Devizes to Westminster - a Paddling Plea

I thought I would go heavy with pictures for this one

This weekend I am going to attempt the

Not wanting to big the event up too much, it is good to see that it has made the top 50 of stupid races - http://velopress.com/books/the-worlds-toughest-endurance-challenges/

The DW is a 125 mile non stop canoe race, and has 77 portages (which involves hauling the boat out of the water and carrying it around a locks etc). 

When I signed up I imagined

Instead it is going to be more like

I signed up as I wanted another challenge, and this appealed as it gives my rubbish ankle a rest, and I was motivated a little more when this guy failed to complete the event last year.

Here is a great film about his race (25 mins long though);

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=vy_smznPmb4

My friend George and I are in a 2 man kayak together and we know that we are not going to be competitive. For starters we bought our boat from

and unlike the ultra sleek racing vessels we are going to be up against, she weighs 

Our longest training paddle was for 12 hours and everything hurt. We expect the race to take us about 30 hours, and that doesn't even involve any sleep so we have barely scratched the surface.  Realistically my girls will have as much of a chance of finishing as me and they are 4 and 2!  

 But we are stubborn  determined and are doing it for a great cause

  
Some people close to me are Autistic so it will give me extra motivation knowing that George and I, and two other mates in another boat (Team Capital City) are going to be making a difference. Whilst I hate to be a Chugger as I am more than aware of the amount of worthwhile charity requests you are sent each year, suffice to say I want to try and raise as much money as possible so any help you can give, no matter how big or small would be massively appreciated.  

http://www.justgiving.com/Devizes-to-Westminster-Research-Autism

With the Easter break being dubbed 'White Easter', I am now getting genuinely nervous about the event.

Enjoy your roast lamb etc this weekend in the warm comforts of your homes - I am going to be very envious. I think I am an idiot at the best of times, but I will be taking it up to a different level this weekend, but I only have myself to blame.

Thanks for your support, particularly to my girls who are letting me do this, our crew and also to my brother who has agreed to be our support crew through the night.

Will let you know how we get on!