I'l be riding with Chris Hoy and many more on September 7th. I'm in my 4th year of treatment for prostate cancer and am raising money in aid of Cancer Research UK. Chris has called his PC terminal - I prefer incurable or manageable. Whatever we choose to call it, more research is needed to improve treatments and diagnosis, and ultimately find a cure.

Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me. And every donation will inspire me to get back on two wheels instead of two legs.

Cancer Research UK is a world leading charity dedicated to research on the causes, treatment and prevention of cancer.

17 June update

Dear supporters,

The training was going well but stalled. Coming down Puig den Cama, a local hill just north of Reus last week, I slipped and ended up horizontal, forehead against rock.

Not a pretty sight. Stitches in the left knee and forehead, 2 nights in hospital and two scans - second one OK, so was sent home on Saturday.

Some weeks of rehab for the leg, but still time to be ready for 7 Sept. Am thinking of investing in a new carbon frame gravel hybrid to ease the process - something I can take up and down the Glasgow stairs with ease, and admire.

July 23

Its been a slow recovery process, complicated by a back injury consequent to a kilted knees up on June 28. However, yesterday was a good day. Found a face mask that fits over scar tissue so swimming is back on the agenda.

Had the Trek road bike modified here in Reus to a more vertical position so shd be able to get some kilometres in before return to Glasgow August 10. Its a tight timescale to justify all your support. Maybe a ebike will be required????

31 July

Well, the bike modifications have really helped with neck pain.I'm much more upright, but a Dutch sit up and beg might be the ideal .

Whatever, have put in two rides this week with some uphill tomorrow, and hope to get up to 20 miles by the end of next week.( In fact managed this with a full round of the Col de Bataille circular.)

Meanwhile the swimming is going well. We had an early dip this morning - dead calm sea with wind from the land. Crystal clear water.

No neck pain and a full round of the buoy.Hurrah!

August 10

Back in Glasgow. Missed 10 days training with family and friend visits.

Tuesday September 2

Rider pack hasn't arrived so I'll email Tdfe4 this morning.

Good news - put in a 60 k ride last Sunday after a series of shorter 20 a 40 k runs and some Boilerroom spinning.

Bought an inner tube from Magic bikes for the Mtb and had a good chat.

Weather changing - distinctly autumnal. Rain and sun as I came back through Dumbarton.

AND the Trekshop have finally received the piece to raise the bars on a new FXsport 6. Its all just-in-time. Going to the shop this morning.

If the FX6 geometry still doesnt suit, I'll be riding the Excalibur mountain bike which Decathlon are going to check out on Thursday.

Thursday 6th

Collected the Trek Tuesday.Looks good with the raised bars. Took it out for a 20k test east along the Clyde and will ride it on Sunday.

50 minutes spinning last night.

Weather forecast looks dodgy. No response from Tourde4 to my email on Tuesday. Will go to see Alfie at Decathlon Braehead to tweak a couple of things this morning. On the Fx.

He just looked but wouldn’t put hands on so Ill fit new saddle and phone holder. Here’s hoping the sit bones will be happier.

Saturday 6th

Rider pack arrived late Thursday without the Rapha shirt. Message says " cheeky gremlins snuck into our system" !! Not too worried about the shirt - I have a fine colouful french one.

Apology message from Tde4 yesterday gives new starting time of 9.0 - rather than wave 8 at 10.30. Earlier the better because the rain is forecast for 14.00. Following wind shd help on the way out.

Going for a short 30 min shakeout ride this morning.

Pasta and rice for lunch and dinner.

7.35 pm

Done some stretching - ready to eat again.

Bag packed with change of clothes.Essential tools in small rucksack with waterproofs.

All documentation ready- just have to find way via M8.

Monday 8th

Very happy to have finished the 60k blue route in a reasonable time - just under 4 hours. Two sharp showers on the way but finished in the dry.

Great to have been be cheered on by spectators on the last 20 k - it really got me up a couple of the longer hills.

And especially happy to have raised over 700£ - may still hit 800.

So an especial thankyou to all who contributed.

It was a privilege to have taken part in the collective effort, but what a hole it's left. Maybe start training for next year????