Paul

When I watched Simon’s YouTube video of him cycling solo from Land’s End to John O’Groats in just five days, I was inspired and I reached out, asking if he would coach me to take on the same challenge. From that moment on he was with me every step of the way.

Over the course of a year, Simon coached me through everything I needed to know—not just about endurance cycling, but about what it truly takes to complete a journey like this. We worked through every detail, from nutrition, and maximising my training on and off the bike even fitting in training for a half marathon, to the right bike fit so I’d be comfortable on those long days in the saddle.

My training was planned with the focus of building a foundation of strength in the gym, growing my power and endurance base. We added in blocks of back-to-back 100-mile rides to practice nutrition and pacing starting from 3 days, and eventually ending up in five-day blocks. Doing something like this is not just about fitness, it's about dealing with the pre-ride details and post-recovery day-to-day, every day. Having Simons' experience in this area made me feel like I was going into this well-prepared physically and mentally.

When it finally came time to ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats, Simon checked in with my support crew—mainly my girlfriend—each day, offering guidance and encouragement which kept me pushing forward, and by the end, I completed the challenge with strength and confidence, despite the unpredictable Scottish weather.

Lands End to John O'Groats is tough. Completing it in 5 days solo was an epic ride of ups and downs and amazing highs. Simon's experience and coaching for the Le Jog was invaluable.

Thank you. Paul Aitchison.

PAUL AITCHISON