For many reasons, 2024 has been a tough year, but I can't think of any better way to kickstart 2025 than by joining the one and only Rob Wainwright OBE and many other like-minded cyclists for Doddie'5 Grand Tour.

Having taken part in the first leg of the Doddie Cup 555 Ride in 2023 and cheered the teams on as they arrived in Rome in 2024, I think it's time to give it a go myself.

The Ross-Shire Roadies have allowed me to join their team, so it's off to the start line in Stranraer to begin a BIG adventure as we head off towards the borders, up through the central belt and onwards into the highlands before heading back down the coast to the finish line in Edinburgh.

The official distance will be in the ballpark of 700 miles, in only 4 days with some serious climbing involved (those who know me will know that climbing isn't my thing... in fact for the better part of 2024 cycling hasn't been my thing either, sot his will certainly be a challenge!)

Rob will lead a team of Scottish Rugby legends who will complete the entire journey, culminating in a celebration in Edinburgh on Saturday 8th February, ahead of Scotland taking on Ireland at Murrayfield on the 9th.

I'll be undertaking this as part of a relay with my final distance as yet unknown, but I'm aiming to do as much of the route as I can

I hope you can get behind me as I undertake this challenge for My Name'5 Doddie and spare whatever you can (or ideally as much as you can :-) ) and become part of the cure for MND.

Find out more - https://www.myname5doddie.co.uk/whats-on/events/doddies-grand-tour-2025