I've heard of a few more people scoffing at my plans for this record. Mainly along the lines, who does he think he is. Now I'm aware I have no pedigree as such, I don't have a full trophy cabinet, but does that mean I can never win something?

I'll admit to being something of a dreamer, but aiming high is hardly a sin. Few people understand how determined I am to make this dream a reality. I have a young family and a full time job, and yet I'm training between three and four hours a day. Sure I have to do it at night, when else would I have time? I don't think I am someone, I don't think I have a special abilities, but I do think I'm putting more into this than anyone cares to imagine.

People can scoff, I'm not anyone. But I hope they understand, I don't think this a marathon, or an etape. I can't let up in effort and pace, it's not about 'getting round', it's all or nothing.

Yesterday, I had a run along the route, Hungerford to Bath and back again. Nothing to remarkable to report except the road was faster than expected, and it runs through quite beautiful scenery. Of course when you usually ride at night, seeing any scenery if quite nice. I was held up badly in Marlborough, Calne and Chippenham, but on the actual run I'll cycling through much earlier.

I averaged 23.5 mph, short of what I need to do, but it includes the warm up, and once again I had technical difficulties, leaving me stuck in one gear. Apart from one hill just outside Chippenham I could stay on the aerobars.

It's a route I really want to try and ride again, perhaps from Newbury next time. I had the feeling that I was tiring badly between Calne and Marlborough, but it turned out I was riding into the wind. Perhaps if my confidence was higher, I would have realised. Once passed the Marlborough I was feeling comfortable again.

Another lesson I learnt was, I need to wear suntan lotion. I have a pink tinge on my calves and fore arms.

The remainder of the day was spent visiting my Dad, who is in great shape and even thinking of cycling a bit! I then had to pop into my brothers 40th birthday party, a hog roast. I have to admit I was impressed by how many friends he has, if I have half that at my birthday I'd be pleased. Then I had the drive back to London to another friend's birthday party, and some time with my wife. Naturally, all I could talk about was the record attempt and whether or not I could do it.

The people who know me, know what training I'd doing, and how much I'm sacrificing, think I'll do it. People who hear about me scoff. I, well I know it isn't just about will power, the hours of training only mean something if they convert to speed and endurance on the day. I'm going to hurt myself. My heart and soul are in this.