11/06- Update - After overcoming a few teething troubles, ie lost baggage and a broken bike frame, I successfully completed the circuit in 3 days on 9/6, having ridden/walked for 13.5 hours on Day1, 12.hours on Day2 and 6 hours Day3. Can honestly say it was the toughest thing Ive ever done and it was only the support of my friends and family that kept me going. Many thanks to all that have already donated and to those that are planning to do so.. Full details on my return.... Phil

View a video diary of the ride here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-bcmVKb-YQ

During the 2003 Everest marathon I was lucky to share a tent with a fantastic guy from Manchester. John was a top class marathon runner (sub 2.45) and had previously come in the top 100 in the Marathon des Sable. We had a great time during our time in Nepal as we had a similar sense of humour and shared interests, and have since become good friends.

John had planned to take part in Yak Attack in 2007 but had to put it on hold as he was feeling under the weather and could not train consistently without becoming tired or ill .He contacted me to say he was undergoing tests and feared it may be glandular fever.  Unfortunately after many months of tests John was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia , which is a controllable but incurable form of cancer affecting the immune system.

John hasn’t let this control his life. He completed the London marathon in 2007 in a time of 3.40, raising money for cancer research and hopes to take on other sporting challenges in the near future.

The resilience and motivation John has shown during his illness has inspired me to push myself to the limit in attempt to set a new record for traversing the Annapurna circuit in 3 days (details below). In doing so Im hoping to raise in excess of £3000 (£1000 for each day on the trail) for cancer research, an illness that touches the lives of far too many people.

The Challenge- June 5 - 7 2009

The Annapurna circuit, Nepal. A 225km mountainous trail, starting at 800m, climbing upto 5416m (over 5 times the height of Snowdon) and dropping back to 800m. An average trekker will cover the distance in about 20 days, the riders/runners in Yak Attack do it in 6 days, myself and Mr Chhimi Gurung, president of the Nepal Cycling Association intend to do it in 3. This will involve riding/running (carrying the bikes) for approx 12-14 hours a day, carrying everything we need and sleeping in teahouses along the trail. We could encounter snow on the pass and will be susceptible to altitude sickness due to the speed we will gain height on the way to the Thorong la pass.(although we will have acclimatized beforehand).

All money donated will go directly to cancer research as any expenses incurred during this attempt will either be paid for by myself or by companies directly sponsoring our record bid.

A blog of my training leading up to this attempt can be seen here and reports will hopefully be posted live on the web during the event