The Way of the Men in Yellow

 

Spring is bursting upon us in a stop/start sort of way, and Prajnakara and I are getting ready. Getting ready for the send off from the Shrewsbury Buddhist Centre on May 23rd. Getting kit ready. Getting our bodies and legs (especially) ready. Getting bikes ready and getting the money ready (this trip will cost 3 grand with food, rail travel, bike transport back from John O'Groats and of course, no less than 16 B&Bs between Nantwich and John O'Groats). Getting the route ready. Getting our minds and hearts ready. 650 miles is a long way on any bike and by any rider.

Like Muddy Waters, we are 'Ready As A Man Can Be'.  

I was set back from my training recently with a bout of Covid, which I have recovered from, thankfully. Prajnakara had his bout a few months ago. Hopefully it will make us immune until well after the ride is over.

We plan to make the ride a kind of retreat. Meditation in the morning. Some serious riding through the day with some periods of silence, and then some puja and relaxation in the evening before much-needed sleep in the various B&Bs. I really am looking forward to seeing Scotland, in particular.

I'm taking my regular touring bike and Prajnakara is taking his trusty Brompton. He has a regular road bike, but being such a serious and experienced long-distance cyclist, he wants to give himself a different experience. I may have difficulty keeping up with him! Though course, being a considerate guy, he'll kindly go at my pace....

Fundraising is still going on and Shubhanaga will kindly takes us over to my son's house in Cheltenham on May 22nd. On the morning of the 23rd, my son Barney drives us in his big blue van to the starting line in Shrewsbury. I am already excited.