Kolding

I decided to end my trip here. My right knee almost exploded. It’s also particularly unfortunate that I realised my saddle height was too low today morning, after looking at old wear marks, a measly 1.5 centimetres adjustment made a world of difference. But it was too late, my knee wouldn’t work until recovered.

The knee pain not new to me, my first bike tour in Denmark, I had the same knee problem, at that time I attributed it to my lack of fitness. When I finally got a new bike, I realised the old bike’s geometry wasn’t right for me. And for the entirety of my 3500km trip on the new bike, I didn’t have any problem. I realised when I reassembled my bike after flying with it once, I never took the time to readjust my saddle height, something my bike-shop handler, Pierre graciously did with me when I bought it last year. Some people are smart, they put tape to indicate saddle heights for future reassembly.

What is sad is that I could do the route that I initially wanted to do within the time period I wanted to do it in. I think part of me set out to make a point about long-distance cycling. In retrospect, I did manage to get much more efficient with my time and planning for long distances, something I am I happy learned. I went through so many gravel roads, hiking trails, tractor tracks, all were reasonably painful, but good use of my bike. I had to carry my bike over multiple fences and ditches, true bikepacking style. And I learned I have zero problems with shivering in cold, spending nights alone in the woods, wearing broken shoelaces and having tuna for dinner. All of it felt oddly normal. Only if I could be under the sky a little bit longer.

At least, I have plenty to tuna and crackers in my bag to eat when I get home tonight.