“My training has gone fairly well, aside from a couple of close encounters with over eager tractor drivers!! I began cycling around a year ago and completed the Loch Ness Etape in May, a 67 mile route around Loch Ness. I got a bit lazy after that and it wasn’t until a “friend” suggested I might fancy a bigger challenge that I considered the 102 mile Etape Royal. I really wished I had begun training earlier and for longer as in the last month I have only managed to train twice a week. However, last weekend I did a solo 71 mile cycle around Moray and it felt ok, single minded determination is the key. Having said all that I have some huge reservations about the route of the Etape Royale. We reach the bottom of “The Lecht” after cycling for 80 miles so I am very apprehensive about that climb, it’s bad enough driving up it!!

Still, I do like a challenge and knowing that I am raising money for such an amazing cause will be what keeps me going when it starts to get uncomfortable, very uncomfortable.

I have had great words of encouragement from my friends and most of my family although my wife says this has to be the last time I sign up for this type of thing. My various cycling companions have been a constant motivation as are my “strava” friends who offer unconditional cyber support”.