The following day brought the realisation of what had been agreed and that there were precious few weeks to prepare.

A period of 'training' ensued where important tales of distances covered over a week-end were swapped on a Monday morning.

Sponsors were engaged for transport and accommodation and individual charities chosen, and again sponsorship obtained.

Our departure on the Monday teatime was in a mood of trepidation and self-doubt.   Would we achieve it?.......Who would drop out first?...Did Austin Mitchell really injure himself a week before the ride?....or did he 'know' something?

Despite an horrendous storm on the motorway, and difficulties in finding the hotel we arrived safely in Hamilton