On June 10/11/12 the Pollicott Belles will ride again...

Setting a date could be a bigger challenge than them there hills of the south themselves. Aside from a small matter of training, it takes a surprising amount of planning and effort to get four gals, four bikes and four sets of kit ready to do a long distance cycle ride so planning has started early.

We need support for home life commitments, travel and logistics on route so on one very chilly Winter evening last week we were looking forward to the sunshine of early Summer:

• Several diaries were carefully consulted and coordinated
• The Trainline.com was checked and checked again
• Car capacities were investigated
• Budget accommodation options were identified
• Follow up negotiation was agreed to be had with employers

Finally with all threads pulled together our window of opportunity was narrowed down to 10/11/12 June 2011 and it cannot be weather permitting!

Whatever the weather, we four Belles are travelling to Winchester by train on Thursday 9th June. We will be staying at the City Mill YHA at the start of the South Downs Way. We will be setting off on our mission AM Friday 10th June and finishing as early as possible on Sunday 12th June. We are still not sure how we will get home yet but several options are identified.

Last year we had a fabulous, pick up and drop, luggage service from our 'boys' but this year, due to life commitments, we are having to err on the side of the possible need for self-sufficiency. The plan is to pack one pannier each - one! Luggage priorities will be puncture repair and maintenance equipment, first aid kit, wet weather gear, phones and snacks. So clean knickers, toothbrushes and deodorant will be a luxury it seems.  And, definitely NO 'going out gear' or make-up (imagine!). Hope remains that someone will take pity on us and offer to meet us on route with (at least) a change of undies!

There is a lot of effort going into our adventure so please, if you can, support us in our efforts. Ideally help us raise some hard cash for Helen & Douglas House. Which brings me on nicely to remind you that next week is Ashendon Bingo night (8pm, 3rd March, Gatehangers Ashendon) and we are hopeful for an even bigger result than the last one.