Sailing and the sea have always been my passion. As an RYA Yachtmaster Instructor I have taken part in 8 Air-Sea rescue live practice sessions, often in atrocious conditions, and utilising various RNLI vessels/aircraft. I have always come away in awe of their skill and precision. To maintain this service requires both dedication and funding.

After many years living aboard a yacht I am now "beached" ashore in Lessingham. While looking for a new outdoor interest I was introduced to cycling by a close friend. Much like sailing it requires close attention to weather and navigation. So at 67 years of age, I came rather late to cycle touring and although I am not particularly fast I love the open air and freedom it offers.

As the CoVid restrictions are easing many people in our immediate area are suffering job loss and hardship. To try to help just a little, I will be cycling Coast to Coast from Lands End to Cart Gap, Happisbugh, Norfolk via Ness Point at Lowerstoft, the furthest-most points West & East to raise money for the RNLI & local charities.

This 650+ mile ride follows the National Cycle Network, as far as possible, and will commence in early September. The route is definitely not the most direct but should certainly be very scenic with plenty of challenging hills.

Riding 30-50 miles a day, I hope to have plenty of time for sight-seeing along the way, while camping overnight wherever possible will also increase the fun. I anticipate taking 18-20 days depending mostly upon the weather and where I can find suitable campsites.

I hope to keep friends up-to-date on my progress via TWITTER (@ontutbike) and I will be including a few photos where I can. You can also follow me on STRAVA.COM to see each day's ride as it happens. My GPX tracks will be available to anyone who wants to try the route for themselves in the future.

I am riding a Merida Silex Gravel bike which should cope well with the 25 Kgs of kit I will be carrying. It seems to be nearly all camping and repair gear with just a few spare clothes shoved into any available gaps. Amazing how it all adds up. I'll add my packing detail on the Twitter feed.

This is the first long distance ride I have attempted so wish me luck and PLEASE HELP where you can.

Thank You

TWITTER @ontutbike STRAVA.COM: peter cavanagh