Alistair McLean is serious about fundraising. The Fundraising Standards Board chief executive is cycling with a group of friends from Land’s End to John O’Groats.

He’ll be blogging about his exploits as he traverses the country, about all things cycling, challenge fundraising and the experience that so many volunteers undertake for the charities they believe in...

Day One under my belt

Quite literally – it’s that area that is quite tender. All of us a little saddle-sore but the special cream used by the cycling fraternity seems to be doing its job. I’ll try not to mention my bottom too many times during my ride from Land's End to John O'Groats but it does tend to preoccupy most cyclists particularly over long distances. Hey ho!

Our First Big Day is now complete. Cornwall is quite simply stunning. Rugged beauty of a coastline that has been pounded by the sea for many millennia. As a consequence hellishly hilly and that's another thing that preoccupies cyclists - hills! Some of them today 14 degrees which is quite steep.

Staying in Tintagel Castle tonight. A hotel that's a real beauty but has definitely seen better days. Faded former grandeur but stunning views and of course one of the National Trust’s jewels. Well worth a visit.

Off to lie down as I am knackered.  

The adventure has begun!!  

McLean’s JustGiving page is here.