Friday, August 28, 2009
Here are the stats!
For those of you who like stats:-
- Money Donated £8,595 + Gift Aid of £1,437 = £10,032
- Total Mileage 349.76 miles
- Total Time (includes Blackberry time) 32 hours 15 minutes
- Total Elevation Gain 20,847 feet
- Total Calories burned 23,618
For those who have been concerned about my diet the calories burned equate to 394.32 Milka Bars. I consumed a grand total of 6 on my trip so I can afford to eat a few more.
Richard
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
A final thank you
I sort of can't believe it's done. I just need to say thank you to everyone really - those who have donated a total of #8,545 plus Gift Aid of #1,424 - so close to #10,000 .
I need to thank Nick and Bike & Run for the equipment and telephone support. David thanks for the training rides. Allissia for the time. Lucy for her impeccable timing last Friday!!!!!! Kirsty for looking after everything at work.
Everyone for the encouraging texts, IM's and e-mails over the past week. Despite spending most of my time by myself I never felt alone for a moment.
The stats may follow.
Richard
I need to thank Nick and Bike & Run for the equipment and telephone support. David thanks for the training rides. Allissia for the time. Lucy for her impeccable timing last Friday!!!!!! Kirsty for looking after everything at work.
Everyone for the encouraging texts, IM's and e-mails over the past week. Despite spending most of my time by myself I never felt alone for a moment.
The stats may follow.
Richard
Tyre preservation
I need to make sure I don't have a Lewis Hamilton moment - speed is not important!
Oily hands after bike maintenance
They are going to love me at the hotel. Thanks Nick for calming me down and sorting out the chain set.
Paris in the distance
Taken completely by suprise - a moment to be shared but no-one to share it with!
Nolleval to Paris - total mileage 350 miles
I woke up early and wrote my blog at Dan and Claire's with Rex for company which generally mean't a lot of nudging with a cold wet nose followed by some tail chasing until he fell over.
After some strong black coffee, croissant and pain au chocolate and goodbyes I set up to the head of the valley for the final 65. Paris still seemed a long way off as i pedalled through the pretty villages of the Pay de Bray with half timbered houses and streams running through villages and gardens. It was slighlty overcast but not too cold perfect cycling weather.
As went from village to village the hills started to flatten out and the french plains returned. I soon bumped into a group of 4 cyclists (all retired by the looks of them) and i joined their peleton. It is amazing what it does for you pace as we cycled at a good 19/20 mph for about 40 minutes before our paths diverged and we wished each other "bonne route".
I droppped down into the pretty town of Gisors abouut 25 miles in and then climbed out of the town and slowly up on the Vexin. The Vexin is a large flat plain north of Paris. The road across the Vexin was almost dead straight for about 20 miles or so and some of the traffic was pretty fast. I am sure all the followers of my blog willl have realised by now that i was unable to find anywhere to stop for lunch so i carried on with my faithfull Milka bar keeping me going.
At the southern edge of the Vexin, about 26 miles from Paris, I climbed a hill an on the horizon i could see tall buildings and noticed that one was the Eiffel Tower. It was an amazing sight and quite unexpected - taken by surprise i was quite emotional - the end was in sight.
Suddenly it all felt so achievable and the lack of food was replaced by adrenalin. I was now going to drop down into the Paris suburbs and outer towns. Once into Pontoise it was very busy roads with lots of cars, buses and lorries and traffic lights. I was not used to any of these. Ipod off, eyes open and wits about me!!
My route, so carefully planned was getting pretty hairy -especially the lorries an then the road i was on became a slip road down to what looked like an autoroute. Just and the end of the sliproad was the end of motorway sign - it didnot amke any difference to how they drove. After a while it got even worse and i thought i'd better send my GPS location to the office every 10 minutes in case something happened.
My route quickly took me off the main road at La Frette sur Seine. All was well and then there was an awful noise and the pedals stopped. For some reason the rear chain set was a mess and all tangled up. After 5 minutes of trying to fix it I started to panic. I couldn't fail now 10 or so miles from the end....I called Nick from Bike and Run and a bit of logic was applied. Soon enough the pedals were turning again but I was a bit nervous of changing gear. Whilst fixing the bike i noticed a big gash in the rear tyre. I decided to take the last part of the journey very gently to preserve the tyre.
I was soon across the Seine at Asniere Sur Seine. I had just cycled through a tunnel and was going very slowly when the van beside me turned right to get into an office building. I managed to use the side of the van to push myself way fromm him, unclip my feet and jump clear of the bike. No damage to me or bike but he has learned a few new english words. I cannot believe that i had so much drama in the final hour of my trip! I was going to be really careful.
I rolled up to a junction and up the street ahead of me I could see the Arc de Triomphe. When i saw up i mean up. Trust me to choose the only up hill road. Arriving at the Place d'etoile was surreal. No great excitement but a sense of achievement and completion. I am not sure everyone thought I would do this when the idea came to me in May. A quick snap of the Arc on my phone and some MMS to family, friends and Lucy.
I found a German tourist to take the all important evidence photo! I completely forgot to put on my CFT T-shirt - how stupid i was - lack of food i think.
I made my way to my hotel - covered in bike oil again - checked in and had a bath. After a little shopping I treated myself to fillet steak, chips and haricot vert and some wine. I think I had earned.
Adventure over - now I need a new plan.
R
After some strong black coffee, croissant and pain au chocolate and goodbyes I set up to the head of the valley for the final 65. Paris still seemed a long way off as i pedalled through the pretty villages of the Pay de Bray with half timbered houses and streams running through villages and gardens. It was slighlty overcast but not too cold perfect cycling weather.
As went from village to village the hills started to flatten out and the french plains returned. I soon bumped into a group of 4 cyclists (all retired by the looks of them) and i joined their peleton. It is amazing what it does for you pace as we cycled at a good 19/20 mph for about 40 minutes before our paths diverged and we wished each other "bonne route".
I droppped down into the pretty town of Gisors abouut 25 miles in and then climbed out of the town and slowly up on the Vexin. The Vexin is a large flat plain north of Paris. The road across the Vexin was almost dead straight for about 20 miles or so and some of the traffic was pretty fast. I am sure all the followers of my blog willl have realised by now that i was unable to find anywhere to stop for lunch so i carried on with my faithfull Milka bar keeping me going.
At the southern edge of the Vexin, about 26 miles from Paris, I climbed a hill an on the horizon i could see tall buildings and noticed that one was the Eiffel Tower. It was an amazing sight and quite unexpected - taken by surprise i was quite emotional - the end was in sight.
Suddenly it all felt so achievable and the lack of food was replaced by adrenalin. I was now going to drop down into the Paris suburbs and outer towns. Once into Pontoise it was very busy roads with lots of cars, buses and lorries and traffic lights. I was not used to any of these. Ipod off, eyes open and wits about me!!
My route, so carefully planned was getting pretty hairy -especially the lorries an then the road i was on became a slip road down to what looked like an autoroute. Just and the end of the sliproad was the end of motorway sign - it didnot amke any difference to how they drove. After a while it got even worse and i thought i'd better send my GPS location to the office every 10 minutes in case something happened.
My route quickly took me off the main road at La Frette sur Seine. All was well and then there was an awful noise and the pedals stopped. For some reason the rear chain set was a mess and all tangled up. After 5 minutes of trying to fix it I started to panic. I couldn't fail now 10 or so miles from the end....I called Nick from Bike and Run and a bit of logic was applied. Soon enough the pedals were turning again but I was a bit nervous of changing gear. Whilst fixing the bike i noticed a big gash in the rear tyre. I decided to take the last part of the journey very gently to preserve the tyre.
I was soon across the Seine at Asniere Sur Seine. I had just cycled through a tunnel and was going very slowly when the van beside me turned right to get into an office building. I managed to use the side of the van to push myself way fromm him, unclip my feet and jump clear of the bike. No damage to me or bike but he has learned a few new english words. I cannot believe that i had so much drama in the final hour of my trip! I was going to be really careful.
I rolled up to a junction and up the street ahead of me I could see the Arc de Triomphe. When i saw up i mean up. Trust me to choose the only up hill road. Arriving at the Place d'etoile was surreal. No great excitement but a sense of achievement and completion. I am not sure everyone thought I would do this when the idea came to me in May. A quick snap of the Arc on my phone and some MMS to family, friends and Lucy.
I found a German tourist to take the all important evidence photo! I completely forgot to put on my CFT T-shirt - how stupid i was - lack of food i think.
I made my way to my hotel - covered in bike oil again - checked in and had a bath. After a little shopping I treated myself to fillet steak, chips and haricot vert and some wine. I think I had earned.
Adventure over - now I need a new plan.
R
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Thank You Dan, Claire and Rex
Sorry to be such a demanding house guest, turning up demanding a bath and a PC to do more blog. It was great to see the house - after years of driving past and never stopping by it was even better to have a made a big effort to cycle to you. The house is lovely and Claire the dinner was delicious.
Once again many thanks
Richard
Once again many thanks
Richard
Fresnes-Mazancourt to Nolleval - 285 Miles
On Monday night I had an enjoyable dinner at Maison Warlop - a very interesting house. We were entertained by thunder and lightening which made me think about the weather for tomorrow.
I woke up early knowing that breakfast was not until 8:30 . The skies were dark and cloudy and I was sure the rain was going to come. By the time I left just after 9:00 things did not look to bad.
Today was supposed to be 75 miles to Dan and Claires travelling west - away from Paris - with a 400 ft climb at 33 miles and few smaller climbs at 19 and 25.
Setting off was fine but there were quite a lot of wind turbines which a sign of things to come. It was easy start to the day through more deserted villages with no sign of life and no shops. Luckily I had stocked up on energy drink and more chocolate yesterday.
I had to keep an eye on the time as I had a conference call with clients at 10:15 UK time. Luckily I arrived at small town Moreuil and stopped at the cafe for a small blacjk coffee and prepared for the call. It was quite interesting do a conference call from a cafe in France.
I then set off on a small climb and through little hills for the next 16 miles or so. No sooner had i set off than i needed to stop again to get my rain jacket out. It rained a little for about 10 to 15 minutes but then stopped. The clouds did still threaten to rain but i stayed dry for the rest of the day. By about one o'clock it started to get sunny as I headed for the climb up to the Plateau that I had to cross for the next 25 miles.
I arrived hundgy at the town of Conty and was optimistic about food especially as it was lunch time. Every shop, restaurant and bar was closed for lunch. I managed to find a small sandwich bar selling very little and settled for a hot dog and coke. When the hot dog arrived is was orange on the outside and white in the middle and tatsed of very little.
All day i had seen very few people and hardly any cars having chosen an very rural route. It was the same on the plateau, just miles of open farm land and very straight roads. I should have made good time but the head wind must have knocked between 3 and 4 miles and hour off my speed.
Soon enough i was near the Pays de Bray - i had left the Somme and was now in Normandie. The last 15 or so miles was almost all down hill. The character of the houses changed to lots of beamed cottaged in the typically Normandie style and the villages were very pretty - usually sitting in the bottom of small valley around a church. Still no people!! where have they all gone.
My last stretch was through forests and then up a valley to Nolleval. As I was cycling Claire drove past me and we realised who each other was as she got along side me. I knew I was close now.
I arrived at Dan and Claires house (very nice) to be greeted by Rex and a glass of champagne followed by a lovely hot bath (I had been desperate for a bath since Saturdays). Claire cooked a lovely dinner. For those of you who have been following my diet this should be a great relief.
After a bit of wine, homemade lemoncello and chat I collapsed into bed.
Tomorrow is the last day 65 miles into Paris and not too many hills.
No SATNAV disasters today - every road really existed and the chain didn't come off today. Today was a really good day!
I was also really pleased to get a text from Lucy and she is recovering well. Fantastic news!
Richard
Monday, August 24, 2009
Lilliers to Fresnes Mazancourt - mileage total 210
After waking up very early I managed to get a bit more sleep before breakfast and then set off about 8:30 which was later than I had hoped for.
Setting off I tried to banish any thoughts of the big hill at mile 11. I soon found that a factory had been built exactly where I wanted to go but managed to cycle through the factory complex without any questions.
I cycled through some mining towns with big slag heaps and thought perhaps the satnav wanted me to go up one and I could go round. Just after Barlin I spotted a big ridge! I was soon passes by a pensioner on an old racing bike bit quickly caught at the bottom of the hill. I stuck to his rear wheel and followed him up the hill. It was like doing Bury Hill twice but the view was great.
Close to Mont Saint Etoi my chosen route turned into dirt track again. Another detour had to be planned.
After 25 miles I made it to Arras - a lovely town . I stopped in the main square for coke in the sun. I had thought I could do some provisions shopping but everything was closed on Monday morning!
I expected the rest of the today to be hilly but it was ok. The head wind was more of a problem. I had managed to chose some roads that were specifcally restricted to farmers and cyclists. They were great. I went through lots of villages which were like the village of the damned (or Ashington) with no shops and not a living soul to be seen.
I was looking for somewhere to get lunch but realised that this was neve going to happen on my rural route. I had burnes about 3500 calories on just my breakfast so I decided to stop and ate a whole bar of chocolate. I then pressed on for Fresnes Mazancourt past lots of Commonwealth War Cemetries - I was now in the Somme.
I arrived at my stop around 3:00 pm - little early for my hostess but I managed to go shopping with her in Peronne at get more chocolate and energy drink for tomorrow. I have an English couple staying tonight so that may make dinner more fun and it will be my first proper meal since Saturday.
Tomorrow is 75 miles to Dan and Claire ad I will be cycling away from Paris. I must be mad. Also the rain has set in and the forecast is rain.
Oh well
Richard
Setting off I tried to banish any thoughts of the big hill at mile 11. I soon found that a factory had been built exactly where I wanted to go but managed to cycle through the factory complex without any questions.
I cycled through some mining towns with big slag heaps and thought perhaps the satnav wanted me to go up one and I could go round. Just after Barlin I spotted a big ridge! I was soon passes by a pensioner on an old racing bike bit quickly caught at the bottom of the hill. I stuck to his rear wheel and followed him up the hill. It was like doing Bury Hill twice but the view was great.
Close to Mont Saint Etoi my chosen route turned into dirt track again. Another detour had to be planned.
After 25 miles I made it to Arras - a lovely town . I stopped in the main square for coke in the sun. I had thought I could do some provisions shopping but everything was closed on Monday morning!
I expected the rest of the today to be hilly but it was ok. The head wind was more of a problem. I had managed to chose some roads that were specifcally restricted to farmers and cyclists. They were great. I went through lots of villages which were like the village of the damned (or Ashington) with no shops and not a living soul to be seen.
I was looking for somewhere to get lunch but realised that this was neve going to happen on my rural route. I had burnes about 3500 calories on just my breakfast so I decided to stop and ate a whole bar of chocolate. I then pressed on for Fresnes Mazancourt past lots of Commonwealth War Cemetries - I was now in the Somme.
I arrived at my stop around 3:00 pm - little early for my hostess but I managed to go shopping with her in Peronne at get more chocolate and energy drink for tomorrow. I have an English couple staying tonight so that may make dinner more fun and it will be my first proper meal since Saturday.
Tomorrow is 75 miles to Dan and Claire ad I will be cycling away from Paris. I must be mad. Also the rain has set in and the forecast is rain.
Oh well
Richard
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Calais to Lilliers
I was picked up this morning by the channel tunnel bike service and Norman and 7:45 and we were on the 8:50 train. I was the only pick up so there was no one to chat to and no chance of a cycling companion for even a few miles. Soon enough I arrived in a warm and sunny Calais and was ready to set of on the 45 miles to Lilliers.
The road was smooth and fast but into a head wind. I has been chatting to a guy I cycled through Storrington with a few weeks about who had warned me about the route to Paris being into the prevailing wind. The
route was very pretty through the marais or marshes with canals everywhere and little bridges. To my right was a ridge of hills where
the wind turbines seemed to be having a productive day.
10 miles in at Ardres (very pretty) the route started to climb a bit. I has been expecting an easy day but one look at the countryside and I
was not so sure. I should have paid more attention to the elevation charts on my maps ( safely stowed in my back pack).
It was starting to get hot and the climbing was hard work. Nothern France was very quiet hardly any cars on the road and hardly any
cyclists but I have plotted a very rural route.
After 20 miles I was pretty tired and stopped for water and chocolate. I ate a while bar of warm Milka before I realised it. The view was
like the South Downs. Northern France flat - you've got to be joking.
A few encouraging texts and messages make all the difference.
The rolling hills continue and the weight of my backpack is an issue also my legs are a bit tiresdfrom 90 miles plus on Saturday. Luckily
I'm in no rush.
I shot down a hill (Rue du Moulin) into a small little valley and started the climb up to the windmill. As I got to the top the road
became a stoney dirt track. I had a choice of going back and trying to find a new route or pushing the bike until the track became a road
again. I could see farms ahead and decided to walk on. A girl shot past me on her mountain bike and i felt a bit more sure of my plan.
Soon enough the Tarmac returned. Still more hills - in all 20 miles of them. By now my water was running low and every bar, restaurant and
tabac was closed.
In Helfaut the Tabac was open so I pulled in had a small coke £2:00 (they could see is was thirsty) and set off again.
The hills were over thankfully.
By the time I got to Aire sur le Lys I was in need of food but everything was closed. I spotted a McDonalds and pedalled through the drive-thru. It's been a long time since they have had any of my money !!! Big Mac, large fries and a large coke with ice was probably
the right food groups after 42 miles.
7 miles to Lilliers. I arrived at the Chateau Philiomel looking a mess as the chain had come off (again!!!) and I was oily and sweaty. The owner looked a bit worried about his White linen and towels. I just wanted a warm bath. No such luck I had to make do with a cold shower and followed by a sleep. I then wandered into the town to find dinner
- everything was closed!! So I settled for takeway pizza on a bench in front of the town hall. I can't believe anyone could make such a
horrible pizza.
Another early night. In bed by 9:00 to get myself ready forthe next 60 and what looks to be a monster hill at 10 miles. A steep climb of 500 feet.
Richard Spofforth
The road was smooth and fast but into a head wind. I has been chatting to a guy I cycled through Storrington with a few weeks about who had warned me about the route to Paris being into the prevailing wind. The
route was very pretty through the marais or marshes with canals everywhere and little bridges. To my right was a ridge of hills where
the wind turbines seemed to be having a productive day.
10 miles in at Ardres (very pretty) the route started to climb a bit. I has been expecting an easy day but one look at the countryside and I
was not so sure. I should have paid more attention to the elevation charts on my maps ( safely stowed in my back pack).
It was starting to get hot and the climbing was hard work. Nothern France was very quiet hardly any cars on the road and hardly any
cyclists but I have plotted a very rural route.
After 20 miles I was pretty tired and stopped for water and chocolate. I ate a while bar of warm Milka before I realised it. The view was
like the South Downs. Northern France flat - you've got to be joking.
A few encouraging texts and messages make all the difference.
The rolling hills continue and the weight of my backpack is an issue also my legs are a bit tiresdfrom 90 miles plus on Saturday. Luckily
I'm in no rush.
I shot down a hill (Rue du Moulin) into a small little valley and started the climb up to the windmill. As I got to the top the road
became a stoney dirt track. I had a choice of going back and trying to find a new route or pushing the bike until the track became a road
again. I could see farms ahead and decided to walk on. A girl shot past me on her mountain bike and i felt a bit more sure of my plan.
Soon enough the Tarmac returned. Still more hills - in all 20 miles of them. By now my water was running low and every bar, restaurant and
tabac was closed.
In Helfaut the Tabac was open so I pulled in had a small coke £2:00 (they could see is was thirsty) and set off again.
The hills were over thankfully.
By the time I got to Aire sur le Lys I was in need of food but everything was closed. I spotted a McDonalds and pedalled through the drive-thru. It's been a long time since they have had any of my money !!! Big Mac, large fries and a large coke with ice was probably
the right food groups after 42 miles.
7 miles to Lilliers. I arrived at the Chateau Philiomel looking a mess as the chain had come off (again!!!) and I was oily and sweaty. The owner looked a bit worried about his White linen and towels. I just wanted a warm bath. No such luck I had to make do with a cold shower and followed by a sleep. I then wandered into the town to find dinner
- everything was closed!! So I settled for takeway pizza on a bench in front of the town hall. I can't believe anyone could make such a
horrible pizza.
Another early night. In bed by 9:00 to get myself ready forthe next 60 and what looks to be a monster hill at 10 miles. A steep climb of 500 feet.
Richard Spofforth
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Saturday 22 August - The Off
The day has come to set off. I pedalled to Billingshurst to the get the 7:30 to Victoria and then made my way to Marble Arc :-). After and all day breakfast sandwich i set off at about 9:30. Down Park Lane to Buckingham Palace, Along the Mall and through Admiralty Arch and I then dropped down onto the Embankment and shot along to Tower Bridge. The roads weren't too bad but you have to watch those buses and every few minutes there are traffic lights.
Once over Tower Bridge it was through Bermondsey to Greenwich - not the nicest of areas (Jon I didn't need my stab vest!). Greenwich was nice and then along Shooter Hill Road (Jon - I didn't see any shooters - I now think that perhaps you were lying to me!).
At 11:40 I was out of SE London and on a bridge looking at the traffice belwo me on the M25 - time for celebratory chocolate with a Harley rider.
Now off into the Kent countryside much nicer riding and good speed in now time i was coming down a big hill looking at Aylesford and Maidstone and thinking of lunch. I had the image of a country pub but ended up at a Cafe in a park with ham, egg and cheesy chips (the cheese was absent) washed down by coke. it did the job. The satnav has been great too.
Setting off after lunch i was optimistic but soon things went a little wrong - i missed a turn and had to double back adding a 6 mile detour around Meopham and was soon quite near Bearsted. When I planned my route i had chose to use the Pilgrims Way. It goes along the south side of the North Downs and has amazing views, gentle ups and downs and little or no traffic. I then turned left on to a monster hill - going north! It went on for ever and i really felt the weight of my backpack. I was rewarded at the top with a sit down and thoughts that pilgrims must be masochist's. Another ride through tiny unused lanes and i only saw another cyclist for a while.
SATNAV disaster - these are supposed to be foolproof but some fool had put in a road that petered out in a forest! I had to adandone my plan - ask the locals for help (i won't do that again) and make my way to Charing and the A20. From Charing i was off route and got my head down to cycle the busy A20 to Ashford and on to Folkestone. The wind had picked up and was in my face. I had now done some 75 miles and was getting tired. My water was starting to get low and it was getting hotter. I was sure to find a garage soon and get more water. No such luck eventually i could see the Channel Tunnel terminal and that got me more motivated to pedal on to the hotel. I arrived hot tired and with sore feet (!!) at around five. Just over 7 hours of riding and 93 miles. They gave me a room on the top floor just to I could take the bike upstairs.
After a quick trip to Tesco to get lucozade I showered and climbed into bed exhausted before supper (steak and chips) and then an early night. Tomorrow it's France and I will be goign through the Tunnel around 9:00. Only 45 miles tomorrow.
News of Lucy (much more important) is that she is recovering and breathing unassissted. This is fantastic.
thank you for all the support calls, emails and text's. Keep them coming.
R
Once over Tower Bridge it was through Bermondsey to Greenwich - not the nicest of areas (Jon I didn't need my stab vest!). Greenwich was nice and then along Shooter Hill Road (Jon - I didn't see any shooters - I now think that perhaps you were lying to me!).
At 11:40 I was out of SE London and on a bridge looking at the traffice belwo me on the M25 - time for celebratory chocolate with a Harley rider.
Now off into the Kent countryside much nicer riding and good speed in now time i was coming down a big hill looking at Aylesford and Maidstone and thinking of lunch. I had the image of a country pub but ended up at a Cafe in a park with ham, egg and cheesy chips (the cheese was absent) washed down by coke. it did the job. The satnav has been great too.
Setting off after lunch i was optimistic but soon things went a little wrong - i missed a turn and had to double back adding a 6 mile detour around Meopham and was soon quite near Bearsted. When I planned my route i had chose to use the Pilgrims Way. It goes along the south side of the North Downs and has amazing views, gentle ups and downs and little or no traffic. I then turned left on to a monster hill - going north! It went on for ever and i really felt the weight of my backpack. I was rewarded at the top with a sit down and thoughts that pilgrims must be masochist's. Another ride through tiny unused lanes and i only saw another cyclist for a while.
SATNAV disaster - these are supposed to be foolproof but some fool had put in a road that petered out in a forest! I had to adandone my plan - ask the locals for help (i won't do that again) and make my way to Charing and the A20. From Charing i was off route and got my head down to cycle the busy A20 to Ashford and on to Folkestone. The wind had picked up and was in my face. I had now done some 75 miles and was getting tired. My water was starting to get low and it was getting hotter. I was sure to find a garage soon and get more water. No such luck eventually i could see the Channel Tunnel terminal and that got me more motivated to pedal on to the hotel. I arrived hot tired and with sore feet (!!) at around five. Just over 7 hours of riding and 93 miles. They gave me a room on the top floor just to I could take the bike upstairs.
After a quick trip to Tesco to get lucozade I showered and climbed into bed exhausted before supper (steak and chips) and then an early night. Tomorrow it's France and I will be goign through the Tunnel around 9:00. Only 45 miles tomorrow.
News of Lucy (much more important) is that she is recovering and breathing unassissted. This is fantastic.
thank you for all the support calls, emails and text's. Keep them coming.
R
News - Friday 21 August 2009
Today started with a TXT from Lucy to say that she had been called to hospital in the night for her heart and lung transplant. This is just what she has been waiting for and she has been disappointed twice before. Timing is unbelievable and today was very stressful waiting to hear if there was a good match and that all was in good condition. Lucy was then taken to theatre and it just had to wait to hear whether all went well. All my thoughts were with Lucy, Jon and Denise. The feeling of relief to hear that she was out of theatre at the end of the day was immense.
Lucky I had organised myself to depart on Thursday concentration was difficult on Friday
Tomorrow is the big off!!
Hope I sleep ok
R
Lucky I had organised myself to depart on Thursday concentration was difficult on Friday
Tomorrow is the big off!!
Hope I sleep ok
R
Training in France W/C 26 July 2009
I have been training in France whilst on holiday for a week and managed a staggering 425 miles including my for 100 mile ride. I am really pleased but the pain was interesting and it was pretty tiring.
R
R
What a difference
My oldest friend Nick (www.bikeandrun.co.uk) has lent me his Cannondale Synapse - it's a proper road bike, fast, light and carbon. Speed has increased dramatically but that saddle has to go. Thanks Nick
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