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Final Update 25th Sept

Well we have finally completed our epic cycle challenge, averaging 80 miles a day over 13 days. When we cast our minds back to the start it seems like months ago, we have enjoyed so many different experiences, met some fantastic people, viewed many major landmarks as we made our way up through England and Scotland. The weather was absolutely fantastic with the exception of one day of rain after we left Oban heading towards Fort Augustus in Scotland.

We were fortunate to only suffer minor problems with the bikes, 4 punctures, 1 broken spoke and 1 tyre failure, pretty good when you consider that the combined mileage of the 4 bikes exceeded 4000 miles.

Physically no one had any major problems other than the anticipated saddle soreness and some tender muscles, particularly after all the hills in Cornwall and Devon.

Scotland was particularly interesting as it was part of the UK that none of us had really explored, so everyday we were amazed at the scenery unfolding before us.

This was a once in a lifetimes experience for all of us and I am sure we will be recalling the exploits for many years to come.

Finally, I would just like to thank everyone who supported the Warwick and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance through my efforts, hope it gives others some inspiration.

Thanks Nick & the Team  

 

 

 

Update 19th Sept

We are making good progress, arrived on the isle of Arran today, got to accomodation for 8.30pm, another 90 miler. We are getting used to riding on a daily basis now, its almost like going to work? Approx 730 miles complete, we feel that the achievement is within our reach barring any bike failures or injuries. The past week has just blurred into a frenzy of miles, accomodation and cycling, pretty tough really but the team are coping well. We had our first taste of rain today for a few hours, the first since we started riding a week ago.

 

Update 11th Sept

Well it has finally arrived, we are travelling down to Penzance this afternoon, all the bikes and gear loaded in the back of a van, panniers weighed in at 8KG, hoping to progressively sneak some of the weightier items into my brothers luggage over the first few days of riding! Saturday morning will be a fairly prompt start from Lands End, to get our heads round it we will just have to take one day at a time, so its a 75 mile tour of the south Cornish coast to Looe, our first nights stop. 

 

Update  6th Sept

Thanks to all those individuals who have already sponsored me, I am pretty close to my fund raising target that I set myself, we have less than a week to go before we start the challenge, we have completed all the preparation, its just a case of waiting to get started. Its a strange feeling of excitement and inevitability, I am sure we will have times of pleasure tempered with hours of mind over matter, but that is what makes it a challenge, that level of uncertainty.

Anyway, if you have yet to support my efforts to raise money for the air ambulance, give me a call or pledge your support on line.

Thanks, I will try and keep this updated whenever I get the opportunity over the next 3 weeks.

 

The Challenge

 

Twelve months ago myself, my brother & 2 friends were reviewing our "Bucket List" ie things to do before we kick it! we decided to prioritise things that were only going to get more difficult as we grew older. We have always been pretty active and have recognised that endurance may now be our best asset.

To cut a long story short, the challenge of cycling from Lands End to John O'Groats was put in the diary. We leave Lands End on September 12th and need to be at John O'Groats by 24th September giving us 12 days of riding. There can be no slacking as the return flights are already booked! We are all in the final stages of training, route & kit preparation, reality is starting to dawn on us.

I have chosen to support the Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance (WNAA) based at Bagington as they are totally dependent on the generosity & support of the local population, anyone of whom may need to call on its services at anytime in the future. It is surprising how many aquaintancies have either had direct assistance from the Air Ambulance or know someone who has, its reassuring to know that the service gets continued support.

Anyway, I will be keeping you posted on our progress and look forward to your valued support as we take up the challenge. Hope to add some pictures and snippets as they become available.

Got to go training again, its about trying to convince yourself a bike saddle is comfortable!

 

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