One week to go!!! This week we did a recognisance mission to Penrith! On Thursday we did the both cycle legs of the Race The Sun route. At 55miles it's a similar length to the Carsington Challenge. It differs however, in the fact that 5.5mile of the first leg is over the famous Old Coach Road between Penrith and Keswick. It's a rock, loose double track trail, with what can only be described as the biggest puddles in the world! There was also a super techy downhill at the end, at least that keeps Tom happy! We completed the ride as an entire team, reserves and support included! On Friday we attempted to complete the Helvellyn Climb. With hail, 60mph winds and near horizontal rain, the weather caused us to abandon on the lower peak (still a respectable altitude of 863m!) Hopefully the weather will be better next weekend! Route now learnt, the entire team is ready to go!

— Team PT 27/08/2009

Less than a month to go and training is in full swing. In particular Tom, Jake S, and our new reserve Sam have been checking out a cross country run over the old Roman Road, and Blackamoor. At nearly 13 miles, it's no easy task, but the scenery makes it well worth it!

— Team PT 10/08/2009

We've actually entered the race the sun officially, just in time we have team number: Number 78 of 80! Phew! Excitement for the event really is starting to grow! Next stop — Penrith!!!

— Team PT 29/07/2009

This month has seen most of Team Powerthirst go off in separate directions for holidays! Jake Smith has been riding with J.e.James squad and his legs suffer the consequences. Tom has gone mountain biking in Scotland. Jake Maughan has played squash all day long (surprise). Whilst Dave enjoys the pleasures of swine (well, man) flu. Hopefully a lack of team training will have no noticeable effects

— Team PT 06-25/07/2009

Today we completed the Carsington Challenge. The weather was an unbelievable 34 degrees C! As you can imagine this made all stages tricky, especially the running! Despite this both cycling stages were completed in just over 4 hours. The run threw the cat amongst the pigeons, with Tom and Jake M keeping their cool. Jake S and Dave did not fair so well in the heat, however all of the team finish the section. Canoeing proved to be a welcome break from the heat, and was also great fun! Anyway, thanks to everyone who pledged support, we will be collecting your sponsorship monies in shortly!!!

— Team PT 02/07/2009

We're about to do the Carsington Challenge, training forging ahead as usual. Remember all donations great or small are going to a great cause, so keep them coming in!

— Team PT 29/06/2009

Jake Smith and Tom do a duo ride to Carsington again on Sunday evening, setting a sub 4 hour time, of 3 hours 48 mins. Whoop

— Team PT 21/06/2009

We are pleased to have gained the sponsorship of makeitmolecular.com and Steam Car Developments (www.steam-car-dev.karoo.net). Thanks to both companies and a big thanks to everyone who has donated money so far!

— Team PT 18/06/2009

Today Team Powerthirst, plus our new member Alex, trialled the route to Carsington Water and our new support team. A surprising amount of midday sun cause amusing tan lines. Needless to say plenty of hills to sweat up! We managed to do the entire 52 mile course in 4 hours 15 mins (rolling time), we need to work on break lengths for the Carsington Challenge

— Team PT 28/05/2009