With little training but lots of lycra, Ben and I are hoping to span this great land of ours in a mere fortnight (sadly, all the time we could get off work).  We realise it's a very long way, not necessarily all downhill and largely into the wind but we relish a challenge.   We'd like to think of ourselves as pushbike versions of Ewan MacGregor and the other one but without the carbon emissions, camera crew and lucrative book deal.

Not being too interested in Stephen Fry's bowel movements, we're yet to join the Twitterati but we hope to keep our lovely supporters abreast of our antics on our dedicated Facebook super-site.

I've chosen to back the Bath charity Send a Cow because it gives people hope through sustainable farming.  It doesn't literally shove bovines into postboxes but Send a Cow sorts do buy cattle, goats, sheep and bees over in Africa to help the very poor make a start in life.  They'll train people to keep cows, make compost and grow organic vegetables to help them become self-sufficient.  What's more - the newly-trained farmers will then pass on a share of their harvest to another poor family so your gift keeps growing.

Given that our pedalathon is likely to be somewhere in the region of a thousand miles - I'd love to try to raise a cool grand for them.  Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, it makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation. 

Thanks a thousand for your support.