I have seen the blog thread already running , but I'm starting a new one to thank all the members here. I don't know the amount of words to use for Thanking you all, infact during the ride or at the end of ride, I wondered, if I didn't find this forum ,what would have been my condition !
Right from reaching to my place before the event, tubes, buses and then about weather, gear and navigation all my fears are addressed by wonderful people here. I will hyperlink them in this post later, just as reference to any rider in future. Apart from riding bike, my training was to eagerly go through almost every post in this thread. I wonder if there is a contest for maximum hits in day before LEL, I might win the prize
Especially , reading old blogs from here made me well prepared to understand what to expect during the ride.
In short, I stayed at Luton, at my cousin's place for a day and the camped in Davenant school grounds for 3D/2N. Volunteered a bit. Took 7 hours additionally to finish the route. Later I went on a vacation to Scotland. As a sendoff, I got a guided London trip on Brompton from Olaf ( redfalo here) and Titus.
I met exitstageleft,redfalo and 3peaker during the event. Everytime, I see a YACF badge, I used to get so excited. Sadly, many times it was either during a climb or when I was exhausted, so I missed having some beautiful conversations out there, but no regrets, will see you all at Paris in 2019.
Just like first love in teens or the first crush... this first international trip of mine became very memorable and I couldn't pass a day without thinking about my memories there.
Once again thanks to all you wonderful, kind and amazing members of this forum , organisers and fellow riders.
Here is my blog about my experiences just during the ride : a two part story and a long read.
Part-1 :
https://pathsandspokes.wordpress.com/2017/09/05/lel-2017-london-edinburgh-london-part-1-northbound/Part-2 :
https://pathsandspokes.wordpress.com/2017/09/05/lel-2017-london-edinburgh-london-part-2-southboundCheers.