Well just over a week to go before the start of this year's big challenge. Feeling good and all final preparations falling into place. Meeting with the support crew on Saturday then just relax with a few steady rides until the day. Can't wait!

Settled in to our room, bikes and kit checked. Been down to check out the start so very sorted. Only problem is we have to wait till 7 for dinner, I'm starving

A big thank you to me helpers at our first Tesco's bag packing day. Thanks to Ellie Freeman, Lauren Smales Megan Greig, Wendy Clarke (Greig), Jodie Harker and my wonderful wife Tina.

Sat in reception waiting for the coach to pick us up for the airport then we are on our way home after a great week of cycling. will upload photos when at home later.

Been to watch the Mallorca Iron man and got soaked. Those men and women are amazing. Rest day for me before more climbing tomorrow.

Sitting by the bar waiting for everyone to get back from picking their hire bikes up efore heading out on first recee ride. 50 miles planned on 20 degrees. Happy days!!!

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I have always had a taste for adventure.  When I heard about Mark Beaumont's epic ride I decided that I needed to do this myself.  Mark's ride was the 516 mile North Coast 500 route, none stop on a bicycle. 

Last year alone I rode the coast to coast of England (152 miles), the coast to coast of Wales (211 miles), Etape Eryri in Wales (226 miles) and Newcastle to London (312 miles).  All rides were completed none stop.

Of course with these rides completed I asked myself "what's next".

My plan for this year is to do one main event with numerous others planned as build up rides.  I will be going up to Scotland in March to recce the ride and will be posting regular blogs and updates on my Facebook (www.facebook.com/Johnsnorthcoast500ride) and Twitter (@musza7) pages.

With the ride planned, my wife Tina suggested the I should do it for a charity.  We live in close proximity to an amazing children's hospice, Bluebell Wood and it was an easy decision to make. 

Having recently visited them and being shown around, I am now even more sure that they are the right people to raise money for and raise awareness of.  It costs 4 million pounds a year to run the hospice so any money I raise will be a small contribution to this amazing charity and all of the good work they do to help the children, young adults and their families who benefit from this special facility. 

Please do what you can to support me and this amazing charity.