Day 28 - That's all folks

It is tempting to fill today's blog with cliches about how I can't believe February is over. But it is. I am going to have to find something to do in the evenings other than pack panniers, blog or fall asleep over supper.

Today I cycled to work with our Head of Communications Ranjeet, who is 23 years younger than me and built like a whippet. He evened things up by riding a bike that looked like he had pulled it out of Shoreham Harbour. It was windy and raining - I'm used to that, and he didn't whimper much. He caught the train back but I braved the icy wind - all I can say is that it was lovely to get home at 20.30.

So what am I going to miss about not using my car and what will be a huge relief?

Well, the early starts have been a bit of a mission, although it got easier as the mornings grew lighter - by a minute or so each day. Cycling by the sea at dawn is something I will never grow tired of. And the smug feeling from cycling 17 miles before work lasts nearly all day - almost makes up for having to cycle 17 miles home again.

Surprisingly, the hardest days were the ones with less miles on the bike but where I went from venue to venue changing from cycling gear to business clothes and back again - v tiring on top of the cycling and weather.

It was a revelation to get to know my beloved Brompton, and to find how well it works, especially for London meetings. I am definitely going to continue the bike/train/bike combo. Cycling north over Westminster or Waterloo Bridge as Big Ben strikes the hour is unforgettable.

I've learned how to pack light, and what doesn't crush in a pannier - jersey and layers work well, plus keeping some shoes at the office. The team at work have been very supportive, and have got used to me clanking in breathlessly with the latest cycling contraption under my arm, then disappearing for ages in the shower.

Apart from avoiding certain death on the A140 to Norwich, I've only used buses for social activities. I have always been a bus fan. In the past I have tended to go into town in the evening by bus and then home by taxi. It will be buses all the time from now on. Thank you Roger French!

I have also walked more, both locally and in London, and will keep this up too. I have lost 10 lbs, and like the looseness of my clothes and the reduction of jowls when I look in the mirror. Mind you, it's all relative...

Most of all, I have had more time to think - about work, what really matters, and why I am doing this.

As I write, we have raised £2,800 towards our £10k target for the children we are helping in Pakistan. Some people are waiting till I finish before they make their donations - in the NHS we call this Payment By Results - so I will blog one more time in a week or so to let you know my final total. Then I will hand the baton on to our next set of fundraisers.

Thanks to The Argus, the blog has been a great way to let people I haven't seen for years know what I'm doing. Huge thanks to everyone who has donated so far, you are all lovely. Please click HERE to read more.

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