Test runs

Over the last month, I have now completed two Gibraltar to Yorkshire test cycles. Dress re-hersals if you want to call it that! Tho obviously nothing on the scale of what Gibraltar to Yorkshire will be.

But i've got out on the bike to do a multi day tour making use of all the equipment that will be used on the actual ride.

The first ride took from Torreguadiaro up to Jimena, Ubrique, Ronda, Gaucin, Ubrique to Torreguadiaro again. 240km of mountains! Enduring temperatures hitting the high 40s. Most importantly wild camping in hidden spots away from the road.

The second ride took me to unknown territory. Driving north to Puerto Serrano, and then cycling across the Via Verde to Olvera, then continuing onto Almargen. Then North to Ecija. Down to Marchena and to Puerto Serrano. Covering 240km in two days also.

Start and finish line of the second ride.

Both rides were amazing in their own way. Both full of ups and downs.

Finding wilcamping spaces can be somewhat difficult. In the mountains, theres a lot of protected wildlife reserve areas. Which means a lot of fences. On the relatively flat areas between Almargen and Ecija.. Its farmland, with farm houses and little places to hide. However on both occasions I did do a succesful wildcamp without being detected or disturbed. Well except I was informed the next morning I was in a military zone just outside Osuna! Ooops! "Have you been camping?" "Me??? Camping??? nooooooo!! I just went down to take a picture of the lake!"

A lovely sunrise all to myself in the middle of nowhere in my own camping spot.

One amusing highlight, I was cycling through a small town. It was feria season. (party time) I cycled down a road that was actually closed off to cars, as they had stalls up and burger stands etc. There were a load of kids washing the streets down with hosepipes and buckets of water. Being a cyclist.. I'm an obvious target for their fun!! Being hosed down and having buckets of water thrown on me was actually very very nice considering it was 41c!! "Bueno! Bueno!!" I shouted! :) They thought it was great! Ahh it gave me a great smile, and a much needed cool off! Tho they guy throwing the bucket needs to improve his aim!!

Climbing back up to Puerto Serrano. Its hot, its extremely muggy, away from the coast, there is no air. Once again its 42c. But at least it was cloudy. Then i felt it.. spots of rain! OMG Rain!! Those spots felt good... I shouted up to the heavens "RAIN!!! you B**stard!! RAIN!!!"

One of the most difficult aspects of cycling alone, is confidence. I'm in my prime when im sat peddling on the bike. But I know I also have to converse with other people. Never easy as it is with language barriers. I also, have to ensure that I eat food. Plenty of it. Which is difficult for two reasons. The first being general self consciousness sitting in a bar by myself. I have never been good at doing that. The second being. After so much excersise, its difficult to actually eat. On trip 2. I had stopped at a petrol station, grabbed a sandwich and really struggled to eat it. Feeling extremely sick afterwards for forcing it down.

Keeping the food intake going, is perhaps the most important aspect of a long distance cycle tour. Just as ensuring your car has fuel. I am the engine to the bike. I just dont like sitting in bars and restaurants by myself. The amount of decent take away food available in Spain is very minimal. To have a meal, you have to go to a bar.

Everything is important. Even sleeping. Working to actually sleep well helps recharge the batteries better ready for another full day in the saddle.

Having only had time to do two multi day trips, which only involved cycling 2 consecutive days means that I will be setting off for Yorkshire, with absolutely no experience of cycling 5, 10, 15, or 20 days in a row day after day. I have absolutely no idea how mind and body will cope with that, until I actually do it.

The publicity this event has got, has given me the drive and determination to succeed no matter what. Failure is not an option. It is not a consideration. But obviously knowing that many eyes are on me, watching this, is of course is stressful. I couldnt bare the embarassment of failing. But thats a good thing. That and just imagining the thought of joy of succeeding will get me to Yorkshire.

After those two day trips. Even during the tough parts. I had no negative feelings towards this event. I am nervous, but that is buried deep under a hell of a lot of excitement!

A long road awaits....