Training

Went out for my first training cycle yesterday with a reluctant Ems (see picture). The main aim was to ensure that my average speed estimate was okay and to test out the new kit. We hadn't even left the house and already the panniers were clipping my heels, so I moved them backwards only to find that they then occasionaly rubbed on the wheel. Next problem was that the compass went haywire. I suspected it was the close proximity to my mobile phone and sure enough it behaved itself once the phone was removed. Other niggles that I will have to look at this week include a creaking handlebar, clunking pedal, clipping on the stand, flapping mudguard and a dodgy connection on the trip computer. At least that's all for just now.

We managed the first run at an average of 10.5mph which is will be a fine speed for the JoGLE.

Another aim for the trip yesterday was to see if I could bag a few more Geograph squares along the route. What's a Geograph I hear you say. It's a Ordnance Survey sponsored website that aims to get at least one photograph for every 1 sqkm in Britain. Have a look at the website for more info. I managed to get another 5 sqaures and have planned to get some more soon on my training runs. There are a few I could get in Caithness at the start of the JoGLE, but I may have to go off the beaten track a bit to get them.

Kit

The rest of my equipment order arrived today and I think I've now got everything except the maps. As you can see the panniers are quite small, but this was deliberate because every ounce counts. Apart from a couple pairs of cycling clothes and clothes for the evening I won't be taking much else. So each night I'll have to hand wash that days clothes.

My bike already has kevlar tyres to help prevent punctures, but I bought a couple of new tubes with green 'Slime' inside them. Apparently the slime will self repair holes up to 1/8 inch. It's amazing what new technology can do. In my day all I had was one of those little puncture repair kits and a bucket of water. I really hope I don't need to use them. Touch wood.

Another purchase was a gel seat cover. These come in various thickness and I went for the thickest at 40mm. Along with my padded cycling shorts this should cut down on the bottom ache.

Gadgets

Those who know me, will know about me and gadgets, but on this trip space and weight are at a premium, so I've had to cut back as you can see from the photo. Only the bare essentials

1. A bell that doubles as a compass
2. A cycling computer for recording my speed and mileage
3. A video camera
4. and my mobile phone / MP3 player / camera / GPS and blogging, email, internet device

Along with all that and the front map bag I didn't have room left for the front light so it had to be moved down to the wheel. I would have really wanted to take my SLR camera because of the potential photo opportunities, but the N95 has 5 Mega Pixels with 8GB of RAM.

More Links

Accommodation

• CTC - Cyclists Welcome
• Hiker Biker
• B&B Review
• Stilwell

Other JOGLE (or LEJOG) blogs of note

• The Ultimate Links list of Lands End to John O'Groats Cycle Trips
  The most extensive list of links for JOGLEs and LEJOGs
• Lands End to John O Groats
  Another Blog with lots of JOGLE and LEJOG information
• JOGLE for The Alzheimer's Society
  Three guys doing a JOGLE at roughly the same time as myself
• Regies 2008 Solo Jogle
  Another fellow Jogler
• The Smiley Milers Jogle
  A group of 4 Joglers

Mapping

• Mapmyride
  Create & save maps using a Google Mashup. Can display calories, elevation data and export to GPX
• Bikehike
  Another Google Mashup, but also shows OS maps and gradients

Travel Links

• The Black Isle Ferry
  A break from the A9
• National Express East Coast
  You can book your bike online when you book your train tickets
• European Road Assessment Programme
  Check the Risk rating for road you maybe cycling on
• West Loch Lomond Cycle Path
  Welcome relief from the A82
• Clyde and Loch Lomond Cycleway Leaflet
  May help you get through Glasgow
• Sustrans
  Charity that co-ordinates the National Cycle Network

Books

• "Land's End to John O'Groats" by Phil Horsley
  Parts of my route is based on this book

Misc

• Geograph
  A project to photograph every 1km square of Britain

End to End

In June I'm planning to cycle from John O'Groats to Lands End. I used go on epic cycling tours around Scotland when I was a lot younger and by chance I found a JoGLE website the other day. This, and our cycling holiday in France last year reminded me how enjoyable cycling is and it gives me a way of getting fit again and raise money for charity at the same time. The most direct route is around 860 miles in length but in reality most people cover around 1000 miles by opting for quieter more scenic roads. The world record for cycling from Land's End to John O'Groats is 41 hours. However I think I'll aim for about 100 hours over a couple of weeks. So far I've decided on the date, direction and the charity, but I've still to sort out, the route, the gear, accommodation, travel and training. So not much to do :)

I'll be trying to raise money for 'Diabetes UK'. I don't have Diabetes myself, but I know many people who do. So if feel like sponsoring me, please use this link to donate.

Please check back regularly as I'll be updating this blog as I prepare and will be taking photos on the way which I'll post from my phone each day.