How many counties? Biting off more than I can chew
“I fancy visiting every county in Britain before I’m 50, better still I’m going to ride a 100 miles in every county before I’m 50.”
Welcome to my new blog, I made the statement above in good faith to a friend without checking my facts, imagine my surprise then when I discovered that there are 92 traditional British counties with 34 of them in Scotland!
With just 24 months until my 50th birthday a dose of realism was required and unless I was to quit my job and leave my wife and kids I had to accept I wasn’t going to succeed. Rather than ditching the plan though I still intend to ride 100 miles in every county in Britain, completing the challenge before my 52nd birthday.
This blog will hopefully provide an amusing and informative commentary on my travels and other cycling related stories as well as a quirky look at each county and its’ local history and customs.
In order to create the 100 mile route for each county each ride will start and finish in the county town and will take in the following :
- The oldest pub
- The prettiest village
- The most iconic climb
- The Birthplace of the most famous person
- The oldest or most famous bridge
- The best café
- The best view
- The most famous or iconic sculpture
- The oldest church
- The highest point or highest tarmac road
The list above is sure to create debate and my choices may not be 100% accurate but ultimately all that matters is that each route takes in the sights and sounds of our diverse and beautiful country.
My rides will start in October 2016 with the local counties of Warwickshire and Worcestershire.
Finally I intend to use this entirely selfish challenge for the benefit of others also and will be raising awareness and funds for the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity along the way (details to follow in future posts).
“A bicycle ride around the world begins with a single pedal stroke.” ~ Scott Stoll
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