Some facts and figures.

Firstly a very big THANK YOU to all who donated to any of the three Just Giving pages or handed over hard cash or cheques, I very much appreciate your generosity.  The Just Giving pages will soon close and their totals will be added to the cash/cheques donated; the final sum will be given in the next blog post.

The North Sea Cycle Route, is a 6000km  journey down the east coast of Scotland and England, crossing the North Sea from Harwich to the Hook of Holland, then north following the west coast of Holland, Germany and Denmark, south along the east coast of Denmark; ferry to Sweden, north into Norway and follow the coast to Bergen; ferry to Shetland then south to your start point.

Since the route was devised a number of changes have been made, some ferry sailings have been taken off and diversions added including a section going south into Belgium.

My route would take me from Burghead to Newcastle upon Tyne, ferry to Ijmuiden, through Holland, Germany and Denmark, across to Norway and flight from Stavanger to Dyce; a lift to Elgin and cycle to Burghead.  Approximate distance: 4000km.  Pedalled 3000km.
                                         

The Bike: A Dahon Matrix folding Mountain Bike fitted with rear pannier frame, Shimano 24 speed with twist grip changers, Shimano pedals clip one side flats on t'other.

Tyres: Schwalby Hurricane, they gave a good low friction road ride on center of tyre and knobbly sides provided traction on off road stuff; also being a fat tyre you got a softer ride.

Saddle:  Selle Royale Italia Jel. 

Bike problems:  Fell off, Note, must remember to unclip feet from pedals!?! 
2 x punctures, 3 if you count the one in Norway when the repair patch lifted but it was the same hole as the first puncture!
1 x broken spoke in rear wheel, repaired at Bike & Sport, Wilhelmshaven.  I've had no problem with the wheel since.

Clothing:  1 set lightweight waterproofs, 1 x windproof top with zip off sleeves, 1 pr Diadora cycle shoes with Shimano cleats, 1 pr cycle overshoes, 1 pr Crocks (bulky but v light), 2 pr cycle gloves (1 pr fingerless), 1 Buff (multipurpose), 4 prs socks (binned some on route and bought others), 2 pr under pants, 3prs padded cycle under shorts, 1 pr outer cycle shorts, 1 ir leg warmers (binned in Norway), 1 pr 3/4 cycle trousers (bought in Norway), 1 pr lightweight Mountain Workshop casual trousers, 1 x T shirt, 2 x cycle shirts, 2 thin fleece tops, 1 x thin fleece gillet.
! x folding tooth brush, sml tube tooth paste, sml bottle shower gel, 1 x micro fibre travel towel.

Equipment: Under saddle bag containing: 1 x spare inner tube, puncture repair kit, strip of Tyre Boot, 1 x brake cable, 1 x gear shift cable, 2 x chain quick links, 2 pr brake pads, slim adjustable spanner, Crank Brothers cycle multi tool, GP multi tool, 2 pr surgical gloves, sml can WD40, piece of rag. 
Tent (Eurohike Backpacker), Vango full length therma rest, Ultra light Quechua sleeping bag, Trangia Mini stove, Thermos mug, Sea to Summit spoon, lighter (for stove), 1/2 ltr spare fuel,
Maps (some free some bought, posted home when no longer required).
1 x Archos cobalt 80 tablet and case.

I never weighed the loaded bike but would guestimate the two panniers, tent etc weighed around 25kg.

The bike is now due a good service, so tomorrow could well be a bike clean and de-grease before booking it in for a proper sort out, though I might just tell them to leave the rear wheel well alone.