pressed on and despite the wind, rain, cold and a split tyre I successfully completed my 20th country without having to cheat or quit. Proud of that to be honest. Its physical and mental effort, to cycle a country from border to border, and also courage, grit, logistics and common sense.
