How it all started...

I'm a jealous sort really. I don't like others to be having all the fun without me...is that so bad to say? You might think it is a bit childish and signifies some sort of deep down insecurity that I don't like others being in the spotlight. Well....I don't think that's it...(at least if it is, it is sufficiently deep down that I'm not aware of it). The fact is, sometimes an idea or challenge grabs me where not giving it a go is not really an option; to not do it would be to miss a unique opportunity. Well that is where this trip has left me.

The idea is a simple one (and before I go on, I must add that it wasn't mine. That credit must go to my friend Ben who along with the others will be part of the group completing the trip), cycle from the most northern point of Italy to the most southern point of Sicily. Well that is simple enough. So why did it catch my imagination?

Well there are a number of reasons. The first is pretty obvious. I definitely cannot complain about my job, I work in a successful law firm and enjoy it, but there is no getting away from the fact that I like a good adventure; I enjoy the solitude of the outdoors and travelling - not criteria my job meets i'm afraid. So to get the chance to spend three weeks on the road travelling through Italy was as they say a 'no brainer'.

The second is equally as straightforward. People who know me, know that I like a challenge, and if others are doing it...well...I'm in. It's not that I would jump of a cliff if others are doing it, but if there is a challenge out there worth doing, then I want to give it a go. I'm not going to pretend that 'T2T' (my new fancy acronym for 'Tip to Toe') is comparable to swimming the channel or climbing K2 - lets face it, there is definitely a 'leisurely' element to this trip - its not going to be easy either (something that anyone who has got on a race bike and cycled any sort of a distance more than one day in a row will know all to well!...and probably will have had the bruised 'sensitives' to boot!) - but I don't believe many people would actually go and do it.

So when the trip was mentioned to me, I had no option to to opt-in. Thankfully my law firm has kindly given me the time off to do the trip. So with that sorted, we are now in the planning stages. Over the next few months I will be updating this blog with our progress organising the trip (as well as providing details of the other important element - the very worthwhile charity that I hope to raise money for). The plan is to then have daily updates while on the road, so that for those interested, they can follow us online.

It would be fantastic to get a number of people supporting this effort, not least because I will be raising money for a really great cause - which once I have discussed the technicalities with my contact, I will add a piece on. Therefore please follow this blog, tell your friends about it, and get in touch with me...it would be great to hear from you.