On Friday, I start the longest most ridiculous cycle I have yet done.

I'm going around 170 miles to Bristol.

TO BRISTOL.

I can't quite believe it but I've got it all planned.

My bikes not designed for touring.

It's aluminium, therefore stiff, unlike a more flexible steel frame.

But I got a rack and panniers from Ron Spencer in Orford, got some spare inner tubes, a good portable pump.

I even cleaned and lubricated the chain and gears for the first time.

The route is pretty simply.

The humble A49 through Stockton Heath actually goes almost all the way to South Wales.

I'll use that save for obvious short cuts, then take a couple of A-roads and over the Avon (at least I think it's the Avon!) and into Bristol (which is actually a very cycle friendly city).

I'm heading there because my girlfriend, the lovely Amy, lives there.

I'll be travelling light and hoping to stay in B&s/pubs/farms/fields/anywhere.

I've not much deia how long it will take. I'm guessing maybe four to six days.

It could be a fiasco.

I've still never changed a tyre. I'm still unfit. I'm still a practical incompotent.

I only bought my bike in January.

But come 1pm on Friday, like Captain Oates, I'm be going outside, and I maybe some time.