Right!  In 6 weeks time, well Sunday 1st July to be precise, I will be enjoying breakfast in bed in a hotel in Paris.

The process of getting there will be slightly more involved.  The plan is to leave London the Friday evening before with 4 like minded loons and cover over 200 miles in under 24 hours.  In summary: Jack Bauer's average bad day but with fewer commerical breaks and greater saddle soreness.

Preparation started in January this year.  I've lost about 6kg of quality lard, forgotten the joy of weekend lie-ins, produced a cycling widow and experienced levels of numbess that shouldn't be spoken about in polite company.  As a friend put it: this is a ride testing both physical toughness and relentless stupidity.

I am raising money for the British Heart Foundation.  Please give generously.  I appreciate all your support and messages.  Cheers!