It is Friday Night 8.30pm and I am all packed up and raring to go. The summer holidays have now begun.A plan hatched like all the best ones, over a pint or seven in the Globe is finally about to come to fruition.
In 18 days i should arrive elated, somewhat tireder and possibly a tad lighter in John O Groats. My last training ride on the Manchester-Blackpool ride (with panniers)on Sunday was very enjoyable and gave my confidence of riding the LeJog or end to end a timely boost.
Although I have no idea how my body is going to hold up to the daily rigours of cycling for approximately 70miles+ a day there is only one way to find out.
It has been very inspiring watching my heroes this week participate in my favourite sporting event Le Tour de France. Some great racing across the pavé of Northern France and the Hills of the Ardennes region (real classic cycling country) has really fired my appetite for the challenge ahead. Watching the bravery of the riders in the peleton overcome many spectacular crashes and the Emotion of Cavendish finally getting a win on stage 5 after a torrid year really gets the blood going. It feels quite apt that as they will be hitting the difficulties of the Alps and the Pyrenees I will be facing my own personal battles just to get to the end of each stage.
A few thank yous are required before I start.
Dan - for being the driving force behind organising and planning the challenge
Hannah - for allowing me to tag along on your holiday
Harry - for your fantastic bike maintenance skills
Mum - For helping me trial various options of packing items into very small spaces
Dad - For making me Odds On not to finish. Which must mean I must be odds against to finish. In that case could I take place a £500 pound bet on myself to finish please dad.
And finally to everyone else who has passed on their best wishes. Thank you they are much appreciated.
There may be time for a quick pint in the star before it all begins.
Please feel free to add comments to my blog as they may help when times get tough.
I've learned never to bet against you Neil! Nothing would give me greater pleasure just now than to see the 3 of you complete the very difficult challenge you have set yourselves. Looking forward to hearing all the news on here. Chapeau a les trois cyclistes courageux!
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