Dear colleagues, friends and family

Thanks for all your support and encouragement in my preparations for my first "Coast to Coast." 

I have run the London Marathon,  the Great North Run, the Bristol Run and walked more than a few miles in blistering heat on the Camino in Spain but I've never managed to cycle more than the few miles to work.  Until now... 

 I've now got on my bike and decided to cycle 140 miles from coast to coast - from Workington in the Lakes, across the Pennines and then to Tynemouth in the North East.  In the wind and the rain and the sleet and probably in the snow and with more than a few stray sheep (and stray Geordies).  The journey will take me and my good friends Simon and Lee three days beginning on the 26th March (at least that's what we hope). 

My devoted coach (Bridget) and loyal fan base (Eloise and Katie) are confident that I am fully primed to do the ride. Eloise wanted to come along but can't get her stabilisers off and Katie wanted to bring her Upsy Daisy tricycle but has a 3rd Birthday party to attend.  Never mind.  They've promised to cheer me on from home. 

I've got all the kit (including gel pants - whatever they are) and will be head to toe in Lycra come Friday morning.  I can't possibly fail.

All money raised will go to The Bobby Moore Fund for research into bowel cancer.  This is a charity very close to my heart and I will be doing the ride in memory of my dad. I hope you are able to dig deep and I look forward to cushions on my seat when I return home.

Best wishes

Craig