A fitting end to the year

Enjoyed a brilliant staging of the hit musical 'Chess' tonight.

Not remembering much from the only other occasion I'd seen it, as a family about 20 years ago, the production brought together great music and a highly relevant storyline. I definitely recommend it!

For a video clip and tour dates visit http://www.chess-the-musical.co.uk/

When will you hear the last from me?

Well, for as long as I have a hunch that there's still more money to come, I'm not going to give up! After all, when I signed up all those months ago, I promised myself I'd give it my all.

And so...the cycle commentaries must continue also!

This afternoon, I was back on the bike, if only briefly, for the first time in 4 weeks (already 5 weeks since Paris). It was the lovely Autumn sunshine which drew me out after work and so I enjoyed a sort of 30km 'time trial' just locally - pretty much the same route as I started with back in March, only this time I knew where I was going!

Familiar though as it was, these funny towers, scattered across the skyline, still give me the 'spooks'!

Hitting £3,000!

We did it! We've achieved the £3,000 target!

However I'm not stopping yet, as there is money that has been pledged still to collect in. So let's keep that total rising...

This could be your final chance to donate. Don't miss out!

A ride of reflection

I tell you, that rain has something to answer for...for once it never came!

Ok, so I did plan to set out on a big ride. However, knowing that scattered showers were forecast I was sure that they would cause me to cut short my ride at some point. Instead, I found myself with no reason but to stay out!

However, despite being very tired, I am pleased to have completed my first '100 miler'. More surprising is the fact I felt more tired today than at any point during the London to Paris! Indeed it took a lot of will power to continue at the final point at which I could have simply made a beeline for home. But, I persevered, completing 171km in 7hrs 10min riding time. I think I can safely say though, 'that's me finished for the season'!

In a way, today served a number of purposes:

Firstly, I've ticked off a target I set myself many months ago - a full circuit around York at a radius of approx. 12-15miles (incorporating sections from various shorter routes I've been training on over recent months).

Secondly, I've given my bike a run out to thank it for all it's got me through over the last 6 months.

Thirdly, I've had a good 8 hours to reflect on both the fantastic experience of last weekend and all the fundraising and training activities of the last 6 months.










As I rode home this evening with the sun setting it felt very fitting, as really this ride was a culmination of everything that has gone before. I certainly feel I've come a long way since signing up to the challenge in March. Indeed, for me, I've achieved something quite momentous and experienced something which will stay with me forever.

However, had it not been for all the support and encouragement of others, arriving in Paris a week ago would certainly not have felt anywhere near as satisfying...and for that I owe a BIG thank you to EVERYONE. It's been a team effort so I thank you for all your support.

I'd also like to think we did make my Dad proud.

Now for the stats!

Day 1 - 5 hrs 23 mins - 118 km (73.5 miles) - >8,000 ft climbing
Day 2 - 3 hrs 48 mins - 87.2 km (54 miles) - >4,500 ft climbing
Day 3 - 5 hrs 56 mins - 124 km (77 miles) - >9,000 ft climbing

TOTAL RIDING TIME - 15 hrs 07 mins

It is estimated that between 1 and 2 hours of Day 3 were spent caught up in traffic, therefore based on shared riding statistics within the group the revised total riding time is 13 hrs 30 mins. This gives an average speed of 24km/hr or 15mph for the entire trip.

TOTAL DISTANCE - 329.2 km (204.5 miles)

TOTAL CLIMBING - in excess of 21,500 ft

DAY THREE - Joy tinged with sadness

My face must have been a picture this morning as on peeping through the curtains on hearing my alarm I found pitch black darkness. Surely my clock was wrong! To my disbelief my roommate confirmed to the contrary!

On venturing outside the sun was starting to rise. The temperature however was doing anything but! Indeed on riding off this morning the cold air made my eyes water and I felt a tear or two running out of the corners!

Pausing soon after the start to allow the lead vehicle to get further ahead of the group hardly helped me to warm up. Indeed it was only after several long gradual ascents and 3 sessions into the day before I bravely stripped off my outer layer!

Today's terrain was very exposed - roads cutting across vast expanses of agricultural land. Although obviously not as inspiring as yesterday's route, which intertwined with rolling hills and green pastureland, today's was certainly as challenging. However as opposed to short sharp climbs which were a feature of days 1 and 2, today the ascents were more gradual but long and drawn out - indeed presenting a completely different challenge. Maintaining as high a gear as possible was the key. I must admit though that every slight incline today was felt in the thighs. Although still very eager and able, the legs were starting to tell me that they had 2 days' cycling already behind them!

Today's lunch stop at Cergy Pontoise, around 30km NW of Paris, was situated a whopping 79km in to today's 120km. With such a substantial chunk of riding behind us and temperatures nearing 30 degrees I've got to say I was happy. Whilst some people were seeking shade, I was only too happy to enjoy the warmth of the sunshine and blue skies. I must admit though that already I was starting to feel a little disappointed that this whole adventure would soon be over. As we resumed after lunch I was left pondering the question...'what next?'

Warned that we would risk seeing our lunch again should we not take it easy up a hill shortly after lunch, our route took us up through a lovely village which was holding a summer fete. A steep, technical descent, about which we had been warned, then took us down through what I can only describe as a quiet industrial estate to join a fairly main road in the direction of Poissy.

The route was becoming increasingly built up as we entered the outer suburbs of Paris. Inevitably our pace dropped as we hit countless sets of traffic lights - a feature that was to occur regularly from here on in. However, there was a lovely stretch of respite riding 2km through 'la Foret de Saint Germaine-en-Laye'. Although the trees gave the impression that autumn had arrived, the temperature suggested anything but!

As one of the early arrivals at our final 'pit stop' around 3.15pm, I took on board the request to eat up as many of the perishable snacks as possible. Raisins, nuts, oranges and bananas plus the occasional Jaffa cakes and crisps had been the fuel keeping us all going ever since leaving the south eastern fringes of London so I kept faith in that they would see me right through to Paris.

By the time the final rider caught up we were already 1 hour behind our scheduled departure from this point. Ahead lay a stretch that would take us across the River Seine on 3 further occasions, the latter of which would provide our first view of our ultimate destination - 'le Tour Eiffel'.

As we descended to the first of these bridges the skyline of Paris was becoming more and more visible. It was at this point that I free-wheeled in order to spend a few moments taking it all in, particularly the reality that here I am finally cycling into Paris, as had been my dream all those months ago. Shortly afterwards, on seeing the long awaited 'Tour Eiffel' in the distance, shrieks resounded from all around. We were nearly there!

Regrouping briefly one final time on entry to the 'Bois de Boulogne' we rode in mass through the park - well at least attempted to! Gideon, our Tour Manager, later commented that he'd never known the traffic as bad through Paris. For those keeping a close eye on average speed throughout the trip, this was certainly the point to switch off the cycle computers, as we literally crawled through the cars and crowds attending the traditional autumn 'Fete au Bois' - but who could blame them on such a day as today.

On entering the chic streets of central Paris there in front of us, rising above the apartment blocks, was the sight we'd all been waiting for. Under strict instruction to hold our nerve and formation despite the traffic we neared our target, cheered on by passing pedestrians who maybe thought we were in some way important - who were we to correct them!

Leading the dash across the final main junction in order to keep the group together (Gideon's own version of traffic marshalling!) we approached our finishing line at the 'Parc du Champs de Mars' at 6.30pm to cheers from those gathered there to greet us and of course from within the group itself. After 3, at times gruelling, days we'd made it!

Following 'champers' and photos it was then simply a matter of riding the short distance to our nearby hotel then off for our celebratory dinner!

Amidst all the jubilation at the finishing line I couldn't help but spare a thought for John. Bravely he had climbed back on his bike at the final re-group and fittingly led us all to the finishing line. Knowing how satisfied I was feeling with the accomplishment of the last 3 days I can only imagine the disappointment that John was suffering. However, as much as his pride (and helmet) had been dented on day one, somehow he had managed to continue lifting our spirits with his personality throughout.

DAY TWO - The smooth roads of Normandy

Having arrived at the hotel at 1.30am in total darkness and sleep walking, I had no clue what to expect on opening the curtains this morning. To my delight the sun was shining, the sea was blue and I could see that the bikes had also caught up with us following their own separate early morning transfer from Calais at 5am.

Today's relatively 'late' 9.30am start allowed me to squeeze in several croissants and items of that ilk prior to reuniting myself with my bike on the wide expanse of lawns in front of the hotel. Buzzing with excitement ahead of my self-named 'rest day' - I mean come on, 54 miles across the 'plains' of northern France, how else would you describe it - I was raring to go again this morning!

Although myself not suffering with any after effects of yesterday's exertions, my bike chain had slipped off the rear cog overnight. Fortunately, 'Gadget' (one of our able mechanics) was quickly on hand to correct it (so as not to get my own hands dirty!) so I was soon on my way with the rest of the peloton.

Following the line of the river valley this morning's route was heavenly (in amateur cycling terms at least!). Smooth roads, the like of which would have eased yesterday's tough stage, led us through some typically sleepy French villages and beautifully rolling countryside. Would you believe the French authorities even had the presence of mind to alert the Tour Organisers to a section of our route which might not quite be up to standard. I can't say we noticed!

Soup once again was on the menu for today's lunch at a pretty little 'Auberge' in a village just beyond St Saens. However, just what the attraction is of throwing stringy grated cheese into French soup we'll never quite understand. Other than making it incredibly difficulty to eat, it seems to serve no purpose at all!

The afternoon sessions took us through more picturesque countryside, a region which I believe is often referred to as 'le petit suisse'. Taking a turn at the front I enjoyed chatting to Tour Manager Gideon and learning of his 18-year involvement with Classic Tours.

The whole atmosphere today was very relaxed. Obviously the short distance, gorgeous sunshine and beautiful scenery played its part, but I personally believe it was all in the 'air'. Driving down to London on Thursday I had told myself just to approach the trip as a holiday, that way removing any inch of pressure that I might otherwise have put on myself. Today I certainly did feel like I was on holiday.

The mid-afternoon stop in Argueil allowed for a leisurely break at 'l'Hotel du Lion d'Or'. Here I learned more about a group of 8 riding for the same cause as I. A brother-in-law and good friend to the rest had earlier this year lost his battle against Motor Neurone Disease. Indeed it was interesting throughout the trip hearing everyone's motivations for riding this event. All would have a story to tell or memory to share.

Arriving at our hotel around 4pm meant we had several hours to fill before evening meal. The relaxed 'air' that we'd enjoyed all day, coupled with the feeling that Paris was now within touching distance, meant that the odd drink was enjoyed - only to be brought to a premature halt when briefed that tomorrow morning we would depart the hotel at 7am!