Well that’s a good question. Could be something to do with my last few days of being 39. Could be to do with our first time ever away from the children since they were born, just the two of us, reliving the times when we cycle toured across Holland. Could be to do with a goal to make us get fitter. Could be we want to raise some money for a worthwhile cause. Could be because we relish the idea of cycling across hill terrain in the cold and driving rain, carring a load. Really? It’s all of the above, well except for the last one

Our Agenda (so far)

Tuesday 6th May: Drive to Penrith and for the night and park at B&B. Leave car here for the duration of the trip

Wednesday 7th May: Have arranged a lift off Landlord of B&B to Whitehaven (he’s happy to do it for cost of petrol). Means we can leave our luggage at the B&B for our stay on Wed night. Cycle back to Penrith. Approx 50 miles. Stay at same B&B.

Thursday 8th May: Penrith to Rookhope. Approx 40 hilly miles across the north Pennines.

Friday 9th May: Rookhope to Sunderland. Approx 45 miles. Cycle round to Newcastle (an additional 20+ miles as we’re going round the coast rather than main roads) to stay in Travelodge (Central) for the night.

Saturday 10th May: Morning in Newcastle, check out of Travelodge midday and catch train to Carlisle. Cycle from Carlisle to Penrith to pick up car and drive home.

That’s the plan anyway. I’m sure it will “evolve”.