Why

Why Land's End to John O'Groats (LEJOG)?
Why now?
Why on my own?

LEJOG

I've done some longer distance cycle touring before, and enjoyed it. That was over 20 years ago, when I toured Portugal and the Colorado Rockies with my boyfriend then. We carried everything with us, camping in a two-man tent and cooking on a Trangia stove. Craziest of all, we both rode on mountain bikes with knobbly tyres - we thought it made sense on the steep mountain roads.

I'm no longer particularly interested in foreign travel, having done too much of it in my career. I also don't like what air travel does to the environment. So, staying in the UK attracts me for several reasons.

Land's End to John O'Groats is one of the key cycling challenges that keen British cyclists undertake. There is no set route, so you have to decide your own. That also means there's no set distance. I've decided to use Sutrans' National Cycle Network routes as much as I possibly can, as that will take me on quieter roads and traffic-free cycle paths. I can hold my own in heavy traffic, but much prefer the peace and quiet of side roads and cycle paths. Unfortunately, this makes my route longer than usual, and Sustrans tell me it should be around 1,200 miles. That's before I get lost, circle around trying to find my campsites, and take detours to shops and pubs.

2013

Since getting more involved with cycling again, I've noticed how much it benefits my well-being as well as general health and fitness. I turn 50 in September 2013, and wanted some time and space to consider my life and how I want to live it from now on (yes, all part of a classic mid-life crisis). Cycling alone helps me think things through, and cycling alone for at least 1,200 miles should give me plenty of time to get stuff sorted in my head.

I've had a great life so far, blessed in many ways. I don't want my next 50 to be the same, however. Cycling LEJOG solo symbolises several aspects of my life that I want to be different as I move forward:

• More time outdoors (and less inside in offices and training rooms and at computers);
• Higher levels of health and fitness (and less yo-yoing between strong, firm muscles and flabby couch-potato body);
• Greater contentment and happiness (and less striving for more success / promotion / possessions).

Solo

There are lots of organised LEJOG trips and groups, where your luggage gets carried for you, accommodation is booked, and the route is pre-decided. Most of these complete the journey in 2 weeks, with a few doing it in 3 weeks. You ride in a group of strangers and have ride leaders ensuring you stay on route and any mechanical problems get fixed.

No thanks.

These organised groups tend to cost quite a bit of money (often several thousand pounds). I've already spent quite a bit of my savings on a high quality touring bike and don't want to blow the rest on one trip.

I don't want to spend my 50th birthday with a bunch of strangers who I may not actually like all that much. I'd almost certainly have to share a room with someone too, and whilst I've done that plenty of times before on organised cycling holidays, it's not what I want to do this time.

I don't want to have to cover 100 miles a day for a fortnight. I wouldn't have time to notice the countryside I was travelling through or stop awhile to take some photos. I also don't believe I'm fit enough to be able to do this, anyway.

I don't want to compromise on anything. Some cycling friends have expressed interest in joining me on the trip, but there's always been something they'd want to do differently - staying in B&Bs instead of camping, taking less time, doing it at another time of year. I'm only 50 once, and I want to do this exactly as I want to.

I will have some support for part of the trip, but I'm unsupported for the first two weeks. That means I'll be hauling a very heavily-laden bike over the hills of the South West, up the edge of Wales, and across the Lake District. I'll be carrying my tent, sleeping bag and mat, stove, clothing, toiletries and food. I'll meet my brother in Carlisle, where he'll then support me with my VW campervan for the rest of the journey.