Many of you will already know that I have been training for the last 4 years to complete the 1948 Tour de France, cycling 3000 miles over 21 days around France.

Obviously, this dream has now had to revert to a Plan B as a result of Covid-19. I want to ensure my training doesn't go to waste, and that I can find a positive from the unfortunate change of events.

I have now decided to cycle 'Teacake's Tour Plan B' (my cycling mates will get the teacake reference). This will involve cycling the daily mileage of the 2020 Tour de France route from my house over 21 stages between 4th and 26th July.

The stages will be: 

4th July 106 miles, 5th July 118 miles, 6th July 123 miles

7th July 98 miles, 8th July 114 miles, 9th July 119 miles

10th July 104 miles, 11th July 87 miles, 12th July 96 miles

13th July Rest day, 14th July 106 miles, 15th July 104 miles

16th July 135 miles, 17th July 119 miles, 18th July 122 miles

19th July 109 miles, 20th Rest day, 21st July 102 miles

22nd July 104 miles, 23rd July 104 miles, 24th July 99 miles

25th July 22 miles Mountain Time Trial, 26th July 76 miles 

Total 2156 miles

I feel I should use this opportunity to raise money for Lancashire Mind as I have seen the heartbreaking effects of mental illness and suicide on the lives of several of my friends in my cycling and working life. I would like to raise awareness of mental wellbeing, and feel Lancashire Mind can put donations to good use to support those in our community.

If you feel able to donate to this worthwhile cause, I would hugely appreciate it.