Alan - Jenny LEJOG 2010

Day 15 Bettyhill to John O Groats (via Dunnet Head)

2010-06-26T15:33:00.001-07:00

We've done it! It's hard to sum up the array of emotions we have experienced not only during the last two weeks but also during the months of training. Around 3.30pm today there were two proud and tearful people cycling into John O Groats. We also know that there were two even more proud people, Ruby and John, looking down on us.

Dunnet Head - Britian's most notherly point.

It has been an amazing and unforgettable journey. We have seen, felt and experienced sights and pains that we never knew existed. It has been a challenge beyond anything we have ever done before. It has been journey like no other. But most of all, with your help, it has been a way to generate funds to Cancer Research UK. With your help we might just have saved another life - how great is that.

Today's stats
Miles - 58.8
Total miles - 1083!
Max speed - 33.5 mph
Detours - 1, well in sunny weather it would have been rude not to visit Britains most northerly tip - Dunnets Head.
Headwinds - YES! Brutal again.
Hills - of course, there was still no let up
Tears - yes
Rain - yes, but no need to feel sorry for us as the shower came whilst we were inside having lunch! How blessed have we been?!
Lost pregnant sheep - 1, we had to stop and turn our hand to sheep herding!
Surprises - 1, and for those that don't yet know you'll be hearing soon!

It's sad to be writing what is now surely one of the final postings for this blog. We will however keep you updated with final fundraising figures once all donations have been received. Thank you.

Day 14 Evanton to Bettyhill

2010-06-25T13:05:00.001-07:00

We had one aim when we set of this morning, and that was to reach the north coast of Scotland. We have made it! Although we are not at our final destination, reaching the north coast of Scotland still feels like a massive achievement. Tomorrow we have a great coastal route planned to reach John O Groats.

Today, like many of the others has been tough. The wind was in our face for much of it and the long and winding road to reach the coast seemed endless. Jen is suffering with a dodgy right knee and mastered one legged pedalling for parts of the day!

Today's stats
Miles - 78.4
Max speed - 29.5 mph
Feet climbed - 3400
Rain - nil!!!
Waterfalls - 1, Falls of Shin
Jumping salmon - 2, at Falls of Shin
Eccentric landlords - 1
Courteous drivers - not enough
Non courteous drivers - too many
Sheep in road - enough for it to feel like an obstacle course! In fact we have seen more sheep than people today!

A few tired cyclists!

So the end is so nearly in sight. As we make that final push with the pedals please remember the lives of Ruby and John and the good work for cancer research that your donations will allow.

Looking forward to updating you tomorrow! Thanks for your support and coming on the journey with us.

Day 13 Fort William to Evanton

2010-06-24T14:12:00.001-07:00

Well I'm sure it's not a surprise to hear that it's getting harder to get going each morning. The aches and pains are increasing and tiredness is setting in. But we are determined to succeed in our challenge.

Today was the first morning we have woken up to heavy grey skies. Fortunately for us the rain came in the night and by mid morning the sun was breaking through. So apart from a few brief drops of rain this morning we have had another great day in the saddle.

Our ride took us along the Caledonian canal with plenty of locks and impressive boats. We also cycled along several lochs including the infamous Loch Ness!

Today's stats
Miles - 84
Max speed - 35.4 mph
Annoying noises - 2 bikes with squeaks, or hang on was that our joints?!
Tough climbs - 2, but still no walking!
Official ride briefings - 1
Unofficial ride briefings - 1
Locks and Lochs - lots! The Caledonian Canal was great.
Brave soldiers - 1, Joe after falling down the stairs and visiting A&E but continuing with today's ride!
Birds of prey - 1, startled by Jen cycling past at speed and nearly flying into Alan!

Highlight of the day - cycling along Loch Ness with it's amazing views.
Disappointment of the day - no sign of the Loch Ness monster!

After 13 straight days in the saddle it's still hard to comprehend that we have come so far up the country. It's even harder to believe that we are still well over 100 miles from John O Groats. We will never look at Scotland in the same way again on a distorted TV weather map!

It's fantastic to know, with your help, that we are helping the great work of Cancer Research UK. Keep the support, messages and donations coming - it will be a great encouragement for us over the final stretch.

Day 12 Inveraray to Fort William

2010-06-23T09:50:00.001-07:00

We're not sure if it's bad or careful planning by 'Bike Adventures' but so many of our routes seem to start with long climbs. And today was no exception! Another 7 mile climb straight off to warm us up!

As we left the hotel a light shower started, almost unheard of during this trip so far! So we donned our waterproof jackets and took to the road. The shower lasted minutes so we've had another great days cycling. In fact today has been the first day that we have felt any real benefit from a prevailing wind. We were beginning to wonder that the idea of starting in Lands End to take advantage of the wind direction was a joke!

So with our early start we took full advantage of the conditions and great roads to reach Fort William in time for today's important match. We were so quick we arrived at the hotel ahead of our bags. How silly did we all look walking amongst the tourists in our lycra!

Today's stats

Miles - 72.2

Max speed - 35 mph

Minutes in waterproofs - 20

Careless drivers - 2

Sore undercarriage's - sore isn't the word!

Comedy moments -1, both bending down to pick something up and clashing heads - good job we had our helmets on!

Top tip - drink plenty of soda and lime to keep hydrated. Jen even drank one bar dry of lime - makes a change from drinking them dry of alcoholic drinks!

Day 11 Motherwell to Inveraray

2010-06-22T13:26:00.001-07:00

Today has been a day of contrasts. The morning was spent negotiating our way into, through and out of Glasgow on the seemingly never ending cycle ways. It was interesting to suddenly appear in the centre of Glasgow after negotiating the complex cycle route. We were very envious of the luxury yacht moored outside the Crown Plaza hotel - a far better choice for a hot sunny day than cycling!

So after negotiating Glasgow and the suburbs we arrived at the shores of Loch Lomond - amazing. Our route then took in a further 3 lochs and we are safely at our destination Loch Fyne.

It's been a tough day, with long climbs and hot weather, but we've had breathtaking views. It's been fantastic to see some of Scotland's finest scenery in glorious weather.

Today's stats

Miles - 83.2
Max speed - 32.9
Feet climbed - 3539
Top temp - 27 degrees
Sheep on road - a flocking lot
Outraged farmers - 1, and it would be highly inappropriate to relay his comments!
Irate dog walkers - 1
Prize bulls - 2
Lochs - 4
Secret MOD installations - 1
Glass on Glasgow cycle paths - plenty!!

We are both tired and suffering with sore muscles and joints. We still have 4 days cycling left and around 300 miles to cover. Let's hope we can eat enough calories, consume enough water and get enough rest to see us through.

The boys want to start early tomorrow to get back for the footie! Early night it is then!

Day 10 Ecclefechan to Motherwell

2010-06-21T11:14:00.001-07:00

Today has been another great day - fabulous weather and amazing scenery. We've also had no bike issues! The only thing to hinder us today was our own aches and pains and a 'road closed' sign.

Today's stats
Miles - 87.5
Max speed - 28.2 mph
Longest climb - 7 miles, tough but well worth the scenery and views
Bike issues - 0 yes that's zero!!
Route issues - 1, road closed!!
Language barriers - 1, trying to understand the Scottish road worker at the road closed point!
Men in kilts - 1

Ice showers - 2, to aid relief from the heat and sore muscles!

Unidentified furry animal - 1
Well and truly identifiable animal - 1, the biggest bull ever!

Near misses - 1, Jen almost leaning her bike on an electric fence!

Tomorrow, we venture through Glasgow before moving on to take in several lochs. Should be another good day, midges and rain permitting!

2010-06-21T09:52:00.001-07:00

Ollie with the message 'see you Jimmy!'

2010-06-21T09:27:00.001-07:00

George thought this was really funny - sent with the message 'keep pedalling, you can do it!'

Day 9 Kirkby Stephen to Ecclefechan

2010-06-20T11:39:00.001-07:00

After a tough day yesterday, today was always going to be about a push for Scotland. And we have made it! Although still along way off our destination, it felt great to cross the border - especially with the sun shining!

It's been another eventful day. Setting out at a good pace we were soon hindered by various things. A sudden loud bang was the first thing - unfortunately it wasn't clay pigeon shooting but a blow out on Jen's back tyre! Thankfully it happened whilst we were on an incline and not at speed going downhill. Next up Jen's chain came off going up hill. Finally, the inner tube that replaced the blow developed a slow puncture!

So, rather surprisingly we still made good time. The weather has been fantastic and the wind much kinder, although we are still waiting for the day when we have a prevailing wind!

Today's Stats

Miles - 74.3

Max speed - 31.6 mph

Blow outs - 1, Jen

Chain issues - 1, Jen again
Slow punctures - 1, Jen yet again
Countries - 2
Sore undercarriages - yes, very
Tractor processions - 1, with very proud owners!
Ibuprofen gel applications - 1
Surprised dad's - 1, Alan on getting a fathers day card on arrival at the hotel!

Tip of the day - when switching on your iPod for inspiration make sure it's not on shuffle! Jo a fellow 'Lejoger' resorted to her iPod crossing the Dales yesterday only for the first song up to be Michael Buble 'I wanna go home!'

Big thanks to the 'lunch bunch' group who we met last night for their generous donations. We are well over £4000 now with the money we have to collect. So we are now on the final push to our destination, let's hope we can make our sponsorship target too! Thanks everyone for your continued support, messages and encouragement - it means alot.

The lunch bunch

2010-06-19T15:09:00.001-07:00

Big thanks for your donations!!

Day 8 Waddington to Kirkby Stephen

2010-06-19T13:48:00.001-07:00

If yesterday was a test of character today was a much tougher test! The ride started with a 4 mile climb and it didn't take long for us to realise the strong wind was coming from the north. Then came the realisation that we had over 50 miles ahead of us, climbing the Yorkshire Dales into a tough headwind. It was brutal. The hardest day yet.

The climbs were completely draining - like cycling through mud. And to make things worse there was no relief on the descents - it was as if the wind was pushing us back up the hill. It's also worth mentioning that the roads across the dales are gated - so any opportunity to pick up speed on a descent was wasted, with no momentum carried onto the next climb. And if it wasn't the wind or gates holding us back it was the sheep and cows randomly sitting on the road!

On the plus side we stayed dry. And the views were amazing. I never new Yorkshire had so much to offer other than tea and hovis!

Today's stats

Miles - 53

Max speed - 36.6mph

Miles ascending - felt like 52!

Miles descending - felt like 1!

Feet climbed - 6,900 ouch!

Worst road surface - cobbles in Dent (reminded Jen of the cobbled stretch in the London marathon)

Riders with helmets - 1, how on earth did Joe get up the first climb before he realised he didn't have his helmet on!

Top tip - Don't attempt to cycle across the Yorkshire Dales in strong northerly headwinds!!

So we are now a little over halfway in our challenge. Tomorrow we hit Scotland where there will then be another 6 days riding ahead of us. Let's hope the wind turns soon!

Day 7 Acton Bridge to Waddington

2010-06-18T14:08:00.001-07:00

After a disturbed nights sleep wondering when Alan's bike would be back in action, we were up early and back at the campsite waiting for John the mechanic to arrive. It was such a relief when we saw him pull into the car park and an even greater relief that he fixed Alan's bike. We were back on the road by 11am!

Setting off at a faster pace, to catch up on lost time, we were soon hindered by a heavy downpour. But being the first time we have got wet in 7 days, we can hardly complain - especially as it wasn't long until the sun was back out and we were enjoying great cycling conditions once more.

Today's stats
Bike mechanics at work - 1
Bikes fit for purpose - 2, hurrah
Miles - 68.6
Max speed - 38.2 mph
Illegal cycling - once, clocked 33mph in a 30 zone - oops!
Precipitation - 1 heavy shower for 20 minutes
Non scheduled stops - 1, a 15 minute wait whilst a Travis Perkins lorry unloaded bricks. How inconsiderate for one lorry to block off a whole village?
Wrong turns - 2
Nature at its best moments - 1 (mother taking her ducklings to water for the first time)

Toilet stops - only 2, dehydration must be setting in!
England flag adorned houses - far too many!
Inconsiderate climbs - 1, a 2 mile climb over the West Pennine moors immediately after the lunch stop.

Today was a tough test of character and with increasingly tired bodies we are in need of an energy boost. Especially as tomorrow is looking like a seriously tough day in the saddle - Yorkshire Dales here we come!

Day 6 Norbury to Acton Bridge

2010-06-17T14:57:00.001-07:00

Little did we know when we woke up to wonderful sunshine and blue skies that the day was going to prove eventful!

Setting off early we aimed to get to the campsite in time for afternoon tea and to meet Jen's mum and Tim. But we had been going for just a few miles when Alan realised that there was a significant problem with his bike.

Unfortunately the gearing on Alan's bike was completely out of sync. Even worse he couldn't get his bottom gears so climbing some of the hills was pretty hard work. Fortunately today was relatively flat in comparison to the earlier days.

Amazingly we still made the campsite in good time with Alan's bike just holding on to make the end. It was great to be greeted by mum and Tim - thank you so much for coming!

Alan immediately took his bike to the mechanic from Bike Adventures who promptly diagnosed a serious issue - the right hand gear shifter is jammed and non serviceable - which only means sourcing a new part and getting it fitted before we can progress.

A few frantic calls to bike shops only ended in either finding they hadn't got the part in stock or they had already shut for the day. We sourced information using Twitter and facebook but still could not find a part locally.

But who could imagine what would happen next - and surely it's the answer to prayer! John, a bike mechanic we use in Milton Keynes returned Alan's distressed call to confirm he has the part in question! John is driving up from Milton Keynes tomorrow morning with the part and to fit it - how fantastic is that!!

So, all bring well we should be on the road by late morning - we'll then have to pick up the pace to make Clitheroe in time for the England game!

What a day! Here are the stats

Miles - 72
Max speed - 29.2
Serious mechanical failures - 1
Gated fields - lots, making non regulatory toilet stops very difficult!
Serenades - 1, removal man randomly singing 'ferry across the Mersey' to Jen!
Sore undercarriage's - 2
Ice cream farms - 1
Wrong turns - 2
Panic stricken cyclists - 2, temporarily - blood pressure levels should resume normal levels by the morning!

Phew! Its been a long day and tomorrow is looking to be the same. Off for some much needed rest now but however will we sleep!!

Just one more mention - big thanks to Jen's sister Sarah for arranging a cake sale at school today. And if there are any left do send them our way!!

Day 5 Clearwell to Norbury

2010-06-16T14:16:00.001-07:00

Our bodies are getting tired! The aches and pains are increasing and taking longer to wear off. But waking up to clear blue skies made getting back in the saddle an easier job.

We've had a great days cycling, again blessed by sunny weather. The blue skies and sunshine are more than making up for the wind.

It's been a long day but we are now a third of a way into our challenge. Two people have already made the decision to go home and one guy has had to buy a new bike as a bad fall meant his bike was no longer fit to continue - fortunately he is!

Today's stats
Miles - 82
Max speed - 32.1 mph
Mechanical issues - 1 (Jen's chain coming off!)
Farmyards - lost count but seemingly as many as there are hills in Devon
Flies caught - 4
Flies swallowed - 0, although a couple came close
Cats in middle of road - 2, 1x black and white, 1x white and black!
Dog encounters - 1, but we left him for dust!
Miles in error - 3
Hills in error - 2
Longest stretch without a cuppa - 53 miles!!
First aid administration - 1, helping a fellow 'lejoger'
Tiger balm applications - 2

Word of the day - 'undulating' - used several times on our directions but actually means going up!

Irony of the day - village called 'Little Hill' situated at the top of a big hill!

Thanks for the sponsorship - offline donations doing great too - getting closer to the target!

Jen's nephews sending their thumbs up!

2010-06-15T14:13:00.001-07:00

Day 4 Chedzoy to Clearwell

2010-06-15T13:04:00.001-07:00

Wow! Another fantastic days riding, great sunshine, no signs of rain and just a challenging head wind to put up with! We were grateful of our longest stretch of flat(ish) road since we started - Somerset in places was a welcome relief from the endless Cornish and Devonshire hills. Cheddar Gorge was a fun climb amongst the tourist coaches!

Today's stats
Miles - 77
Max speed - 29.7
Punctures - 1
Mins in waterproofs - 0, blessed with sunshine again
Mins into headwind - hours more like!
Emotional moments - 1, Jen having her first tears on seeing a sign for her homeland 'the midlands' when crossing the Avonmouth bridge!
Farmyard noises made - quack, oink, moo (anything to keep us occupied!)
Hot baths - 1
Glasses of champagne - 1
High point - crossing the Severn bridge
Low point - not being able to find the bridge (or the cycle path over it!)

GPS issues

2010-06-15T11:45:00.001-07:00

We are in Clearwell in the Wye Valley with very poor signals so we are not in Wimbledon as the map suggests!!!

Day 3 Crockernwell to Chedzoy

2010-06-14T13:15:00.001-07:00

Another fantastic day in the saddle. Blessed by the weather again as the overcast skies gave way to warm sunshine. A strong headwind added its own challenge at times but that didn't dampen our spirits as we headed out of Devon and into Somerset.

The hills again have been plentiful, long and steep - very steep! Quintock Hills the finale, was a beast but the leafy lane offered welcome shade and the views across Somerset were breathtaking!

Today's Stats
Miles - 61
Hills climbed in error - 2
Bike shops - 1, replacement computer now fitted on Alan's bike
Non regulatory toilet stops (field) - 2
Comical errors - 1, which will remain private to save embarrassment!
Nettle stings - 1
Ladies in hedge - 1
Minutes in waterproofs - 5

Top tip of the day - Stephen Thorn - 'use tiger balm on sore muscles and joints!' Great advice - worked a treat!

So we have now entered Somerset. Here's hoping that the Somerset plains will give our tired legs and aching knees some welcome relief tomorrow. That said we've the Severn Bridge to cross and Cheddar Gorge to tackle! It's gonna be another tough day in the saddle - keep following to see how we get on!

Day 2 Bodmin to Crockernwell

2010-06-13T11:30:00.001-07:00

Today was what our training and preparation has been for - the endless hills of Cornwall and Devon. But nothing we have done could quite prepare us for the climbs we have faced today.

It has however been another great day topped with the achievement of conquering the tough road across Dartmoor. Blessed with the weather again, our ridiculous tan lines are progressing well!

Today's stats
Miles - 58
Max speed - 37.2 mph (don't tell Jen's mum!)
Feet climbed - over 6000!!
Hills - infinity and beyond
Times bottom gear used - quite possibly more than all of the times in our training put together!
Donning of waterproofs - 0, we have been blessed, lots of dark clouds around but we had another dry day in the saddle
Chip shops - 1 (but a small village not a take out)
Sheep on road - 3 until Dartmoor then lost count!
Conversations with sheep - 3, well it is quite lonely crossing Dartmoor!
Pharmacists advising to go to nearest doctors or hospital - 1 (we think he was being over cautious suggesting suspected appendicitis - we think it was a bad case of trapped wind!)
Ice cold showers - 1

Top tip of the day
Andy Stockbridge, on climbing Dartmoor "drop into your bottom gear, sit back in the saddle, spin away and take your time" Thanks Andy, we made it and in much better weather than you had 2 years ago.

Its been an amazing experience so far, made all the more special that it's all for the great work of Cancer Research. Now it's time to refuel and rehydrate again - all this eating is hard work!

Day 1 Land's End to Bodmin

2010-06-12T11:39:00.001-07:00

It felt fantastic to finally be standing at the infamous Land's End sign for our photo before heading onwards and upwards on our journey. Today has been amazing, great sunshine, spectacular coastal views and exhilarating descents. All of which made up for the blustery northerly breezes and endless hills.

Today's stats
Miles - 72.5

Max speed - 34.5 mph

Sun cream applications - 2

Punctures - 0

Hills - lost count!

Wrong turns - 1

Tea stops - 2

Cornish pasties - 1

Cream teas - 1

Irate drivers - 1

Water intake - 3 litres each

Minor incidents - 1 (broken bike computer)

Random objects in road - 1 blind cat (photo explanation later!)

Today's top tip - from Kirsty Hepburn (you can follow Kirsty on Twitter @themsfoodie)

"eat until you can eat no more, use high factor suncream & take more photos than you think you need" Great advice Kirsty - thank you! Just finding it difficult to keep eating - I'm sure we'll be putting weight on during this trip but who cares if we make it up the hills!

We have just refuelled on pasta and are now attempting to cheer on a rather poor England team. C'mon Engerland!!

It will be an early night for us - tough day tomorrow. Dartmoor here we come!

Let's hope we get membership!

2010-06-11T22:16:00.001-07:00

The journey to the beginning

2010-06-11T11:05:00.001-07:00

Travelling over 300 miles we have finally reached the start. Nervous, apprehensive and excited we eagerly await our 9am photo call ready to begin our 1000 mile journey.

The journey went quick, although there were a few anxious moments as we saw the hills that Dartmoor has to offer! For a few miles we were following a van with a map of the UK on the back which only added to our nerves! Big thanks to Toby Anstis for our 'good luck' shout out on Heart FM.

The last time I was in Lands End I was alot younger and on a family holiday. Not quite being able to grasp the concept of 'Lands End' I was particularly concerned as to what happens when you reach the end. My dad wound me up the whole journey telling me that you just disappear if you fall over the edge. Being the practical joker he was, he promptly jumped down behind a rock when we were all standing overlooking the sea. I immediately burst into tears and thought he was lost forever. Little did I know. His sense of humour and practical jokes are still very much missed!

Well we've now been kitted out with LEJOG jerseys and water bottles. Now it's time to get on with the challenge. But first we have some serious eating and drinking to do in order to get fuelled up!

Final preparations....

2010-06-10T13:07:00.000-07:00

So our 1000 mile ride is so nearly upon us! This evening, as well as taking care of our final preparations, we are enjoying the last of our home comforts for sometime.

It's been a busy evening so far! Cycling gear and clothes are ready to be packed, long soak in a hot bath has been done, consumption of large pasta dish and water done and car hire picked up! We are almost ready for the off! Let's hope we can get a decent night sleep ahead of the long drive to Land's End tomorrow. Anyone got any good song suggestions for us to play?

It's fantastic to see our sponsorship levels still rising - over £3700 now. Thanks everyone!

Updated route!

2010-06-06T08:30:00.000-07:00

Saturday 12th June Land's End to Bodmin 70 miles
Sunday 13th June Bodmin to Crockernwell 58 miles
Monday 14th June Crockernwell to Bawdrip 61 miles
Tuesday 15th June Bawdrip to Coleford 72 miles
Wednesday 16th June Coleford to Wentnor 70 miles
Thursday 17th June Wentnor to Acton Bridge 69 miles
Friday 18th June Acton Bridge to Clitheroe 65 miles
Saturday 19th June Clitheroe to Kirkby Stephen 55 miles
Sunday 20th June Kirkby Stephen to Ecclefechan 73 miles
Monday 21st June Ecclefechan to Motherwell 85 miles
Tuesday 22nd June Motherwell to Inveraray 82 miles
Wednesday 23rd June Inveraray to Fort William 75 miles
Thursday 24th June Fort William to Evanton 80 miles
Friday 25th June Evanton to Bettyhill 77 miles
Saturday 26th June Bettyhill to John O'Groats 59 miles

Inspiring us all the way...

2010-06-06T08:13:00.000-07:00

Ruby Matthews John Astley

Our 1000 mile cycle challenge is going to be a great adventure. However tough it gets the memory of Ruby and John, who both sadly lost their battles with cancer will keep us going. We know that by doing this and with your great support we can together do a little bit to support the great work of Cancer Research UK.

Winding down...

2010-06-05T20:42:00.000-07:00

With only a week to go to the start of our Lejog adventure it is time to bring our training to an end and conserve some much needed energy for the 15 days in the saddle ahead of us. Having completed over 2,000 training miles it's not just us feeling a bit tired and worn. We took the opportunity last week of having our bikes serviced which turned out to be a wise decision, as although only a few months old vital components had worn. So with new chains and rear cassettes fitted, today's ride was as much about bedding these in as it was about us training.

30 miles completed on a hot and humid June afternoon and the bikes performed well, apart from a couple of irritating squeaks. It is now time to start planning our packing strategy and figuring out how we can pack as little and as light as possible.

Having a much needed drink in the garden at The Swan, where the idea was originally hatched over 9 months ago, it is hard to believe that we are now on the final countdown to the ride.

So with 1000 miles ahead of us, the steep hills of Devon and Cornwall, the long drags in Scotland, the unpredictable weather that the UK offers, living out of a bag for 16 days and going without life's little luxuries, is it too late to change our minds? Actually after all this training and the generous support and donations that we have received from so many of you we are both really looking forward to the challenge. Let the race begin!

Pre breakfast spin

2010-05-31T11:42:00.001-07:00

Unfortunately it was another grim looking morning so we decided not to venture too far from home. Along with a planned afternoon catching up with family we opted for a shorter stint in the saddle.

The wind was a little easier than yesterday and thankfully the ever apparent threats of rain did not materialise. Just under 30 miles done and back home in time for breakfast, leaving the rest of the bank holiday free for other non cycling activities! Well only nipping to the local cycle shop and arranging for a bike mechanic to look at our bikes. Have we mentioned that vital components on our bikes has worn - shows how much they have been used in their 4 month lifespan! Just don't ask about the repair cost!

Your donations keep coming and never fail to amaze us with how generous and supportive you all are. Thank you.

Wind beneath our wheels...

2010-05-30T10:34:00.001-07:00

After yesterday's disappointment we were up early and raring to go. No sign of rain and even a glimmer of sunshine - almost perfect. Well that was until we stepped outside and were nearly blown away into the neighbouring church yard!

Wind assisted on the first half we powered on towards Bison Hill. Alan nearly severed his fingers en route when he signalled for a left turn not realising the wing mirror of a parked white van was in the way. Ouch!

To make up for yesterday's loss of hill training we were mad enough to tackle Bison Hill twice! It was tough but we made it up both times.

A welcome tea stop at the top of Dunstable Downs, with the weather much warmer than our last visit to the top. The birds were having a great time picking up the blown away left overs from peoples picnics!

57 hilly miles done with a tough cycle home into the wind. It is really hard to believe that our training is coming to an end as our LEJOG challenge fast approaches us. It's been a tough training schedule and only time will tell if we have done enough. But one things for sure - our bodies already feel that they have!!

Raindrops keep falling on our bikes...

2010-05-29T20:26:00.000-07:00

Today we had all good intentions of getting in a final tough hill session. We planned a route in the Chilterns and with the newly fitted iPhone bike mount were hopeful of not getting lost!

The weather forecast wasn't great but having trained in wet and cold conditions on many other occasions we just saw it as another little challenge!

However 20 miles in and one climb done, we were soaked and cold. The rain kept coming, the Chiltern hills were hardly visible amongst the mist and the roads were tricky with so much surface water. So for the first time in our training we cut our ride short and after 28 miserable miles we were back at the car. Seated on plastic bags and with the heat on full blast it wasn't a pleasant journey home!

Disappointed, so near the start of the ride that our training day didn't turn out as planned. However we have a little reassurance looking back through our blog that maybe we have done sufficient training. And there's always tomorrow!

Sponsorship passed the £3K mark this week, which is fantastic - big thanks all round.

Summer cycling

2010-05-24T13:43:00.001-07:00

After busy days at work, we decided to take advantage of a lovely warm summers evening and get back in the saddle.

This time we opted for a shorter route and went for a quick spin around our 17 mile circuit. There was quite a strong breeze out tonight which held us back on the first half but we made up time on the homeward stretch.

Showered and refuelled we are now working our way through the various documents that Bike Adventures have sent through. The exciting bit is the accommodation list!! Let's hope there are some comfy beds amongst them!

Scorchio! The heat is on.

2010-05-23T13:53:00.000-07:00

Another beautiful sunny day and and it was time to head off towards the hills where we might find some leafy lanes and some welcome shade. As we cycled along what is now a very familiar route, at least for the one of us that has a good memory, the heat in the sun made us feel more like we were back cycling in Sardinia rather than the Buckinghamshire country side. Our thoughts briefly focused on those that had already started their LEJOG journey this weekend and wondered how we might fair through the Devonshire hills in this heat. It is now less than three weeks till we start our own journey

Our minds back to the task in hand we pedalled, albeit at a laboured pace, in the direction of Albury and Tom's Hill in the Chilterns. It is amazing how different things look when they are bathed in sun light including all the legs out in shorts that had clearly not had many outings so far this year!

As we returned home, after four and a half hours in the saddle, it was very noticeable how high in the sky the sun still was at 7.00 in the evening. This will be a real blessing, as with only 12 days training left till we head down to Land's End to start our ride, we will need to be out every evening after work to build on the 2000+ miles of training already completed. It is consecutive days in the saddle that we both feel will benefit us now so keep your eyes on the weather forecast as I bet the good weather won't hold up!

60 miles done today and that's about the amount we need in pounds to tip over the £3000 mark! It's great to see sponsorship doing so well. Thanks everyone!

Perspiration not precipitation!

2010-05-22T13:36:00.001-07:00

I bet you were starting to think we would be fed up of getting wet by now? Well you're wrong. Today, yet again we got a little wet and we weren't a bit bothered. That's right, no issues with it at all but that's because any wetness across our brows today was caused by perspiration from the glorious summer sun and not from rain showers!

Today was a fantastic day for a long training ride, especially as time is running out. We opted for our 80 mile route taking in a couple of welcome tea stops. No ice creams for us though. The lanes offered amazing views across the countryside and the trees welcome shade from the sun. It was great to be out in summer cycling gear again and this time we remembered the sun screen!

Three weeks today we will have conquered our first day of LEJOG. It is quite hard to believe where the time has gone and how quickly the challenge is approaching us. Sponsorship is now almost at £3000 which is a huge motivation for us. Keep watching to see who the person will be to tip us over the £3000 mark!

A few tips from a pro....

2010-05-16T20:56:00.000-07:00

After Mark's Beaumont's performance last night we were re-energised, fired up and ready to head off on another training ride.

With sore knees and a few aches and pains we opted for a shorter ride. Still we managed 50 miles in the saddle. A similar story to yesterday but just in a different direction! A few wrongs turns and another country lane out onto the busy A34. Fortunately this time we didn't have to make our way back up a hill. Instead we were able to negotiate our way into Stone for a welcome tea stop. As ever there is always a high street chain coffee shop open on a Sunday so in we went. I have to say, and I'm certain I'm speaking for both of us, that we have never entered a Costa Coffee dressed as we were!

Now back to Mark Beaumont. For those who may not be familiar with this adventurer, this is the guy who beat the world record for cycling around the world by 81 days! He has since cycled the Americas climbing the two highest peaks en route. He puts our challenge to shame, especially as he cycled JOGLE (John O Groats to Land's End) when he was just 15 years old. His stories are fantastic and anyone who hasn't seen the BBC documentaries should try and catch them on their repeat airing. His book also looks a great read.

It's hard to believe that we are now under 4 weeks away from starting our ride. The challenge is fast approaching us. Thank you all so much for you support and sponsorship so far. It really is great motivation for us.

Old territory, new route

2010-05-15T18:39:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been somewhere so familiar and yet felt so disorientated? And no I don't mean after a few sherries! This weekend we headed up to sunny but windy Stafford with three aims; to catch up with family, learn from a pro (more on that later) and get some miles in.

Having spent my childhood growing up in small villages outside of Stafford I was confident I would be able to self guide our way through the countryside. Alan being sensible, offered me various maps but after last weekend's redway map fiasco I decided to go it alone (there was always an iPhone in my back pocket!).

In fairness we managed a 55 mile route with only a few wrong turns. When you are trying to get miles in it doesn't really matter whether you go wrong or not! The issue was I led us down a wonderful descent through the Chase with excellent countryside views only to end up on a very busy main road. Unfortunately the only option was to turnaround and go back up and up and up - well at least it was a bit more hill training in the bag!

Now the other issues we faced in the countryside were the lack of road signs at junctions. It was so frustrating but even more frustrating was not being able to get a GPS signal. At times we just had to keep pedalling until I saw something that looked vaguely familiar from my childhood days. On one particular stretch of country lane there was nothing. All we could do was continue pedalling towards Uttoxeter.

My knowledge of Uttoxeter is somewhat limited to horse racing and JCB's, but I was certain we would be able to pitch up in the town, have a welcome tea stop and make our journey home. Having completed over 30 miles at this point we were very much looking forward to a rest. But how wrong was I - no offence to anyone who lives in Uttoxeter but the town was far from appealing and no sign of a suitable tea stop anywhere. One length of the High Street on a Saturday afternoon with us both donned in lycra was enough of a search for a tea stop. How out of place did we feel?! Apologies to anyone who had to witness it!

So off we went, and it was 46 miles before we reached a tea stop - The Lock House in Great Haywood. It was a very welcome break and quite appropriate that they had our 'unofficial' training drink advertised.

I definitely need to brush up on my knowledge of the country lanes around my mum's house! Safely back after 55 miles with just enough time to head off for dinner with family before taking our seats in a sell out theatre to listen to the amazing Mark Beaumont. Will give you an update on the evening in Sunday's blog post.

Easy like Sunday morning!

2010-05-09T20:29:00.000-07:00

Given the tough day we had yesterday and current aches and pains we decided our bodies were due a rest. Having gone well over a week without a rest day from exercise, one was definitely due.

That said we couldn't quite have a complete day of rest! We decided to head to our local cycle store Phil Corley Cycles and get a few more necessities for our trip. And of course we went by bike! This time the hybrids were out offering us a much needed comfortable riding position and at a leisurely pace we still managed to get 15 miles in.

We do need to tell you about one comedy moment! Has anyone ever tried to navigate their way through the cycle redways of Milton Keynes? It's a bit like the London Underground, you never quite know where you are or in which direction you are heading until you surface at road level. Given that we have successfully navigated our way on 100's miles during training it was quite ironic that we had a typical male to female 'heated' discussion as to which way the redway map should be facing and which redway we needed to take to get to Phil Corleys!! Issue solved and we were off. Good job we fair better with our navigation on the roads!

Just one more interesting note to tell you. With the increasing world of social media we have found many fellow cyclists who are training for LEJOG. It's really interesting following people's journeys through their blog posts and on twitter. One cyber space cycling friend in particular, Welna, happens to be starting LEJOG on the same day as us and has written a few words about us in her blog (Welna's blog). Thanks for the kind words Welna, but I'm not sure we have age on our side (or not both of us anyway) - the pictures obviously do us proud! And Welna you are quite right, all we simply have to do is cycle the gruelling 1000 miles from one end of the country to another - simple eh? Seriously, meant in the politest way possible, you are more mad than us! We have definitely opted for a less complicated option and 'cycle helmets' off to you for taking on this challenge yourselves. But despite the fact we will be having our luggage transported I have still been ordered to pack very light - luxury items, hairdryers etc are a complete no go. And that's a challenge in itself!

Don't worry Welna - you will be fine, everyone keeps telling me you get fitter en route. The gearing's on your hybrids should even work in your favour compared to our road bikes. Just make sure you pack light. Hoping to see you at Lands End in a few weeks and all the best with your trip.

Will summer ever arrive?

2010-05-08T21:47:00.000-07:00

Who would believe that in early April we had summer gear on and suffered sunburn?! Today might be a week into May but we were sporting winter cycling gear and waterproofs.

It really was a struggle to motivate ourselves to get back on the saddle today but we had planned a shorter 60 mile ride with 2 tough climbs that we felt we should go ahead and do despite the conditions. It was grey. It was cold. It was windy. It was wet. It was thoroughly miserable. But of course we succeeded in our challenge – all character building positive preparation for our 1000 mile journey.

We made it up the 2 climbs, with a few groans along the way, and had a very welcome tea stop at the top of Dunstable Downs. It was a much needed opportunity to dry off and warm up. Mustering up the enthusiasm to cycle the 25 miles home was tough. But the thought of a long soak in a warm bath kept us going. No ice showers after this ride – our bodies had taken enough!

One of us is harbouring mild knee pain – let’s just hope its too much training and nothing else! We will be reviewing our training strategy for Sunday based on the weather and our aches and pains!!

Thanks again to everyone for your support and the recent donations – on our way towards £3000 which is fantastic!

All in a spin!

2010-05-06T13:41:00.001-07:00

Well we've completed another lap of our circuit and yes we were faster! Even if only by a few seconds!

If it wasn't for the strong headwind and rather annoying foreign object that went into my eye we would have been faster still! Not quite sure what it was or how it even got behind the lens of my glasses but it wasn't pleasant.

So another fast training session done and now all in a spin as to who to vote for! At least the long queue at the polling station is giving us time to think. Just surprised to be voting by candlelight inside the portacabin!!

A new regime!

2010-05-04T13:26:00.001-07:00

Deciding that we have proven we can tackle long rides (70+ miles) we now feel the need for speed!

With 5 weeks to go we are going to refocus our training, concentrating on shorter but faster rides during the week. Or that's the theory! And we put it to the test tonight. A quick 17 mile route in 64 minutes.

So a target has been set - we will be swapping evening body pump classes and early morning spin classes to attempt to improve our time on the 17 mile circuit. Watch out Chris Hoy!!

Gatecrashing a hill party!

2010-05-03T12:03:00.001-07:00

Another typical Bank Holiday. Beer gardens everywhere were absent from lager drinking folk! Putting our expereince from the last Bank Holiday into practise, and by that we mean getting out of bed early to get on the roads before they got too busy, we decided to focus on hill training. So, with all good intentions we were up early (or early for a Bank Holiday) and decided the best way of maximising our training throughout the morning would be hill training in a quiet village with a short but steep hill. The said village being Lidlington.

After a wet, windy and miserable 12 miles we arrived at the base of Lidlington village hill. Noting a few more cars around than normal in this peaceful village we just simply put that down to 'Banlk Holiday traffic' and made our first ascent up the hill. Reaching the top out of breath but not deterred we descended ready for another go. Up and down again we went, this time arriving at the bottom to quite a few more cars and a few groups of people on street corners. Probably an event at the local pub, we thought.

Making another ascent our hill training was coming into fruition, The legs were burning and the lungs pounding. Making the most of the welcoming easy descent we were getting increasingly bewildered by the gathering crowds. Maybe an event at the local community centre?

Withstanding a sharp hail shower we still manged to keep our momentum. This time the hill was becoming lined with people at key vantage points and a few people poised with their cameras. So maybe it's a Bank Holiday village fair? Wrong! Today, the first day in our preparation that we planned to do some serious hill training, was Lidlington Gala Day and Annual Hill race! The local resident's must have thought we were mad, warming up in hail showers on the hill a few moments before the big race kicked off. We can tell you once we realised what was going on we were out of there. The last ascent of the hill was the quickest of them all!

Hill training done. No stopping. No getting off to walk. Lets hope we can conquer all of LEJOGS hills in the same way!

It's not a sign of weakness, just sense prevailed - honest!!

2010-05-02T10:02:00.000-07:00

Well, with all good intentions of getting back on the bikes today, the weather had other plans for us. Having endured enough cold, wet and miserable days on the road throughout the winter we really weren't up to battling the elements today. Especially after yesterdays 80 miler. The wind was the main factor in our decision - pretty strong down here today and really not pleasant for cycling out on the roads.

But don't worry, we are not defeatists! We simply exchanged our waterproofs for gym lycra and headed to Virgin Active. And it was so much better to be on bike indoors than to battle the wind outside. So indoor spin session done, ab workout done, stretching done, what now? A cheeky well earnt glass of grape juice on a Bank Holiday is called for we think.

Don't worry we are planning to hit the roads again tomorrow. And taking experience from the last bank holiday ride we will be getting out early (ish).

It's May argh - LEJOG starts in June!!

2010-05-01T19:45:00.000-07:00

Not quite sure what the teapot was trying to tell us by the facial expression, but never the less the contents were well received! Having pedalled our way through 50 miles of Buckinghamshire's finest countryside we took advantage of a sunny spell and refuelled at Salcey Forest.

For once, true to the word of the weather forecast, the predicated showers came at precisely 3pm. Fortunately it was only a very light shower. The heavy showers saved themselves until we were within a mile of home! And once again we got wet. In fact we were amazed at how wet it is possible to get with a quick heavy shower just a short way from home. But looking on the bright side we had managed to complete 79 miles in surprisingly good and dry weather for a bank holiday. Almost too good given the distinct lack of BBQ aromas around!

A few gentle climbs in today's 80 mile ride - we really are trying to pick our pace up on these to increase our fitness. Somehow we still seem a long way off the rolling hills in Devon and Cornwall and the long drags in Scotland.

Six weeks today we will have begun our journey from Lands End, which means eight weeks today we should have arrived at our destination, John O Groats. The whole prospect is still very daunting for us but with your continued support and encouragement we know we will do it. Thank you.

This learning curve keeps getting steeper (as do the hills!)

2010-04-25T13:29:00.000-07:00

Having too much belief in the weather forecast one of us set off without adequate protection from the rain. Well it was an Evan’s Ride It event so we were sure if the rain did look like staying with us then the nice men from Gore Cycle Wear would have something appropriate. Completing the short 5 mile commute from home, in what could only be described as heavy rain rather than the promised light showers, one of us checked in whilst the other joined a queue of like minded ill prepared individuals to get a decent demo rain jacket from Gore.

Checked in and decked out in a brand new jacket we set off hoping the sun would shine through. And it did. After 55 miles! The first 30 miles were pretty tough going. Heavy rain, difficult road conditions and tired legs. Fortunately the energy bars and drinks kicked in – at about the same time that the sun emerged.

Neither of us was relishing the final steep climb at the 78 mile mark. The legs, at this point, were like jelly. And the climb came with fun and games which went a bit like this....

“One of us had the need to make several groans - not too dissimilar to the Wimbledon players!! Doubting the fact that reaching the top was going to happen at all, Alan kindly waited at the summit for me. Unfortunately for him, he missed me cycling past him with another 2 riders for support! He wrongly assumed I was at the bottom - only to find out that I wasn't after cycling back down. Both of us, worried and bewildered as to the others whereabouts, were grateful for mobile phones! My legs were shot after one climb up the hill - fortunately Alan is still walking after his second go!”

95 miles covered today, including the ride from home to and from the event centre. And boy do we know it – leg muscles aching more than they have done after any ride yet. This only means one thing – we need more hill practice in the next few weeks before LEJOG starts! And beware we will be making our way up the country in 6 weeks.......

A encounter with Darth Vader, field mice and a bath!

2010-04-24T12:46:00.000-07:00

Heading out on a 'shorter' training ride ahead of Sunday's 90 mile event, how surprised were we to see Darth Vader jogging through Filgrave? Surely he would be more at home with the other fancy dress runners in tomorrow's London marathon? His dark exterior added the only bit of dullness to otherwise near perfect cycling conditions. Really not sure what his outfit was all about and we were not about to ask!

After a quick 30 miles, we stopped for a welcome tea and tea cake break at our regular cafe "Teapots" in Olney. This, we are sure, is the only tea stop we have had, and maybe will have, that has a complete bathroom suite in the toilet. Unfortunately we didn't have time to make use of the bath!

We had less trouble from erratic motorists today - just more road kill, potholes and scurrying field mice to avoid! But they were not enough to stop us from setting an average speed of just over 15 mph. Possibly helped by the fact that we were 'spurred' on to get back in time for an all important football match! Less said about the result the better.

48 miles done and a large helping of pasta consumed - which has hopefully given us some of the much needed energy required for tomorrow's 90 mile Evans Ride It event.

Great news on the sponsorship front this week. We are now over halfway. Thank you all so much.

Sponsorship update.

2010-04-19T08:51:00.000-07:00

Sponsorship is still going strong. Big thanks for all your support. Also a special thanks to Concep – The Digital Agency for B2B for their generous sponsorship. In return we have had Concep’s logo printed on a couple of jerseys which we will be wearing throughout our training and on various legs of the route from Land’s End to John O Groats.

If anyone else would like to make a corporate contribution and arrange to have their logo printed on our jerseys, we would love to hear from you!

Plan B then......or make that Plan D!!

2010-04-18T20:04:00.000-07:00

After a 76 mile hilly ride on Saturday we decided Sunday, being the day of rest, should be taken a little gentler. After a morning visit to church and lunch with family we headed out for a late Sunday afternoon ride.

A quick look at the map to plot a short 30 mile route and we were off. Or were we? 12 miles in and ready to turn right and we were greeted by that rather annoying road signage ‘Road ahead closed!’ Not to be deterred we back tracked taking the next turn only to be greeted by another ‘Road ahead closed’ sign. Slightly annoyed but persistent in our pursuit we back tracked again thinking the next turn would be open. Wrong! So after Plan A, Plan B and Plan C failed we had no choice but turnaround homeward bound.

We didn’t quite make 30 miles – just an easy 28! And that was enough of challenge after yesterday’s hills.

Now, just for a short lecture on road safety. Fortunately the majority of drivers out there are sensible when it comes to cyclists on the road, but as with most things there is always someone pushing the limits.

Approaching a right turn we moved into the middle of the road with our timing and indication all correct. For whatever reason – and one completely baffling to us, a driver decided to over take us on the outside?! Thankfully nothing came around the corner from the other direction and even more thankfully the car was able to pull back in front of us before we reached the junction. These little things happen so quickly and give or take a few seconds it could have ended so differently.

One of the things we have really noticed over the past few weeks is the amount of families taking to the roads on their bikes. This is great to see – parents being active with their children and getting out in the fresh air and countryside at the weekends. So everyone, be it cyclist or driver; Please remember to ‘share the road.’

Not one, not two, but three...

2010-04-17T15:01:00.000-07:00

Is anyone else starting to see a familiar pattern emerge? Because we are.....early morning weekend starts. What started off a few weeks ago feeling a little alien, has now become an in grained routine.

Eight weeks today we will have completed our first day of LEJOG. So, with that as motivation, we took advantage of a bright sunny April morning and headed off in pursuit of some hills. After a false start (one mile in we realised the bike pump was still at home) we pedalled our way in the direction of Ivinghoe Beacon and Bison Hill, both old advisories. But this time we had made plans to add new twists and climbs in to the ride.

The morning chill was a bit cooler than anticipated - the solution: ride faster! Woburn Park provided its usual impressive sight, so many deer close by. And seriously, they were looking at us as if we were mad. Little do they no that we have 1000 miles to cover from one end of the country to another!

Taking our pace a little easier (we knew what lay ahead), we passed an enticing typical English village tea room at the 28 mile stage. Deciding it was too early for a stop we carried on taking in three steep climbs and another 18 miles before we arrived back at the tea room for a much needed refuelling stop.

The Ivinghoe tea rooms and garden are very impressive. Almost too good for us cyclists but never the less, we were made as welcome as the more respectfully dressed customers and no-one seemed to mind our lycra?!

Fed and watered we picked up pace again ensuring we were back in time for an all important meeting (Spurs v Chelsea would you believe!!).

Another long ride in the bag - 76 miles this time with 3 tough climbs. Great weather, great cycling and great training ride. Our fitness may have turned a corner but somehow we think there are going to be a good few more corners to turn.

Hope you have noticed the few added extras to the blog. From 12 June, you will be able to track our LEJOG journey with the GPS map at the top of the blog. It's not live yet as we didn't think you would be interested in our location and movements for the next few weeks!!

Your support and sponsorship is really keeping us going. Thank you.

April showers us with sunshine

2010-04-10T20:17:00.000-07:00

In true British style, with the sun shining, we took to the roads in summer cycling gear. Fortunately our faces and arms were well protected from the suns rays with high factor sun cream. Unfortunately, for one of us, the knees were not so lucky!! Forgetting to use sun cream on the lower limbs was a big mistake! But as always with these things the damage was discovered too late!

Sun burn aside the weather was great - near perfect for cycling. In fact it was so good we stayed out pedalling around the countryside for 80 miles! Taking in some of our familiar routes we had a great training ride - averaging 15 miles per hour.

With the weather being so wonderful we had two longer than normal tea stops - it felt great to be able to sit outside in the warm. Our usual tea stop in Winslow, Jenny Wren's, had not capitalised on the days sunshine by providing outdoor seating. So instead we ventured to a new cafe - Cappo's which was equally as friendly and welcoming for cyclists.

Another long ride in the bag. We are slowly getting fitter to being able to cover the distance but now the training needs to focus on hill climbs. Somehow we think they are going to be a few tough climbs en route from Lands End to John O Groats!!

Sun cream has been purchased to keep in our saddle bags - that will no doubt bring an end to the good spell of weather! But here's hoping that next weekend is going to be as pleasant.

As always big thanks for your support and sponsorship.

30 mile cool down

2010-04-05T10:36:00.000-07:00

Day four of the bank holiday weekend saw a quick 30 mile cool down through the countryside around Woburn.

The joy of starting out on the warmest and driest day in our training so far was counteracted by the strength of the wind and busy bank holiday traffic. Note to self get out on the bikes earlier on the next bank holiday.

Taking a break from the busy roads we stopped at Woburn's tea shop. After yesterday warm welcome at Jenny Wren's, for us and our fellow cyclists, it is all to obvious that the tourist trap of Woburn dictates this establishments pricing policy!

That's it for cycling this weekend - 30 miles done and 220 miles over the Easter break. This has been a little taste of what we are in store for when LEJOG starts in June. We are back safely in our local The Swan, Milton Keynes Village, enjoying a well deserved beverage and free wifi access to write this blog post.

Thank you all so much for your support - we are so close to 50% of our fundraising target. Let's kick cancer together.

Our longest Easter Egg hunt ever!

2010-04-04T20:13:00.000-07:00

80 miles - yes that's eight zero miles and our longest training ride yet. Taking in three counties, Beds, Bucks and Northants we were amazed to find no Easter Eggs until our return home. And of course a cheeky Guinness to replenish lost minerals!

The first tea stop 26 miles in at 'Jenny Wrens' in Winslow. A great stop and always a welcome for cyclists. We just had to battle through Winslow Farmers Market to get to the front door - and one lady who was most perturbed that people take dogs to Farmers markets - "well I'm sure they wouldn't dream of taking their dog into Tesco!"

After re-fuelling on beans on toast we were well away on the second leg of the journey. Cycling on auto pilot we self guided our way northwards onto Whittlebury (sounds of racing cars in the distance at Silverstone), Stoke Bruene and finally arriving at the second tea stop of the day in Salcey Forest. Arriving in sunshine it was a bit of a shock to have snow and hail a few minutes later! Fortunately it didn't last long and we were able to head off, de-robing of our jackets for the first time this year!

Not one for name dropping on celebrity encounters but as one car drove past guess who popped their head up to hello (or should that be woof woof) the Churchill dog!! We didn't have time to get a paw print as we were on a mission to get the miles in.

80 miles done and it felt good - our longest day on LEJOG is 82 miles so we are getting closer to being fit enough to take on this challenge. Thanks again to everyone for their sponsorship.

Day three of four training rides over the Easter break done!

Pre-party pedalling

2010-04-03T20:50:00.000-07:00

The second day of the bank holiday weekend and we were up and out by 8.00 a.m. Well we did have an 85th Birthday Party to attend later in the day and we didn't want to be late for the birthday girl.

One problem with starting that early at this time of year, is the 5 degree temperature! And early morning rain. Fortunately the weather did improve for a change and we finished in 12 degrees and sunshine. If only all the drivers we encountered on our journey to Olney were as bright as the weather. There was one BMW 4x4 driver in particular who felt the need to pass within inches of us at high speed. He was obviously in too much of rush on a Saturday morning to wait the few seconds it would have taken for him to delay his overtaking manoeuvre.

Home safely after completing our 50 miles and a little more wary that car drivers do not always "think bike." Time for a quick shower and change before heading off to the evening's birthday celebrations. Happy Birthday Kathleen!

And then there was three...

2010-04-02T20:29:00.000-07:00

Ten miles in and we picked up a semi-pro rider by the name of Mr Thornley in Newport Pagnell. Dressed in his near full winter gear, a reflection on the slightly inclement forecast, he cycled with us for 35 miles adding a welcome distraction from our training ride routine.

Taking us on a slightly different route, Mr Thornley also added in a few technique tips. Whoever said "it's as easy as riding a bike!" The complexities of the timing of gear changes, cadence and positioning added a whole new aspect to our training ride. And yes Adrian the saddle adjustment has made a difference!

A welcome tea stop at Marston Moretaine - no-one was brave enough to venture out onto the picnic tables. The rain hit 5 miles from home and we were soaked. Again. Typical Bank Holiday eh!

Day one of four planned training rides over the Easter break - 60 miles done. How will we fair over the next few days?

What a difference a day makes...

2010-03-28T12:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday's ride might have ended on a wet note but today (thankfully) was a prime example of the song lyrics "I wanna to see the sunshine after the rain."

Along with several hundred other riders, who also remembered to put their clocks forward last night, we assembled at the MK bowl on a slightly chilly morning accentuated by the loss of an hour. The sun however was shinning so it wasn't long before we were removing arm warmers and heading through the country lanes working up a bit of a sweat as we battled a blustery wind.

It was a nice change to be on an organised sportive ride and actually know where we were heading with the roads having a sense of familiarity. As we headed through our local cycling haunts we couldn't help thinking how far we have come since our training started. Have we now become a bit more than recreational cyclists?

A quick 30 miles saw us reach what was, in our experience, the best feeding station with energy bars, cakes, filled rolls, water, energy and hot drinks as well as decent toilets. What a relief! All too soon we were off again heading into a stiff breeze making the next stage of the ride very difficult and the energy food from the feeding station very welcome.

Before we knew it we were heading back down the H7 towards the finish line and our well deserved medal and cup of tea. The celebratory drinks were saved for a bit later (after we had showered and dressed more appropriately!).

68 miles completed (including the cycle commute to the start and back - well it would have been silly to drive, wouldn't it?!) Hopefully we are now in good shape to contemplate 4 consecutive days riding over the Easter break. Keep reading to find out how we get on!!

WARNING: April showers have started early!

2010-03-27T13:38:00.000-07:00

Be warned it's not safe to venture out without brolly! But being on a bike, we unfortunately don't have the luxury of being able to hold a umbrella overhead to protect ourselves from the heavy Spring showers! Fortunately Evans Cycles had delivered waterproof overshoes in record time - feet were dry but bottom half was soaked. And we mean soaked.

Nevertheless it was a good 50 mile training ride taking in some lovely countryside and a few unusual sights. A field of not cows or sheep or crops but swans! And this field didn't even have much surface water. As for the road kill, we could have enjoyed pigeon pie, duck a l'orange, or badger burgers tonight! Instead we have loaded up on pasta in preparation for tomorrow's 100km organised ride (and that's the short option - we declined the 100 mile entry).

One thing about covering so many miles out on the country roads is noticing the varying degrees of respect and courtesy motorists give cyclists. Without being prejudiced the young boy racers and white van drivers appear to hold the least respect as for the elderly they are the other end of the spectrum - stopping to let us pass as if we were royalty!! Many thanks to the old dears just past Newton Blossomville who pulled up with time for a picnic before letting us pass!

Sponsorship has been going great in the last few weeks - as ever it really helps us stay motivated. Many thanks for your support and remember no donation is too small.

A double whammy!!

2010-03-21T09:47:00.001-07:00

After successfully conquering Bison Hill twice in succession we decided it was time to up our game and take on a further challenge. And that challenge was a 55 mile ride, tackling Ivinghoe Beacon followed by Bison Hill. We were just five miles in when the rain came; torrential rain - it poured and poured and poured. Racing bike saddles aren't comfortable at the best of times let alone when you are more than slightly wet in that area!

Nevertheless we made it! Now, we either getting fitter or all of your very generous donations are spurring us on in this challenge. Thank you all so much.

If any of you saw the Sport Relief Million Pound Bike Challenge you will have seen a little of what we are in for. Hopefully we won't have the snow to contend with but neither do we have the luxury of completing the gruelling 1000 miles in relay format. Still working on that tandem idea though....!!!

Just 11 weeks to go now until the start. Lots more training to come over the coming weeks so keep on reading!

Back down to earth with a bump!

2010-03-07T11:37:00.000-08:00

And I am not referring to the fact that one of us fell off our bike today on one of the many steep climbs up and over the Chilterns.

After 55 miles yesterday and our new record average speed, today was back to our regular pace. It was achieved however whilst completing some of the steepest climbs that we have ever done and they seemed to keep coming thick and fast.

I think we now have a better understanding of what we have let ourselves in for and what the first few days through Devon and Cornwall might have in store for us.

Still there was always a pint of Guinness waiting for us back at The Swan to replace those depleted mineral stores, slightly tastier than the chocolate sports recovery drink that we tried last night. But maybe if we had managed to consume more of the less than appealing gluey mixture we might have performed better up the hills!

More training required - especially uphills. Sponsorship going well, please keep up the great support - remember no donations too small.

Salcey Forest and back in record time

2010-03-06T12:46:00.000-08:00

A day that started off grey and cold ended in brilliant sunshine and smiling faces as we recorded our fastest ever average speed and over 55 miles as well.

We only planned to do a short 30 mile training ride ahead of tomorrow's main event, an Evans Cycles Ride it in the Chilterns but the promise of nice weather lured us into a trip out to Salcey Forest and back.

Starting off from our now familiar point in Broughton and out to Salford the weather was not looking too clever as it was a bit cold and grey. Not what the BBC weather man promised last night at all. The legs however were performing better than last week and we were moving along at a steady pace out towards Cranfield and onto Newport Pagnell. Finally the sun started to show it faces spurring us on to an even faster pace.

A short stop to sort out the bike computer which was clearly upset by the succession of speed bumps in Newport Pagnell. We were then off again. No more incidents and before we knew it we were sitting down to a cup of tea and beans on toast in the cafe in Salcey Forest.

The welcome rest after 29 miles was soon over and we were back on the road again. The route home mostly downhill and down wind, or that's how it seemed, was all in spring sunshine which certainly gives the English countryside a completely different appearance and two riders a completely different demeanour.

Arriving back in Broughton and a quick look at the now functioning computer brought even bigger smiles to two happy riders. Having recorded our fastest ever average speed since we started our training confirmed that we are now well on our way to being ready to tackle "LEJOG" in June. Just 12 more weeks to fine tune these record breaking bodies that can stand alongside any weekend athlete!

Bison Hill 2: The return to the top.

2010-02-27T19:56:00.000-08:00

What doesn't break you, makes you stronger......60 miles around Bucks and Beds taking in Bison Hill and Dunstable Downs again. And Bison Hill remains defeated!

Now I'm not sure what was happening to one of us but as the ride started it was all to apparent that one of us just couldn't get going. Ten miles in and the prospect of continuing the ride was less then appealing. No rhythm, no pace, no strength. But thankfully we are able to support each other to drive on in this challenge. After a good talking too (and probably a little help from porridge and energy tablets) we were off......

The rain and wind that stayed with us most of the ride, dealt a nice break as we approached Bison Hill. The rain stopped, the wind dropped and the sun came out giving us an impressive view from the top of the Downs. A quick tea stop and moment to enjoy standing up rather than perched on something less than comfortable and we were off again.

Picked up speed on the way home, just one very welcome stop at a railway crossing. Heading home wards along the lanes around Woburn Golf Club, a welcome longing for leisurely days back on the golf course was apparent but unfortunately that seems as distant as John O Groats at the moment!

Sponsorship is a little over 25% now - this is fantastic - thank you so much.

Fail to prepare, prepare to fail.....70 very tough miles

2010-02-15T01:32:00.000-08:00

Evans Cycles Ride It - North Downs (ouch!)

The idea of staying in a hotel near the ride start and stocking up on carbohydrates at an Italian restaurant, the night before, in principle seemed to be the ideal preparation for a 70 mile bike ride. In reality, eating more fish than pasta, drinking too much Italian wine and going to bed far too late was NOT the best build up to the ride!

That said, the first fifty miles was OK - dressed up in some kind of 'modern triathlon' outfit; a combination of our warmest winter ski, golf and cycling attire - we set off in cold, wet and very grey conditions. A few tough hills along the way but at the 50 mile stage we weren't doing too bad. And we made it to the drinks station in time for there still to be some cake left!

Then, came more rain and wind - anyone familiar with that stinging feeling on your face as the rain lashes against your cold cheeks - because we are! And to add to the challenge - 2 serious hills. The second had three surprises, 18% gradient, hairpin bends and very long. No getting off to walk though, just a few stops to catch breath along the way. It was tough. Very tough. Fortunately for one squirrel I was going slow enough that it had time to run out in front of me then change its mind and run back before my wheel decapitated its tail!

Miles 50-60 were the hardest but as soon as the trip computer hit 60 miles the psychological thought of only 10 miles left to do really helped. That said one of us had definitely 'bonked' already (cycling term for 'hitting the wall')!!

Today was the hardest form of physical exercise we have ever done but the real challenge is to come. This is the distance we will be cycling every day for two weeks to get from Land's End to John O Groats. Without the desire to do something to raise money for Cancer Research and your excellent support and donations so far we wouldn't be doing this. We really need your continued support to push us along the way.

LEJOG Training 1 - Bison Hill 0

2010-02-06T14:03:00.000-08:00

We made it! The relief of getting to the top of Bison Hill momentarily felt like what it might just be like to reach John O Groats after 1000 miles of cycling!

With a few successful 50 milers under the belt, we decided the time was right to up our training and take on a few more challenges. After studying the contours and evelations around Bucks and Beds we set off on a well planned route. So well planned we took a wrong turn down a 12% gradient hill, only to realise our mistake at the bottom and then pedal our way back to the top!

Back on track we continued the undulating 20 mile ride to the bottom of Bison Hill - a 21% climb up to Whipsnade Zoo and continuing to the top of Dunstable Downs. And yes we made it to the top; no stops, no getting off to walk and no tears (they were saved for the pain the following morning!).

To our disappointment the views from the top of Dunstable Downs were non existent - mist, mist, fog and a bit more mist. We would have liked to have added a photo to the blog but a white picture just wouldn't have added any impact - or not as much as the after training recovery drink does!

So the journey continues, another 50+ miler achieved - this one a much more up and down route than the others. Sponsorship going well, we really appreciate your support and remember every little really does help the fight to beat cancer.

Only 16 miles - well it was breaking new shoes in!

2010-02-01T00:52:00.000-08:00

Just an easy 16 miler - getting used to the new riding position that a road bike offers and new Mavic road shoes. That was the easy bit - getting used to different cleats and pedals was more of a challenge! At times pulling away from junctions really felt like learning to ride a bike all over again!

Plenty of sunshine about - just very very cold. The call of the open fire in the local was too strong to keep us out on the bikes for very long.

Well it's February 1st today - that's 4 months of tough training left for us. It really is time for us to step up a gear...................

30 miles around Bucks.....there's an App for that!

2010-01-17T09:11:00.000-08:00

Taking advantage of the first day of winter sunshine for some time and temperatures in plus figures we ventured out for another training run. Unfortunately the new bike had to stay behind - didn't have the right shoes (such a girly thing!). Let's hope the shoes get delivered in time for the next ride.

There were still a few signs of the recent snow about - lots of half melted snowmen and significant flooding across the country fields. Oh and some of the roads too! Now it's great that the Apple iphone has an App for cycling routes and profiles but unfortunately it's not sophisticated enough to tell you that a road is impassable due to severe flooding. One brave man (just about visible in the photo below) took on the challenge. However we weren't so brave, instead diverting a few miles extra to make the journey home.

A lovely ride amongst the Bucks countryside and winter sunshine.

There's no excuses now....well only snow!

2010-01-14T03:09:00.001-08:00

Look what arrived at our local bike specialist (Phil Corley Cycles)! Just felt like a kid on a snowy Christmas day not able to take their new bike out for a ride!

Well can't blame the tools now - it will all be down to personal fitness, motivation and determination.

Donations are over the £1000 mark - please help us to support the good work of Cancer Research by sponsoring our ride.

Thank you.

15 miles...well it was the day after NYE!!

2010-01-01T17:27:00.000-08:00

The pained expressions tell it all! And if you just maybe have ever wondered what you might look like in 'high vis' cycling gear - look no further!!

As 2010 is the year we embark on our end to end challenge we sort of felt it only appropriate to dust off our hangovers with a New Years Day ride. Bright sunshine and blue skies was the final factor in our decision - surely your feet only get cold when they are wet?! Wrong!!

Ten miles in and we were beginning to lose the feeling in our feet and the extra layers on our top half didn't compensate for the lack of warmth around the pedals. Needless to say the next day we were back in our local cycling shop (Phil Corleys) eyeing up an array of every type of winter sock possible.

Watch out - we'll be back out on the bikes soon with toasty toes!

Spinning & pumping.....

2009-12-18T06:52:00.000-08:00

Just a quick entry in case you are concerned about our fitness levels given a lack of recent blog entries. We are definitely still keeping in shape but intend to keep our fitness up over the winter not just by outdoor cycling!

Current regime;

3 early morning 'spin' classes - 6.45am is a killer on a Monday morning!
3 bodypump classes

Oh and one of us is cycling to work - 10 miles a day! We'll leave you to guess who, but as a clue it's the one of us who doesn't mind cycling in the cold!

Over the first £1000 mark now! Well on our way - keep up the great support.

An easy 53 miles in sunny November - are we getting fitter?

2009-11-07T18:01:00.000-08:00

At a more respectable weekend morning time, kitted up in cycling gear and sunglasses at the ready we were set to go. Just one small problem - we had not made any route plans! After studying local area maps we decided to head out and hopefully make the right direction choices en route!

And fortunately it worked! We negotiated a lovely 25 mile ride to Winslow, where we sat in the autumn sunshine replenishing lost energy with teacakes and crumpets. Back in the saddle we successfully navigated a quiet and scenic 27 mile route back home. Part of the reason it was so quiet was possibly due to the wrong turn along a 'road ahead closed.' Having both obviously missed the sign we came to a level crossing with the lights on red - for what we thought an oncoming train. Only for a rail worker to shout up "if you were cars we would ask you to turn around and follow the diversion." Fortunately they took pity on us and opened the access gate for us to quickly make our way over the tracks. Not an easy task in cycling shoes and with bikes in tow.

No drink stop at the local on the way back - we are serious athletes now. Believe that and you'll believe anything - we just went home first to warm our feet up and get into more suitable attire for drinking at the local.

Keep reading - we must be getting near to a 60 miler soon!

Goodbye summer, hello winter!

2009-11-02T13:48:00.000-08:00

Another early Sunday morning start found us in the middle of Cannock Chase in heavy wind and rain about to embark on a 52 mile training ride.

The majority of other registered riders obviously not just listened to the weekends weather forecast but acted on it and stayed in bed! We on the other hand were determined to go ahead - assuming we will probably have rain and wind on our LEJOG ride June 2010 we felt it appropriate to practise in such conditions.

But maybe we weren't quite prepared for what lay ahead. We lost count of the amount of country lanes completely awash with water - although our feet were so cold that cycling through the water warmed them up. And thanks Mum for coming to the rescue with replacement socks! At one point a sleepy Staffordshire village was cut off from civilisation when the wind brought a huge part of a tree down across the road. But none of those barriers stood in our way - we battled on through the wind along very wet and muddy country lanes.

Not defeated we finished several hours later and rather suprisingly in a little sunshine. Is one training ride in wind and rain enough?!

Who said it's grim up north?

2009-10-19T11:52:00.000-07:00

A 6am start on a Sunday doesn't seem quite right, but in aid of our charity mission we set off up t'north to take part in "Evans Cycle Ride It!" We arrived somewhere north of Mansfield along with many other riders, upsetting the locals with our early morning noise and commotion of cars everywhere.
Finally registered, maps in hand, and energy gel packs in tow we headed off for 58 miles around Nottinghamshires' countryside in lovely autumn weather. Well apart from one little shower and blustery wind seemingly always in our face which ever way we went! Infact the wind got a little stronger on the drive home - one strong gust that lifted one of the bikes almost all the way off the bike rack. Not much fun when you're doing 70mph along a dual carriageway without a hard shoulder.
It was a tough ride - the challenge of Land's End to John O'Groats is becoming reality!

50 miles (Oysters and football!)

2009-09-12T01:58:00.000-07:00

Newport Pagnell - Sherington - Filgrave - Tyringham - Weston Underwood - Olney - Emberton - Clifton Reynes - Newton Blossomville - Astwood - Cranfield - Marston Moretaine - Lidlington - Ridgmont - Woburn - Aspley Guise - Woburn Sands - Wavendon

Punctures repaired, shoe cleats adjusted, saddle positions checked and water bladders filled - we finally headed off for a lovely ride on a glorious September day. Getting kitted up and leaving the house seemed to take us longer than the ride itself - maybe we are just getting fitter!

No mishaps on this ride. Just a welcome break at the Woburn Oyster festival and re-hydration stop at the local for Spurs v Man Utd - they say it's the taking part that counts not the result!!

50 miles around Northants countryside

2009-08-31T12:36:00.000-07:00

Upper Weald - Passenham - Deanshanger - Leckhampstead - Lilystone Lovell - Whittlebury - Shutlanger - Stoke Bruene - Hartwell - Salcey Forest - Hanslope - Gayhurst - Tyringham - Filgrave - Sherrington -Newport Pagnell - Milton Keynes Village

A cold bank holiday start led us via Evans Cycles to purchase some necessary warmer layers. Only to be striping down a short while later and applying sun lotion - blue skies all around in the afternoon.

A tough ride in warm but very windy conditions. The main challenge today was avoiding being sprayed by pebbles as cars overtook us on the many recently resurfaced roads in and around Northants! Refuelling at Salcey Forest cafe and The Swan in MK village were welcome necessities.

Saturdays map purchases came into good use on several occasions. But if anyone has ever tried to successfully open and fold up an ordnance survey map in windy conditions, please can you tell us how!

Just over 100 miles in the last 2 days and now it's back to work. Thank goodness we still have 8 months left to train......

52 miles (only 948 to go!)

2009-08-30T12:48:00.000-07:00

Marston Moretaine - Woburn - The Brickhills - Soulbury - Stewkeley - Swanbourne (passing the annual village sheep racing event!) - Winslow - Little Horwood -Beachampton - Nash - Calverton - Upper Weald - Woburn Sands - Aspley Guise - Woburn and a much needed drink (thank goodness we had the car and bike rack to make the last leg home)

A gentle 10 miler to pick up the car; sensibly abandoned Saturday night after helping Carrie celebrate her birthday! No idea how you managed to get Robbie, Freddie, Elton and fireworks in your back garden but it was good fun!

A further 42 miles through undulating country lanes. A welcome lunch stop in Winslow. A classic comedy moment in Woburn Sands when boy racers drove though water filled potholes soaking Alan a little more than the unpredicted days showers had already. And a well earned beverage to finish the ride in Woburn.

Only 1 day and 52 miles - what are we letting ourselves in for! Keep up the sponsorship - it really helps to stay motivated.

Training run through Beds and Bucks...?? miles

2009-08-22T15:50:00.000-07:00

Milton Keynes redways across the city to Whaddon - Mursley - Stewkley - Soulbury - The Brickhills - Woburn (and a well earned tea break) - Aspley Guise (Alan's first visit to Woburn without losing a golf ball!) - Woburn Sands - Home - Phew!

The weather was great, roads quiet - apart from what seemed to be every tractor and farm vehicle in Bucks! Still yet to replace to a broken bike computer so not sure of mileage covered. Hopefully report on this next time.

The route...

2009-08-21T04:27:00.000-07:00

Day 1 - Arrive at Penzance. Transfer to Land's End.
Day 2 - Land's End to Bodmin - 65 miles From the tourist complex at Land's End we follow the spectacular Cornish coast before turning inland to the small town of Bodmin.
Day 3 - Bodmin to Whiddon Down - 55 miles A tough day that takes us around the southern edge of Bodmin Moor and through the highest village in Cornwall. We then continue through Tavistock and across the wild moors of Dartmoor National Park.
Day 4 - Whiddon Down to Bridgwater - 65 miles We continue along the narrow lanes of Devon before crossing into Somerset, over the Quantock Hills and down to Bridgwater.
Day 5 - Bridgwater to Monmouth - 74 miles An easier day as we cross the flat Somerset Levels to Cheddar, from where we cross the Mendip Hills through the famous Gorge, continue around Bristol before crossing the Severn Bridge into Wales.
Day 6 - Monmouth to Wentnor - 70 miles From Monmouth our route takes us through the pretty rolling countryside of Herefordshire and into Shropshire.
Day 7 - Wentnor to Acton Bridge - 68 miles We continue north on some lovely roads through Shropshire and Cheshire.
Day 8 - Acton Bridge to Clitheroe - 66 miles We cross the Manchester Ship Canal and weave our way through the northern industrial heartland of England.
Day 9 - Clitheroe to Kirkby Stephen - 55 miles A fabulous ride that takes us across the Forest of Bowland and through the beautiful scenery of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Day 10 - Kirkby Stephen to Ecclefechan - 72 miles From Kirkby Stephen we continue north along the beautiful Eden Valley before crossing Hadrian's Wall into Scotland, passing through the Southern Uplands on some wonderful quiet scenic roads.
Day 11 - Ecclefechan to Motherwell - 82 miles A longer day that takes us through the Southern Uplands and into the Clyde Valley, finishing on the outskirts of Glasgow.
Day 12 - Motherwell to Inveraray - 78 miles Most level riding as we use local cycle paths to follow the River Clyde through the centre of Scotland's largest city, Glasgow. Then continue around Loch Lomond and along the shore of Loch Long and Loch Fyne to the historic little town of Inveraray.
Day 13 - Inveraray to Fort William - 74 miles Some spectacular scenery as we head through Glen Aray and around the head of Loch Awe, then along the shore of Loch Linnhe to the busy town of Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the British Isles.
Day 14 - Fort William to Evanton - 80 miles From Fort William we follow River Lochy along the Great Glen, then follow the shore of Loch Lochy and Loch Ness to Drumnadrochit, where we leave the lake and head through the hills to Cromarty Firth.
Day 15 - Evanton to Bettyhill - 78 miles A long day that takes you on some wonderful wild and lonely roads to the north coast of Scotland.
Day 16 - Bettyhill to John O’Groats - 52 miles Our final day takes us along the coast through Thurso to John O’Groats.
Day 17 - Travel home (and no not by bike!)

The beginning...

2009-08-17T02:21:00.000-07:00

It started as a gentle summers evening bike ride and a few drinks at the local.
It led to a conversation about cycling Lands End to John O Groats.
It developed a purpose - Cancer Research UK.
It became a reality - trip booked, sponsorship target set.

The race is on. Forget the 1000 mile race - it's about the race to find a cure for cancer. And you can join it by offering your support. Every penny raised will help fund the great work of Cancer Research UK.

Keep visiting this blog to follow our progress - http://alan-jenny-lejog2010.blogspot.com/

Donate now - www.justgiving.com/alan-jenny-lejog2010