Land's End to John O'Groats

11 August

Richard just got his new bike and ready for the pending adventure. This is our second day of training and we did 20 miles (11 August). Richard hit something in the road and literally flew off his bike (without wings!)…I have never seen such lack of skin on knees and elbows ever before – what a mess. So my normal duties were nurse-maid and cook. I am so glad I am multi-talented. Will we survive this? Must keep strong………..

14 August

3rd day of training. Rich and I cycled 28 miles and got back well after dark. We unfortunately had to cycle through Bandit Country and for no apparent reason got verbally asaulted by some chav who uttered “Yo Shizzle mah nizzle i iz gunna pop a cap in yo ass! Me an me homies are gunna gun yo down on our 50cc scootaz yea!” which was highly amusing as he could not catch us on his rusty Fisher Price BMX bike. Before he realised it we were already on the horizon. Remind me to stick to motorways as much safer!

15 August

Today was supposed to be the big training day.  Richard comes down stairs early with his knee turning septic.  Went to docs – closed…went to chemist…they said go to Bandit Country as there is an Walk in Surgery (24 hour).  We got on our bikes and Rich got a puncture half way..and guess who forgot to carry all the puncture repair gear!  So we managed to walk to bike shop…an hour later we had dismantled the bike and removed the offending inner tube.  An hour later Richard was just getting the tyre back on and we could hear a hissing noise (just what you dont want to hear when you have spend time in fixing a puncture).  To cut a long story short we had to purchase a new inner tube.   Eventually after being given the incorrect directions by every man and his dog to the Walk In Surgery – we almost almost ended up back where we started – but Rich managed to get his knee dressed eventually.

We got back home after 18 miles then did another 12 fully loaded up with full gear – so all in all not a very successful training day…what next??

16 August

We decided to have a day off today to start to get all the gear sorted out properly.  We are only allowed one or two luxury items.  I have decided that waterproof socks and my large cup are a must.  We also have a lightweight kettle…well you have to live a little dont you!  With all the gear loaded on the bikes its almost impossible to lift the back end up.  I keep opening up my bike paniers and thinking…do I really need this item..can I live 3 weeks without this…I have just removed my backpacking pillow.   (I wonder if Richard would notice anything extra in his paniers?) If you know of any sherpas that can ride a bike let me know by return..

17 August

We are beginning to think “do we really need to train up for this event?” why have the misery before hand, when we can have a job lot over three weeks?.  (We must go out tomorrow…….)

18 August

Cant believe we managed 18.5 miles tonight with all the gear, totally unscathed, no injuries, no technical hitches – this is no good as  now I have nothing to say….but watch this space!