End of Tour Summary

We didn't cycle all the way from Cheltenham to Istabul and therefore across Europe into Asia which was our original aim. We did however manage to reach the Black Sea cycling 2496 miles in 30 days with just one rest day averaging 86 miles on each cycling day (I don't like to think about how many of these miles were in the wrong direction). We also each lived out of one pannier for this time and managed easily without the things that I might have thought important before. I have very little idea about what has been happening in the UK and across the world for the past month. Our focus has been on simpler things like getting our miles in, eating, sleeping and making sure our drink bottles are topped up. Bits have broken of been shaken off our bikes and other bits are well worn but they have served us well and kept us rolling along.

Little everyday incidents have made this a worthwhile, memorable tour. For example, on the way to Giurgiu 3 days ago, we overtook a teenager who carried a younger lad sitting on his crossbar. He decided to give chase and overtook us and then a horse and cart. The horse startled and bolted down the road. For a short while we were involved in a bizarre race between 3 groups on the road along the Danube.

I'm still hugely ignorant about the countries we have been through but I feel that we have experienced a slice of everyday life in each of them. This has sparked my interest to find out more about them in the future.

I'm very proud of the Roberts family. We have faced a few challenges and ordeals strongly with admirable solidarity and we have also had a lot of fun along the way. We have all got the bug now. We have spent this morning discussing possible future bike tours.

Thanks to everyone who has read our blog and to everyone who has posted comments. Your message have been an important inspiration to us.

We are off to Istanbul now for a normal holiday.

Barry