I think he’s going to need a bigger bike.
Trying out his three-year-old son Oliver’s machine, including stabilisers, may be fun but it probably won’t help Dundee teacher Paul Harper to complete a stage of the Tour de France.
And since his speciality is maths, Paul also knows that the 118-mile route is twice as far as he has ever cycled before.
He admitted that the prospect is “nerve-wracking” but he is determined to raise money for cancer care charity Macmillan and complete the gruelling challenge, which includes three hill climbs.
Although the bulk of the Tour takes place in France, it does visit other countries and this year the first stage will be held in Yorkshire, looping from Leeds to Harrogate through the Dales on Saturday.
Tomorrow amateur riders will be allowed to tackle the course. Although their event is more about simply getting to the end rather than how quickly they do it, it will be no easy task.
Olympic cyclist Chris Boardman, a former yellow jersey winner on the Tour, said: “It’s a lot tougher than people think it’s going to be possibly the Tour’s toughest opening stage for decades.”
Paul’s rides to date have often been no longer than from his home in Birkhill to his job at Braeview Academy in Whitfield, but he has seen a big improvement in his fitness.
He said: “When I started out, doing 10 miles and you were dying. Yesterday I did 60 and I just felt a bit tired.”
Paul will need all his energy for the ride, which includes getting up and over Buttertubs Pass, the highest point on the stage at around 500m above sea level.
He will also need to keep an eye out for fans painting cyclist’s names and slogans on the tarmac a common feature of road races.
“You don’t want to come ripping around a bend and find someone in the middle of the road with the Dulux out!” Paul explained.
He is hoping to raise at least £800 for Macmillan and can be sponsored online at justgiving.com/paulharpercycle.