1 May – Pre-Trip Preparation

I’ve gone and done it! I’ve booked my one way train journey from Edinburgh to Penzance, and my digs for the night – before I do my 1,000 mile Lands End to John O’ Groats (LE2JOG) charity fundraiser bike ride.

The above route is a well-travelled and recognised route by other ‘End to End’ cyclists and I have read a couple of books which offers tips and advice, and this has been invaluable in my planning.

I’ve got to be honest, I’ve not done as much bicycle training as I would have liked (in part due to a wee skiing injury I picked up in February due to self inflicted stupidity) but I have met up with my good friend Paul on a few occasions (see pic below at the Forth Bridge) and we went for a leisurely spin and I’ve been going to the gym so I feel reasonably fit…. for an old guy!

Some people think the notion of of ‘putting yourself out there’ in this self-sufficient and logistically unsupported challenge, in what is perceived as a vulnerable position, is brave and madness in equal measure. I’m actually looking forward to the test and the sense of adventure as I face many unknowns.

I am hoping this adventure will take approximately 2 x weeks to complete. My trusty Ridgeback touring bike nicknamed ‘The Black Bullet’, which served me well in Bicycle Cross America, will hopefully carry me across LE2JOG once again.

I’ve pretty much replicated what I did in preparation for my Trans American Trail. As far as my gear is concerned, I am focussing on keeping the overall weight to a minimum so it is easier to carry on the bike each day. I note I am carrying 7 lbs more than I was 10 years ago, and that is not the bike or what will be stored in my panier bags!

Here is a photo of what the gear looks like when packed followed by a list of everything I am planning on taking. I hope I’ve not forgotten anything!

Cycle clothing

2 x pairs cycling shorts

2 x short sleeved cycling T shirt

1 x pair of cycling tights

1 x Altura fluorescent wind and shower proof jacket

2 x pairs of ankle socks

1 x pair of  MTF Shamano  cycling shoes

1 xpair of Nigh Vision over-shoes

Regular clothing

1 x casual  shirt with a collar

2 x T shirts

1 x pair of shorts

1 x fleece

2 x pairs of boxer shorts

2 x pairs of ankle socks

1 x pair of cushioned trainers

Electrical

Mobile Phone

Apple sports watch

i-Pad

Power monkey & assorted cables / adaptors

Rechargeable battery charger

Front & rear bike lights

Small torch

Compass

Bike maintenance

Puncture patches & tyre levers

2 x spare inner tubes

Tire pump for dual valves

Multi allen key screwdriver tool set

Lubricant

Other luggage

2 x Ortleib rear pannier cases

1 x Handlebar bag

Sunscreen

First aid kit

Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shower gel)

1 x towel

2 x LE2JOG books containing Cycle Trail Maps

2 x Water bottles