There are many things that I have considered doing in life, but rarely have the more demanding received more than fleeting thought...until now.

On 27 June 2014 Holger Lohse, Philip Stephan, Rainer Herberg and I (Harriet Locke) will embark upon the longest cycle ride of our lives covering approximately 1600km (1000 miles) and ascending over 12,500 meters (41,000feet) (that’s elevation far beyond the height of Mount Everest).

Our adventure will take us from Lands End, in the South West of England, to John o’Groats in the North East of Scotland through Cornwall, over Dartmoor, across the Somerset Levels; we’ll straddle the boarder of England and Wales whilst heading north through the Midlands up into the Lake District before entering Scotland to Fort William past famous lochs and onto the highlands. The last push will take us up to the top of Scotland to cycle along the North coast into our “final resting place”! We must finish the ride within 15 days (we plan to complete in 14) in order to make it down to Edinburgh in time to catch our flights back to Germany.

We will inevitably suffer stiff knees, aching legs and agonising saddle sores, and be subject to the best of British summer weather along our way. All of which will add to the challenge and the adventure we have undertaken.

We have decided to use the opportunity to raise awareness and funds for Cancer Research UK, “the biggest single independent funder of cancer research in Europe”, which conducts research into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the disease and is almost entirely funded by the public.

If you would like to support us in our challenge, please give as much as you feel able.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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