This summer I achieved a long-held ambition by completing the iconic UK Lands End to John O'Groats cycle ride, covering 942 miles in 12 days. Unsupported and carrying all my equipment on the bike, I set out from Lands End at the southern tip of the UK on July 14, a day of record high temperatures in the UK.

 

I was riding up to seven hours a day, so it was a real challenge of endurance. On my best day I managed 105 miles over relatively flat terrain. This dropped to 59 miles in the hills of the Lake District.

 

My years of riding with the Police Cycling Club gave me a good foundation of fitness plus an understanding of the nutrition I'd need, given that I was burning 5,000 plus calories a day.

 

I completed the ride at the northern tip of Scotland on July 26. I had an immense feeling of satisfaction as I completed each day, whilst the riding was akin to a meditative experience that clears the head.

 

Keep fit with cycling and support the Force's promotion of a healthy lifestyle.

 

Steve Wordsworth, DC TWDIST