It was finally time to make the journey up to Bath. My Dad drove the van up and we arrived on Thursday evening. On Friday I had two radio interviews! The first was with BBC Radio Bristol on Steve Yabsley’s lunchtime show. I was on for 25 minutes. The time flew by and we talked about my time in Korea, growing up and this challenge. It’s fair to say Steve did most of the talking! The second interview was in a different studio and was with BBC Three Counties. I talked to the presenter from my studio so it was strange not to be able to chat face-to-face. I didn’t enjoy this interview as much as the first one but it’s all good for the publicity! In the evening we had small gathering with a some local Bath residents who are friends with my Dad. It was great to meet everybody and chat to people about my trip. I received lots of donations over these last few days so thanks to people’s kindness and generosity, the charity pot stands at nearly £10,000! Amazing!

So the big day finally rolled round and I was feeling excited but nervous! I couldn’t wait to get started and begin the challenge. My family and I met with Shelley and her husband Charlie from CCAA. We chatted about the journey and the CCAA’s upcoming plans. Charlie joined us for the first ride as well! We followed the two tunnels cycle route out of path and headed for Wellow. My family and few friends had lunch together and after it was time for Dad and I to cycle to the first campsite. We reached Brokerswood in the afternoon and got settled in. The first day was completed with 28km on the board! We had some dinner and reflected on the last few days. My family have been very supportive and helpful so I was glad they all came for the first day. I couldn’t have done it without them.

I had a big ride ahead of me on Sunday. 47km to Salisbury is one of  the longest rides I have on the trip. I was feeling confident and was motoring along with Dad in the morning. He turned back after 40 minutes to get the van so I was going it alone! I managed to go at a decent pace and arrived in Salisbury in two hours fifteen minutes. My hip was hurting at points in the ride so I slowed down. I’m certainly feeling stiff now and need to rest for another big day tomorrow! 2 days closer to Rome though!