Sunday, 22 April 2012
The new Challenge
Thursday, 16 September 2010
Final thoughts
I think it is right to close this blog now with a few final thoughts.
Firstly, the final amount raised is very nearly £2,200 in total. This will soon be reflected on the JustGiving page. Thank you to all the sponsors who have really dug deep. I'm so pleased that I was able to justify your optimism.
Secondly, it has been a pleasure to meet new friends as a result of the ride. Some are in the local Association here in Bournemouth and I have seen something of the effort they make to raise money for MNDA. Some are those that I met on the ride itself, with whom I hope to keep in touch even though they live in different parts of the UK. Maybe we will be able to ride together again sometime.
Thirdly, I have learned that I am still pretty determined when I want to be. The goals I set have been ticked off, one by one. The first 40 mile ride, the first 50 and 60 and even the first 70 mile ride. Conquering the hills in the Purbecks was a test to be overcome with the doubts about the knee. But it was all worth the effort and the preparation could hardly have been better.
So the only remaining question is 'What about next year?'
Tuesday, 7 September 2010
Day 3 - 5th September
Day 3: 69 miles, 4hours 50 mins cycling time, 9000+ ft of hill climbs
And so on to Paris. A chilly start, just as I like it, bit a bit too chilly for most. The rolling countryside continued so although the climb total was bigger than the first day, most of it was much easier. There were only half a dozen hills which really counted. It was agreed that we would start at the back and see how far we could get up through the group to the first break and we were 100% successful, Clare having her usual result about 2 minutes after Alex and I arrived. The next break was on a village green next to the village church. As the third break was to be at a small cafe, there was a definite premium in being among the first to arrive (2 loos between 60 people who have cycled about 35 miles is not good news). With lunch beckoning, the next stage called us to press on. There was some bonus mileage resulting from a wrong sign, but that added to the camaraderie. Another superb lunch and suddenly, there was only about 25 miles to go.
By now we were in the Paris suburbs and there was traffic and traffic lights to contend with. Gideon was now cycling with us and it occurred to me that, as he knew the way, the best plan would be to stick with him. A number of people had that idea. So on to the last real stop. Guess who was first lady to arrive. And then real urban cycling. Again, a good group followed Gideon although it got a bit strung out with having to stop at lights etc. Then there was the first glimpse of the Eiffel tower, about 10 miles away.
The final regouping was about 3 miles from the tower and this last little stretch was the most frustrating part. All of Paris was trying to get along the road that we needed to go along and these 3 miles took nearly an hour (so not included in the timings). Across the Seine for the last time and then round the back of the Eiffel Tower for the photos. I was not the only one to feel a bit emotional about. It had been a wonderful experience. There was some very testing cycling and some exhilarating moments and the whole experience was something that I had enjoyed beyond all I had imagined. The preparation had been worthwhile and the whole trip is something I will certainly remember.
And so on to Paris. A chilly start, just as I like it, bit a bit too chilly for most. The rolling countryside continued so although the climb total was bigger than the first day, most of it was much easier. There were only half a dozen hills which really counted. It was agreed that we would start at the back and see how far we could get up through the group to the first break and we were 100% successful, Clare having her usual result about 2 minutes after Alex and I arrived. The next break was on a village green next to the village church. As the third break was to be at a small cafe, there was a definite premium in being among the first to arrive (2 loos between 60 people who have cycled about 35 miles is not good news). With lunch beckoning, the next stage called us to press on. There was some bonus mileage resulting from a wrong sign, but that added to the camaraderie. Another superb lunch and suddenly, there was only about 25 miles to go.
By now we were in the Paris suburbs and there was traffic and traffic lights to contend with. Gideon was now cycling with us and it occurred to me that, as he knew the way, the best plan would be to stick with him. A number of people had that idea. So on to the last real stop. Guess who was first lady to arrive. And then real urban cycling. Again, a good group followed Gideon although it got a bit strung out with having to stop at lights etc. Then there was the first glimpse of the Eiffel tower, about 10 miles away.
The final regouping was about 3 miles from the tower and this last little stretch was the most frustrating part. All of Paris was trying to get along the road that we needed to go along and these 3 miles took nearly an hour (so not included in the timings). Across the Seine for the last time and then round the back of the Eiffel Tower for the photos. I was not the only one to feel a bit emotional about. It had been a wonderful experience. There was some very testing cycling and some exhilarating moments and the whole experience was something that I had enjoyed beyond all I had imagined. The preparation had been worthwhile and the whole trip is something I will certainly remember.
Day 2 - 4th September
Day 2: 50 miles, 3hours 20 mins cycling time, 4000+ ft of hill climbs
This leg was pure enjoyment. There were only a couple of hills worthy of the name and there was beautiful countryside to look at along the valley with the river running through it down to Dieppe. Departure was 10:00 after the late night and the extra little bit of sleep was very welcome. Breakfast was very good with plenty of carbs. By now Clare was beginning the realise that she was much quicker than she thought she was and the three of us were cycling pretty much as a team. There were numerous typical French villages, each with its own Pharmacie, Boulangerie and Marie. The first stop was in the middle of one of these villages where we provided entertainment for the locals before a team photo in the village square.
Then there was one of the hills to climb before the lunch break. This was the first taste of the little French restaurant and it did not disappoint. The trip so far had burned around 6000 calories and this meal did its part towards replacing them. Then on to the next break, preceded by the other one of the hills in this leg. But after the first day, these hills were a lot easier. Quite a long break, this one, waiting for the back markers to arrive. The last session finished in Gournay en Bray with the prospect of another huge meal. At each stop, Clare was first lady and we were all within the first eight or so to finish. Again, Pam arrived looking very fresh having put in a good time.
This leg was pure enjoyment. There were only a couple of hills worthy of the name and there was beautiful countryside to look at along the valley with the river running through it down to Dieppe. Departure was 10:00 after the late night and the extra little bit of sleep was very welcome. Breakfast was very good with plenty of carbs. By now Clare was beginning the realise that she was much quicker than she thought she was and the three of us were cycling pretty much as a team. There were numerous typical French villages, each with its own Pharmacie, Boulangerie and Marie. The first stop was in the middle of one of these villages where we provided entertainment for the locals before a team photo in the village square.
Then there was one of the hills to climb before the lunch break. This was the first taste of the little French restaurant and it did not disappoint. The trip so far had burned around 6000 calories and this meal did its part towards replacing them. Then on to the next break, preceded by the other one of the hills in this leg. But after the first day, these hills were a lot easier. Quite a long break, this one, waiting for the back markers to arrive. The last session finished in Gournay en Bray with the prospect of another huge meal. At each stop, Clare was first lady and we were all within the first eight or so to finish. Again, Pam arrived looking very fresh having put in a good time.
Day 1 - 3rd September
74 miles, 5hours 20 mins cycling time, 8000+ ft of hill climbs
An early start at 6:30 saw 62 eager cyclists lining up to register. Not that they looked particularly eager at that time in the morning. But the Classic Tours staff were awake and that helped. Then the briefing from Gideon about the first stage. A word of warning for anyone who has the urge to sign up – never believe Gideon when he tells you about the hills. The first stage was gentle, but by the end, it was clear that there was a good range of abilities. The next stage was slightly less gentle and this was the pattern throughout the day. On the third stage I was stunned to find that Alex and I arrived at the break first. Lunch was next in an idyllic setting in a village by a river. Soup and baguette was exactly what was needed.
Then it was the afternoon push on towards Dover. We had already started to mistrust what Gideon told us about hills – having promised a hill before lunch, he omitted to tell us it was a downhill. He also omitted to tell us that the worst hill in Kent was coming up just short of Folkestone. Just after the village of Etchinghill (the name should have been a clue), there was the worst hill I’ve ever done – by far. It was steep and kept going. Every time we reached what we thought was the top, it went on. I can report that I got up it before Alex did, without having walk. The break stop at the top was not only very welcome, but it also gave amazing views over the Euro Tunnel depot at Folkestone. There were only about 4 or 5 there already when we arrived. And not more than 5/10 minutes later, the first lady up was Clare. Then came the cruellest of Gideon’s omissions. “It’s all downhill to Dover” meant “Look out for the last half mile climb, just about as steep as the previous climb”. Then it was all down hill to Dover, onto the ferry and across to Calais. I rode this stage with Pam who was doing very well despite having had little time for road training.
Because of the enforced route change, there was then a coach ride down to Dieppe. It made a very long day, but there was already a real sense of achievement. The distance doesn’t include about 4 miles of fiddling around Dover and Calais at very slow speeds.
An early start at 6:30 saw 62 eager cyclists lining up to register. Not that they looked particularly eager at that time in the morning. But the Classic Tours staff were awake and that helped. Then the briefing from Gideon about the first stage. A word of warning for anyone who has the urge to sign up – never believe Gideon when he tells you about the hills. The first stage was gentle, but by the end, it was clear that there was a good range of abilities. The next stage was slightly less gentle and this was the pattern throughout the day. On the third stage I was stunned to find that Alex and I arrived at the break first. Lunch was next in an idyllic setting in a village by a river. Soup and baguette was exactly what was needed.
Then it was the afternoon push on towards Dover. We had already started to mistrust what Gideon told us about hills – having promised a hill before lunch, he omitted to tell us it was a downhill. He also omitted to tell us that the worst hill in Kent was coming up just short of Folkestone. Just after the village of Etchinghill (the name should have been a clue), there was the worst hill I’ve ever done – by far. It was steep and kept going. Every time we reached what we thought was the top, it went on. I can report that I got up it before Alex did, without having walk. The break stop at the top was not only very welcome, but it also gave amazing views over the Euro Tunnel depot at Folkestone. There were only about 4 or 5 there already when we arrived. And not more than 5/10 minutes later, the first lady up was Clare. Then came the cruellest of Gideon’s omissions. “It’s all downhill to Dover” meant “Look out for the last half mile climb, just about as steep as the previous climb”. Then it was all down hill to Dover, onto the ferry and across to Calais. I rode this stage with Pam who was doing very well despite having had little time for road training.
Because of the enforced route change, there was then a coach ride down to Dieppe. It made a very long day, but there was already a real sense of achievement. The distance doesn’t include about 4 miles of fiddling around Dover and Calais at very slow speeds.
Made it!
This was the most enjoyable thing I have done for a long time. The weather was perfect throughout which helped, but the whole experience of cycling in a group and finding your own level was just amazing. Each day was a series of short stages with refreshments/regrouping breaks – a chance to catch up with how everyone was doing.
The range of ages was from 21 to 64. There were basic mountain bikes and top end road bikes and there was even a couple on a tandem. There was one participant who had not sat on a bike for three years until the Friday morning and another who is a professional with the Sigma team. A whole range of occupations including a number who work for charities (for whom they were raising funds). Over 30 charities were represented. The whole UK was represented from Belfast to Kent. Two had ridden down from John O’Groats (9 days), even though they live in Wiltshire, because they didn’t think London to Paris was far enough. One of the pleasures was meeting so many people who had special reasons for wanting to help their charities.
14 of us were there to raise money for MNDA. One group of ten had seen a colleague die in April and wanted to do something positive in his memory. Then there were Clare, Pam, Alex and me who formed something of a team together after exchanging emails (Alex is my niece’s husband). We certainly looked the part with the cycling jerseys that Clare had organised.
Suddenly it started and suddenly it was over. Everyone (except Steve, the professional) had not only tested themselves to a greater extent than anything they had done before, but had achieved it as well. Everyone had contributed to worthy causes and hopefully made a little difference to lives affected by conditions that are difficult or impossible to treat.
After three days of cycling, 62 people stood in the shadow of the Eiffel tower, having cycled over 200 miles in 3 days. My own targets were smashed with the 193 miles of real cycling completed in 13 hours 30 minutes of cycling time
The Classic Tours organisation was excellent throughout (even when the signing went slightly adrift). Accommodation was good and food was brilliant. Gideon is exactly the right person to run this type of event and has a wicked way of telling you only what you really need to know, smiling even more when giving the bad news.
The range of ages was from 21 to 64. There were basic mountain bikes and top end road bikes and there was even a couple on a tandem. There was one participant who had not sat on a bike for three years until the Friday morning and another who is a professional with the Sigma team. A whole range of occupations including a number who work for charities (for whom they were raising funds). Over 30 charities were represented. The whole UK was represented from Belfast to Kent. Two had ridden down from John O’Groats (9 days), even though they live in Wiltshire, because they didn’t think London to Paris was far enough. One of the pleasures was meeting so many people who had special reasons for wanting to help their charities.
14 of us were there to raise money for MNDA. One group of ten had seen a colleague die in April and wanted to do something positive in his memory. Then there were Clare, Pam, Alex and me who formed something of a team together after exchanging emails (Alex is my niece’s husband). We certainly looked the part with the cycling jerseys that Clare had organised.
Suddenly it started and suddenly it was over. Everyone (except Steve, the professional) had not only tested themselves to a greater extent than anything they had done before, but had achieved it as well. Everyone had contributed to worthy causes and hopefully made a little difference to lives affected by conditions that are difficult or impossible to treat.
After three days of cycling, 62 people stood in the shadow of the Eiffel tower, having cycled over 200 miles in 3 days. My own targets were smashed with the 193 miles of real cycling completed in 13 hours 30 minutes of cycling time
The Classic Tours organisation was excellent throughout (even when the signing went slightly adrift). Accommodation was good and food was brilliant. Gideon is exactly the right person to run this type of event and has a wicked way of telling you only what you really need to know, smiling even more when giving the bad news.
Tuesday, 31 August 2010
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