Planning

Once deciding we were going to do it, the question was 'where do we start'? Rightly or wrongly we started to look at the route and read up on the many websites available, full of facts, advice, and personal experiences of completing the 'End to End' cycle (I guess we're adding to the many websites with this addition). I started to find myself tied in knots with the advice on training, and what gear to take or not take. Although I did also gather a lot of useful information.

After reading these website and the various different methods to do it, we decided to travel light. The thought of 'roughing it' by taking a tent and sleeping bags did appeal to us, but after some consideration it was decided to carry very little, book in at Youth Hostels and B&Bs, and use plastic to purchase meals. Snacking and taking on fluids while cycling is a must, and as Malc is the keep-fit fanatic unlike myself.

The cycles we are using are a Giant SCR 3, and a Raleigh 200. Both are light and practicle for the road, although one of the most important adjustment we have made is replacing the seats with a more comfortable model. We did discuss the need for a support car to travel with us, but no-one was daft enough to volunteer so we're on our own.

As we are travelling light we are carrying minimal clothing. A couple of tops, two pairs of shorts, and two pairs of socks. Along with suitable waterproof gear and the necessary toiletries. The aim is to wash clothes as we go along, and make use of the dryng rooms at the youth hostels. It's been important to ensure the clothing is suitable as Malc's already felt the pain discomfort of not wearing seamless shorts.

After roughly planning the route, we then had to 'fit in' the youth hostels, which was not as easy as I thought it would be, as it did add a few miles on the journey. What is deceiving was on the map the youth hostel may only appear to be a short jaunt off our route, but in reality those extra miles could make the difference to a few hours cycling.

The training is another matter. As I've already mentioned, Malc is very physically fit and very conscientious about his diet and stretching, etc, unlike myself. I'm very much into sports but I've let myself go over the past few years, clamping on the pounds, which soon turned to stones. I had a training plan which was over a 9 month period, but after badly tearing my calf in December 08, I did very little for the following 4 months. That didn't leave me long to lose weight, build up my stamina, and ride a bike. So it's fair to say things haven't gone to plan, but I'll be ready when the big day comes.

We decided on cycling from Lands End to John O'Groats cause psychologically, we're cycling home. I know that sounds corny and if we'd travelled south it'd be down hill, but that's the decision we came to.