So the time has finally come. I have been bullied into taking on a challenge. That challenge is to cycle the length of this island from John O’Groats to Land’s End. I am dreading it. Despite the many hours I have spent in the saddle in recent weeks I don’t feel happy about my fitness level as Day One approaches. No matter, I will try my best. After all – as I am discovering in a very different field of endeavour – the time to give up is either never or only when forced to by circumstances beyond your control. Because what might seem insurmountable one day might seem just about feasible further down the line.
So: follow me follow. I have set up a Picasa Web Album to which I will try and upload choice photos from the journey or – if things don’t go so well – gruesome pictures of my bike in ditches or broken limbs. If my phone is up to it, you will even be able to pinpoint me on the map each time I upload a photo! Thank the Lord for modern technology, eh?
And if you are impressed enough to wonder whether I am trying to raise money from this little adventure then the answer is most emphatically YES. Click here, whip your PayPal login details out and get donating. On Call Africa is a relatively new charity, set up by a group of NHS doctors who will go out to Africa and operate a mobile hospital in areas without sensible access to healthcare. Their first project is Zambia 2011. Give generously, remembering that you are sitting on a comfortable chair – probably drinking tea and eating cake – while I am trashing my body.
I may be some time.
Have a nice journey!
A wonderful gesture for a worthy charity, Blue. I am certain the progress reports and pics will be fascinating. A safe journey and the very best of luck to you. Melv.
Good for you! I’ll be watching the album…
Wow, doing it the hard way! Most people, myself included, start at Land’s End to benefit from the prevailing south-westerly winds.
Good luck out there and hope you don’t get any punctures.
When do you hope to be hitting Cumbria?
Bon voyage!
Huzzah for Blue. My old pal did that and said the most dangerous part was getting through Glasgow between happy hour and closing time, so be ready to swerve!
Not ONE single CENT for Africa, until they show me EXACTLY what they have done with the BILLIONS they already have had. AND my “Government stops sending them Billions, whilst telling our pensioners they must go ANOTHER year without a pension rise, even though the shops have STILL raised their prices, and the electric/gas/heating, and rent companies, the same.
SOD Africa. Our OWN are starving.
Sorry, Blue,
I’m going to have to dip out. Since our credit blacking we have been strapped for cash. (Caused by a fraud committed on a Barclaycard at our old address long after we left there.)
Until finances are freed up again Mrs E-K will not forgive me for donating to charity.
Great charity BE. I happily just whipped out my wallet and sent some Aussie Dollars your way.
How exciting. A new photo every time I look, and the map to boot. Bet you are suffering tonight, but you have already done a chunk. If you finish, I will make a donation.
Good luck B.E. but local charities only so if you have an alternative charity let me know and count me in.
Musn’t stop for hills Blues!
Good luck!
When do we get a picture of your bottom?
It is one cycling challenge I have always wanted to do.
Well done – regardless of outcome.
Haven’t got Paypal .. Will pass you a score at next beer … if you make it back …. How wet are you exactly right now ?