"Oh my gosh, no way!"

Hannah Scott
Northern Irish rower and Olympic gold medalist

As Owain pedals through Northern Ireland, Olympic champion rower Hannah Scott, from Coleraine in County Londonderry, has been sharing her secret for getting through the toughest moments...

My little saying is always “break it down or break down”. You’re going to have some crazy hills and some horrible weather, but the whole thing is just to break it down day by day, hour by hour, and don’t get ahead of yourself.

Ahead of his 4 Nations Cycle Challenge, Owain shared his Tracks Of My Years with Radio 2’s Vernon Kay - influential music that has soundtracked his life.

We’re looking at the songs he picked and what he said about them.

Dick Van Dyke - Hushabye Mountain

The song, from the film ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’, makes Owain think of his father.

“There was something about when I saw Chitty Chitty Bang Bang for the first time - Caractacus Potts' workshop always reminded me of my dad's shed.

“Hushabye Mountain always makes me think of my dad and everything he did for us.”

Watch Owain’s Tracks Of My Years here:

Earlier this morning, Owain caught up with BBC Breakfast’s Jon Kay and Emma Vardy, describing himself as “all the gear, no idea”!

He said the support had been “amazing”, with “so many people wishing us well and donating”.

Comparing this challenge with his BBC Breakfast’s Drumathon for Children in Need, external back in 2021, Emma asked: what’s worse - arms or legs?

“Because I am a drummer, I felt like I could do that. This is very different. It’s a five-day challenge, and we expect the injuries and niggles will start to build up soon…”

Owain Wyn Evans
BBC Radio 2’s 4 Nations Cycling Superstar

Big moment on the road! Owain has just ticked off his first 100 miles, with supporters out cheering him on as he told Vernon live on Radio 2...

I’ve just picked up the first century of miles, which means we’ve got just over 300 to go. Get the first 100 out of the way, and the rest is gravy!

A pivotal milestone to keep Owain's spirits up - 100 miles down!

Keep going, Owain! You got this!

Owain Wyn Evans
BBC Radio 2’s 4 Nations Cycling Superstar

Owain has been telling Vernon about the ferry crossing, explaining that some special glasses helped him along the way, but it sounds like not everyone found their sea legs...

I was OK, actually, because I was wearing my anti-seasickness glasses. Very fetching. I went in and everyone was lying on the floor. I was like, “Gosh, what’s happened?”

On his Radio 2 show, Vernon Kay has teased that he's been working on a very special surprise for Owain. He mentioned it on yesterday's show and has now given a little teaser again.

He's kept it all under-wraps so far, but all will be revealed shortly...

Drumroll, horn, and off he goes!

If you’re just joining our live coverage of Owain’s 4 Nations Cycle Challenge for BBC Children in Need, here’s what’s been going on…

• Radio 2’s Owain Wyn Evans set off yesterday from the BBC’s Pacific Quay building in Glasgow, Scotland - his mission is to cycle almost 400 miles through Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and Wales, reaching his final destination of Cardiff on Friday.
• Earlier today he set off from Larne in Northern Ireland, before embarking on the first of the three massive climbs he’ll face during the challenge.
• At 103.2 miles it’ll be the longest day of the challenge!

Stay tuned for regular updates, photos and videos as Owain continues his epic journey!

Keep listening to BBC Radio 2 to hear more from Owain during Vernon Kay's show between now and 12:00pm.

You can listen along live on Radio 2 by clicking or tapping the 'Listen Live' button at the top of the page. Or ask your smart speaker to play BBC Radio 2 - get more help with using smart speakers here.

You can also take Owain with you via the BBC Sounds app if you're on the move - if you've not downloaded it, here's some help in getting started.

In case you missed it, Sara Cox played Owain some special messages, including one from his nephew Joey that left him emotional.

Joey: “I’ve seen you doing the cycling challenge. I am super proud of you. Good luck for the rest of the week. I can’t wait to go in the Jeep again. Love you.”

Owain: "I love you, Joey. Sorry. I didn’t think I’d cry this early today. I can’t wait to go in the Jeep with you as well."

We're in for an emotional day all round, we reckon!

Owain Wyn Evans
BBC Radio 2’s 4 Nations Cycling Superstar

Owain just completed the first of his killer climbs in Tilldarg - and he's been reacting to it live on Radio 2 to Sara Cox. And safe to say that the climbs are starting to confuse Owain a bit...

I do think I’m losing it, because I just said "good morning" and waved at what I thought was a farmer in a high-vis. But it was a horse in a high-vis!

Day 2 of Owain's 4 Nations Cycle Challenge for Children in Need is well and truly go.

If you'd like to support Owain with a text or online donation, you can find all the details below or at bbc.co.uk/owain.

Owain Wyn Evans
BBC Radio 2’s 4 Nations Cycling Superstar

Is Owain bothered by Radio 2 presenters calling him along the way of his journey? Not one bit, he says...

No, it's great! It keeps me company on the way. I'm wearing this ear piece and microphone, which means [presenters] can connect to me at any time. But it's actually really good because I'm so easily distracted.

A new total has been announced for Owain’s 4 Nations Cycle Challenge for BBC Children in Need, and it is...

£150,274!

Nearly doubled from last night's total of £80k!

After hearing emotional phone calls from young listeners and his nephew Joey, and upon learning the new total, Owain said: "Thank you, thank you, thank you everyone!"

And a big thank you from us to everyone that has donated so far!

Send your messages to Owain via the 'Get in touch' form at the top of the page.

As a former weather presenter, Owain will no doubt be taking a particular interest in the conditions that await him each day.

According to BBC Weather, today will remain largely dry and overcast around Larne, with the chance of a few localised fog patches. There may be the occasional brighter spell throughout the day though.

Here's how it's looking in Larne for Day 2 of Owain's challenge:

Image source, BBC Weather

Owain Wyn Evans
BBC Radio 2’s 4 Nations Cycling Superstar

At the end of today, Owain will board an overnight ferry, where he will sleep onboard in a bunk. But there's one problem: being tall, he might not fit...

Has anyone measured the bunk? I don't think we've measured the bunks. It might be a toes-sticking-out-of-the-edge situation...

Owain’s on his bike and rolling out of Larne Harbour, with a wave goodbye and the next stretch of the challenge ahead.

Yes!

You can follow Owain's every move with our special tracker which will chart his progress throughout his 4 Nations Cycle Challenge - available now on the BBC Children in Need website, external.