I've known friends that have taken this trip over the past few years and raised thousands of pounds by doing so whereas I've been happy to sit and watch and put my hand in my pocket to donate. Now I've hit FIFTY I thought it was time to get off my arse and do something myself.

So I've upgraded by bike, taken off the stabilisers and will be donning lycra all in the name of this very important cause. I'm sure there will be falls, scrapes and I know that saddle is going to play havoc with my piles but seems like a small price to pay!

So please dig deep.... between us we can smash this thing!