I know I know, it's been a week since I typed anything. Well training is going ... slowly ... and I've already had the offer of some chamois cream. Sounds, errr, necessary.

Fund-raising had another boost too which is good for the sore bits after my bike ride on Sunday.

I MUST get up to 20 miles poer day, 3 days in a row sby the end of August

Note to self

When cycling on a late balmy evening, stop eating midges and flys!

10 miles Sunday and, after a 9pm return from London tonight, a quick 4.5 miles to stretch my legs.

Ouch, ooooh, eeek

5pm GMT and just finished a 10.3 mile bike ride from home to Hillam village and back. Didn't even stop for a beer at the Cross Keys : )

Nathan (at Evans Cycle shop) told me the nerves at the 'base' of my bum would be sensitive and sore until I got used to being sat on a saddle. BOY IS HE RIGHT .... but my legs and cardio could have done the same again today so hopefully these new padded shorts will ease the strain and as I move through August I'll be able to knock-off a 20-mile ride, 3 days in a row. That's the aim anyway.

Corinne Bailey Rae eased the way today; love that talented woman's voice.

The start of a serious weekend !!

Well it's 8:43pm on Friday and I've just been out on the bike as I intend to test the durability of my bottom this weekend; gently but with determination.

I'm just back from an 8.4 mile (13.5kn) bike ride, with some headwind and a steady quarter-mile incline every circuit (it's a 1.2 mile route) and I have to say I can already appreciate the idea of trying to smuggle a vibrating massaging double cushioned saddle into Cuba. Got to do that and more though on Saturday and Sunday ..... and then probably soak my crotch in a bath of hot water and vinegar to toughen up the 'sensitive bits'.

I took my iPod with me and the second song I listened to was 'Soar' by Christina Aguilera (no not 'Sore') and I kid you not, the last song blasting out was 'It's Easier To Run' by Linkin Park!!!

Anyway just got to keep in mind the quote from the charity event website that says "And after 6 days of cycling your last day can be spent on a Caribbean beach, relaxing with fine dining and salsa dancing in the evening". Now that's all well and good but a travel book today reminded me that food is still rationed in Cuba.

This just gets better and better ha ha.

Surely a 'doh' moment at 6am this morning. The bike MUST measure km's not miles. Even at Level 8 and 94 rpm even I can't do 27mph.

Who do I think I am, Lance Armstrong?

27.3 miles tonight in just under an hour and a nice sponsorship donation today too; today is a GOOD day .... but it's only going to get better.

Someone joked today about joining me on the ride as well; we'll see. There did seem to be a wee twinkle in his eye at the notion.

Tomorrow will be tough given the aches that will surface from today as well as an hours weights session plus 30 more minutes cycling.

This weekend will be the first 'outdoor' test for a few hours on Saturday and Sunday. Double-gulp.

Phew ..... first training session over. It's now 2311hrs on Monday night and I'm just about ready to collapse but not before a good news/bad news update.

Good news - did 11.43 miles (~20km) in 30 minutes and then did a 50 minute weights session to start to build up the stamina and strength.
Bad news - I now know that in the morning I'll walk like a cowboy and feel like I've been wearing a hernia truss backwards, while riding a camel over a cobble street.

Good news - Already had donations of £275 in the first 24 hours; that's over 5%
Bad news - err which means I've got another £4725 to go.

Right, time for bed as up at 6am in the morning for work. I'll type again Wednesday or Thursday (but feel free to keep your eye on the running total)

The morning after the rush of blood

It's 1050 GMT and it is 't-minus no time at all .... and counting' to a cycle ride across Cuba. Over 350km in the baking heat of March.

I've sent over 200 texts and e-mails to friends, family, ex-lovers and business contacts to confess that I've either signed up for the biggest adventure of my life (or at least it comes a close second to parenthood) ...... or I think the heatwave in the UK has claimed another sane mind.

Question is, who will respond first; take that first click to donate? What if they don't, what if everyone waits for the next person to take the first step? What if they all donate 25p?

Of course there are bigger worries ahead; I have to train and HARD, I need to find an SPF 250+ for the 8 hours per day for 8 days I'll be cycling and, worst of all, I need to think of a way to smuggle enough Vaseline or baby oil through Cuban customs so I can treat saddle rash, without them stopping me on suspicion and throwing me in jail for some perversion therapy, all because they want to YouTube the court case of the crazy Englishman trying to persuade a judge it is all above board and normal!

Oh well, let the journey begin.