What have I let myself in for ..

Final thoughts

2010-09-16T13:03:00.003+01:00

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?'

Day 3 - 5th September

2010-09-07T13:31:00.003+01:00

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.

Day 2 - 4th September

2010-09-07T13:23:00.003+01:00

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.

Day 1 - 3rd September

2010-09-07T13:19:00.004+01:00

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.

Made it!

2010-09-07T13:15:00.002+01:00

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.

2010-08-31T13:39:00.003+01:00

2 days to go by this evening!

I still seems a bit like a dream. But Friday 6:30 a.m. will bring home the reality. Did 20 miles this evening without any ill effect. It was just about perfect conditions and a short ride was just what was needed to get rid of the frustrations of the day.

Me, the heather and the ponies

2010-08-28T20:27:00.007+01:00

With apologies to Clare for blatant plagarism in the heading! But today was the return to the New Forest. What was most encouraging was that, after a few weeks concentrating on the Purbeck hills, this ride didn't seem too difficult.

The route was out via Burley, tackling the steepest hill from Ringwood. Then on to Brockenhurst, across Rhinefield, over the A35 and up Ornamental Drive to Bolderwood. This was the hardest section, into the wind and up the hill. The first part is about medium on the steepness scale for about 1.5 miles.

Then it is a gentle uphill, but that goes on for another 3 miles until the descent into Ringwood, past the Alice Lisle pub. 55 miles altogether by the time I got home. Only little worry is that the knee started to protest after I got off the bike. Hope its OK by the morning.

5 days to go!

2010-08-26T13:21:00.003+01:00

7 days to go!

And the weather looks to have just turned a corner, at least for an hour or two. A bit restricted so far this week - 25 miles on Monday, 27 on Tuesday and then nearly had to row home in a boat last night. My shoes were still wet this morning. The weekend looks more promising so I'm hoping to get a good 50 mile ride in on Saturday morning. Maybe the New Forest again as I've not bene in that direction for some time.

It's beginning to sink in that a week tomorrow, at 7:30am, around 65 people, including yours truly, will start to prove themselves all mad. And, Yes, I'm still looking forward to it.

We all need a rest sometimes

2010-08-21T13:00:00.006+01:00

Had a stomach upset this week, so I've done virtually nothing. On top of that, the bike was in for it's last check up at Primera. Needed brake blocks, cables, tyres etc. So that made me feel much better, of course. But at least I know it's ready for the off.

I think the rest has probably been a good things as well. Just need to get back to riding as soon as possible, maybe this afternoon, or maybe on Monday.

Still can't believe I'm actually going to be there at the start in 13 days time.

Only 13 days to go!

Did I do the plan?

2010-08-15T21:30:00.007+01:00

Well, it depends how you measure it. Time constraints yesterday meant that I missed the target of 60 miles for that day - only did 47. But because I was ahead of schedule the other days, I made the overall target with 3 miles to spare. So a record breaking week of 240 miles.

Friday was 55 miles all within the Bournemouth/Poole boundaries. It included some of the chines that I hadn't done before (e.g. Alum Chine), twice round Sandbanks and Hengistbury head.

Saturday was similar but with a different route through Poole. Hampered by roadworks and traffic in general because it was the afternoon rather than the morning which was one reason for not getting quite the distance I wanted. Then there was a heavy shower for about 15 minutes. Not that anyone here is complaining about that as it was the first heavy rain we have had since Easter. The view is from the top of Constitution Hill looking over towards the Purbeck hills

The plan for the next two weeks is to take it a bit easier, put in long rides on the remaining Saturdays and keep the current level for the main event.

Only 18 days to go!

The wind is back

2010-08-12T12:34:00.006+01:00

21 today - not just wishful thinking! 21 days to go. And the stiff westerly has become a stiff north-westerly. Yesterday was easier, but today half the miles were into the breeze. It always feels stronger on the coast. But two good days and ahead of plan - 35 miles yesterday and 46 miles today. If the next two days work out as planned, it will be over 250 miles in the week.

Today was just along the coast making use of the natural hills at the chines. So Sandbanks first and back to Hengistbury head. The Hungry Hiker cafe is a bit tempting but I managed to resist and settled for a Mars bar and about a litre of water instead of going in.

Then back to Sandbanks and back home with a couple of detours in Queen's Park. I think it included all the best hills this side of the chain ferry.

The baggage labels have arrived from Classic Tours with the final instructions. Seems it's not just a dream after all!

This is getting a bit scary

2010-08-10T13:20:00.005+01:00

I can't really believe its this close! Only three more weekends before the off. Then we find out whether we are really ready! This has been a low week, about 110 miles, because of circumstances, but I'm hoping to make up for it this week. Got three days off and the plan is to do 30, 40, 50 and 60 miles on consecutive days. (That's the plan, we'll see how it works out!)

Langton Matravers TWICE

2010-07-31T19:19:00.004+01:00

OK, I'm tired. But I think that is justified. Just missed the 8:40 ferry and, as a result, didn't get across the harbour until about 9:10. The Contentin again got in the way of the ferry. If I hadn't spent 5 minute looking for my keys (not my fault), I would have been there half an hour earlier.

Light rain until Swanage. The picture is Old Harry rocks, just at the end of the bay, taken on a day when it wasn't drizzling.

A moderate Westerly wind so the first 23 miles was straight into it. Across to Swange as usual, up through Langton Matravers and Corfe Castle. Then the big question - 'Shall I do it that loop again?' With the encouragement of the wind behind me, I arrived back in Swanage in good time and decided to give it a go. Kept telling myself I could always turn round if it got too much. But there was a family struggling up the first steep bit on heavily laden tourers, even the smallest (aged about 7, I would guess). I think they were heading to the camp site at the top of the village. So it made me feel ashamed to even think about not getting the top the second time. By 11:00, I was enjoying the sights of Corfe again and looking forward to getting back home.

53 of the toughest miles I've done up to now. I think (hope) that the route in September will not be that tough!

Wasps and holiday makers

2010-07-24T13:24:00.005+01:00

This is the first day of the school holidays so I suppose we have to expect the holiday makers. But more drivers not sure of where they are going makes life a bit more of problem on the roads. Have to get up earlier, I suppose.

There was the usual hold up at the ferry to wait for Contentin to leave Poole. This is a new cargo route that only operates at the weekend to Cherburg, apparently, but it seems to coincide with the chain ferry at 9:00 most Saturdays. Then off to Swanage and the hills. Usual route through Langton Matravers to Corfe Castle. We were there earlier in the week (not on the bike though) and found an excellent model village which we didn't know about.

Then back towards Studland. There are some lovely views over Poole harbour from that road and it's beginning to seem less uphill than it was at first.

Then back round to Swanage and back to the ferry via Ulwell. There is more of a climb on that that road than I remember from the last time I did it. Time for a loop round Canford Cliffs and back to Sandbanks before getting home. 52 miles altogether which makes 197 in the week. I did think about doing another 3 miles to make a round figure, but this was the longest ride in the hills so far and I chickened out. Besides which, about 10 miles before getting back, I was attacked by a wasp, or maybe a bee - didn't see which - so I wanted to get some anthistan on the sting. It got me just below the helmet - if it had been a couple of mm higher, it would have been OK.

42 days and counting down ..

2010-07-22T13:24:00.010+01:00

This has turned out to be a good week. Not only have we had some good days out, I've been able to fit in at least 30 miles in the mornings before we went. Just as well really as the coutdown has begun in earnest. 6 weeks tomorrow. Only 5 more Saturdays to get up to standard in on the hills. Had a good day today - 47 miles, including the best hills this side of the chain ferry. Round past the ferry twice and along to Hengistbury head.

We are fortunate to live in a lovely part of the country where even rides round the town have such a pleasant outlook. Despite the pessimistic forecast, I think I counted 10 spots of rain. There was even time to call in on some old friends and ask them for sponsorship. So 145 miles so far in the week.

Tomorrow will be a day off in the Isle of Wight, but then I hope to hit 50 miles via Swanage (twice) and Corfe Castle.

Getting back to work doing some miles again

2010-07-18T21:18:00.007+01:00

Gradually returning to normal. It's been a week of good days and bad days- high winds and other commitments, but still managed 140 miles. Saturday was good with 45 miles, most of them in the Purbecks. I can never work out how there is more uphill than downhill and yet you end up where you started.

So the same route as before to Swanage and then up through Langton Matravers and back down to Corfe Castle. Some hills are easier the second time; Langton Matravers is not one of them. Perhaps it will be easier the third time, possibly next Saturday. It turned out to be the day of the Swanage half marathon going the same route as I was doing - fortunately going the opposite way. Seeing the way some of the runners looked, I was glad to have wheels under me.

So the target for this week is about 170/180 miles, including a slightly longer run in the hills next weekend.

It's Monday again.

2010-07-13T13:13:00.003+01:00

A better start to the week. 33 miles today. Thought I would take a look at Lilliput Road in Poole and didn't realise how steep it got at the top. I shall know another time, but I think it would justify a second Mars bar. At least there are very few cars round there. Most of the residents have helicopters, I think.

2010-07-10T19:25:00.002+01:00

It feels good to get back on the bike again after a short enforced break. And with the work that Primera have done, the bike feels pretty good as well. So it was an easy week again, with 30 miles this morning, just to ease back into the way of cycling. Next week should be better, although commitments mean that two mornings are out. So I have a target of about 130 miles in the week and then aim for better the week after.

Tour de New Forest

2010-06-26T20:18:00.002+01:00

Let's hope this weather goes on a bit longer. While my wife complains she needs rain for the garden, I'm pretty happy with how it is. Got out at about 7:30 am and spent 4 hours 35 mins going round the New Forest. Some roads I've not been along before and a couple of hills I didn't know existed. Numerous ponies, of course, wandering around as if they own the place, which they do, really. A herd of cows sheltering from the sun under the bridge where the A31 goes across the road I was on. So plenty of sun and plenty of shade as well. Just about every cyclist in Bournemouth had the same idea as I had, but not too many around until about 10:00 am.

So after three bottle of water and 3 cereal bars (OK, one of them said 'Mars' on the outside), 70 miles completed in 4 hours 16 mins cycling time. I'm paying the penalty this afternoon with a lot of soreness in the dodgy knee, but that should settle down over night. An excellent week, 227 miles. Next week will be a lot less. Primera will take some more money from me on Thursday - the bike needs a service as I've done 1900 miles since Easter and next Saturday is the briefing session for the ride in September.

Why I don't feel guilty about a mars bar

2010-06-21T20:14:00.001+01:00

That is a much better start to the week. 43 miles between the morning and evening, again doing the round trip to Sandbanks. Had to get a new mileage device on Saturday and it has a calories burned indicator. So I can now see that I have well and truly burned off the mars bar that I had during the ride. This could be a useful device. At least I can be sure it is recording all the miles as well.

Easy week

2010-06-19T21:37:00.001+01:00

Well, we all have to have a time off every so often. Only 130 miles because of other commitments. Another visit to a MNDA event today so not able to do the usual Saturday morning run. I'm hoping to make up for it this coming week with a target of at least 200 miles. At least the weather forecast looks encouraging. The question is whether it will be the New Forest or the Purbecks next Saturday.

And it did my Primera the chance to relieve me of some more money (helmet, inner tubes, Cateye mileage device etc.).

East face of Langton Matravers

2010-06-12T13:03:00.000+01:00

That was tough. As far as Swanage is fine, but going westwards up to Langton Matravers, the hill seems to go on a long time. The views from the top are pretty good though and I found myself looking down on Corfe Castle. That was rather satisfying. There was one hill I was very glad to be going down after that, but I suppose I'll have to tackle it the other way in a couple of weeks time.

So only 41 miles, but I lost 35 minutes at the ferry while it waited for the Cherburg departure and a cargo ship to come in. Must have been 15 cyclists on the ferry which again proves that cyclists get up early.

Dodging the ponies

2010-06-05T13:40:00.000+01:00

Much nicer than dodging the roadworks. Managed to get out fairly early and completed 64 miles in the New Forest, 3hours 44 minutes of cycling time. There were scores of ponies from the top of the hill at Bransgore onwards. I missed the turning that I wanted in Burley and ended up in Brockenhurst, but when you are surrounded by the wonderful countryside of the forest, it doesn't matter too much what routes you take.

I caught up with a group of three out for their training and they were going slowly so I went past them. This obviously woke them up and they went past me and into the distance. I'd done 45 miles by then, so wasn't too bothered.

And if you measure 64 miles in km, it is just over 100. So I'm feeling pretty pleased, if a little aching in the left knee.

Spoke too soon!

2010-06-04T20:52:00.000+01:00

Another 50 miles on and there's the puncture. I'm glad I found it this evening as I'm hoping to get out early tomorrow morning!

Dodging the roadworks

2010-06-02T21:38:00.000+01:00

Does anyone know how to do more than 3 miles in Bournemouth without finding roadworks? All set to make best use of the lovely evening and found myself in queues of traffic. So altered the plans and went round some of the less attractive parts of Bournemouth and Poole. Still took in Sandbanks, going past the Haven Hotel, but got there just as the ferry disgorged about 100 cars and a group of cyclists out for a Sunday afternoon stroll. I think the moral is that early mornings are the best times for training. Still clocked up 33 miles though, to go with the 19 in the morning.

It's just occurred to me that it's been 1300 miles since the last puncture (just after Easter). I'm going to check that I've got a spare tyre with me tomorrow ...

Assault on the Perbecks

2010-05-31T13:57:00.000+01:00

Well, the foothills, at any rate. Finally made it across the chain ferry to Studland and then on to Swanage. It wasn't as bad as I was expecting, probably because there was friendly north westerly, which is precisely what I am hoping for in September. Quite a number of people out on bikes. Not too many motorists. I think it proves that cyclists get up earlier than motorists. Then back across the ferry, and round to the other end of the bay to Hengistbury Head. 46 miles altogether, although there is a dodgy contact on the Cateye mileage devise, so may have been a mile more.

I think I am beginning to really think the final trip is going to be OK! Next challenge is Corfe Castle. I know that one is longer and steeper, so needs some mental preparation as well as physical.

Round and round Burley

2010-05-22T12:10:00.000+01:00

This weather was just made for cycling. As long as you get out early before it gets too hot, of course. Just completed 56 miles in 196 minutes round the New Forest and back before 11:30. The views from the top of the hill past Bransgore are wonderful, Burley as very pretty, even though it's unashamedly made for the tourists and from up towards Picket Post, the views become even better. On a day like today, you can't beat it. It nearly makes up for having to cut short the morning rides just so that I get get into the office. The question is, will it be this good on 3rd September?

What wonderful weather

2010-05-17T20:47:00.000+01:00

It has been a perfect cycling day - just invites you to get out. Was nearly late this morning because I forgot the time. Clocked 20 miles before work and then another 20 after work. So a good start to the week. The hills are not quite as high as they used to be so I am rather encouraged.

Craft fair at Canford Cliffs

2010-05-17T20:34:00.000+01:00

No chance to get a ride on Saturday - went to a Craft fair organised by the local MNDA branch. It was good to meet others who have been affected by seeing family and friends sruck down with the disease and they were very generous in their support of the ride. Bought an excellent fruit cake.

I wish they didn't keep talking about a 'challenge'

2010-05-17T20:25:00.000+01:00

Well, its just under four months until we set off from somewhere in Bexley and expect to end up in Paris three days later. Will the legs make it? How many punctures will I get? How many times will I fall off? Will Alex remember its not a race? Whatever happens, it will be a trip to remember. I keep seeing the word 'challenge' in all the documentation and I keep thinking that I'm not too keen on that word. So I hope that the preparation will be good enough and that I shall be ready. 50 miles cracked a couple of weeks ago, so I hope to make the 60 miles in the next couple of weeks. Then its the Purbecks - oh joy!