The Final Days Blur Part 3 – Rouzerville to the Finish Line – 131.5 miles and 5 minutes.

Mickey was not in a good way after Rouzerville, requiring frequent stops. The pressure was on and Mickey appeared to be fighting his own internal demons. A phone call to Sharon sparked him up and gave him the will to go on.  At his next stop Celine put the hard word on him – stop fecking around  - shape up and finish or go home now.  Within minutes the zombie was gone and an angry Scotsman was on his way to the next stage. Mentally Mickey was switched on and his pace kept lifting as the roads became flatter and better surfaced.

Going through Gettysburg was a highlight of the trip, with a number of memorials by the roadside and in fields at specific points, most probably the scenes of particular battles or gallantry. The roads were lined with log fences from the civil war period.  Gettysburg was a very moving place, a very solemn quiet place.

As Mickey left Gettysburg and steamed on at a good pace, we calculated, re-calculated and re-calculated the speed he need to get to the finish line on time. When we least expected it, another rider, the Indian rider came from behind and went past Mickey and out of sight.  This was timely as he became a target for Mickey to reel in, just like Mickey needed to reel in the miles to the finish. It now became a time trial as Mickey went past the remaining time stations.

Just as our confidence was building Mickey started to flag and began making a number of stops, complaining of “Dertigo”. The support car decided on tough love, vowing not to stop the next time Mickey did, in order to push him along. Our tactic failed as he stopped, the support car sped past, and then Mickey laid down – the bugger! We went back for him and after a quick rest and some ice he came good – thankfully! Mickey realised it was just fatigue and the Flying Scotsman was back for the second time today, and now really lifted for the final few miles home to the finish.

The final 20-30 miles was electrifying as Mickey raced the clock, raced traffic and raced the Indian rider.  The support car had hurled messages of support, abuse and love all morning but then took it to another level on the run home. You’ve never heard so many fecks, up your kilts, go go go etc in your life.  Celine was even able to patch Sharon, Molly and Paddy over the loud speaker to spur him on further.

Frank Fumich surprised Mickey by the side of the road and helped out with lots of local knowledge of the best way to stop and beat the traffic lights and even fire engines, sending Stan and Roger into apoplexy in the process! Mickey got caught as the lights changed and unfortunately went through a red light. This was spotted by officials, but thankfully the penalty would not be applied.

Mickey’s average speed to the finish was the fastest of the trip, despite being sleep deprived and exhausted. It just shows what the man, and the mind and body is capable of. Mickey steamed to the finish, with the clock eventually beating him by 5 minutes…..and the rest is history.