Challenge completed

Well, that was one of the hardest things I have ever done, but the most rewarding.

I couldn't have asked for kinder weather and the bike was fantastic.

I arrived back in Liverpool yesterday after completing 5436 miles on road and a few more by sea, lake or puddle.

I will put a video together on the web site shortly.


I would like to say a massive thanks for all the donations and help along the way including Radio Merseyside with Sean Styles for helping raise awareness. We have raised up to now over £5400 ..

Thank you

Weather changing

It had to happen, the weather has gone nuts.

I have only endured one day of this and everthing is soaked,  If the weather had been like this from day 1 then the outcome could and would have been different.

I cannot wait to share the photos with  you as the sights are simply amazing.

Im concerned about my rear tyre as it is becoming balder than me, but the bike has performed brilliantly up to now.

Im also concerned about my rear as it is resembling the Japanese flag.....

Done it

Finally got there, the most amazing ride to Nordkapp, weather
was amazing, however, the wind at the top was incredible, the wind nearly blew my bike over whilst it was parked up.

I will post some photos asap.

Now to head south down the west coast of Norway.

Weh hey..

Nearly there

Day 5, apologies for lack of blogs but my phones rubbish for blogging!

Well, I am 210 miles from Nordkapp, the weather could not have been any better. The roads could not be any better.

The only negative if there is one are the police and speeding fines, but up to now no fines.

I have been bashing out on average 400 miles a day. Riding from 0900hrs to 1900hrs.

Im abit  sore but only what to be expected.

So, hopefully tomorrow I will arrive at Nordkapp.

Thank you if you have donated and your support makes the miles go by ..

Hopefully get some pics up soon...

Great first day.

Left a rainy Liverpool at 1400hrs and arrived in Hull for 1630hrs.

Longest time I have rode for ,, me bum felt great.... 

When I get proper Internet I will put a few photos up .

1 week to go.

Well, time is nearly here.

The feel of anticipation and excitement is building, I plan to set off at 1300hrs from the Liver Buildings on Friday 15th July, heading for the ferry at Hull.

There is an in depth break down of my anticipated progress posted on the web site under the challenges tab.

Up to now we have already raised a further £130.00 towards the £5027 already donated. Thank you so much.

4 weeks to go.

4 weeks to go and the reality of what i am about to take is becoming very real and I can honestly say this is going to be a hard one.

The backs good and all planning a fees have been paid. Training is underway (better late than never)

6000 miles in two weeks, I find tarmac very boring and thats the side of it I am not looking forward to and there is going to be plenty of it.

I leave on the 15th july from the liverbirds

Rat race

Nothing much to post, I am slipping back into the rat race of work and more work. I can not wait to take on another challenge soon, July can not come fast enough.

In the mean time, believe it or not the Channel Challenge may well raise its head again. fingers crossed, as we have been waiting for over two years for it to happen !!!

So its work and training for the next challenge for the next few months then the ARCTIC CHALLENGE...

All Good

Three weeks after the Microdicectomy and all seems ok, a few twinges and aches but all to be expected.

I am desperate to start training for next year, however, I am not to lift above 10k for three months which is hard to do, the only real exercise I am allowed to do is swim which I dont mind., so off to the pool it is.

I have started preparing for the Arctic next year and I have recently purchased various items including, new exhaust to lighten weight of bike, guard for headlight, some modifications for engine and a new Rukka suit :)

Getting Fixed

Finally it looks like my long term back problem is to get fixed this weekend.

After another MRI scan its was finally concluded that I have a slipped disc, so surgery this weekend.

3 months of not doing much lifting, but on a positive note I should be in good condition for when the adventure to the Artic cirle starts next summer :)

Not Happy

Not alot planned for the rest of the year apart from the channel crossing. Im far from impressed with the safety crew as they do not seem to be making muh effort to get me across the channel, even though they have had their money for over 12 months now. It is becoming a joke now and I can only apologies but they keep telling me when the weather is right they will get me across..... mmmmmmm

P.S. Im doing the Taffy Dakar next weekend, hopefully get the adrenalin flowing :))

All recovered and ready for next challenge

After numerous sessions with the osteopath I am pleased to say my back is a lot better, a lot of the issues were down to sitting in the kayak position for five days, (Its a common symptom I am told).

I therefore am itching to finally complete the channel crossing and as soon as I get the nod from the safety crew that the seas are good I will be attempting the challenge.

Thank you for all support and kind donations :)))

Days 1 & 2 video

https://youtu.be/4IsVZa7ll6k

Leeds to Liverpool Canal .......... DONE

Well, that was harder than I ever thought.... 127 miles in 5 days.

I do not think there is a part of me that does not ache, Charity figure is up to £4200 ish

I had quite a lot of luck when finding places to stop of an evening and not to many incidents, a hard challenge but very rewarding.

Thanks for all the donation, a video will be on you tube in the coming week,,


Weh Hey !!!!!

I will be putting more photos and a little more about the challenge in the week as right now I just want to jump in a nice warm bath..

Glass Back

Hopefully the back will hold out now, thank you so much Paddy for fitting me in for a back cracking session and my first experience of acupuncture.

I am now on the baking soda and water treatment, (stop the lactic acid build ups) tastes awful but if it does the job I will drink it all day.

Roll on tomorrow.

1 day to go

1 day to go and I am getting nervous, woke this morning and my back is not good booked into a Osteopath for 9.30 and I am praying he can do something, but whatever happens I am going to attempt this challenge.. fingers crossed I can do it.

All looking good

Not long to go now and the back is feeling a lot better after a rest from gym and kayaking. My only concern now is I have not trained enough but we will just have to wait and see :).

I received an email from the canal river trust recently asking me to get in touch with them and my heart sank as I thought there was some legality I had over looked and they were going to inform my that I could not attempt the challenge,

However, it was the opposite, they wanted to know if they could help in anyway. That is such good news as there were a few grey area I was a bit unsure of. They have arranged for me to be allowed to go through the 1.3 mile long tunnel in the kayak. (saves a not so nice walk over the hills with the kayak) and hopefully a key for showers and fresh water along the way amongst raising awareness.. Thank you so much.

Getting excited

Two weeks to go

With only two weeks to go I am getting nervous, I am not training much due to a back injury returning after a game of golf, (typical) I have not played for ten months and my back has not played up. At least now know that golf is not good for my back, time for a new hobby :)

I am sure all will be good in two weeks.


http://m.runcornandwidnesworld.co.uk/news/13316652.Widnes_dad_tackles_more_challenges/#PhotoSwipe1433970177537

Facts, Leeds - Liverpool Canal

Total distance is 128 miles, 3 3/4 flg and 90 locks. There are at least 57 moveable bridges of which 4 are usually left open. 8 small aqueducts or under bridges. 2 tunnels and 1 major aqueduct.

Leeds to Liverpool

Due to the channel crossing looking like its not going to be happening until July now. I have now booked a date to kayak the Leeds - Liverpool Canal. I intend  to complete this challenge over five days starting on 25th June until 30th June. Weh Hey, the weather cannot stop this one :))))))