What's it all about?

At the end of September 2012 I completed a cycle from Portsmouth 2 Penzance a total of 273 miles! raising money for Children In Need is the Plan. This was also be a personal challenge for me as I haven't been cycling in over 25 years and that was only for fun nothing serious. On top of that have a prolapsed disc, was 46 years old and at the start of 2012 a bit over weight, well lot over weight really, since then I've lost nearly 3 stone! So I opted to do the big one, John O'Groats 2 Lands End on May 6th 2013. The End 2 End or P2P (point to point, as it's sometimes called ) around 1000 miles! This time I had company, Colin, a friend from work, who has said he is as mad as I am and would like to come! This blog contains that story....This event is in memory of the sad passing of my mum on 17th of April this year having lost her fight with terminal Bowel Cancer.

I guess you'd call it the sequel, I have decided it would be just rude not to go back the other way!!! so May 2015, with a new friend, Pete and with Dave driving a support vehicle ( luxury) we plan the classic Lands End to John O'Groats, also known as LEJOG. Mad ? yes I think we must be.


Me, Colin, Pete and Dave ( Team Jogle4bc )

Me, Colin, Pete and Dave ( Team Jogle4bc )

Radio Solent Interview with mum

That was tough.... spoke to dad afterwards who thought the interview was great, although he was clearly teary hearing mums voice again. I can't get over just how brave she was and how much courage she showed us all. I hope others who have heard it or people who may know someone who has had the screening package sent to them, gets the message and it prompts them to send it back. Mum & Dad would love to think we have made a difference to someones life somewhere. If you are one of those people please get in touch.
When I listened back to the interview a few minutes ago, I could help but think there was so much more I wanted to say. I know there is a small time window with these things and obviously I was caught up a little in the emotion of it all. I had meant to mention that it's not just me on the ride, Colin is coming along with me and for everyone to know that he has been great support with barrels of enthusiasm for the trip and perking me up when my mood has been low or I have doubts I can complete it ( that still remains the case, Colin we need to do more work on that !)  I also wanted to thank everyone for all their support,  not least my long suffering wife Liz. She has been fantastic. She has great belief in me, been so  positive, supportive and without doubt has carried me through the last few months. Truth be known she'll probably be glad to have a few days where she doesn't have to suffer cycle talk, me checking my routes on the computer, again! or see me strutting around in lycra....... not an image for the faint of heart.
So the next Chapter will soon begin for us both. There will still be a few more days of frantic packing and unpacking, wheres this? and that ? Have I got everything? How many socks shall I take? Mum had written us all a card before she passed, which was handed out after she'd gone (complete surprise to us all) The personal message inside I shall take with me for those moments of doubt or struggle, which I'm hopeful will get me up those hills! That and the love and support of my family and friends, especially Liz who's catch phrase for the trip is " Go have an adventure..." that I will my love, that I will ....XX
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