Detail route for the first 4 days

30th June

1st July


2nd July


3rd July

The bikes, and stuff....

Kevin: Cannondale R200 CAAD 2, bought in Bermuda about 1998 and still in good condition as it hasn't seen a great deal of use. Shown here wearing the Topeak RX beam rack I am intending to use for the one small pack I will take. The Look pedals have now been swapped for my mountain bike SPDs so that I can take just one pair of shoes and still manage to cross the road to the pub. 

Many thanks to 53-12 in Colchester for checking my bike fit and making a few changes, and also gearing the bike down by swapping the rear cassette for one which gives me 28 teeth (rather than 24) for the big hills. 

I have also changed the saddle to one which seems more comfortable and guarantees 62% more penile bloodflow.... Lets hope that comes in handy. Ideally, the very tastefully modified rain coat won't come in handy but it demonstrates the huge sponsorship budget available - the top was already ruined in a bar by some drunk colleagues, and I had to buy my own marker pen. It also demonstrates an impressive artistic ability - I am beginning to think I may be blessed with the artistic ability of Lance Armstrong. And the cycling abilities of Picasso. 

Paul: Cannondale 105 Synapse bought from Chelmer Cycles last year. Very light and a lot better than my 25yr old Rayleigh Pioneer. The gearing seems fine but after training rides the issue has been the saddle - its like sitting on a piece of tube (not long ways...) - not that I know what that is like. After all I am married with 3 kids. The saddle problem has now been solved with an Avatar 155, a gel cover and padded shorts - happy days. It offers 63% more penile blood flow which definitely won't come in handy !

My reason for riding is to raise money for cancer research in memory of my mum Audrey, who lost her battle with cancer 5 years ago after a brave and dignified fight. So if you've got some cash, hand it over ! Please.

I would also like to give a special mention to Anita (my better half) for encouraging me to do the ride and having to look after our 3 young kids for 2 weeks - I mention this because I would struggle.

With 2 weeks to go I feel as ready as I ever will be.