Thanks for visiting my JustGiving page.

 In the words of Simon 'Our Tune' Bates, this is my story....

A few months ago, I was taking part in a quiz at the village hall (such is the rock 'n' roll lifestyle of Barford).  Naturally, I'd had a glass or three of Shiraz (just to be sociable...) when a team member casually mentioned that he was planning to cycle from Land's End to John O'Groats ('LE-JOG').  My helpful suggestion that he do it the opposite way round, as it's downhill all the way (OK, five glasses...) fell on deaf ears.

I think the critical point was when he mentioned his new £2,500 Trek bike. Carbon fibre, weighing about as much as a sparrow's chuff.  You get the picture.

Rising to the bait (I was 11 when I bought my one and only new bike) like a salmon to a fly, I expressed vague interest.  And, to cut a long story short, here I am.

The ride will take ten-and-a-half days, form July 24 to August 3, covering around 1,050 miles.  Even I can work out that's 100 miles a day....  In this case, 'challenge' is a genuine fact, not a bit of corporate word bingo.

The ride is in memory of fellow Barford resident Graham Lees, who was killed tragically in 2008 by a motorist during his second LE-JOG cycle ride.  That's a genuine tragedy, Snr. Ancelotti, not the possibility of Chelsea failing to win the Premiership......

For intimate details (not for those of a sensitive disposition) of how my preparation for this feat of endurance is going, visit http://barfordiancycle.blogspot.com

We're raising money for CRUK, which Graham also supported.  So, whether you're impressed, sympathetic or simply know how important CRUK's work is, please throw something in the electronic bucket below.  And if you need any further persuasion, Barclays (my new employer) will generously MATCH YOUR DONATION.  What further incentive do you need?

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to Cancer Research UK and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, while saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Ian