Preparation

We sourced a used Dolan racing tandem bike on eBay just before Christmas and now we've foolishly signed up with Great Bear Tours to do their 1000 mile  Lands End to John O'Groates in 12 days starting Monday the 28th June 2021.

The previous owner of the Tandem claimed that he had the bike doing over 70 miles an hour. I have yet to see any hint of this capability. We've been spending our last few weekends of training trying to simulate the daily 12 x 85 mile slogs that we've been warned are coming. Instead of 70mph our average speed is more like 12mph which is going to translate into some very long days. 

Testing out the Tandem

We've managed the distance required a couple of times, but only half the altitude. If we can't do the distance and altitude three days in a row we will have to rely on grit instead of training and will probably be going home on day three at Bristol (in disgrace).