Sometime in 2005, a group of friends discussed the possibility of taking on the Land’s End to John O’Groats Cycle challenge. Initially, there were various levels of enthusiasm and commitment from those involved. After all, who would be mad enough to take on such an endeavour? However, the death of Laurel Brown provided the motivation for some of the team to make the commitment and for the serious planning to begin.

Our plan is to complete the journey over 10 days. Although the most direct route is less than 900 miles, this involves travelling on major roads for most of the route. Like most others, we plan to avoid some of the worst routes and take some scenic alternatives where not too painful! Our “planned” route therefore will probably be more like 1000 miles, i.e. we need to complete about 100 miles per day to finish on schedule. Our trip starts on Thursday 20th April in Land’s End and if all goes to plan, will finish on Saturday 29th April in John O’Groats.

WHO ARE WE?

Our team consists of four cyclists (Andy Clarke, Phil Gardener, Mark Batterbury and Lawrence Brown) plus support (Jamie). Mark, Phil and Lawrence all live in Wilmslow Cheshire. Andy also used to live in Wilmslow until recently when he took a new position in Poole, Dorset.

So have we ever done anything like this before? Are we serious cyclists? Well Andy, Mark and Lawrence together undertook the infamous “Coast to Coast” cycle ride from Whitehaven to Tynemouth a couple of years ago. This was a 150 mile journey, 50% off-road over three days. Tough enough at the time, but a brief excursion compared to this challenge.

TRAINING

At the outset, Mark (Team Trainer) published a punishing training schedule. Having read various internet blogs on the subject, it is clear that you can find a training recommendation to match your desire rather than the need. True to form, Mark went for the need! The response from the team members has been mixed. Phil has been cycling before and after work on the turbo trainer plus cycling to and from “The Outlaws” in Liverpool – true dedication. Mark & Lawrence have been concentrating on building up longer and longer Saturday and Sunday rides of 80 miles plus, almost achieving the original Batterbury Training Plan. Mark even gave up his Manchester United season ticket seats in recent weeks – not really a great hardship in my opinion! And Andy? Well Andy has taken the opportunity to cycle to and from work when possible and has cut down on the drinking, but there are only so many Rugby Tour weekends you can give up! Andy by the way is the official Team Dietician (so he tells us).

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

When not actually cycling, much time has been spent at the weekends at Rick Greens cycle shop in Handforth, stocking up on equipment, getting essential bike maintenance etc. We are indebted to the free advice and support offered by Paul and Rick. In our opinion, the service provided at Rick Green’s is second to none. Their website can be found here.

ROUTE

The “Plan” is to complete approximately 100 miles each day. We will try to minimize the distance, but we also want to avoid some of the busy main roads. Equally, we are aware that taking the “Scenic” Option often means taking the Hilly route, so we want to avoid that too. As we have Jamie with us and a support vehicle, we plan to book accommodation (typically B&Bs) only a day or two in advance. The idea is that we set our selves a target for each day, but if we do more or less, Jamie will drive us from where we stop to the night’s accommodation and drive us back again in the morning for the continuation! All good in theory!

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