Just one week to go!

Sharon and I have spent the last four days in Bridgwater, having our tandem bicycle Happier rebuilt.  Our jouney has crossed 21,000 miles in just over the last two years, and Happier has been with us for all except the first 2,500 miles.

We've changed tyres, chains, bottom brackets and other things as we've travelled Europe, then Africa and South America, but the bike needed extensive works from all that journeying.  Hence, a return to Thorn Cycles where Happier has had just about every single moving part replaced.

Today's ride is first in a series of six consecutive days which will ultimately see us arrive Douglas on Thursday 20 June.  We are very fortunate to have been invited to stay with former Parish Walk female winner, Bernie Johnson and her family while we are on the island.

Through Bernie, we have also secured the crew services of Rose Taylor, an accomplised walker and runner in her own right.  We are in very safe and welcoming hands, and that's a good thing as both Shaz and I, as always before a very long event, are just a touch nervous.

We haven't been neglecting our final walk training either.  While the bike was being rebuilt in Bridgwater, Sharon and I completed a 22 miles walk through the countryside.  A few small hills and lots of unsealed sections gave us the perfect final test for the Parish walk.

Our remaining days as we head north now, are decreasing in daily cycle distance.  There's no good reason why we won't hit the island in good condition.  Will report again when we're safely across the channel.