about The Bike

So what is the trusty steed I hear you ask (have been asked), and here it comes - the short reply.

My road buddy; a Giant SCR 2.0 - 2007 (the year is important apparently due to a change in the gears and cranks).

My own has got clipless pedals - click on the pic for a better view.. read on for spec.

Overview...

FRAME Fluid Formed ALUXX aluminium
FORK T700 carbon composite, aluminium steerer
BRAKES Dual pivot long reach
WHEELS Alex DA22 rims, Formula hubs
DRIVETRAIN Shimano Tiagra 27 speed STI and mechs.

WEIGHT 10kg (not the lightest).

about the techy prep.

This week saw the start of the serious training with two lots of two rides back to back and 270 miles covered in total. Mid-week also saw the arrival of the Garmin Edge 605; the GPS that would allow me to plot routes with ease and follow them without error, but alas.. only in my dreams.

Given that, in part, the purpose of the blog is to provide a record and add to the resource of info that I've plundered - I'll take this opportunity to advise that you don't buy a Garmin package with the City Navigator maps on a micro SD card - apparently some of the problems that I've experienced can be more easily sorted (nay avoided, if the package is with DVD). Either way though;

• Garmin's manuals are little more than labelling the buttons,
• Support (other than via blogs & chats) is none existant,
• There is a minefield of gpx, tcx and crs files to be mastered (beware if you're a technophobe),
• You may lose days to the trials of potential solutions (overcoming truncated routes & the inability to download or plot a route) and, although now up & running after a fashion, I still can't get directions for a downloaded route that I haven't yet ridden.. ie LEJOG. I can however follow a map of the downloaded route - thanks to various input but most notably http://www.mapmyride.com/ and www.etapevirgins2008.blogspot.com/2008/04/how-to-upload-course-files-to-your.html

On the plus side; I am now able to map proposed routes and will be getting all sorts of stats - like my first 'fastest speed' of 41.6 mph - yeah, obviously downhill (at Duncton nr Petworth, W. Sussex).

about The Ride

Land's End to John O'Groats in 11 days.

Approximately 1,000 miles - though the detail of the route is not yet clear - but having read the journals and blogs of other riders, and considering folks that can be met on route, I've decided to go via Liskeard, Tiverton/Taunton, Monmouth, Wem, Garstang (my nearest stop to Blackpool), north of Penrith, Larkhall/South of Glasgow, Bridge of Orchy, Drumnadrochit, Helmsdale.... from where... (if all goes to plan) I ride to John O'Groats.
Each of the places named is an anticipated stopping place but once the detailed route (and more importantly the mileage) is worked out, there may be a slight revision.

With the loss of my riding partner - to academia, inertia and no doubt better 'husbanding' than I'll be able to muster due to days on the bike (I refer to issues of time rather than physical damage) - I will be riding solo. Janet & co. will be doing a synchronized series of days out, so whilst not having back-up on hand I'll have company when off the bike. I am however happy to have folks join me for a 'stage' or to meet up in the evenings... if you want more detail re dates, speeds, etc. just let me know via a post or e-mail.

about Fanconi Hope

Fanconi Hope is a national charity set up by parents of children with Fanconi Anaemia.

So, what is Fanconi Anaemia (FA)? - that's an abbreviation not the answer!
FA is a rare genetic disorder that affects young children, leading to bone marrow failure and the need for bone marrow transplantation, with a very high risk of leukaemia and subsequent head & neck cancers.

Further information concerning FA can be found at; http://www.fanconihope.org/


Why should we all be interested in Fanconi Anaemia?

Although FA only affects a small number of children/families in the UK, the genes concerned, i.e. the ‘Fanconi pathway’, are of great potential importance for all. The Fanconi pathway is an important mechanism for keeping our DNA healthy and preventing cancers. The Fanconi pathway is often responsible for a cancer’s resistance to chemotherapy drugs.

Knowing how to manipulate the Fanconi pathway is likely to lead to better and more successful treatments for all cancers.

Donations/sponsorship can be made via the JustGiving link, above.