**** you, virus; all dripping nose, spluttering cough, nasty rash and sensitive nerves. **** you lack of sleep, eyelids drooping. **** you forgotten helmets and punctured tyres. **** you bitter cold night, and neverending space and time. **** you Canary Wharf, with your windy streets and unfriendly rules. **** you to missed signs, leading to wasted miles and wrong turns. And **** you London roads - every lump, **** and bump.

But thanks to caring friends, generous donators and 4,000 fellow do-gooders. Thanks to a bike that is well oiled and shifting smoothly. Thanks to free cycle surgeries, to 'Spicy Bikers' crisps, and an early dawn. Thanks to stunning landscapes and landmark buildings. Thanks to high-fives and whoops from strangers. And thanks especially to Luke, with his hot thermos of coffee at 4.30am.

Another 25km still to go...