It's almost time for the challenge that's kept me focused throughout this mad time we have all been through over this last year. On Thursday 3 June I am going to attempt to set the fastest solo circumnavigation off the famous North Coast 500 route.

Having grown up in the village of Durness in the far north-west of Sutherland, it's an area I know well although no amount of local knowledge will help the legs. I remember watching when Mark Beaumont originally set the benchmark time, then James McCallum took several hours off the time in 2016. Before Josh Quigley managed to lower it by a few more minutes last year. The current fastest known time stands at 31 hours 19 minutes and 8 secs for the 516 mile loop.

I will be attempting the record under the supervision of WUCA, the World Ultra Cycling Association and will be followed for every pedal stroke by an official follow vehicle.

I'm under no illusion how big a challenge this is and realise that everything will have to fall into place for me to be in with a chance of getting near the time required. I have really enjoyed the process of the training over the last few months and, whatever happens next week, I must thank David Lines at Espresso Cycle Coaching coaching for keeping me on the straight and narrow, all the while keeping it interesting.

I have a great team around me that have been with me throughout the years missing many nights sleep at the Strathpuffer and other crazy long events. It's crucial to be surrounded by the right people that I know will make the right decisions when all I need to do is pedal.

I have decided to use the challenge to support the Edinburgh Sutherland Association, a charity focused on raising money to support good causes across my home county of Sutherland.

Please get behind me in this record-breaking attempt and donate to benefit worthy causes linked to Sutherland.