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@balmain
Late report, but got back a couple of days ago after a leisurely meander back to Skavsta - new to this touring game, but the carradice worked really well for a week's kit on a road bike. Had a lovely ride over to Motala - perfect weather and one of those unplanned trips where everything just fell into place. Checked into a gym near the start and used that for a couple of nights - great facilities including a big screen to watch the England match before the ride. Set out at 2am and had a torrid first 150km - just couldn't get any rhythm going or latch on to any good groups. Bumped into a rolla/fgss forumite (sorry - I'm terrible with names) just at the point that packing was under consideration. Decided to dump a load of kit and go for the 'get cold and wake up' approach instead - seemed to work as the second half flew by. Finished in 12h:25m, including about 2hrs at the stops - I'm happy with that. Given that I probably came in about 12,000th, am ashamed to admit that I crossed the finish line arms aloft. Best beer in the world at the end.
Followed the Gota canal all the way to end/beginning at Mem on the way back - beautiful scenery, loads of campsite/hostels options and great to come across so many locals out on cycling adventures for a few days. Not sure that the Brentford grand union canal measures up.
Then managed to mess up the final leg back to the airport, leaving me with no chance of catching my flight. Given that it was Sweden I though that hitching with a fully loaded bike might just work - and it did: car stopped after 10 mins - bike in the boot and lopped 40km off the journey. Then a 60km TT style ride to the airport and I made the flight with about 5 mins to spare.
Half way round I swore I'd never do it again...but had such a good week all in that I'm already thinking next year.
Great time sasmon - only 40 mins off the bike is way beyond be. Also, probably completely off track - but Joe Smith, that wasn't you that I bumped into at the Borensberg youth hostel on the Sunday? Good to meet you if so, I was on the Condor.