Sad but true!

Today was the second to last day of this end to end enterprise we are into. It's been 7 days now and I have to say it's been even tougher than expected. Weather wise we've gotten a bit of everything, but the terrain is so rugged and roads so steep that is hard to get into a good rhythm to get the miles going and we end up spending long hours on the saddle everyday.
We've also been trying to stay together to make navigation easier for the riders and support crew and we have to work even harder to do so. Kevin is one of those who's been working his ass off and we all appreciate his effort and commitment.
A very strong rider, particularly a good climber, Kevin was ran over by a car 4 years ago when he was on his bike and spent 6 days on a hospital with arm, legs and skull fractures, so every time you hear him screaming with with a very particular tone "CARRRRR!" you know he takes safety very seriously nowadays. Reminds me of Chandler from Friends, everybody's friend but nobody knows what he does for work, it's like that doesn't matter here.
Up until yesterday Kevin was rock solid, no injuries and always riding at great pace. Today when people told me he had been dropped behind with a sore Achilles tendon i realize how tough this ride has been on all of us. No matter how fit you are, you will feel it, you will inevitably be in pain and it's how you deal with those bad moments which determine either you finish or not what you committed for.
Of course kevin did not gave in. We all knew he wouldn't. He went through it and at the end of the day on a couple of unexpected great climbs we both went ahead and challenged ourselves. Massive fun! The first one, Kitt Hill said at the top, it's been maybe the best climbing i've done since I started cycling a year ago. After 200 km and with "Sad but true" from Metallica as loud as possible on my earphones, i surprised myself on that climb and will be a highlight of this great ride.
Will be looking forward to meet with Kevin for some serious climbs on the Alps or Pyrenees sometime and will be looking forward to finish tomorrow with 120 km to Lands End and let the pain fade away.