Training done. Ridiculous amount of kit bought and packed. Bike ready for shipping. Blog started. It can only mean one thing: we’re little more than a week away.
Next Friday myself and two of my oldest and bestest friends – step forward Geoff Curtis and Andrew Bailey – will embark on what is likely to be the greatest physical challenge any of us has ever attempted: cycling from John O’Groats to Land’s End in just 16 days. Our planned route will take us the length of Britain via back roads, country lanes and cyclepaths – the small matter of 1050 miles. We’ll ascend over 58,000 vertical feet, twice the height of Mount Everest. And we’ll no doubt go through industrial quantities of Sudacrem in a bid to beat the saddle sores. Yikes.
But, for me at least, this is not just a physical challenge. Last February, my sister Mary and her boyfriend Pete were killed in a cycling accident in Thailand. It was a tragic end to a 19-month adventure that had taken them, by bike, from their home in Guernsey to the other side of the world – a cycling odyssey of over 24,000km through 24 countries. They were hit by a careless driver in a pick-up truck. It’s been a heartbreaking 16 months.
I cycle every day – as someone who only started driving in their 30s it’s been my primary mode of transport for most of my life – but getting back on the bike after their accident was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I felt vulnerable. I had panic attacks. One time I burst into tears on the roadside. But I wanted to reclaim cycling for myself, as something to enjoy rather than something to be feared; something positive, not something tragic. So I promised myself I’d take the trip I’d always talked about doing with Mary and Pete once they’d returned from their grand adventure: John O’Groats to Land’s End.
To a certain extent their deaths have provided me with something of a watershed moment. It’s encouraged me to grasp opportunities when they come up. To see more people I’ve been meaning to catch up with for ages. To not take friends and family for granted. Most of all, it’s taught me that life is for living. Their own journey – documented in the amazing blog twoonfourwheels.com – as well as the way they embraced life’s possibilities, is an ongoing inspiration.
And so for me this is as much a spiritual journey as it is a physical one. I’m riding both in memory of Mary and Pete, and because they have inspired me to get out and see something of the world. And if we can raise a little money along the way for a good cause (more about that in my next post), then so much the better.
Roll on next week.
Lifecyclist.co.uk 
Hooraaahh…! Anxious yet excited (I think), and your words regarding Maz and Pete are, as always, emotional mate. I can honestly say that the obstacle that I’m most dreading is the fact that there is going to be 3 of us in one tent. But then again why didn’t you say that there’s a mountain twice the size of Everest…?
Hey Ben, hugely inspiring words as ever, The very best of luck for your epic journey and what could be a true test of friendship, but I am sure you will all get through it. I wish I was with you for all of it, but would love to try and join you for some of it. I’ll be in touch before you go.
All the best guys,
Martin
Eloquent and inspiring Ben. Enjoy the adventure through our beautiful country.
We will be with you in spirit every bit of the way. M &J x x
16 days! Are you out of your mind!! Looking forward to seeing you as you roll through the north of England! Best of luck to you all!!!
The very best of luck guys………there will be fun times, great times and tough times……keep in mind why each if you are doing this and you will get through it. Let me know when you pass through North Somerset what supplies you need and I’ll grab some time off work, jump on my Honda and spend the night in my bivvy with you
Lovely words mate. Good luck to all of you.
You’re gonna have an ass like a broken cat flap when this is done 😉
Good luck BT! Thinking of you from Miami! Beautiful words. You are all going to do amazingly. Enjoy the adventure 🙂 x
Good luck boys!
Truly inspiring 🙂
Xxx
Good luck to all of you. Will be thinking of you and look forward to seeing you in Cornwall. Stay safe. Bean X
Looking forward to the first blog from the road! Good Luck Boys, stay safe!
Best of luck guys, huge respect for you all. Massive challenge both physically and emotionally. Enjoy every minute. See you in Bristol for some West Country cider. Sels
Must be painful now ! Much admiration for you all Mum Bailey
Thanks Mrs B! Still feeling pretty good, although we have the Lake District to tackle tomorrow so all bets are off! Fingers crossed x