Four years ago at this time I rode London to Amsterdam.  Many things have changed over four years including that I'm now in much better shape to tackle hills. Handy as there is getting on for 10 miles of height gain to climb up on the LEJoG route.  Yes there is also 10 miles to come down but the two definitely do not cancel out.

Last long training ride today - 70 miles around the Chilterns including one or two proper hills - there aren't any in London. Lovely weather and nice people to ride with too. Just a couple of shortish rides next week to stop my legs seizing up before heading off to Cornwall.

One week to go before I take the train to Penzance.  I'm ready.  Bike is clean and serviced, I have a pile of Lycra for all weathers and plenty of spare inner tubes and patches - don't mention the p-word.

I've covered over 2,500 miles since the end of April and know every inch of Richmond Park clockwise and counter-clockwise.  Can't wait to get started although not looking forward to all those hills in Cornwall.

Essential items to keep me pedalling.

Plenty of carbs for when there are no shops.  Spare tubes, patches and a tyre just in case. Spare brake pads - there's a lot of hills and that means a lot of holding onto the brakes for dear life when descending.

Lube for the bike and the white tub is lube for me - to reduce friction between me and my shorts!