The B movie syndrome...and then there's the positive side of life

I was warned that just before the ride, I would fall prey to the blues and panic attacks, and I think today was that day. Hopefully it has now passed and we only have blue skies ahead.

Picked up the bike from it's final service, but in fixing one thing we had created a problem elsewhere so it took a bit longer to get back out. While waiting, went through the spiral of gloom thinking what the heck am I doing. I don't know anything about bikes, have an old bike, an old body and am proposing cycling 1,000 miles with my fingers crossed. Also, my back felt a bit achey, and I am sure there was a hurricane predicted for June 20th.

All these things are a bit silly, but they are the inevitable doubts that assail you before a large venture. I have to think about whether I am prepared.

- I have done approaching 4,000 miles this year, partly the reason why I have worn out some relatively new bike parts quicker than expected.

- I have had a lot of new parts now added to the 4 year old bike as basically they had worn out and as they are now new, are better placed to stand up to the rigours of the ride.

- I am 57, bits will ache.

- I don't know much about bikes, so there is an element of fingers crossed, but when something happens, we will be all zen and find a way round it.

- Check the picture for the forecast for day 1.

Also, helping to lift the mood has been the visible support from friends. This week has most likely seen local shortages in eggs, flour and butter judging by the amount of baked material in our house now and on the way. Friends have been so generous in their time and materials in making cakes of all shapes and sizes (I honestly don't know how I haven't eaten them) for the cake stall tomorrow on Nevill Green (12-4).

There have been continued donations to the Just Giving page, phone calls, emails and messages on Facebook or Twitter of support that all help. I also have a truly brilliant support team from start to finish for the preparation and the ride itself.

However, there is a silent majority out there that I wish I could get a bit more engaged as they don't realise just how important their visible support would be. It's all very well thinking, 'Yea, great thing that Mike is doing'. Well Mike would quite like a few more people to actually start saying that as he does need a bit of bolstering at times. It is so much easier when people come along with you for the ride (literally would be better still), even if it is only a generic 'Go Mike' on Facebook or something like that.

Probably no ride tomorrow as we have this cake stall, but will be out for some gentle spins over the next days. Can't start tired, so will be careful this week. Also, allows me to tie up some more publicity etc.

Sitting around the £7,800 (not including Gift Aid) of the initial £8,500 target I think, would be marvellous to go off on the ride knowing that the first screening day is paid for.