At last, Lands End

Day Fourteen

From Boscastle To Lands End
Distance Travelled: 75 miles
Ave speed: 11.7 mph
Max speed: 34.2 mph
Weather: Sunny spells
Cycling time: 6 hours 22 mins
Total Distance so far: 951 miles

At just after 3.00pm on Saturday we finally made it to Lands End, to a great welcome from our families.

We had left Boscastle that morning at 5.45am. Our progress for the first 40mins was very slow as there is only one way out of Boscastle – up! Once over the top things got better and we enjoyed the first hour down to Wadebridge on relatively quiet roads.

After breakfast though it was a different matter as the holiday traffic began to build up, and when we hit the A30, the road turned into a continuous roller coaster. There is little enjoyment in the downhills, when you know that it only means another uphill.

But we where nearly home, and after lunch in Hayle, we took on the final miles (again these could have been flatter) to our end point. It was a fantastic feeling cycling those last few minutes down to Lands End.

For the statisticians amongst you, the final stats for our whole journey were as follows:
From John o’Groats to Lands End
Total Distance Travelled: 951miles
Ave Speed: 11.9 mph
Total cycling time: 75 hrs 36mins
Punctures: 5 (Rob – 3; Shaun – 2)

We will put down some memories of the past two weeks in a few days, but for now we are just savouring how far we have come, and what a wonderful experience we have had together.

Finally, we would like to pass on our grateful thanks to everyone who has sponsored us; to everyone who has offered support and told us we were made mad; to everyone we have met on the way who took an interest in what we were doing and encouraged us; to everyone who helped us at our overnight accommodation; and finally to our families who were happy for us to take our two week summer holiday in this way
R&S

Cream Teas in Deven

Day Thirteen

From Lynton To Boscastle
Distance Travelled: 68 miles
Ave speed: 11.3 mph
Max speed: 33.4 mph
Weather: Sunny spells and overcast
Cycling time: 6 hours 00 mins
Total Distance so far: 876 miles

Breakfast at 8am. Left at 8.50am. The only way out of Lynton is up! After a tough first hour to Barnstable we picked up a nice flat cycle path (the Tarka Trail) an old railway line which links Barnstaple to Bideford.

On leaving Bideford half way up a big hill Rob stopped to catch his breath. Strangely, it was right outside a pastie shop. Shaun said “fancy lunch?” Rob said “Too right!”. So we stopped for lunch!

After joining the A39, we rode down to Bude, stopping off for a ‘cream tea’ on the way. In the tea shop we got chatting to a couple who were the grand parents of a Ali West. Well could you believe it Shaun only taught him at Imberhorne (East Grinstead) and was even in his tutor group! Anyway we set off for Boscastle, up and down we went like yo yo’s and eventually arrived at the newly refurbished youth hostel (due to the floods of 2004) at 5.15pm.

We had great service from the staff at the tourist information centre, who gave us good advice on how we should get out of Boscastle with as little pain as possible and allowed us to upload our blog.

Tomorrow is our final day. We cannot believe we have come this far. But sitting here in the Cobweb inn in Boscastle, on our final night we feel really tired, proud, thoughtful and really looking forward to getting to Lands end tomorrow.

Big hills in North Devon

Day Twelve

From Cheddar To Lynton
Distance Travelled: 70 miles
Ave speed: 10.6 mph
Max speed: 36.1 mph
Weather: Hot and sunny
Cycling time: 6 hours 33 mins
Total Distance so far: 808 miles

Another fantastic morning, sunny with blue skys. We left the hostel in good spirits soon after 8.30am and had a good ride down to Bridgewater.

As we were passing through Bridgewater, we had a lucky escape. A screw connecting Shaun’s pannier to the frame worked itself loose, which had to be fixed to avoid any damage. Fortunately we were right outside a Focus DIY store. Although they could’nt help, we were pointed in the direction of the nearest Halfords –400m up the road, where we were served by a very helpful technician, who not only fixed the problem, but gave our bikes a quick look over.

Next onto Minehead – 20 miles of very busy rolling roads, doing our best to enjoy the stunning scenery. But it is difficult on narrow busy roads due to concentration! We decided to treat ourselves to some chips on Minehead seafront for lunch as we new what was coming in the afternoon. Shear pain!

As we got ready to head for Porlock Hill (which is a 1:4 long drag) you could tell both of us went quiet trying to prepare ourselves for the task ahead. But as we reached Porlock Hill we spotted a toll road which goes over the Hill but not 1:4. So we decided to take the toll road! It went up and up and up for 4.2 miles ...ouch! The scenery was again was fantastic looking back across Porlock Weir and the Bristol channel.

We then headed for Lynmouth and Lynton across the rolling countryside of Devon. What goes up must come down and it certainly did down to Lynmouth. Brakes on for most of the way, we could smell the burning rubber of our brakes and that of the cars. When in Lynmouth we then had to decide whether to climb the half a mile up the 25% gradient hill to Lynton or take the scenic route around. ..We took the scenic route which after 65 miles seemed a long way and was very painful! But we have now hit the 800 mile mark.

The youth hostel was at the end of an long uphill drag which as you can imagin we really enjoyed! We ate at The Bridge Inn and both went to bed by 9am exhausted. 2 days to go!

Meeting a fellow Jogler

Day Eleven

From Slimbridge To Cheddar
Distance Travelled: 48 miles
Ave speed: 12.3 mph
Max speed: 38.1 mph (officially confirmed as a new land speed world record for Shaun)
Weather: Hot and sunny
Cycling time: 3 hours 52 mins
Total Distance so far: 738 miles

Not a particularly good nights sleep was had by either, and nothing to do with the previous evenings visit to the Tudor Arms. Our room had a sink which made some very strange gurgling noises throughout the night, and one stage we thought it was about to explode!

After a late breakfast (8.00am) we were soon on our way to Bristol. It was by far the best morning we have had so far weather wise. But unfortunately the A38 into and out of Bristol is a narrow road, and busy with lorries, that don’t seem to recognise the effect they have on cyclists. We will now both be more considerate to cyclists given our experience, and hope you will also think about this!!!

After making it through Bristol, (and for any Bristol City fans, we also passed by Ashton Gate), we had lunch at Sainsburys, before continuing on our way. A short while into our ride we were caught by another cyclist, called Kev, who was also on his way to LE. And it just so happened he had left JoG on the same day as us! Although his route had taken him down the east coast of Scotland. Kev told us he had met the man walking and drumming all the way from JoG to LE (we had heard the story in Scotland but weren’t sure we believed it until now). Kev headed South as we turned off for Cheddar, not knowing his next destination. Maybe we will see him again at LE.

As we waited to check in to our hostel, Shaun received an urgent message to contact a reporter who wanted to interview him for his local newspaper – The News (a local pompey paper). Apparently he has been nominated as ‘Hero of the week’, and they wanted to get an interview on our progress.

We dined in the garden of the Gardeners Arms in Cheddar (which unlike yesterday’s pub, has not received any awards).

The last two days have been good fun, mainly because we haven’t had to cycle great distances. Our thoughts have now begun to think about getting to the end which we are really excited about and the prospect of seeing our families again. But we know the next two days are going to be very hard because of the hills.

What a beautiful day

Day Ten

From Ludlow To Slimbridge
Distance Travelled: 57 miles
Ave speed: 13.6 mph
Max speed: 33.7 mph
Weather: Overcast
Cycling time: 4 hours 09 mins
Total Distance so far: 690 miles

After a well-deserved lie in (until 8.00am), we enjoyed a Little Chef Breakfast before setting off on our way. Despite being slightly jaded, we made good progress. We came across possibly the longest set of road works so far, and as we went on we came to realise traffic was only flowing in one direction, fortunately ours! At the end of the cones stood the foreboding figure of PC Neil James, put in place (on double time!) to prevent lorries from travelling through the works and sending back any LEJOG cyclists (which he had done). Fortunately we were going in the opposite direction, so he allowed us on our way!

We continued to make good progress with a tailwind and a favourable landscape, passing through a number of small villages before heading into the city of Gloucester. We understand your need for these blog updates, and recent technical problems (ie lack of internet connection in TL's) and our general fatigue have prevented us from keeping you up to date over past days. So we went in search of an internet connection. We had heard that Wetherspoon pubs have internet connections, so we went there first for lunch. Being on duty we only had soft drinks! We came across Doris and Ken who must have been drinking all afternoon and were 2 sheets to the wind. We politely answered their questions and moved on as the connection wasnt working.

Next it was to Starbucks, who were able to offer us the answer to our prayers and we quickly uploaded the last 4 days events. Unfortunately due to the recent floods the locals are still struggling with a limited water supply, all water has to be boiled first, and drinks can only be served in plastic glasses! Anyway we completed our task and set off for Slimbridge.

We arrived in Slimbridge in good time and came across the slim-bridge! We found our nights accommodation - the Youth Hostel, which just so happened to be right next door to the Gloucestershire pub of the year – the Tudor Inn (Excellent food). Rob sunk a few pints of Pigs Ear and went happily on his way to bed. A good day had by us both.

TTFN S&R

A costly mistake

Day : Nine

From Warrington To Ludlow
Distance Travelled: 94 miles!!!
Ave speed: 12.5 mph
Max speed: 34.9 mph
Weather: Sunny with a late heavy shower
Cycling time: 7 hours 29 mins
Total Distance so far: 633 miles

After breakfast at Asda, we were on the road by 8.45am. After a steady morning we made a mistake. The result was that our long day in the saddle was lengthened even further, as we took (for the first time) the wrong route, which in all, probably cost us a hour and an additional 10 miles. It was Shauns fault! No it was Robs Fault! No it was Shauns fault! No it was Robs fault! Actually we both missed the turning!

We were soon back on the right road, passing through Whitchuch, Wem (our lunch stop), Shrewsbury and Church Stretton and hitting the 600 mile mark. Fortunately the final 20 miles to Ludlow were downhill and we were able to make quick progress. Beacuse we were so tired we were unable to fully appreciate the beautiful town of Ludlow and we would definately like to go back to visit

For the second night we were in a travel lodge. We were joined at dinner by Alex Thompson from Rob’s work. Seeing Alex, again brought home how far we have actually come.

(PS..Looks like those german snipers have also got to this blog. Should be Ok now)

Lost in Warrington

Day : Eight

From Sedbergh To Warrington
Distance Travelled 81 miles
Ave speed 12.2 mph
Max speed 29.3 mph
Weather Warm and sunny
Cycling time 6 hours 39 mins
Total Distance so far 539 miles

After a great night out at the local curry house we set off for Warrington. The first 2 hours took us through some beautiful country side on a sunny morning. It must have been the North of Englands annual motor bike convention as 100s of hells angels kept speeding past us. Rob was really chuffed when he tried to keep up with one bike, (which he did successfully!) but I told him that was only a 5 year old boy out on his bike with his dad.

We continued our way down the country through Lancaster, Garstang, Preston and Wigan. Finally reaching Warrington just after a big Rugby League derby against Wigan in which Warrington won. Trying to find your accommodation in the middle of town when all the pubs are full with Rugby boys and spilling on to the roads with broken glass everwhere is not easy. We got sent in all directions trying to find the travel lodge until we came across a drunk Man City fan who when asked if he knew where the TL was replied. Yes its just there! He must have had 15 pints but gave us better directions than the three sober people we had asked.

It was Sunday night so we dined in style sitting outside the TL over looking Warrington Law Courts eating Pizza and drinking a couple of Buds. Apart from the first couple of hours it was not the most scenic of journeys today apologies to anyone who is from the North West.

Love is in the air

Day : Seven

From Lockerbie To Sedbergh
Distance Travelled 76 miles
Ave speed 11.1 mph
Max speed 33.1 mph
Weather Wet with a headwind
Cycling time 6 hours 48 mins
Total Distance so far 458 miles

Left Lockerbie just after 9.30. First stop Gretna, to record our arrival back in England.

We took a short cut today, along the A74, (which links the M74 and M6). Cyclists should be banned from this road as its too dangerous! We were pleased to see the sign 'non motorway traffic this way'

Through Carlisle, Penrith and climbed up to Shap where the weather set in for our last 2 hours. Wet and windy is not good news for your moral when you only have 20 miles left in the day.

We climbed and climbed looking for our turn off to Sedbergh. It must have been 20 minutes up this climb when both of us began to think we had missed the turn! We stopped to check the map and luckily Rob spotted our turning must be just ahead as Shaun was up for turning back (which would have been the wrong descision!). The rain was pelting down on the desend towards Sedbergh but we finally arrived at 6.30pm. Another long day in the saddle!


As it was Saturday evening, your boys went out for a couple of beers and a curry at the Taj Mahal!

A very hard day

Day : Six

From Glasgow To Lockerbie
Distance Travelled 77 miles
Ave speed 10.6 mph
Max speed 29.3 mph
Weather Wet and headwind
Cycling time 7 hours 12 mins
Total Distance so far 382 miles


Today has been a very tough day, we have been cycling for over seven hours and both are now feeling very tired - so please excuse us a few moans.

We left the flat at 7.00am, but our planned route very quickly went out the window, as we hadn’t taken into account the one-way systems. It seemed that every road we wanted to go up was one way! However we eventually found our way through to Hamilton, passing Hampden Park on the way.

After breakfast at Asda in Hamilton, where we received a very kind donation from a complete stranger, we headed south. We couldn’t understand why the ‘B’ road we were using, was so busy with lorries – that was until we saw the congestion on the motorway. We had a close encounters with at least a couple of lorries.

Leaving Hamilton and out into the rolling hills of the Lanarkshire countryside the condition of the road was very poor, and at times it felt as if we were off road.

Up until now our navigation has been pretty good, that was until Rob decided to try and take a short cut after a break at the service station! We were looking for the road to Abington (Scotland’s highest village) when Rob said “this way”. Shaun said no that’s the Motorway (M74) but Rob was sure it was not. We cycled up the slip road with the passing cars looking strangely at us. Shaun tried to tell Rob again but he was not having any of it and continued up the slip road. When we looked back and saw a string of trucks and cars flying past at 80 mph we knew we had to turn around!

After lunch we climbed some big hills up to 1000ft, and to make matters worse the weather took a turn for the worse. For most of the afternoon we were riding into a strong headwind and driving rain. Even as we descended from the hills we were peddling hard! It was not much fun. We finally arrived at Lockerbie just after 5.00pm feeling exhausted.

The good news though is having almost conquered Scotland, tomorrow we finally arrive back in England.

A shorter day with a lucky break

Day Five

From Tarbet to Glasgow
Distance Travelled 38 miles
Ave speed:11.8 mph
Max speed: 24.6 mph
Weather: Sunny intervals and light wind.
Cycling time :3 hours 11 mins
Total Distance so far: 305 miles

Having rested well and been well looked after by Jim at the Old Toll House at Tarbet, we left our B&B soon after 9.00am on the road to Glasgow.

We had a very enjoyable thirty minutes cycling along the banks of Loch Lomond, sun shining and feeling that everything was right with the world.

Until yet again we were hit by tyre problems. This time it brought the score to 3-2 as Shaun had his second puncture!

This was now getting quite worrying as it was again the back tyre, and there appeared to be no apparent reason. During the repairs the midges again descended in force and enjoyed a hearty breakfast on us!

Once back on the road we made good progress into the outskirts of Glasgow. It felt to both of us, quite strange to be out of the mountains and back in built up areas.

We picked up the cycle path to Glasgow that followed the Clyde, and were thinking about finding a Halfords to solve Shaun's mystery punctures, when quite by chance we came across a cycle shop - Magic Cycles. The owner kindly looked over the wheel and confirmed what we had thought, that there was no real reason. He said it was more than likely being caused by not enough pressure in the tyre, and a combination of luggage and bumpy roads. A new inner tube and tyres pumped up to the max, saw us on our grateful way.

A further 10 miles along the canal path saw us arrive in Central Glasgow. We quite easily found our destination, which was Rob's friend's flat near the University of Glasgow (thanks very much Dave for the use of your flat - shame you could'nt make the party - only joking we're too tired!)

We have an early start tomorrow, as we try and find our way through Glasgow, during the morning rush hour. And it looks like being wet!

Thanks for your comments - keep them coming its good to know you are following our adventure!

TTFN S&R

Mostly ups... and some downs

Day : Four

From Glen Nevis To Tarbet
Distance Travelled: 73 miles
Ave speed: 12.8 mph
Max speed: 32.6 mph
Weather: Sunny intervals and light wind. Getting warmer
Cycling time: 5 hours 40 mins
Total Distance so far: 267 miles

An early start today, off from the Hostel at 8.00am. Apparently the summer has arrived down south, but it hasn’t in Scotland! It rained constantly all night. The only consolation was that it stopped before we set off and it feels a bit warmer.

First stop was Morrisons (where else?) to stock up on our provisions. We have found a routine that works for us and it involves making sure we stop to eat every hour. So we have been carrying lots of food. Shaun is eating a lot of fruit, oat bars and biscuits, and Rob favours malt loaf and apricots!

The first 15 miles were fairly flat down to Ballachulish, which included us breaking through the 200 mile barrier for the trip. We stopped at Glencoe village before facing the mountains of Glen Coe. We were both prowling around the car park like two boxers ready to do battle.

The first climb took us up to 1300ft. We were encouraged on our way by the tourists in their campervans. It felt to us like a mountain stage of le tour. Everything seemed to be going well, and it shows how quickly things can change because BANG – another puncture – guess who? No this time it was Shaun’s back wheel. He couldn’t have picked a worse spot. In the middle of nowhere, and a prime target for hungry midges! A quick repair meant we were on our way again pretty quickly.

After two more big climbs, we were treated to almost 15 miles downhill - fantastic, which saw both Rob and Shaun attempt our own land speed record, (which currently stands at 34mph). Unfortunately, the state of the road and the headwind prevented us improving on this mark, but it will be broken we are sure.

Today was a great ride. It was the furthest that either of us have cycled and over the most testing of routes. We have also now covered a quarter of our journey and we are feeling more confident every day.

Searching for Nessie

Day Three

From Inverness to Glen Nevis
Distance travelled: 70 miles
Ave Speed: 11.2mph
Max speed: 32.4mph
Weather: Sunny intervals for most of the day, rain at end. Headwind all the way
Cycling time: 6 hours 10 mins
Total distance so far: 194 miles

Nice big beakfast at Morrisons to start the day and then onto Halfords to stock up on inner tubes. (Thanks Richard for your comment). Got away at 9.20 heading for Loch Ness. Soon came to realise that today was going to be tough as we were cycling into a headwind, which was pretty much continuous throughout.

The ride along Loch Ness was fantastic and sitting by Uruquhart Castle having our mid morning snack we had another fly past by the jet planes. At one stage Shaun thought he found Nessie, but I wasnt so sure....you will have to make your own minds up!

Following lunch at Fort Augustus, we rode down past Loch Oich and Loch Lochy. As we arrived in Fort William the rain began to come down (as forecast to be fair). We had tea in a local hotel before having to get wet again by heading 2 miles up the road towards Ben Nevis to find our hostel.

We both came to realise today when riding into the windhow much effort could be saved by riding closely behind the one in front (without telling each other!) During this time we made up a little poem, and it went something like this....

Click, Click, Click go our gears
Round, Round, Round go our wheels
Riding to our destination
Heads down, into the wind with determination

All the Best from Shaun and Rob

(Dont forget to add your comments of support / abuse !)

A Day of two halves...

Day Two

From Hemlsdale to Inverness
Distance travelled : 70 miles
Ave Speed: 12.7mph
Max speed: 28.6
Weather: Sunny intervals, breezy
Cycling time: 5 hours 31 minutes
Total distance so far: 124 miles

We planned on getting going by 9am and by 9.15am we were on the road heading out of Helsmdale and onto Inverness. We kept an eye out for those snipers how have been shooting at Rob's front tyre, but luckily we managed to avoid them and make it through to Inverness without any further problems.

The first 35 miles took us along the A9 passing through the towns of Brora and Golspie. Generally this a fairly flat trip which had some spectacular views and scenary. We passed over Dornoch Firth and thank you to the people who organised the fly past by the jet planes.

We stopped for lunch in Tain, a beautiful market town. After lunch we followed the busy A9 down to Black Isle, which included breaking through the first 100 mile barrier. Our test for the day was a long steady climb of approximately 2 miles before picking up the cycle path into Inverness.

This was the first time we had ridden over 60 miles and yes we now have sore bits! A friendly local has directed us to the nearest halfords for those damn inner tubes, which will be our first stop of tomorrow morning. Tonight we definitely need our sleep

We're off

Day : One

From John O’Groats To Helmsdale
Weather: Showery, and strong side wind
Distance Travelled :54 miles
Ave Speed: 12.3 mph
Max speed: 34.6mph
Total Distance so far: 54 miles

Set off from the hostel for John O'Groats in good spirits, only for Rob to announce that he had another puncture. We came across two other guys who were about to do the trip, one of the guys Roy, was very helpful and kindly gave us a new inner tube. We later learnt that he had been diagnosed with cancer for a second time, and was completing the journey for cancer research.

After the photo shoot, we finally set off on our cycle adventure at 11.40am, only to get one mile up the road and guess what happened next….? Yes that’s right Rob’s front tyre blew! We were now worried as he had no inner tubes left, and the rate he was going through them we wouldn’t even make the end of the first day. Rob was beginning to get paranoid about even riding his bike, and even blamed Shaun for deliberately sabotaging his ride!

Anyway we made it to Wick, some 18 miles away with a fair wind. Tesco Wick unfortunately did not have the necessary inner tubes, so the only option was to try and repair it. In an effort to fix the valve, we had to harass the Sunday Tesco shoppers for a pair of pliers. Shaun then occupied a corner of the canteen and repaired the damaged tube.

From Wick it was onwards to Helmsdale, some 35 miles along the road. We perhaps underestimated the length this would take and the severity of a couple of the climbs. We have come to realise we need to eat more and at regular intervals. Still it was a particularly scenic ride along the north east Scottish coast line.

We eventually arrived at the hostel just before 7.00pm and dined at the Bannockburn inn. Still worried about the inner tube situation, but fingers crossed we make it to Inverness tomorrow, to enable us to stock up!

Potholes, wind and ready to go

So here we are, John O’ Groats. Yesterday’s initial excitement and expectation has given way to a realisation of just how far we have to cycle! We have spent over twenty fours just getting to our starting point and the short trips cycling with full panniers means our destination at the moment feels a very long way away. Still as is said we are taking one day at a time!

Booking overnight accommodation turned out to be a good call, even though we weren’t in our room for long. Rob had initially thought we could loiter in Inverness overnight, but the weather was’nt ideal for loitering and we were warned by a friendly female police officer that bike napping is rife in Inverness! We managed to catch the 7.15 am train journey from Inverness to Wick, which took over four hours, meandering through the beautiful Scottish Highlands, spotting the wildlife – Seals; Hawks; Deer and lots of sheep

After lunch at Wick and stocking up with provisions at Tesco Wick, we headed off for John O’Groats into a strong headwind. Everything was going well until our first problem! Rob failed to avoid a pothole, which blew his front tyre. Great! We have since spoken to a number of people who have completed the trip, who did not had a puncher over the entire trip, and we have had one before we got to the start line! As shaun put his bicycle maintenance skills into action, the heavens also opened up. But he soon had the situation under control and we were off again in ten minutes.

Arrived at John O’Groats, had a quick look around, then checked into our hostel. Tomorrow our adventure begins for real….

So here we go....

Arrived in Heathrow in plenty of time to find Shaun comfortably settled in Wetherspoons watching Pompey play Liverpool in the (tinpot) Asia trophy final.

Shaun has managed to get t-shirts printed with the website details on the back, which have already attracted the attention of other passengers, who were impressed enough to agree to visit our site. Also found that our boxes were very good at creating a passage through the Heathrow crowds.

Check in was easy enough, and we spent an hour watching planes take off and land. Boarding was delayed as Shaun received commentary of Pompey’s penalty shoot out (full time score 0-0), which they eventually won 4-3, to bring home Pompey’s first silverware since 2003.

Flight to Inverness was good, no delays, and we then spent the next hour and half in the airport terminal putting together our bikes, which took longer than we had anticipated because of rob’s tyres.
You now find us in the Snow Goose, next to our travel lodge, drinking Caledonian deuchers having cycled the 7 or so miles from the airport. We have been debating whether or not to gamble on the later 10.39 train to Wick tomorrow, to have a lie in, but after speaking to the nice lady in the youth hostel we are getting our pre booked train at 7.15!!!

Who and Why?

We are two good friends who have known each other for over ten years. Met whilst working at a school in East Grinstead, West Sussex. Shaun's a diehard Pompey fan and former PE teacher, now having an easier life as a PDM in Basingstoke, whilst Rob is currently putting in the hours as the partnership director of the Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire county sport partnership. Both are former runners - shaun a talented middle distance runner, until injury forced him to stop and try something else and Rob, liked to run a bit further, and stopped after completing 6 London Marathons, the last in 2000 with Shaun, to take up golf. But both of us are new to cycling. Our previous cycling experience is no more than cycling to work and spending three hours on the side of a kentish hill waiting for 40secs of le tour . Hardly the potential, you might say, of taking on the challenge of cycling nearly 1000 miles in 2 weeks. So why this madness? Simple really,

in June 2006, Shaun's daughter Angel was born with Hydrocephalus -a condition in which the primary characteristic is excessive accumulation of fluid in the brain. You will be pleased to know she is doing really well and is growing fast! Shaun wanted to do something to support ASBAH (Associtaion for Spina Bifida and hydrocephalus - http://www.asbah.org/) an organisation which has given him and his wife Debbie a great amount of support, particuarly in the early months of Angel's life. So he takes the credit for coming up with the idea, but i didnt take much convincing because it was something I had always wanted to do. That was last summer, and like most good ideas, that seem good at the time, particualarly at new year over a few beers, the reality soon begins to sink in!

Preparations

Quick update on progress to help me get use to this blog.

Not being a particuarly experienced cyclist, have taken some advice from a friends brother, who owns a cycle shop in Lutterworth. Have to give him a plug because he did me a good deal(http://www.luttcyclecentre.co.uk/). He politely told me that i was mad to attempt the trip on my mountain bike, and preceded to tell me tales of other cyclists he knew who had done it, and how miserable they had found it, particuarly the hills! In my heart of hearts i knew this to be the case. Therefore didnt take much persuading to buy an alternative, which turned out to be a bright and shiny metallic grey coloured Scott sub 30 complete with rack and paniers. The bike has the description 'speed utility bike' on the side.

Wasnt able to get the bike back until the weekend and had intended to ride it home from Lutterworth (approx 15 miles) but with the weather so foul... it came home in the back of the car. Well i didnt want to get it wet straight away! Did take it out the next day though, and what a difference it was from my mountaing bike. It felt like i was flying. Told myself not to use the low gears until Scotland. The only problem was the saddle began to drop, and ended the ride peddling with my knees around my ears. There is about another five weeks until we set off, and much more confident about the daily mileage on this bike and keeping up with shaun. Reckon a few decent long rides between now and then and will be fine.

What about the rest of our plans? Shaun has sorted out our travel arrangments. Involves a flight from Heathrow to Inverness, then train the following day to Wick. Its then about 18 miles cycle to JoG. Also have our sponsorship site set up, so if you havent sponsored and would like to, it would be most appreciated (http://www.justgiving.com/shaunrob) Have sorted a route, which turned out to be relatively straightforward really. It is obviously a well trod route, so it was just a matter of internet research over the wet bank holiday on the way others have been. For accomadation, the majority will be at Youth Hostels - a first for both of us, so that will be interesting- B&B's and a couple of travel lodges. Once confirmed I will post the exact route. The intention is to try and keep this updated as regular as possible to allow people to stay in touch with how we are doing.