Day Nine

Jamaica Inn to Lands End - Well after staying in a Travelodge at Saltash that was more like a ghost town than a service area we woke early and decided that we would give it a big push to finish today at Lands End.  The drive through to Jamaica Inn wasn't too bad although we had locked the bikes into the back without remembering where the key was so we had to stop.  Found and only sat at the traffic lights through two sequences - it would have looked good if we couldnt get the bike out.  Eventually got to start point for the day and guess what after a lovely sunny day yesterday only to find that the rain had started.  I decided that I would change my route fronm that planned and head straight down the A30 even though the rain and traffic made it quite hair-raising.  Alan as support really excelled today with cleaning the glasses every layby or at least thats what it felt like along with hot soup, egg sandwich, mars bars (snack size), kendal mint cake, coffee and mileage information which I hadn't previously wanted because it can be quite depressing knowing how far you have to go.  I pushed on and with the breaks and refreshments then the miles just went by quickly.  I decided to move off briefly from the A30 and the traffic so went off through past Redruth School and through Cambourne before rejoining the A30 at Haley roundabout.  With another stop I then moved on to Penzance with only 10 miles to go to reach Lands End.  The legs got stronger and the determination was greater even though the rain and breeze had not relented trying its hardest to prevent the celebration of arrival at Lands End.  The number of hills between Penzance and the end seemed to increase in severity and length until I reached a sign that said 6 miles. I cycled about a mile and the next sign said 6 miles.  Alan as driver said he would meet me at the end which I agreed to then oh no my chain came off and jammed in the cog - typical no support back up bike to finish.  Fortunately I was able to unblock the chain and set off again.  The last 5 miles flew by and I got through to Lands End by 1pm.  I signed in at the hotel reception and made my comment in the End to End book receiving from Danielle the receptionist the final stamp on the transit verification form.  I HAD DONE IT.
The obligatory photo at the signpost was done and paid for and we went to return to Rayleigh.