It’s the most shattering experience of a young man’s life, when one morning he awakes, and quite reasonably says to himself “I will never play the Dane.” When that moment comes, one’s ambition ceases…

Plans are being executed.

I’ve been to the pub. Plans were made.

First cycle commute in five weeks, a world of difference from the perpetual damp at the start of the year. First time riding a “fast” bike on flats too, tempted to do a longer ride on them.

Don’t threaten me with a good time.

Happy February to all that celebrate.

Not one mention of climate change or resilience in this report.

Re-pedaled, and clean as a whistle (for about 10 minutes).

Planning a UK holiday in the summer, O/H suggests I might like to take a bike along. She might be a keeper.

That hard three pint limit turned out to be more of a guideline.

I don’t think that’s going to buff out.

Great to be cycle commuting again after the ice-enforced break (building work at the office means there’s nowhere to store the winter bike at the moment).

Americans - take that superfluous "s" that you add to Lego, and put it rightfully onto the end of Maths.

Trains are great. We need more trains.

I have low vision and carry around a cane, mostly to let drivers know I might not see them, but also so I can give their cars a couple good whacks when they're parked up on the pavement.

Revising this to two punctures within 1200km, since the front was caused by the patch I put on during LEL failing.

Two punctures within 300 metres. I’ve clearly been very bad.

*Abandoned due to poor turnout* If there are any latecomers, we’re in the pub.

I’d gladly contribute more in tax if it meant that trains were reliable, I could get a GP appointment, people generally in need of assistance from the state weren’t treat like shit, etc. I have a feeling we might be in worst of both worlds territory though. #budget2025

You might not have put up your decorations yet… but if you know you have some to clear out, do it now!!!! and take them to the charity shop because there’s a good chance someone will buy them& lessen the need for the charity shop to store them for a year

That time already? Social ride this Friday, Spanish City, 6:30pm. Who’s in?

Aurora borealis really whips the llama’s ass.

Great to catch up with some old friends at the Recyke y’Bike AGM this evening. And there was beer!

A rare trip south of the river today. Identikit retail outlets aside, I like what they’ve done with the car park.

Friday rush-hour drivers can get in the fucking sea.

Lights and spooky costumes at the ready for the @ntstreetlife.bsky.social Hallowe’en takeover.

Nice out.

I’m pleased to report that the café is open today.

Reminder esp for drivers on the Highway Code with new school year in UK 👇 "Rule H2 - Rule for drivers, motorcyclists, horse drawn vehicles, horse riders and cyclists. At a junction you should GIVE WAY to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road into which or from which you are turning"

Breakfast disappointment (café was closed 🙁)

Brompton + office attire + LEL casquette = “the look” from the noisy free hub brigade.

Automobile associations. Encouraging entitlement since the 1910s. youtube.com/shorts/6W_s3...

Not just you @karlonsea.bsky.social

In case you aren't already following, please do enjoy these updates from Anna and the gang riding LEJOG in memory of @timcyclesthecoast.bsky.social And pop a few quid in their fundraiser too! givewheel.com/fundraising/...

My addition: leaving GPS navigation running inside controls. Should be an automatic time penalty IMO.

I guess there are many similar posts online from participants in #LEL2025 but here's my contribution. The volunteers are exceptional people. They don't simply make the event possible, they make it the greatest Audax ride ever. Say thank you to the HUNDREDS of volunteers. No volunteers, no LEL

TWO MINUTE DELAYS!!!!! BAN THIS NOW! On the other hand, 100 people are still not dead. Tricky one, eh?

A bit naive of me not to see the weather delay coming #stormAndy #LEL2025

😬

Bon courage! To all #LEL2025 cyclists leaving the London area on Sunday: have a great ride, keep pedaling, we're cheering you all on! Only 1500km to go! #LEL25 Live rider tracking here: londonedinburghlondon.com

It's bedtime and when I wake it will be time for #LEL2025. People keep asking Jesse what he will be doing while I ride, supposing he will be following and supporting me. Nope, this is a self-supported ride and he'll be dot-watching just like y'all (in between video games). Yes, he brought his Xbox.

Tomorrow I start my biggest ride todate (through storm Floris 🤬🤬) 1540km in less than 128hrs. z14 for control updates, or Owen through the map so you can dot watch me. I’ll probably only up date insta, and if I do please remind me I should be riding londonedinburghlondon.com/ridertracking

Final fettling done and time for bed. It was three years ago when @karlonsea.bsky.social talked me into (suggested) this, now it’s just half a day away. Bonne route everyone. #LEL2025

I’m AB21, and @onetwotony.bsky.social is AB20. Collectively we are the team “Very Nice Harry”. No GPS transponders though, so updates either here or via the controls’ updates.

It’s a bit of a cliché, I know, but shit just got real.

Update: the accommodation is ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Road Trip!

Tomorrow, who's in?