So, my Haute Route Alps cycle challenge has gone from being a once distant, scary goal, to being a scary goal next month! How quickly eight months of training have gone.

Me 'n my bike

You might know that as part of this challenge, I’m raising funds for the RSPB Gola rainforest project. Thanks to all who have donated so far! It has been a real motivator during the 3600 miles ridden in training.

I have participated in several ‘sportives’ of 100 miles+ this summer but this week will be the final piece in the jigsaw. I will be cycling 60 miles every day for seven days! This will more closely replicate some the demands of the Haute Route, whilst allowing enough time for me to recover ahead of the race itself starting on 23rd of August.

Two friends who I will be racing with, have headed off to the Alps to participate in the Etape du Tour – literally a stage of the Tour de France for amateurs. I however, will be exploring hills and mountains here in Wales.

As well as being important for physical fitness, this week will also help build confidence. The ability to ride significant distances day after day is obviously crucial for the Haute Route, and there is simply no better way than actually getting out and doing it on the lanes that cross the beautiful hills and mountains of Wales.  So this week, my goals are to;

  1. Ride at least 60 miles a day for seven consecutive days
  2. Cycle up-hill an average of 2250 metres a day (twice the height of Snowdon! ouch!)
  3. Make sure I’m able to ‘rehearse’ a daily routine including; eating appropriate food (on and off the bike) to maintain energy levels, replicating the early starts - breakfast will be at c. 5.00am, focus on resting properly and stretching after each day’s ride to ensure muscles are ‘good to go’ again the next day. All this will mean I’m not making mistakes at the main event.

If this has inspired you to want to help and support me, and you would like to sponsor me to raise money for this important project please go to my fundraising page https://www.justgiving.com/Cellan-Michael1/ and follow me on Twitter  #hauteroutecellan