At last News Years Party I was chatting with a friend, Simon, and he told me that he intended to cycle from Newcastle to London in 24 hours to celebrate his birthday. If anyone could do it he could, but no - I wasn't interested in his kind invitation to join him. I mean, I'd be delighted to do something like a 10K run with him or, perhaps, cycle the Devon coast to coast - but Newcastle to London? Seriously? Do I look like a bloody idiot? I know my limitations!

Unfortunately Simon is no longer able to do the Newcastle to London ride, but I feel somehow that someone must. I don't know why I feel this - but I do. And it would appear that I do look like a bloody idiot, and my knowledge of my limitations is clearly rather sketchy.

So I've signed up to do the Newcastle to London in 24 hours, and I must now treat my body very nicely, with lots of water, fruit and veg, and exercise to get it into shape for the ordeal that I intend to subject it to.

24 hours is a nice aspirational target - but 28 hours might be more realistic for me (luckily, the organisers of the event don't seem to mind that slow-coaches will be riding).

Please note: I will be doing my very best to complete this ride - but I make no guarantees. If I fail to complete, I will not be offering a refund!