Having kept my 2016 cycling adventure secret for several months, with now just since 6 months to go, today I went public.

The response has been amazing with many words of encouragement and support, although there have been a few that have questioned my sanity.   Whatever the response there is now no turning back and the weeks ahead are going to see me intensifying my training to ensure that I am in the best possible shape to achieve my dream.   That’s not to say that I have not been training hard over the past few months since signing up for this challenge at the beginning of July.   At every opportunity I have been on the road increasing my general fitness level and successfully completed the Wiggle Meon Valley sportive at the end of July, a total distance of 75 miles, probably the most miles I have cycled in a day for the past 40 years!

The dark winter months I know are going to be difficult but I do have the Turbo Trainer set-up in the garage which, no doubt will be mundane and boring, but will enable me to continue my build-up when the winter weather is just too much to endure.

I am apprehensive but very excited about what lies ahead but knowing that I have the love and support of Sarah and Ben and the thought of raising some funds for my two chosen charities will help to keep me focussed.