Monday 26th - Day 1

Arrived at lands end in fog and nobody about – an uninspiring start to the day. The signpost photographer doesn't start until 10am and after yesterday I decided not to hang around - this turned out to be a good decision. On to Penzance and a new SD card for the camera and a quick repair to the bike.




Then hills, hills and yes more bloody hills. The sun eventually burnt through the fog and it then got incredibly hot – I got through about 5 litres of water today, but didn’t eat enough. Breakfast in Hayle was icecream and cake – I treat my body so well. Following cycle route 3 - through all of the abandoned mine workings. Interesting stuff, but no time to stop.



Got to Truro about 1pm and discovered that I’d sat on my mobile and broken it. Had to buy a new one in St Austell - bugger! Quick call to Tracy to let her know that I was OK, then off again. I had to get off and push at Penpillick due to lack of energy and the worlds longest hill – I sat at the side of the road eating loads until I could face the rest of the hill. I Finally crawled into Launceston at 7.15pm – hotel had no record of my booking! Luckily they had a room and after a shower and food I’m feeling human again.
I’m hoping tomorrow will be better...

Day 1 – 98 miles covered Average speed - 10.4mph Max speed – 37mph
State of mind – knackered Ride time 9h26 Total ascents 6800ft

Sunday - start of the adventure

Six hot and slightly depressing hours spent on trains down to Penzance. It is worrying to see the hilly landscape flash past out of the window. Now that I’m on the train it does seem slightly odd to catch a train, just to cycle back again.
I arrived in Penzance to beautiful sunshine and views of St Michaels Mount. I had a chip supper before heading off to the YHA at St Just. These 16 miles felt really hard – 6 hours on a train had turned my legs to jelly and the chip supper felt like a greasy lead weight in my stomach. The atmosphere was incredibly humid and the first hill left me drenched with sweat. That hill should have a sign saying “Welcome to Cornwall foolish cyclist – remember how difficult it is now?” The flat parts of the route all seemed to be into the wind and I’m actually left wondering if I can succeed in this challenge. But that’s the point isn’t it...
Cock up of the day – camera has no SD card in it. Bugger. Ever tried buying an SD card at Lands End at 9pm on a Sunday? One for Ethan Hunt I think.

Day 0 – 28 miles covered Average speed 12.2mph Start weight – 81kg
State of mind – concerned

Update – had a crap nights sleep. Guy across from me was a snorer and the bloke in the bunk above mine was a mouth breather and kept turning over in the night. It sounded like the bunk was going to come down on top of me. This probably explains the dreams of being in an underground mine with a collapsing roof.

Fundraising - Thanks to everyone

So far I have recieved £1400 to give to honeypot. I have been staggered by the generosity of so many of you - thankyou all. I've been told that £500 is enough for a child to have an introductory stay at the Honeypot house and this was what I was originally trying to raise. Honeypot truly is a worthwhile cause and makes a difference to the lives of many young people - so keep the donations coming!

Thanks especially to my family who have paid so much to see the back of me for 10 days...

Am I ready?

Certainly I am prepared.

All of my accomodation is booked.
I have the train tickets to get to Penzance.
My flight back from Scotland is booked.
My routes are planned and on my GPS.

I have averaged 150 miles a week since Easter, including some long rides.

But am I ready? Lets find out. 1 week to go, this time next week I'll be on the road. I just wish that I was at least 10 years younger...

But why really?

I've said stuff about mid-life crisis, which may be true(ish).

Certainly the charity is a worthwhile cause. Incidently I should point out that all the donations go to honeypot, not buying my bike or for my accomodation or anything. Some people were a bit confused by that. I am going on an adventure - the charity doesn't pay for that.

Truth is that I think I just need the challenge. We take kids out to do the Duke of Edinburgh award every year - the ethos of which is challenge. I started questioning myself because of this.

Not really sure when I was last challenged. This is a problem - there seems to be something missing. Don't get me wrong - I love my wife and family. I am blessed with having a job that I don't dread going to on Mondays, but my life is in danger of becoming a cozy, comfortable existence. You need challenge to appreciate living.

So I ask you a simple question - when was the last time in your adult life that you took on something that you were not sure that you could actually do?

Been a while for me too...

Packing Up!

I know that this is all a bit early, but the Echo are doing a piece on my trip, so I needed these pictures earlier than planned. Apparently its going into Saturday's paper - shame I'm not at all photogenic - unfortunately looking exactly as I do in real life.

So does all this stuff fit?



Just about!

Pick and mix fitness

This is what I feel like at the moment...
...as a result of only cycling as training for my trip, my legs are truly toned and looking almost athletic. Still have a gut like a walking bullfrog though.

My legs are sponsored by Nike. Belly by Boddingtons. Still two weeks to go...