LEJOG on a Brompton
On 5 May 2023 I will be setting off from Land's End, with the aim of cycling to John O'Groats over the next 9 days. That works out at around 100 miles a day in the saddle. Which doesn't sound too painful. Until I add in that I will be using my Brompton folding city bike for the trip. Although I will be staying in hotels and B&Bs rather than camping (softie that I am), I will be riding solo and unsupported, just to up the ante a little.
A number of people have asked why I am attempting the trip on the Brompton. Several have also suggested I should have some sort of mental faculty test. The reasons I want to complete the adventure on my little bike are numerous but chiefly, for the record, the Brompton has the following advantages: easy to get to the start line and home from the end - our train system does not cope well with cycles; also easy to store in hotel rooms overnight; on a Brompton you are forced into a slower pace - I want to enjoy the surroundings and the experience and take it all in; the Brompton is the most fun you can have on 2 wheels - it feels very much like the first bike I had as a small boy all those years ago; it sparks conversation, and while I have never been accused of being a people person, on a 9 day solo trip I will need the odd interaction with other humans.
I am riding with the aim of raising funds for 2 excellent charities: Save our Spaniels (more details below); and Sue Ryder (via a different webpage using a different provider).
Those who know me well know that Julie and I have 2 dogs: Wilson, a lunatic cocker spaniel; and Tessa, a gentle and beautiful Brittany that Save our Spaniels found for us 3 years ago. This is why I am riding to raise funds for Save our Spaniels.
I do hope you will be able to spare a few coppers for these great causes, and I thank you in advance for your interest, your support and, most of all, your filthy lucre.
Save our Spaniels is a UK-based registered Charity specifically set up to help spaniels and bretons (Brittanys) that have been abandoned, dumped or relinquished to perreras (kill stations) and shelters across the world, with a view to finding them loving homes in the UK. Save our Spaniels is a registered Charity with the number 1173875. You can find out further details about Save our Spaniels on the Charity Details page at the Charities Commission.
Run by a small group of volunteers, who are spaniel and breton lovers/owners. From humble beginnings with two members of admin in 2015, we have 10 admin in the UK and one in Spain. Also we have scores of fabulous supporters who assist with transporting, home checking, fostering, fundraising, donating and then there are the awesome adopters.
We are a UK-based registered Charity specifically set up to help spaniels and bretons (Brittanys) that have been abandoned, dumped or relinquished to perreras (kill stations) and shelters across the world, with a view to finding them loving homes in the UK. Save our Spaniels is a registered Charity with the number 1173875. You can find out further details about Save our Spaniels on the Charity Details page at the Charities Commission.
This is a link to the route I will be taking, setting off on 5 May 2023:
Organiser
Tom Sleight
Organiser
England
SAVE OUR SPANIELS
Beneficiary