The BBC Radio 2 presenter will cycle through all four UK nations in five days in November, taking on the greatest distance ever attempted in a Radio 2 fundraising challenge.
But with the enormity of the task sinking in, Owain has spoken honestly about whether he feels capable of completing it.
Speaking to Sara Cox on Radio 2, he said: “I’ve got to be honest I’ve had a couple of wobbles, over the weekend I was like, I’m so not ready!”
He added: “When I think about what I need to do, you know, 400 miles, 4 nations over the space of 4 or 5 days, I just don’t feel like it’s a thing I’m able to do.”
Owain will set off from Glasgow on Monday, November 9, before cycling through Scotland, Northern Ireland and England.
His journey will eventually bring him home to Wales, where he is due to reach the finish line in central Cardiff on Friday, November 13.
Nearly 400 miles will be covered during the five-day challenge.
The Carmarthenshire-born broadcaster knew from the outset that the challenge would take him well beyond his comfort zone.
When the fundraiser was announced, Owain said: “When I said yes to this challenge, I knew it would push me well outside my comfort zone.
“It’s going to be tough, demanding and probably a little daunting at times, but I’m ready to give it absolutely everything I’ve got.”
The reason for putting himself through that challenge is to raise money for children and young people supported through BBC Children in Need.
Owain said he hoped Radio 2 listeners would support him throughout the journey and that together they could make a difference for young people across the UK, helping to ensure they have somebody by their side when they need it most.
His preparation is being supported by sports scientist Professor Greg Whyte, who has worked on numerous high-profile charity endurance challenges.
However, the physical distance will not be Owain’s only obstacle.
November weather could add another dimension to the challenge, and Owain has already been training in cold and wet conditions.
He told Sara that it had been “pouring down” during his preparations and was also feeling cold.
It will not be the broadcaster’s first significant fundraising effort for BBC Children in Need.
In 2021, Owain completed a 24-hour drumming challenge which raised more than £3.8 million.
That challenge came after he attracted widespread attention for his drumming, but this time the Welsh broadcaster is swapping his drum kit for a bicycle.
Owain has also acknowledged the formidable fundraising challenges previously completed by Radio 2 colleagues including Sara Cox, Paddy McGuinness and Vernon Kay, saying he has “a lot to live up to”.
Despite his moments of doubt, he has promised to give the challenge everything he has.
And after five demanding days and nearly 400 miles on the road, his journey will end back in Wales.
