I have always harboured an ambition to do the end to end (it was on the same ticklist as 'market an original invention and learn to skydive') but until now have not really had the fitness to do it. When I turned 30, I disregarded the need to exercise and eat sensibly so have spent the last two years getting back to fitness and a sensible weight. I am slightly hampered by arthritus in my right knee but this is just mild aching, cycling is definitely the best exercise for me because there is a lack of impact.
I bought a Trek 6500 (Mountain bike) last year using the Bike Loan Scheme, this has been a good bike to commute to work on and also enjoy some trail races etc. I am bike fit but I need to get more hours in the saddle to condition myself for the relentless day after day cycling of the End to End. My bike is not exactly ideal for this kind of tour but it will have to do - I haven't got a spare grand knocking around to buy a tourer!
Training began 2 weeks ago (4th September 2011) with a hilly 40 mile ride followed by precisely no cycling in to work (14 miles each way) and no gym classes during that week. I did a hilly/windy 70 miles on Saturday just gone with no ill effects except the usual aches and pains. Looking forward to some more rides this weekend.
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