I’m still slightly struggling to wonder how I signed myself up to cycle around 85 miles a day from Lucerne to London in mid-summer. Like many I enjoy a bit of sport – I’ve had a go at a few charity rides and runs and swim a bit, but this one is “the big one” for me. A whole week on a bike, day in day out with some pretty massive climbs thrown in for fun. Am I scared? Yes terrified. But determined to do it too.

My inspiration came from watching the riders who set out from Canterbury Cathedral five years ago to cycle to Rome. I was working at the cathedral at the time and followed their progress with awe. Not long after I invested in my first bike and got into the saddle. I came out of it several times too as I became accustomed to cycle shoes that clip into your pedals and don’t release before you hit the ground. It’s often more than your pride that is wounded.

I was welcomed into the Canterbury Velo Club who’ve all shown remarkable patience with their newer members who struggle to keep up on our long Saturday rides around the east Kent countryside throughout the year. I’m still slower than most but the great camaraderie and the promise of beans on toast at a cafe mid-way round keep your legs turning.

I now think nothing of cracking in 50 miles on a Saturday although I still wince at the sight of a hill (not a strong point) so the mountains are going to be tough.
My training has increased this year. Regular trips out on the bike, circuits at Fowlmead, spinning classes and sessions with the wonderful Denise at the gym who berates me for having weak legs! I always feel that I should be doing more but with a full time job at Canterbury City Council and a young family, life is generally pretty busy. But with just a few weeks more until D-day (departure day) the pressure is on.

There’s still plenty to do, stuff to buy and maps to pore over. I just wish there were more than 24 hours in a day.