This time tomorrow, I shall be aboard a train hurtling towards the most southerly point of the British Isles. My initial stop will be Penzance and after a night in a B&B I will be making my way the further 20 or so miles down to Land's End, pointing my bicycle due north and pedalling in that direction until I arrive in John o' Groats some 12 days later.

That is the plan. But as I look out of the window at the sight of steady rainfall, I cannot help but muse that, bollocks, the weather may impede my path. If this is the case I will hole up in suitable venues along the route and sample regional brews while offending local people by swearing and falling over a lot.

The Good Morning Britain weather chick, however, has informed me that, nil desperandum, oh intrepid one, we are yet to see the end of the summer. The Good Morning Britain weather chick, though, has been known to lie and her previous form fills me with little optimism.

But, who cares. Onwards and upwards...

Inventory

Clothing:

2 x cycling shorts
2 x cycling jersey
2 x cycling jacket/long-sleeved jerseys
2 x normal shorts
2 x t-shirts
1 x tracksuit bottoms
2 x pants
2 x pairs of socks
1 x helmet
1 x pair of trainers (will not be using spds or clipless)

Equipment:

2 x inner tubes
1 x puncture repair kit
Lights, back and front
Mini pump
2 x 750ml water bottles
Multi tool with chain splitter
Cycle computer
Phone/camera plus charger
Netbook plus charger


Bicycle:

Pinnacle Arkose Three, Cyclo-Cross bike
Knobbly tyres for off-roading (I refuse to use any A roads)
1 x rack
2 x rear panniers
1 x bar bag


Here she is in her unburdened state...




Physically I feel I am up to this task. I've ridden many miles over the last few months and have lost quite a lot of weight in the process. To be frank, though, I'm quite sure that most people, as long as you have a working pair of legs, could complete this journey. On such tours, stamina tends to increase - the more you ride, the fitter you get and the longer you can continue. No, this is more about mental than physical strength - so let's see if I have the minerals.

I will be making daily updates on here so that those who are interested may follow my progress - or lack of it - as I ride north.

Wish me luck!