Of PTT (pre-tandem tension) and other matters

Only a week to go now until we catch the train down to the South West. We're both a little nervous but also very much looking forward to the challenge ahead. So this week we're not spending quite so much time on the tandem. Instead we're spending a great deal of time working out the absolute minimum quantity of items we absolutely must carry in our panniers. Style is being sacrificed to function, so glamorous evening wear is out. Some might say that's our usual style anyway, but that's neither here nor there.

The route is finalised, and if you have Google Earth you can click here to see it. If you don't have Google Earth, here goes:

Land's End, St Ives, Padstow, Wadebridge, Launceston, Okehampton, Crediton, Taunton, Wells, Radstock, Bath, Nailsworth, Gloucester, Ledbury, Bromyard, Tenbury Wells, Ludlow, Church Stretton, Shrewsbury, Ellesmere, Chester, Frodsham, Widnes, Whiston, Appley Bridge, Bispham Green, Eccleston, Preston, Garstang, Lancaster, Windermere, Grasmere, Keswick, Mungrisdale, Hesket Newmarket, Carlisle, Longtown, Gretna, Annan, Dumfries, Moniaive, Carsphairn, Dalmellington, Patna, Tarbolton, Stewarton, Barrhead, Glasgow, Balloch, Ardlui, Crianlarich, Tyndrum, Bridge of Orchy, Ballachulish, Fort William, Fort Augustus, Drumnadrochit, Muir of Ord, Dingwall, Tain, Dornoch, Brora, Helmsdale, Reay, Thurso, Dunnet Head, John o'Groats.

Sounds a long way when you put it like that! So this week we're watching the Giro d'Italia for inspiration, refining our packing list and covering the last few training miles before our tandem is shipped to Penzance. We'll be following on the train, and plan to start on May 23rd. Fortunately the weather has at last improved, and our recent outings have reminded us just how enjoyable cycling in the sunshine can be.

Finally, a big thank you to all those who have sponsored us at JustGiving. We're fast approaching our initial target, which is tremendously motivating. We will try to update this blog every evening during our trip, so watch this space...