The Planning

Shortly after the C2C, I found myself browsing the internet for ways to cycle End-to-End.  I knew that I couldn't expect Bob to drive support vehicle!  He had driven as support for the C2C, along with a few others, and was a very welcome sight with his box of chocolate bars and boot full of energy drinks.  He'd even driven as a windbreak for a couple of stragglers suffering at the end of day 1!  But End-to-End was an ask too far.  And there's no way I could do this unsupported.

So, I needed to find a company who run supported trips.  There's lots out there on the internet.  Some run big groups over a week or 9 days, which would be around 100 miles a day or more.  Not sure I'm up to that.  Others run trips over 2 weeks under canvas to keep the cost down, but although I fancied a challenge, I do like to have a real bed to sleep in, and would much prefer to have a roof, so they were quickly discounted.  I eventually settled on Peak Tours, a company based in Glossop, who run a 2-week "cycling holiday", fully supported, and averaging 75 miles a day - do-able, I think.  Their route passes close by our house on day 9, so I arranged to spend a morning in their support van last July, to get a feel for how the trip is run, the type of folk who run it, and the type of person who takes on this challenge.  I liked what I saw.

So now I just had to make a case to Bob for leaving him alone with the house and the business for 2 weeks whilst I pursue my mid-life crisis, spending quite a lot of money on a selfish persuit, and buying a new bike and all the gear I'd need, some of which I may not use again.  Needless to say, he was all for it!  Not sure he fully understands why I'd want to, but he's right behind me, even though it means he'll be a cycling widower throughout my training, as well as for the ride.  Deposit paid in August, and the date set for 10th May - now I can stop thinking about it, and just get on with it!

www.justgiving.com/JanesBigTrip