Hi chasem,

I have been mugged into similar rides quite often. In fact, I was doing 2 to 3 long distance charity rides every year for about 10 years. This doesn't mean that I am an expert - it means that I wasn't strong enough to say NO.

That having been said there are a few tips that I have gleaned through experience and embarrassment:

1 Get your bike serviced by a professional - yes it will cost, but there is no benefit in walking the whole 160 miles because a small part has broken.

2 Proper cycling shorts - there are no seams in the places that matter. Chaffing, irritation and blisters will only slow you down and could stop you.

3 During your training, if you are getting any uncomfortableness from the saddle - change it (this goes back to No 2).

4 A month before the trip, start training your bowels. Go to the toilet and empty your bowels, first thing every morning - whether you need to go or not, go. Your system will get into the routine and it will pay dividends while you are riding. Less weight and greater comfort. Lance Armstrong is so regular you could set your watch by him.

5 Have a bum bag (I think you call them fanny packs?), with a small first aid kit. Headache tablets, boiled sweets, half a roll of toilet paper, cell phone, diarrhoea tablets and lots and lots of sticking plasters.

6 Some form of 'trek food'. In a bag - raisins, sultanas, chopped dates and apricots and nuts - what ever you fancy. A small mouthfull as you are going along is far better than a big stomachful three times a day.

7 Some form of drink. I always used honey and water mixed - sweet enough to be palatable and gives energy and hydration. Store bought mixtures, I found were either too sickly or too acid - keep away from 'sparkling' carbonated drinks.

8 Travel at 'your speed'. You will cycle at a certain cadence - slower or faster will only tire you out. Don't try to 'keep up' or slow down to keep someone company - fatal!

9 Once you settle down into the ride you will be travelling at about ~10 mph. So you need to allow at least 8 hours for cycling time and extra for stoppages.

Finally - Never forget the golden rule of cycling - Drink before you get thirsty; eat before you get hungry; stop before you get tired.

I am sitting here and getting quite whistful and jealous and then my knees remind me of why I don't do it any more. Good luck and keep us all posted on the build up and the ride itself.

Regards

Chas