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THE STORY SO FAR.

Who am I?

For those that don't know me my name is  Barry Hewitt, obviously.  I'm 51 yrs old (but look 18). Well I looked 18 when I was 18? i am joined by my friend Mark Lillington, hes young and fit so i wont see much of him till the end.

What am I doing?

We are travelling from West London to Egremont in Cumbria, that's about 360 miles. How are we travelling there I hear you ask?

On a bike, yes I said a bike. That's one with 2 wheels and pedals... no engines for us. 

Why are we punishing ourselves?

we are punishing ourselves to raise much needed funds for the "Charlie and Kathleen Dunnery Childrens Fund".

What is the charity? What do they do?

CKDCF is a registered charity that raises money to fund children's health, wellness and educational needs in Cumbria.

Check it out at  www.ckdcf.org

What inspired me to do this?

I wouldn't say inspired, more like it's cheaper than getting the train. No, seriously, I was listening to Howie Fiddy doing his video blog about his marathon run and I thought why not do something that can make a difference. I can't run anymore, well never could really, so I thought CYCLE...and here I am, with mark of course. I never thought Francis would hold me to it but he has, bloody Catholics.

Training.....miles so far 1049

I've been assured that the training is the hardest part, I doubt it somehow. As of 19th september 2009 I'm in my 12th week (I think) of proper training and at the moment I'm doing about 120 miles a week.  That's broken down into three 10 mile time trials a week (time trials are going flat out at top speed over a measured distance) with a 20 mile more leasurely ride sandwiched in between. On Saturday I do a 50 mile ride and about 20 more leasurely miles on Sunday. And  if you've ever seen an uranghutan then you'll know what my backside looks and feels like.  As of this week I'm upping the Saturday ride by 5 miles every week...that means 55 miles next week, 60 miles the week after and so on until I reach 100 miles a day.  Then I will need to be able to do 100 miles on two consecutive days.  Bloody hell I'm gonna have a lay down just thinking about it.

Diet....

I've had to change my diet drastically of course. I'm not talking carbs, calories and all that rubbish. I now have 10 halves instead of 5 pints. ho ho bloody ho.

The Ride itself.....

we are hoping to be able to do this over 4 days.  i'll know more nearer the time but if i feel its too much we will add a day so it'll be done over 5 days.  one thing that may cause us to lose time is the weather. if its good weather we'll be fine, if its not it could ruin everything. we can cope with rain but my biggest concern is the wind.  strong headwinds are a cyclists biggest nightmare  if it is really windy its going to be hell.............start praying folks.

whatever happens we must  arrive in egremont on friday 23rd october,

So the intention is this... .

day one...100 miles

day two... 100 miles

day three... 80 miles

day 4... whatever is left, 70/80 miles

(this will of course change should i decide to do it over 5 days)

days 5, 6,7,8,9 and 10... sleep

The reality may differ somewhat, like this....

day one... get train to Carlisle

day two... get train from Carlisle to Egremont

days 3 and 4.... pub

day 4 evening.  Ride to the charity event pretending to be exhausted.

only joking