Fearless Leader Joe and I have been discussing cycling from Land’s End to John o’ Groats — lejog — ever since our triumphal entry into Paris last year. I’ve been keeping it in the back of my mind while considering the purchase of a touring bike and other life events. Finally, FLJ called me this week and we discussed how neither of us is getting any younger. Realizing this will take a lot of planning, and it won’t happen unless the planning starts, we set a tentative date for the trip: the latter half of June 2019.

[Update: removed link to closed Twitter account]

One thing FLJ has been advocating during these discussions is sleeping in a tent, or even sleeping rough, and I think I’m on board with this. It means carrying the extra weight of a tent or bivy sack, sleeping bag, etc., as well as braving the elements. On the plus side, it may give us flexibility in terms of distance covered per day as we aren’t fixed to specific hotels on specific dates.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

How far is this?

Most routes seem to be about 1,400km, give or take 100km.

How long will this take?

We’re thinking two weeks or thereabouts. We have to balance realistic km/day targets and the inclusion of a couple of rest days.

Are you doing this for charity?

No, we’re doing this for our own selfish selves. We may come up with a preferred charity if people want to give, but we’re certainly not going to be pressing people.

I want to go! Are you taking others?

This is something we’ll need to consider carefully. I know that from our LtoP experience, we’re hoping to keep the group small. Very small.