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 )

What to take?

Well, now the bike has gone I thought I'd have a look at what to pack. I have two small panniers, to encourage me not to over pack. Plus a large saddle bag for tools.

Lets start with the saddle bag:
4x inner tubes and a repair kit
1x compact pump
1x multi tool
1x 8mm Allen key
2x Tyre levers
1x spare gear cable and brake cable (inner)
2x spare brake blocks
2x chain quick links
8x cable ties
1x small container of oil
1x cloth
Ok I think that's it for the spares

Clothing and other bits:
1x Endura windproof jacket
1x Endura waterproof packable jacket
1x Tenn gilet
1x Endura bib shorts
1x arm warmers
1x leg warmers
1x overshoes
1x pair fingerless gloves
1x pair waterproof gloves
3x pairs of socks , waterproof ( sealskinz) , a thin pair and a thicker pair ( I get cold feet)
2x short sleeve cycling tops
1x Endura baa baa long sleeve top.
2x short sleeve base layers
1x Sealskinz windproof hat
1x Northwave touring shoes
1x Printed sponsors Vest top
1x sports shorts for evenings
1x light walking trousers

Plus, 5 days of energy bars, drinks tablets as well as a recovery powder for each day for each of us.
Then there is a camera and phone, electric cables and a mains USB charger ( my cycle computer, phone camera and lights can all be charged by USB which is great as only need one mains unit plus 3 cables) There is a cut down toothbrush, paste, small deodorant, disposable razor, tablets ( don't ask) small sun cream , anti chaffing cream, antiseptic cream a few small plasters. I plan to use the soap and stuff at the B&B's for the rest.
Total weight for this and the tool kit is 10kg about a stone and a half which I guess is not so bad.