Having set June 8 as the starting date for our end-to-end challenge Warren and I had a few decisions to make.

Which way? Against all common sense including the direction of prevailing winds and that all the toughest hill climbs are in Cornwall, we decided to start in John O’Groats because heading south seems like it’s going downhill.

How? After concluding a support vehicle was not an option because we didn’t know anyone who wouldn’t keep driving past laughing at us - we opted to book hotels each night and travel unsupported.

Training? We worked out the amount of extra calories we would need for the ride was roughly equivalent to 200 pints of lager (or cider for Warren) each.

We began working on our new high calorie diet while I searched for a more suitable set of wheels than my old mountain bike.

It soon became clear reliability is a major requirement in a bike for a trip like this so the hunt was on for a new machine geared up for touring.

After endless internet and shop searches I opted for a bike by well-known maker Dawes that was due for delivery in early April.

As my new bike’s arrival drew near my excitement grew - only to be shattered by a phone call just days before I was to collect it, to say my chariot was not going to turn up and was probably in a freight container in China.

This was a blow but a few days behind schedule would not be a problem, then I was told the earliest new delivery date was May 20.

“Too late” I said so, after another trip into my ever-emptier wallet, a substitute bike was ordered which only had to come from Nottingham and arrived within a week.

My new steed seemed splendid and all was well with a month to go, training rides included bigger distances and we were gaining valuable experience and knowledge (including that bikes go faster when the brakes are not stuck on).

Then, while playing a game of touch rugby, I locked a joint in my back and was left almost totally immobile.

And I got the ‘flu.

Industrial strength cold remedies and the healing hands of Stourbridge osteopath Pete Rees repaired my battered body and I was back on the road.

With just days to go before we head north to begin our long journey south I wonder if we have done enough preparation to see us through.

I am however sure this adventure began the moment we decided to take on this journey and without the support of my family and friends it would be over already.

As it is, I am not sure how this story will end but out of respect for all those who have helped, advised and donated to our chosen charity we will give it our best shot.

And this blog is where the story will be told.

Please donate to our chosen charity, Dementia UK.

Click on the link below to visit our Just Giving page. Thank You

http://www.justgiving.com/Warren-Evans1