For starters, thanks for reading this far.

Why am I putting myself through a grueling 460km, 4-day challenge on a two-inch wide saddle?  On a bike with no springs? 

Lots of reasons;  First, I think this is going to be one of those 'road trip' experiences.  A good dose of sweat and tears.  (Hopefully no blood, but only two weeks ago I managed to part company with my bike trying for a PB on the curly-wurly slope into the basement car park at work...so you never know).  And because there'll be plenty of camarderie amongst new-found friends who have decided to put their stamnia and resolve to the test for this most noble of causes. 

Second, I want to prove that I can push myself beyond what I think I'm capable of.  Quadrupling the mileage of my daily commute feels like it should hurt. 

Third, I can't help but be electrified by the thought of cycling the final stretch towards the splendid Arc de Triomphe, alongside French police outriders on the Champs-Elysees with ne'er a 2CV or Renault 5 in sight, indeed not a single motor vehicle of any sort. 

Most of all though, to experience a little discomfort, temporarily, will surely help us all focus the mind on others through the ages that have sacrificed everything for their country and the freedoms we all take for granted.  As Camp Bastion is closed down, conflicts rage in the Middle East and in Eastern Europe, it's a reminder that our security and our way of life actually comes at a very heavy price.  It will be an opportunity to reflect on those who put themselves in harm's way and on those families in need of support, having made the ultimate scarifice for their country.  No doubt, pedalling down to Dover and into Northern France, I shall have some time to think about my late father passing through Radio and Telegraph training in Douglas in 1943 to go and serve in the Merchant Navy.  And also reflect on his his elder brother, a navigator on one of 106 Squadron's Lancasters, who died,  aged 20 on his crew's very first mission.  And reflect on Claire's late father and his 34 years in the RAF, serving in The Falklands conflict, in Bosnia and Iraq. 

I'm doing this because this is a good thing to do.

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Thanks

Clydie