Thank you Ray Hollywell

Thank you very much to one of dads old friends from Wrexham for the kind donation. Thank you Raymond Hollywell

Thank you

Thank you so much Karen XXX

Thank you

Thank you so much to Del & Colin XXXX

All by myself !!!!!

I just wanted to thank everyone for saying they would support me and come along for a short way of the journey especially nearer home in Shropshire but I have to do this solo and unaided by anyone else as I have told the charities that I am doing it this way and I would hate for anything to happen to anyone else. This aspect really worries me and I also want to look back on it in future and say I did this personal challenge solo. So thank you but I will be all by myself.....

Thank you so much

Thank you so much to Andy & Gwen Scotson XX

2 WEEKS TO GO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It is nearly 20 years since my dad died and I am doing this ride for him.
I am riding from Lands End to John O Groats, about 900 miles unaided & solo over 8 days.

Monday 20th of June is the start date.   2 WEEKS TO GO !!!!!! GULP !!!!

Please donate here: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RichardOwen

I will be raising money for these 3 charities.

Hope House Children's Hospice http://www.hopehouse.org.uk/home.html

Awe inspiring work by these care professionals.

This is from their website to let you know more of the wonderful work they do.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hope House Children's Hospices - Hope House at Oswestry and Tŷ Gobaith at Conwy - provide care and support to life-limited children, young people and their families from Shropshire, Cheshire, North and Mid Wales.

A range of services is offered, including respite and end-of-life care at the hospices and/or within the family home, and support such as counselling, advocacy and the promotion of children, young people's and carers' rights.

Children, young people and family members are welcomed into a friendly, homely environment, with the child or young person at the centre. The support offered includes physical, psychological and spiritual care from a team including experienced doctors, nurses and other care professionals. Support is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The service offered is informal, but always professional. Staff at Hope House Children's Hospices respect the cultural and spiritual beliefs and backgrounds of all ethnic groups and take steps to ensure care is accessible and acceptable to all service users, staff and the wider community. We are fully committed to the reality of diversity and wish to support all who need us, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, class or age.

Bereavement support is offered to all children, young people, family members and others involved with the family. This is according to the family's wishes and continues for as long as needed. Bereavement support and counselling is also offered to families in the wider community who have lost a child through any illness or trauma. This support can also be given to children and young people who have experienced a death of someone close in traumatic circumstances.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Help For Heroes http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/

We are so proud of and love our armed forces, this charity is a support for the heroes who need that bit more than others with what they have had to cope with.

This is from their website to let you know more of the wonderful work they do.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Our mission is to deliver an enduring national network of support for our wounded and their families. We will inspire and enable those who have made sacrifices on our behalf to achieve their full potential.

In the 12 months leading up to March 2015 we have helped over 4,000 Veterans and military personnel - and their families - through our network of Recovery Centres.

The war in Afghanistan may be over, but for those who have suffered life-changing injuries, their battles are just beginning.

We've estimated that, of the 220,560 individuals deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq between 2001 and 2014, up to 75,000 servicemen and women (and their families) may need our support in the future. We will not let them fight these battles alone.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kenyan Schools Project http://www.kenyanschoolsproject.co.uk/

A local husband and wife team who do inspirational work for young people in Africa. They raise money and get sponsorships for schools and orphanages in Kenya. They help build, equip and restock the educational needs of children whose only wish in life is to get an education.

This is from their website to let you know more of the wonderful work they do.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We are a husband and wife team (Bill & Lynn Morris) who travel to Kenya twice a year to help young children and babies in schools and orphanages in Kenya. Since 2004 we have raised over £80,000, donated everything from desks and scholastic equipment to electricity and new classrooms! For more information about what we have done, check out the history page or to see how to donate, watch the video.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Please donate here: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RichardOwen

I will keep posting on this blog of stories of the training and preparation leading up to the day.

Thank you so much

Wish me luck !!!

Rich xx

In the news..

Thanks a million to Geraint Jones of the Evening Leader...

Thank you Jack

Thank you to Jack Moult, my cycling buddy for the donation...

Thank you

Thank you so much to Mike Thomson & Hugh Battersby for your kind donation

3 weeks to go !!!

It is nearly 20 years since my dad died and I am doing this ride for him.
I am riding from Lands End to John O Groats, about 900 miles unaided & solo over 8 days.

Monday 20th of June is the start date.   3 WEEKS TO GO !!!!!! GULP !!!!

Please donate here: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RichardOwen

I will be raising money for these 3 charities.

Hope House Children's Hospice http://www.hopehouse.org.uk/home.html

Awe inspiring work by these care professionals.

This is from their website to let you know more of the wonderful work they do.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hope House Children's Hospices - Hope House at Oswestry and Tŷ Gobaith at Conwy - provide care and support to life-limited children, young people and their families from Shropshire, Cheshire, North and Mid Wales.

A range of services is offered, including respite and end-of-life care at the hospices and/or within the family home, and support such as counselling, advocacy and the promotion of children, young people's and carers' rights.

Children, young people and family members are welcomed into a friendly, homely environment, with the child or young person at the centre. The support offered includes physical, psychological and spiritual care from a team including experienced doctors, nurses and other care professionals. Support is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The service offered is informal, but always professional. Staff at Hope House Children's Hospices respect the cultural and spiritual beliefs and backgrounds of all ethnic groups and take steps to ensure care is accessible and acceptable to all service users, staff and the wider community. We are fully committed to the reality of diversity and wish to support all who need us, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, class or age.

Bereavement support is offered to all children, young people, family members and others involved with the family. This is according to the family's wishes and continues for as long as needed. Bereavement support and counselling is also offered to families in the wider community who have lost a child through any illness or trauma. This support can also be given to children and young people who have experienced a death of someone close in traumatic circumstances.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Help For Heroes http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/

We are so proud of and love our armed forces, this charity is a support for the heroes who need that bit more than others with what they have had to cope with.

This is from their website to let you know more of the wonderful work they do.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Our mission is to deliver an enduring national network of support for our wounded and their families. We will inspire and enable those who have made sacrifices on our behalf to achieve their full potential.

In the 12 months leading up to March 2015 we have helped over 4,000 Veterans and military personnel - and their families - through our network of Recovery Centres.

The war in Afghanistan may be over, but for those who have suffered life-changing injuries, their battles are just beginning.

We've estimated that, of the 220,560 individuals deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq between 2001 and 2014, up to 75,000 servicemen and women (and their families) may need our support in the future. We will not let them fight these battles alone.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kenyan Schools Project http://www.kenyanschoolsproject.co.uk/

A local husband and wife team who do inspirational work for young people in Africa. They raise money and get sponsorships for schools and orphanages in Kenya. They help build, equip and restock the educational needs of children whose only wish in life is to get an education.

This is from their website to let you know more of the wonderful work they do.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We are a husband and wife team (Bill & Lynn Morris) who travel to Kenya twice a year to help young children and babies in schools and orphanages in Kenya. Since 2004 we have raised over £80,000, donated everything from desks and scholastic equipment to electricity and new classrooms! For more information about what we have done, check out the history page or to see how to donate, watch the video.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Please donate here: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RichardOwen

I will keep posting on this blog of stories of the training and preparation leading up to the day.

Thank you so much

Wish me luck !!!

Rich xx

Thank you

Thank you so much to Marguerite & Ron XX

Thank you

Thank you so much to Stuart Ralphs and Ellie XX

Thank you

Thank you so much to Andy & Gaynor Jasper

4 weeks to go !!!!!!!

It is nearly 20 years since my dad died and I am doing this ride for him.
I am riding from Lands End to John O Groats, about 900 miles unaided & solo over 8 days.

Monday 20th of June is the start date.   4 WEEKS TODAY !!!!!! GULP !!!!

Please donate here: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RichardOwen

I will be raising money for these 3 charities.

Hope House Children's Hospice http://www.hopehouse.org.uk/home.html

Awe inspiring work by these care professionals.

This is from their website to let you know more of the wonderful work they do.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hope House Children's Hospices - Hope House at Oswestry and Tŷ Gobaith at Conwy - provide care and support to life-limited children, young people and their families from Shropshire, Cheshire, North and Mid Wales.

A range of services is offered, including respite and end-of-life care at the hospices and/or within the family home, and support such as counselling, advocacy and the promotion of children, young people's and carers' rights.

Children, young people and family members are welcomed into a friendly, homely environment, with the child or young person at the centre. The support offered includes physical, psychological and spiritual care from a team including experienced doctors, nurses and other care professionals. Support is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The service offered is informal, but always professional. Staff at Hope House Children's Hospices respect the cultural and spiritual beliefs and backgrounds of all ethnic groups and take steps to ensure care is accessible and acceptable to all service users, staff and the wider community. We are fully committed to the reality of diversity and wish to support all who need us, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, class or age.

Bereavement support is offered to all children, young people, family members and others involved with the family. This is according to the family's wishes and continues for as long as needed. Bereavement support and counselling is also offered to families in the wider community who have lost a child through any illness or trauma. This support can also be given to children and young people who have experienced a death of someone close in traumatic circumstances.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Help For Heroes http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/

We are so proud of and love our armed forces, this charity is a support for the heroes who need that bit more than others with what they have had to cope with.

This is from their website to let you know more of the wonderful work they do.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Our mission is to deliver an enduring national network of support for our wounded and their families. We will inspire and enable those who have made sacrifices on our behalf to achieve their full potential.

In the 12 months leading up to March 2015 we have helped over 4,000 Veterans and military personnel - and their families - through our network of Recovery Centres.

The war in Afghanistan may be over, but for those who have suffered life-changing injuries, their battles are just beginning.

We've estimated that, of the 220,560 individuals deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq between 2001 and 2014, up to 75,000 servicemen and women (and their families) may need our support in the future. We will not let them fight these battles alone.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kenyan Schools Project http://www.kenyanschoolsproject.co.uk/

A local husband and wife team who do inspirational work for young people in Africa. They raise money and get sponsorships for schools and orphanages in Kenya. They help build, equip and restock the educational needs of children whose only wish in life is to get an education.

This is from their website to let you know more of the wonderful work they do.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We are a husband and wife team (Bill & Lynn Morris) who travel to Kenya twice a year to help young children and babies in schools and orphanages in Kenya. Since 2004 we have raised over £80,000, donated everything from desks and scholastic equipment to electricity and new classrooms! For more information about what we have done, check out the history page or to see how to donate, watch the video.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Please donate here: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RichardOwen

I will keep posting on this blog of stories of the training and preparation leading up to the day.

Thank you so much

Wish me luck !!!

Rich xx

Thank you Joy

Thank you so much to Joy Payne,  you got us to the £500 mark so thank you.

Thank you

Thank you so much to Ian & Vicky Land for your very kind donation.

One month today !!!!

It is nearly 20 years since my dad died and I am doing this ride for him.
I am riding from Lands End to John O Groats, about 900 miles unaided & solo over 8 days.

Monday 20th of June is the start date. ONE MONTH TO GO !!!!!! GULP !!!!

Please donate here: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RichardOwen

I will be raising money for these 3 charities.

Hope House Children's Hospice http://www.hopehouse.org.uk/home.html

Awe inspiring work by these care professionals.

This is from their website to let you know more of the wonderful work they do.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hope House Children's Hospices - Hope House at Oswestry and Tŷ Gobaith at Conwy - provide care and support to life-limited children, young people and their families from Shropshire, Cheshire, North and Mid Wales.

A range of services is offered, including respite and end-of-life care at the hospices and/or within the family home, and support such as counselling, advocacy and the promotion of children, young people's and carers' rights.

Children, young people and family members are welcomed into a friendly, homely environment, with the child or young person at the centre. The support offered includes physical, psychological and spiritual care from a team including experienced doctors, nurses and other care professionals. Support is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The service offered is informal, but always professional. Staff at Hope House Children's Hospices respect the cultural and spiritual beliefs and backgrounds of all ethnic groups and take steps to ensure care is accessible and acceptable to all service users, staff and the wider community. We are fully committed to the reality of diversity and wish to support all who need us, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, class or age.

Bereavement support is offered to all children, young people, family members and others involved with the family. This is according to the family's wishes and continues for as long as needed. Bereavement support and counselling is also offered to families in the wider community who have lost a child through any illness or trauma. This support can also be given to children and young people who have experienced a death of someone close in traumatic circumstances.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Help For Heroes http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/

We are so proud of and love our armed forces, this charity is a support for the heroes who need that bit more than others with what they have had to cope with.

This is from their website to let you know more of the wonderful work they do.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Our mission is to deliver an enduring national network of support for our wounded and their families. We will inspire and enable those who have made sacrifices on our behalf to achieve their full potential.

In the 12 months leading up to March 2015 we have helped over 4,000 Veterans and military personnel - and their families - through our network of Recovery Centres.

The war in Afghanistan may be over, but for those who have suffered life-changing injuries, their battles are just beginning.

We've estimated that, of the 220,560 individuals deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq between 2001 and 2014, up to 75,000 servicemen and women (and their families) may need our support in the future. We will not let them fight these battles alone.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kenyan Schools Project http://www.kenyanschoolsproject.co.uk/

A local husband and wife team who do inspirational work for young people in Africa. They raise money and get sponsorships for schools and orphanages in Kenya. They help build, equip and restock the educational needs of children whose only wish in life is to get an education.

This is from their website to let you know more of the wonderful work they do.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We are a husband and wife team (Bill & Lynn Morris) who travel to Kenya twice a year to help young children and babies in schools and orphanages in Kenya. Since 2004 we have raised over £80,000, donated everything from desks and scholastic equipment to electricity and new classrooms! For more information about what we have done, check out the history page or to see how to donate, watch the video.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Please donate here: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RichardOwen

I will keep posting on this blog of stories of the training and preparation leading up to the day.

Thank you so much

Wish me luck !!!

Rich xx

Thank you Joan & Natalie

Thank you so much to Joan & Natalie Barlow for your very kind donations xx

Why When Where and How...

It is nearly 20 years since my dad died and I am doing this ride for him.
I am riding from Lands End to John O Groats, about 900 miles unaided & solo over 8 days.

Monday 20th of June is the start date. FOUR WEEKS ON MONDAY !!!!!! GULP !!!!

I will be raising money for these 3 charities.

Please donate here: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RichardOwen

Hope House Children's Hospice http://www.hopehouse.org.uk/home.html

Awe inspiring work by these care professionals.

This is from their website to let you know more of the wonderful work they do.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hope House Children's Hospices - Hope House at Oswestry and Tŷ Gobaith at Conwy - provide care and support to life-limited children, young people and their families from Shropshire, Cheshire, North and Mid Wales.

A range of services is offered, including respite and end-of-life care at the hospices and/or within the family home, and support such as counselling, advocacy and the promotion of children, young people's and carers' rights.

Children, young people and family members are welcomed into a friendly, homely environment, with the child or young person at the centre. The support offered includes physical, psychological and spiritual care from a team including experienced doctors, nurses and other care professionals. Support is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The service offered is informal, but always professional. Staff at Hope House Children's Hospices respect the cultural and spiritual beliefs and backgrounds of all ethnic groups and take steps to ensure care is accessible and acceptable to all service users, staff and the wider community. We are fully committed to the reality of diversity and wish to support all who need us, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, class or age.

Bereavement support is offered to all children, young people, family members and others involved with the family. This is according to the family's wishes and continues for as long as needed. Bereavement support and counselling is also offered to families in the wider community who have lost a child through any illness or trauma. This support can also be given to children and young people who have experienced a death of someone close in traumatic circumstances.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Help For Heroes http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/

We are so proud of and love our armed forces, this charity is a support for the heroes who need that bit more than others with what they have had to cope with.

This is from their website to let you know more of the wonderful work they do.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Our mission is to deliver an enduring national network of support for our wounded and their families. We will inspire and enable those who have made sacrifices on our behalf to achieve their full potential.

In the 12 months leading up to March 2015 we have helped over 4,000 Veterans and military personnel - and their families - through our network of Recovery Centres.

The war in Afghanistan may be over, but for those who have suffered life-changing injuries, their battles are just beginning.

We've estimated that, of the 220,560 individuals deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq between 2001 and 2014, up to 75,000 servicemen and women (and their families) may need our support in the future. We will not let them fight these battles alone.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kenyan Schools Project http://www.kenyanschoolsproject.co.uk/

A local husband and wife team who do inspirational work for young people in Africa. They raise money and get sponsorships for schools and orphanages in Kenya. They help build, equip and restock the educational needs of children whose only wish in life is to get an education.

This is from their website to let you know more of the wonderful work they do.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We are a husband and wife team (Bill & Lynn Morris) who travel to Kenya twice a year to help young children and babies in schools and orphanages in Kenya. Since 2004 we have raised over £80,000, donated everything from desks and scholastic equipment to electricity and new classrooms! For more information about what we have done, check out the history page or to see how to donate, watch the video.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Please donate here: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RichardOwen

I will keep posting on this blog of stories of the training and preparation leading up to the day.

Thank you so much

Wish me luck !!!

Rich xx

Thank you Mike

Thanks a million to Mike Dovaston for your kind donation....

Thank you Ray !

Thank you to Ray Purcell for your kind donation.

Food parcels

It is the strangest feeling posting things to myself at different places around the country.

See you lot in Bovey Tracey (Devon), Nailsworth (Gloucestershire), Lancaster, Sanquhar (somewhere between Carlisle & Glasgow), Tyndrum (somewhere deep in midge country near Loch Lomond ) & Culbokie ( near Inverness)

Off they go .......

Letter of authorisation...

Boring but essential info for anyone raising money, get one of these to let everyone know you are legit if shaking a tin in open...

Please donate by clicking here >>>>> THE LEJOG 2016 DONATIONS WEBSITE

Recce to the Runcorn Bridge !!!

I had some free time and as I was a bit worried about how to get over the Runcorn Bridge I thought a quick little recce was a good idea. I knew I would have to tackle it on Day 4 out from Ellesmere up to Lancaster.  So I thought why not have a run out and back to have a look and overcome my worries. It was also a good 90 mile round trip to top up the training.

Yesterday was a gorgeous day although the wind was blowing south so it was a bit of a struggle. I am so praying for a Northerly wind in June !!  The route is lovely all the way to Frodsham but there it starts to get very urban and the traffic is 10 times what I am used to. I normally love the road up to the bridge as we do this early morning on the way to Liverpool airport for a holiday so it is quiet and you have that pre-holiday feeling of excitement and anticipation.  Not quite what I felt yesterday though.  It was not quiet at all as at 1pm the traffic was horrendous.

The road towards the bridge is under reconstruction so I used the unused lane for the workmens vehicles. I had to dodge a few large potholes and debris but it was OK.

Stupidly I thought there was a cycle path up the northern side of the Runcorn bridge as on google maps it looks like a walkway but the reality is it is just an 18 inch step that I quickly realised was not for bikes or humans.  It was also littered with hub caps, pieces of wire, broken glass and all sorts of detritus from cars and lorries.  Coupled with the constant windrush of cars,trucks, buses and HGV vehicles whizzing past at 40-50 miles an hour I quickly realised I was in trouble.  I could not go back as it was effectively a motorway. So I edged forward trying to get to the other side as quickly as possible whilst holding onto the bridge side. Next thing I knew just as I got to around halfway a police car pulled up alongside me and 2 police wound the window down and said " You lost pal, I will stop the traffic, get on the road and get off at the next junction OK !"  I have no idea why but I said, " I am so sorry, I went the wrong way, I am from Shropshire !"  I might even have added an extra twang to my words to show them what a stupid idiot I had been.  He probably thought I was from a rural little town where everybody knows each other and you can ride your bike anywhere you want!  He was spot on if he did.

Guess what, on the other side of the bridge I found a cycle path and walk way !!!!  It took me an hour to get to grips with how to get to and from it but it was worth every second to make life easier on the 23rd June when I do that days ride.

At least all ended well, I got home and thanked the person or persons watching over me and also thankful I did this trip as doing the same thing 5 weeks from now would have been a nightmare.

Please donate by clicking here >>>>> THE LEJOG 2016 DONATIONS WEBSITE

40 days to go !!!!

With 40 days to go I want to try and get the fundraising going and promoted a bit more and the lovely people at Help For Heroes have kindly donated 200 wristbands and 100 lapel pins for me to sell so I would like to ask if anyone would like some for themselves or why not even buy a few to sell on to friends and family.

Please donate by clicking here >>>>> THE LEJOG 2016 DONATIONS WEBSITE

OR

If you would like to hand over cheques/cash/etc then let me know by emailing me at lejog2016@rwowen.plus.com   and we can work out a way to do this so the money goes straight to the charities. I have sponsor forms available for all 3 charities and you can choose where it goes and get a proper receipt for it also. Please remember to always tick the gift aid box if you are a UK taxpayer as this means your money is topped up by HMRC bless them !!

Here are the lovely giveaways and some being worn by some people you may recognise.

The famous signposts !!!

I have good news and I have bad news.  The bad news is the signpost that everyone has photos under and the guy who took the pictures at JoG is nae longer there. Apparently he retired last year and they could not get a replacement so the company who owns the land sold it to developers and now all that is there is a permanent sign. (That is the good news) At least they don't take it down and pack it away like they used to.

The one at LE is still owned by Courtwood Photos but is only manned for pics from 9:30 am and I will hopefully be nearing Liskeard 50 miles up the road by then.  So my £10 picture of me with a personalised sign photo will sadly not happen.  As the guy said on the phone, " You can always do a selfie"

Scottish Beasts !!!

Just a couple of things to update as I prepare. All I am up to at the moment is training by doing regular rides of between 25-50 miles.  I am not sure if doing really long rides is going to be of any great use as I want to be feeling really ready and full of energy and kind of in need of a really long bike ride by the time I head to Lands End.  Sometimes after a patch of no cycling you build up the desire to get on your bike and cycle until your legs drop off so I am trying to manage this until 19th June !

In researching the end to end I have heard mention many times about a mystical creature that lives near water along the west coast of Scotland !!!  Travellers have told of many instances of spotting them along the way. Some have never seen it but those that have tell stories that will make your hair stand on end and your nightmares will never quite be the same again.  I am not talking about the Jabberwocky, Medusa or the Loch Ness monster either !!!

I am talking about the most deadly, infectious, evil of beasts ever to be allowed to be called one of god's creatures..................

The Scottish Midge !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

For anyone thinking of doing the end to end, seriously consider this and beware. Just google Scottish midges and you will see what I mean.  Do not underestimate them.  It is even said that the Scottish tourism  economy suffers quite badly because of the little blighters !!

I went for a full health scan on Monday (blood, heart ECG, cholesterol, etc) and the nurse told me all about a guy who did the ride last year and they had to admit him to hospital because of the midge bites he was so ill.

Don't panic though as there are some ways to help you.  One funny article recommended holding a citronella candle whilst riding but I don't think it would be a good idea myself. You would have to stop every mile to relight the damn thing. 

The best remedy I have found online is Avon Skin So Soft Dry Oil Body Spray with Jojoba & Citronella.  Trust me the online feedback is amazing.  The midges must really hate the stuff.  If it doesn't work I will be bitten to hell but have skin so soft I won't really care.

Why, when, where and how to donate....

It is nearly 20 years since my dad died and I am doing this ride for him.

I am riding from Lands End to John O Groats, about 900 miles unaided & solo over 8 days.

Monday 20th of June is the start date.  SIX WEEKS TODAY !!!!!!    GULP !!!!

I will be raising money for these 3 charities.

Please donate here: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RichardOwen

Hope House Children's Hospice http://www.hopehouse.org.uk/home.html

Awe inspiring work by these care professionals.

This is from their website to let you know more of the wonderful work they do.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hope House Children's Hospices - Hope House at Oswestry and Tŷ Gobaith at Conwy - provide care and support to life-limited children, young people and their families from Shropshire, Cheshire, North and Mid Wales.

A range of services is offered, including respite and end-of-life care at the hospices and/or within the family home, and support such as counselling, advocacy and the promotion of children, young people's and carers' rights.

Children, young people and family members are welcomed into a friendly, homely environment, with the child or young person at the centre. The support offered includes physical, psychological and spiritual care from a team including experienced doctors, nurses and other care professionals. Support is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The service offered is informal, but always professional. Staff at Hope House Children's Hospices respect the cultural and spiritual beliefs and backgrounds of all ethnic groups and take steps to ensure care is accessible and acceptable to all service users, staff and the wider community. We are fully committed to the reality of diversity and wish to support all who need us, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, class or age.

Bereavement support is offered to all children, young people, family members and others involved with the family. This is according to the family's wishes and continues for as long as needed. Bereavement support and counselling is also offered to families in the wider community who have lost a child through any illness or trauma. This support can also be given to children and young people who have experienced a death of someone close in traumatic circumstances.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Help For Heroes http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/

We are so proud of and love our armed forces, this charity is a support for the heroes who need that bit more than others with what they have had to cope with.

This is from their website to let you know more of the wonderful work they do.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our mission is to deliver an enduring national network of support for our wounded and their families. We will inspire and enable those who have made sacrifices on our behalf to achieve their full potential.

In the 12 months leading up to March 2015 we have helped over 4,000 Veterans and military personnel - and their families - through our network of Recovery Centres.

The war in Afghanistan may be over, but for those who have suffered life-changing injuries, their battles are just beginning.

We've estimated that, of the 220,560 individuals deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq between 2001 and 2014, up to 75,000 servicemen and women (and their families) may need our support in the future. We will not let them fight these battles alone.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kenyan Schools Project http://www.kenyanschoolsproject.co.uk/

A local husband and wife team who do inspirational work for young people in Africa. They raise money and get sponsorships for schools and orphanages in Kenya. They help build, equip and restock the educational needs of children whose only wish in life is to get an education.

This is from their website to let you know more of the wonderful work they do.
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We are a husband and wife team (Bill & Lynn Morris) who travel to Kenya twice a year to help young children and babies in schools and orphanages in Kenya. Since 2004 we have raised over £80,000, donated everything from desks and scholastic equipment to electricity and new classrooms! For more information about what we have done, check out the history page or to see how to donate, watch the video.
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Please donate here: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RichardOwen

I will keep posting on this blog of stories of the training and preparation leading up to the day.

Thank you so much

Wish me luck !!!

Rich xx

Thanks Rob (The best delivery man in the world)

Thank you so much to Rob the Weston delivery man. You are a wonderful dude and no wonder everyone around here loves you !

Just a reminder of why I am doing this.

It is nearly 20 years since my dad died and I am doing this ride for him.

I am riding from Lands End to John O Groats, about 900 miles unaided & solo over 8 days.

Monday 20th of June is the start date.

I will be raising money for these 3 charities.

Please donate here: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RichardOwen

Hope House Children's Hospice http://www.hopehouse.org.uk/home.html

Awe inspiring work by these care professionals.

This is from their website to let you know more of the wonderful work they do.
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Hope House Children's Hospices - Hope House at Oswestry and Tŷ Gobaith at Conwy - provide care and support to life-limited children, young people and their families from Shropshire, Cheshire, North and Mid Wales.

A range of services is offered, including respite and end-of-life care at the hospices and/or within the family home, and support such as counselling, advocacy and the promotion of children, young people's and carers' rights.

Children, young people and family members are welcomed into a friendly, homely environment, with the child or young person at the centre. The support offered includes physical, psychological and spiritual care from a team including experienced doctors, nurses and other care professionals. Support is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The service offered is informal, but always professional. Staff at Hope House Children's Hospices respect the cultural and spiritual beliefs and backgrounds of all ethnic groups and take steps to ensure care is accessible and acceptable to all service users, staff and the wider community. We are fully committed to the reality of diversity and wish to support all who need us, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, class or age.

Bereavement support is offered to all children, young people, family members and others involved with the family. This is according to the family's wishes and continues for as long as needed. Bereavement support and counselling is also offered to families in the wider community who have lost a child through any illness or trauma. This support can also be given to children and young people who have experienced a death of someone close in traumatic circumstances.
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Help For Heroes http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/

We are so proud of and love our armed forces, this charity is a support for the heroes who need that bit more than others with what they have had to cope with.

This is from their website to let you know more of the wonderful work they do.
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Our mission is to deliver an enduring national network of support for our wounded and their families. We will inspire and enable those who have made sacrifices on our behalf to achieve their full potential.

In the 12 months leading up to March 2015 we have helped over 4,000 Veterans and military personnel - and their families - through our network of Recovery Centres.

The war in Afghanistan may be over, but for those who have suffered life-changing injuries, their battles are just beginning.

We've estimated that, of the 220,560 individuals deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq between 2001 and 2014, up to 75,000 servicemen and women (and their families) may need our support in the future. We will not let them fight these battles alone.
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Kenyan Schools Project http://www.kenyanschoolsproject.co.uk/

A local husband and wife team who do inspirational work for young people in Africa. They raise money and get sponsorships for schools and orphanages in Kenya. They help build, equip and restock the educational needs of children whose only wish in life is to get an education.

This is from their website to let you know more of the wonderful work they do.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We are a husband and wife team (Bill & Lynn Morris) who travel to Kenya twice a year to help young children and babies in schools and orphanages in Kenya. Since 2004 we have raised over £80,000, donated everything from desks and scholastic equipment to electricity and new classrooms! For more information about what we have done, check out the history page or to see how to donate, watch the video.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Please donate here: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RichardOwen

I will keep posting on this blog of stories of the training and preparation leading up to the day.

Thank you so much

Wish me luck !!!

Rich xx

Thank you so much

A simple Thank You sometimes doesn't quite get over the emotion of those two simple words but Maggie Quinn THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.

New kit for the ride..

Thanks to a very kind sponsor (me) and possibly more ???

If any company donates to the charity £75 or more they can have their logo on the shirt forever alongside my eternal thanks !!  Print run is in 2 weeks time. Please let me know if anyone is interested. Remember all your money goes to Hope House Children's Hospices, Help For Heroes & the KenyanSchools Project. 

Thank you very much

Just want to say a massive thank you to Mr & Mrs Hurdsman of St Martins for their generosity. Even at times when you have every right to worry about your own health issues and problems some people only think of other people.  Thank you so much.

Energy bars maybe ?!?!

Some lovely people just came back from a little holiday and brought us something tasty !!!

Top Tip *5

A great book I read last year gave me the top tip of sending yourself a little parcel with essential stuff like food and chamois cream sachets that I would use each day so hey presto I am on it....

I am also going to send myself a nice extra large fleece and a few treats to help me on the 12 hour train journey home from J-o-Groats.

This great book was my source...

http://www.landsend-to-johnogroats.co.uk/purchase-a-book/Cycling-the-Google-Route

Watching the weather

All the routes, stops and trains are planned and booked along the way but the last thing that I am doing now apart from training hard is keeping an eye on the weather with everything crossed for a nice rain free 8 days around 17-18 degrees with a lovely northerly wind to speed me up the country ;)  

Use your vote !!!

I really wish I could say that I timed my trip to coincide with the Euro in/out vote but it was more luck as they have timed it perfectly.  I arrive back in Ellesmere at the end of day 3 the night before the vote on the EU so I can be one of the very first to cast a vote early on Thursday morning and then set off for Lancaster on Day 4 !!

No idea what I will vote for though,  at least I will have some thinking time the 3 days before it ????

10

10 Weeks to go !!!!!   20th June (Day 1) is 10 weeks today  !!!!!

But I have a plan.....

by that I mean a Training Plan.

With a little help from other people who have done it...

http://www.landsend-to-johnogroats.co.uk/home/middle/training

My Plan.

To slowly ramp up the cycling I am doing up to the day I go.

So I intend to plan for 200 miles per week from now on as a minimum moving to 400 a week on the 2 weeks prior to the start.

Train home booked !!

Train journey home all booked for both me and my bike.  We are all sorted. !!!!    Just 10 weeks to wait now.

Stocking up for June