October / November update

So following my training failure in September, October turned out to be a much better month. I managed 139 miles over 6 rides. I also did 28 miles of rowing.

Unfortunately, I've not done any rides in November (very wet and cold). I have done 21 miles of rowing (with still 3 days to go). I can't see this getting much better in December.

Planning to route has started. I've currently mapped out the route from John O'Groats down to Warrington (about half way). At some point (probably when I've finished), I'll upload the route onto the blog.

In planning the route, I've used a combination of the CTC routes (free if you join), "Land's End to John O'Groats: The Great British Bike Adventure" by Phil Horsley, and Piemanpete's blog. I also used a combination of Google Maps (very easy to use and share with others) and BikeRouteToaster.com (very good for working out which route is is more hilly!). BikeRouteToaster also allows you to download the routes in a variety of formats for importing into devices (e.g. your Garmin) or other sites. I've also been using some of the tools from GPSBabel to merge routes or convert them into other formats.

So, roll on December (probably more indoor training) and the planning for the rest of the trip.

Here at last... as in joining the blog!

I'm here ... at last! I finally found time to sort our my Google account etc. and can now check out what you're all doing - rather than just getting the stock "go read the blog" answer when I ask.

Nothing much to blog about yet. Didn't ride today (bit icy!) but will hopefully be out on my MTB tomorrow for a few hours around the Cotswolds.

I'll start work on the kit/spares/clothing/stuff list at some point and will post when it's in a reasonable form.

Cheers for now. Trevor.

No excuses!

Thanks too much haranguing and nagging, mainly from Trevor the bike is now set up indoors so I have no weather excuses to get out of training:)