Too much excitement & apprehension last night for a good nights sleep. The heavy rain forecast till noon had stopped by 09:00 & conditions proved perfect.

The ride was very hilly but only 30mls & not having to pace for future rides, I pushed on hard, with occasional stops to enjoy the views & refuel. Landscapes improved with every mile but nothing prepared me for Kosmach. A few meters beyond a hard, 1000ft climb, I got my first view – the most picture perfect valley with dispersed dwellings. This was it, what I’d been cycling to for 41 days!!! It took a moment to sink in & get my emotions in check. I still needed to find the Topuziak’s home & with one zip code, a labyrinth of small roads, in the largest village by area in Ukraine, it wasn’t straight forward. I made my way to the orthodox church & waited for Oksana’s cousin, Vitaliy, to guide me the last 4km on his motorbike.

Turning off a rough metalled road, down a steep gravel track, I finally saw Oksana, her mum & dad, Mariia & others all waiting to greet me! The rush of joy, elation & relief I felt will stay for my lifetime.

Lots of introductions, photos & videos were taken but one very special photo was needed to close this ride. Miroslav & Peter Konstantinovich (Oksana’s parents) now joined Oksana, Mariia & me, & Vitaliy took the photo.

My ride was now over!

After, we moved to the porch of Oksana’s house where a long table, full of food & drinks was set out. We sat, we drank & chatted for hours. Later, I had a very belated shower & a little rest then a gentle walk to the edge of the village, guided by Oksana. And that was the end to my absolutely perfect day.

My sincere thanks to all of you who shared in my journey. Your participation pushed me along, giving me the strength to reach Ukraine. My thanks also to my Ukrainian hosts who have warmly welcomed me into their home. Finally to my wife, Christine, who cared for me through my operations & always provides fantastic support on all my adventures.

I am planning on closing my blog for now. I hope you have enjoyed the journey & can give some thought to the challenges & sacrifices war is having on the good people of Ukraine.

This is it. The penultimate day of my ride from Newcastle-under-Lyme UK to Kosmach UA!

By 07:15 I was following the Tisa River up into the mountains – the early start worked – I beat the heat & rain, and completed far more miles than planned. There was even a possibility that I’d finish today but, to do so would have made my arrival very late & in the dark – not the grand meeting up I had in mind.

Today’s ride did not disappoint – it was fantastic – the best yet. The spectrum of panoramic views, the mix of traditional & modern lifestyles, places to refuel, people that waved & greeted me as I rode past – even the weather was kind. My one complaint – Ukrainian people, nice as they all are, are hopeless drivers.

I finished 30 miles short of Kosmach. Well within reach, regardless of the terrain.

Khust is a lovely place & speaking to Oksana, she’s been here on holiday.

I set off as soon as I got access to my bike. It was Chloe’s birthday today so I called & had a nice chat for 3 miles.

First place was a small village shop to buy 1 ltr of milk, but wrongly purchased yogurt. Immediately they exchanged it & tried hard not to accept any payment.

By noon I was only in Tyachiv, with the local sign reporting 37C, I was in need of fluids & food. Tyachiv is a lovely town &, like many places I’ve passed through, time did not allow time to explore.

I’ve found Ukrainians to be a gentle, friendly people – maybe Putin mistakenly took it as a weakness. Nearly everyone I’ve met here has gone out of their way to assist me.

Travelling through Ukraine, there are the inevitable signs of war. Today I passed through three military check points, flags / flag colours, military personnel, a young man with a missing leg & village graves with war graves – very disturbing.

Mukachevo was shrouded in darkness when I arrived late last night but on my morning walkabout I saw a beautiful pedestrianised centre, linked with trees, shops & cafes. Also the cobbled streets I had cursed, lifted it further. My morning was spent breakfasting & getting ready for a shorter ride. I also went to the bank to exchange £s for UAH. I was told $ or € only. With yesterday’s border crossing & the pound rejected – are we falling into obscurity?!

I should be thankful that today’s temp. was only 36C (2 less than forecast) but it was still too hot! Only a mad Englishman would push on 40 miles to Khust. Plus, with tired legs from yesterday’s ride I was happy to get this far.

Today is my birthday & lots of messages & calls. Christine had placed a card in my front pouch & I opened it on the call. Lovely!

At the border crossing, a Ukrainian man (who works in Oldham) took the prize for guessing my age – he guessed 63, I told him he was bang on!!

Now I’m in Ukraine, the destination feels very close & am so looking forward to meeting everyone. Oksana & Mariia called to wish me happy birthday & report that they are now in Kosmach – waiting (only 143miles away!!).