Not long now....

It's been a little while since my last post - sorry about that. There are two reasons. Firstly, it's been a slightly quieter time on the cycling front, what with holidays etc. However, you will also have seen from the previous post that, unfortunately, Michael has had to pull out of the challenge due to personal reasons. We're both really disappointed about this, but I have made a commitment that,. no matter what happens, I will be in Death Valley on schedule trying very hard to complete the Cycle of Death!

In light of Michael's news, it should be said that, if anyone has any concerns about donations already made, please do contact me. The feedback so far is that those who have donated, or pledged to do so, wish to honour their commitment, but it would be remiss of me not to give you all the opportunity to consider your position. I hope, however, you will all be willing to see it through with me.

...anyway enough of that!

Cycling first - I did the London to Brighton Overnight ride on 4 September 2011. It was really great. I was pretty apprehensive as it was the first serious amount of miles I've done for some time. In fact, it represents just one of teh five days' worth of cycling in Death Valley. So it was important for me not to just finish in a respectable time, but also to get on my bike the next day and get some more miles under my belt.

We started in Semley Place in London at Midnight and I arrived (in the top 10%) 4hours 58 mins later. I am pretty pleased about this as I did stop for about 20 mins in Copthorne and also spent the best part of an hour going slowly behind other riders whose lights were much more effective than mine in the heavy fog! I am doubly delighted that I destroyed Ditchling Beacon. It was a fantastic feeling to get to the top and think 'I could do that again'.

After a rest in Brighton whilst we all watched other cyclists finish, it was another 15 or so miles home, which turned out to be a welcome warm down.

Whilst I knew London to Brighton would be fine, I was a little concerned about a ride a next day. Still (and despite the rain), I got another 20 miles done and came away feeling much more relaxed about Death Valley - no real stiffness or soreness, but ok, yes, a bit of chafing....!

So good news really - I'm going to keep up the training and I'm reeeeally looking forward to the challenge itself!

The other big news is a spike in donation to the Starr Trust! I've written a load of letters, hassled a load of people and called in a load of favours. However, with around £800 coming in or pledged within the last 10 days, I'm nearly at the £4,000! I'm so overwhelmed at the response and support from everyone. In particular, thank you to: Sawyer & Co, Limpio Office Solutions, @AuroraProperty, @WhitlockHeaps, @DarkStarBrewing, Pembroke Financial Services, Austin Gray, Shoreham Port, Clickcover.com, the CPJ Field family and Michelle Tanner. I'm doing regular updates and I'll shotly have photos of me with bike with a Death Valley jerseys with supporters logos on it. Any suggestions for the base colour?

Catch up soon!!!