An idea flickers into life, a message is sent and a flight is booked. 

All of a sudden you realise you've committed to cycling 50 miles for 15 days on a laden bike. With one rest day. 

We're both amateurs, and although we enjoy the odd jaunt at the weekend and a sportive here and there, this will be a challenge. And thats why we're so excited to do it! 

And we're extra excited to do this because we'll be raising money for the Imperial College Healthcare Charity. 

This amazing cause raises funds for research and projects at Charing Cross, Hammersmith, Queen Charlotte's & Chelsea, St Mary's and Western Eye hospitals. Their current projects include the 'More Smiles Appeal' for the children's intensive care unit at St Mary's and the Major Trauma Centre Appeal.

Claire works at Hammersmith Hospital, this is a charity very close to her heart. Showing us your support through donations will not only have an amazing impact on patients at these hospitals and help them continue their great work, but will also get us through the harder days, when our bums hurt and our legs are tired.

We'll be travelling to Budapest on the 14th April, cycling 800 miles east along the banks of the Danube to Basel, where we'll jump on a train back to London. If we had more time we'd just carry on, but alas, we're curtailed by annual leave. Shame that.

We'll pass through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany and Switzerland, lots of cities with stunning architecture, endless beautiful countryside. And ducks, many ducks. 

So its going to be tonnes of fun, but tough. We hope to camp most nights and will carry a tent, 2 sleeping bags, 2 sleep mats and all our clothes and other kit between us. We've also decided to do the route in reverse, meaning its a gradual uphill all the way, and we'll likely be cycling into the wind the whole way. Can't wait.

We'll keep you updated with our training and preparation, and welcome any advice you can offer. Free stuff is also welcome.

If you want to join the crew please get in touch, we have many positions available. Lucy is Helmsman - in charge of route planning and navigation. Claire is Bosun - in charge of kit and packing, we're going minimalist! 

Thanks for your support.

Claire Salter and Lucy Plumridge 

a.k.a Salt&Plum 

a.k.a Slum

#TourdeSlum2017 #Budapest2Basel