The countdown clock has just ticked under the 100 days to go and 100 miles ( 162 km ) still feels to be an awfully long way.
The raw statistics show that I am putting in the base rides and the average pace is beginning to creep up.
So far this year
Total distance cycled = 2409 km
Total ascent climbed = 18099 m
and used 55584 C in accomplishing that.
The longest distance has been increased to 126 km which is 78% of the target distance.
My cross training, in the form of swimming, has covered 36.5 Km
On the positive side I am now regularly doing 70 km rides without stopping and my plan for London100 is to aim for 2 * 10 minute rest breaks after 50km and 100 km. All the statistics from my Garmin and Strava files show that my average cadence has increased to 80+ rpm ( from 69 rpm last year ) whilst my heart rate is staying well in control in Zone 2 with just the occasional burst into Zone 3 when climbing.
My aim in this Challenge is just to survive, I am not looking for fast times, and to get round in a total elapsed time of 8 hours will count as a huge success for me.
So why am I worried? Probably a fear of the unknown and the need to push an aging body to extremes of effort that it has never before experienced, and in taking up cycling at the age of 60 I do not possess a reservoir of endurance to call upon.
But then I look at others.
Earlier this week I went to watch a TT held by Derby Mercury, one of our local cycling clubs.
Some people just crumple in the face of adversity when illness strikes. Others fight back, conquor it and go on to inspire others.
This lady is an inspiration to us all. Having suffered liver failure she was fortunate to get a transplant and has since done great work in promoting the cause of Organ Donation. She has also become a key member of the GB Transplant Cycling Team representing our country around the world.
I need to show some of the guts and tenacity that she has demonstrated and just get on with it.
I am doing this ride on behalf of Mind, and whilst I need your moral support to drive me on, they need your support to continue the work they do in helping those who suffer from mental health issues
If you feel able to sponsor me then I would be very grateful and for every donation, as a small thank you, I will send you a copy of a recipe booklet entitled Cycling Food on the Go - Recipes for Success.
The recipes in this booklet have been provided by cyclists from around the world and each one comes with its own personal story.
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