Saturday night fever.

This evening has been a lesson in how to turn a bicycle ride into a military operation.


My Dad has kindly come to be my feeder on the full distance dry run. Consequently I've had to brief him on how to mix a drink, how to hold the bottle when handing it to me, where the feed places are...the list goes on. It should be simply shouldn't it?

My Dad is clearly a little mocking of some of the nutrition, fig rolls he believes in, but 'gels?'. In his mind Kendall Mint cake is the answer. He may well be right. I'm going with Cliff bars as each one is just the right size for an hour.

I now think we have covered everything. The bottles are named, everything laid out and crosses on the map for feed places. Things I need are grouped together too, including suntan lotion, I got pink legs doing one way so I don't want to risk full distance on these beautiful summer days. Must have forgotten something, but nothing springs to mind. It is all commonsense really.

My wife kisses me goodnight and pleads for me to be careful. 'It's just a bike ride' I remind her. 'And don't forget to wear suntan lotion' she says.

As for the all important good nights sleep, we are on the sofas in the living room so as not wake anyone when we leave for Maidenhead at 4am. We have an inflatable mattress at our disposal but it all looks too much effort.

The sponsorship has been given a boost, almost over the £1000 mark. My wife's family have been very generous, mine are yet to give a dime!

I must also thank all the people who have donated despite not knowing me, it means a lot.