The last 48 hours have really put the size of this country and this challenge into perspective. After a relatively smooth day one, day two began with Andy and myself rolling through the streets of 29 palms. The minor diversion was a blessing in my eyes. The weather was cool, the views incredible and the only sound we could hear was of tyres on tarmac. Perfect.

A little later, after initial pilot training for shipmate Stoney, myself, Andy and Kanye 'Pork Pie' West climbed several hundred feet into the Mohave and made our way towards Kingman. The heat initially wasn't a factor and the sun by this point was behind us, however the dry air and altitude made conditions less than ideal. A long descent to finish made things much easier though!

Later, cycling a few miles on a long steady incline, the deathly silence forced my mind to wander. Coupled with vastness of the surroundings, the enormity of what we are trying to achieve hit me.

It is, as I write, the end of day 3 and it feels as though we have already achieved so much, it also feels like we have already experienced so much more than I anticipated and we have!

Setbacks such as Stoney’s bike, horrific driving and weather conditions today as well as shredded tyres have been overcome.

The real buzz from this trip, what gets me up is that this challenge is a mental and physical test for all of us. Those last few miles on the bike when the calfs are burning, the lack of sleep due to shipmates snoring, the need to be constantly thinking on your feet and planning ahead and working as a team - whatever individual tests we have on an hourly basis, we have a common goal, a target, a need to get to the next checkpoint. But more than that to enjoy it too.

Last night I had approximately 4 hours sleep, a sore throat I believe due to altitude, a pain in my leg due to the saddle on Stoney’s bike being too high and a bout of homesickness as we passed through a small town Lows and I had stayed in a few years ago. That is nothing in comparison to what some of the other guys are going through and yet I can safely say we have all had another incredible, inspiring, memorable day.

There is no denying that things are going to get tougher, much tougher and to a certain extent we have had an easy ride so far, but I know we all have the confidence and belief to do this and to enjoy every single second of it too!

Tomorrow sees us leaving the Grand Canyon at 6.15am and on to Mexican Hat 200 miles away. After blistering heat yesterday and heavy snow today I don't know what to expect. Is it going to be tough? - I imagine so. Will we encounter further setbacks? - probably. Am I finding it hard to sleep due to the excitement and anticipation of what is in store for us all tomorrow? - yes, I cannot wait!

To quote an American legend;

"Until the next time......take care of yourselves, and each other."

H