Copenhagen, Denmark to Krageholm, Sweden
So what started out as a mad idea a few months ago has turned into reality. I've managed to travel all the way to the south of Sweden powered by nothing but my own legs. It amazes me that this is actually possible but reality says differently!
The final day started by exploring Copenhagen a little more, with a look around the Danish Design Museum then down to the southern part of the city where they've created a huge new area of flats, shops and offices on what was wasteland. It was pretty incredible, and quite futuristic in its layout and architecture. Almost like a sensible version of Vegas - the Danes seem to be a very forward thinking nation.
Back in 2000 they also built the impressive Oresund Bridge and tunnel to cross the seven miles of sea between Denmark and Sweden, but unfortunately won't let bikes on it so I had to cheat and get the train across from Copenhagen airport. Miki - I'm pretty sure you'll love it all when you visit.
The first thing you see as you enter Sweden is... you guessed it - Ikea! Just a 43 mile dash left, and after a perfect summer's evening, having crossed a lovely rolling landscape of crop fields, small lakes and red roofed houses I was finally there, greeted by a union jack at Krageholm Farm with our family friends, the Palsson family. What a feeling!
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It has truly been an incredible few weeks, one of the best things I've ever done. As well as the day of 36º heat, thunderstorms, car factories, breaking a 50 mph speed limit, seeing De La Soul over a fence, getting lost continously, Tour de France and Russian submarine, there's been a few things I've not mentioned.
The people I've chatted with - the hippy cyclist I met in a hostel in Hampshire riding to a festival. The South African girl, who on the last night of the Tour De France was out to dinner with Chris Froome's fiance (great story in itself). The Afgan guy working in a German Kebab shop who fled the conflict to study languages. The American student who wondered why eveyone hates the Yanks so much. The disabled Belgian guy with downs syndrome, who waved the stump of his arm in my face for me to shake. The German schoolteacher who's been to Falmouth. Plus loads more.
In terms of problems, I've been very lucky really. A lost book, sock and a brake pad (the second two whilst I was riding!). A broken GoPro camera bracket. A bit of rain, a touch of road rage. Worn brake pads and a few squeels and rattles from the bike, but not one single puncture! My so called smart phone has been my biggest bug bear. It is head and shoulders above using a map for navigation when it works and has battery, but when it doesn't it drives me bonkers. A handlebar bracket and solar charger required another time.
I've learnt just how flat Northern Europe is (incredibly), how far I can ride in one day (128 miles in Holland), how fast I can go (51.8 mph in Dorset) and how much I can eat (lots). And the distance?
Measured by the speedo on my bike, a grand total of, wait for it, 1,416 miles!!!
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| The Palsson's home at Krageholm |
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