7 days to go!

Where does time go? It really does feel like yesterday that I sat on a bike for my first training session on the turbo trainer. It was the middle of winter, hence been indoors and I could barely manage more than 20 minutes. Now eight months on there is no need for an indoor trainer (thought I've not seen much of the sun) and can comfortably manage 60/70 miles on the open road.


Last weekend was my last big push. I cycled over 50 miles on Saturday with my Dad and Sarah. Sarah will be joining me on the London to Paris cycle but unfortunately we've not had much chance to train together. We had a great run out to Bawtry, the weather was fantastic and I managed to catch some rays. Then on Sunday we all planned to cycle to Clumber Park. Unfortunately Sarah pulled out and cycled the Tissington Trail instead so I made the solo journey to my Dads house in Rotherham at a ridiculous hour in the morning. After us getting about 2 miles in to our cycle his bike started making horribly noises and we thought it would be best he didn't risk carrying on. As tempted as I was at the thought of cycling the 9 miles home and getting back in bed I knew this was my last chance of getting some good miles under my belt and I'd never really done long distances back to back so decided I to cycle the further 20 miles out to Mattersey to visit my uncle Rod. I'd never cycled more than about 10 miles before by myself so I was a little apprehensive. But once I got going I really enjoyed myself. I got there in no time at all, despite the detour due to missing my turning. This added about  7 (ish) miles to my journey...all good extra mileage I thought.


The journey back was somewhat different. I managed to get back to Rotherham without any problems but once I hit Sheffield my poor bum just got so numb. Then my legs started to go and I thought I was never going to get home. I pushed through the pain knowing I had worse to endure next week. To my surprise it didn't take me as long as it felt, I did roughly 30 miles in just over 2 hours 20 , including drink stops. 


That's not too bad considering the first time I went on the road I only cycled 10 miles and it took me about 1 1/2 hours and I ached so much in the morning I never want to cycle again. I find I don't really ache too much any more and I put that down to all the training I've done. And the only reason I've trained more than I thought is because I've really enjoyed it.  I will be back on my bike after this challenge but as far as training goes I have cycled to work today and will fit in a couple more 10/15 milers before next week. I'm hoping to cycle through the Peak District on Thursday and that'll be it. 


This time next week I'll be packing up for my journey to London. Sarah and I are staying over the night in London ready for our 7am start on the Wednesday. 


Thanks for all my friends and family who have pushed and supported me through all the training. Mainly to my Dad for training me up and Nick for putting up with my whining after long cycles.


My main reason for embarking on this challenge was to raise money and awareness for WaterAid. I have a whole page dedicated to who WaterAid are, what they do and why there is a need so please check it out. There is still plenty of  time to donate too, just visit my JustGiving page and give all you can.


Thank you x