Today is the day that the riders set off to Cumbria, ready for the big start of the Coast to Coast charity cycle ride, featuring; David Hirst, Phil King, John Beresford and a host of Wednesdayite Directors and volunteers.

But that doesn't mean you'll be out of touch with the riders, the funny stories and how things are getting along - Nigel Short takes up the day-to-day, through-the-journey blogging, and here's his introduction:

"I read the leaflet about the Coast 2 Coast at Hirsty's Bar about 3 months ago. It mentioned they were looking for riders and I thought 'That sounds like a challenge, I'll have a go at that'...

That night Hirsty was recruited too!! Which made my decision even easier. The opportunity to spend a few days cycling (and having a few beers) with one of the best players of my generation was too mouthwatering a chance to miss. The later additions of Phil King and John Beresford were added bonuses - I'm looking forward to hearing some excellent stories in the evenings!

I checked out the journey on Google Maps - divided it by 3 and thought 'Yeah that's manageable'. And so, with a fairly relaxed approach, I started training. Actually, a VERY relaxed approach.

So relaxed infact that only last week did I attempt a ride of 50 miles for the first time!! And failed miserably at the 42 mile marker, tearing a lateral knee ligament in the process and putting at risk my whole ride next week!

I've since had 4 physio sessions with the legend that is Alan Smith, the knee is pain free and I'm breathing normally again!! Game on!!

Final arrangements are underway, and I was informed that I was to be transported with 2 other riders to our Monday night digs in Kendal by Support Team member Jim. In an old fashioned VW Camper. Sorry. An old fashioned PINK VW Camper... So if you are on the M1/M62 on Monday and see 4 burly chaps heading North in a pink passion wagon - give us a wave!

I've hunted out my old Erasure albums for the journey...

Also, I've been given the task of providing you with a daily blog of the event - so obviously I'm not going to tell you everything right here!! What I will say is I'm really looking forward to the challenge. The challenge of keeping Hirsty out of the pubs long enough to put the miles in each day!!

All the best

Nige"

The Camper van has been kindly donated for the journey by Jim Harrison of Thornbridge Breweries.