HOW TO DO IT EASILY AND SAFELY

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Bike Any bike that will cruise at 80mph is fast enough, but bigger engines are less stressful and more efficient for a given speed. Bigger motors tend to mean a bigger, more comfortable bike. Fuel range matters; to make progress you want to be filling up at a minimum of 140 miles.

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Route Stick to motorways and trunk roads to maximise speed and distance.

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Food and drink Hydrate with water, not energy drinks. Avoid carb-heavy meals and chocolate as they’ll crash your blood sugar and make you tired; eat fruit or a sandwich and keep it light.

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Focus Have a strategy to stay alert. Try keeping helmet vents open. Music keeps your brain active, as does a sat nav.

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Gear Never test new kit on a 1000 mile-ride; the last thing you need is discomfort. And always take a heated jacket.

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Safety If you find yourself nodding off, or unable to judge closing distances with traffic, you’re way past it. If you’re tired, pull over, rest your head on the tank and sleep.