On the 10th September, Daniel MacHardie, Jason Bromwell, Russell Draper and Rob Harris will take part in London-2-Paris charity Cycle in aid of Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance (WNAA). For an intinerary of the route please see below.
Our inspiration for doing this is Kelly Hone, who was tragically killed in a car accident on the 23rd October, 2007 at the age of 28. Her young son Keelan was in the car at the time of the accident. The WNAA looked after Keelan and took him to Coventry City Hospital by air ambulance where he was released the next day, thankfully with only minor injuries.
To help us with our training, Rob Harris has supplied us all with individual training programmes, and a diet sheet to ensure we are in the best shape possible for this event. Between now and September if you would like a personalised training or weight loss programme, sports specifics will donate £2.50 to the WNAA for every programme sold. For more information, please go to www.sportsspecifics.co.uk
Day 1: London – Newhaven
An early start from Croydon straight out into the English countryside. Almost immediately we are heading south East towards Royal Tonbridge Wells on rural backroads. We then continue south pass Crowborough and through Ashdown Forest riding through beautiful East Sussex countryside and small, quiet villages and a convenient local pub for a spot of lunch. As we head further south we cross into West Sussex and come to the hills of theSouth Downs. We cycle through the bustling town of Lewes with its impressive medieval castle. From Lewes we climb up and over the beautiful chalk downs and descend into the harbour town of Newhaven. Our ferry leaves at approximately 18.00 and we must be there an hour before departure.
Taking the ferry to Dieppe, we have dinner on board and stay overnight in our hotel in Dieppe.
Cycle approx. 70 miles
Day 2: Dieppe – Lisieux
After a hearty breakfast we head out of Dieppe along the coast, before heading inland along the beautifulSaaneValley. This is a beautiful valley that cuts through the low-lying hills, and passes through lots of small tranquil villages en route. We head towards Yerville and then into the forested area south of Yvetot, before arriving at the banks of the wideSeine. Crossing 30km short of the river mouth is an impressive experience as large vessels ply its waters far up-river. From the southern banks we continue south through woodland and then onto and through the pretty town of Pont-Audemer. From here we continue through small villages to our finishing point Lisieux.
Cycle approx 88 miles
Day 3: Lisieux - Vernon
Leaving the old town behind us we head due east through rolling farmland and villages to Brione on the banks of the River Risle. From Brionne we continue, firstly to Neubourg and then through forests to Beaumont. The afternoon’s ride will take us through villages north of Evreux to our final destination of Vernon, where we stay for our final night before arriving in Paris.
Cycle approx 72 miles
Day 4: Vernon – Paris
Our final day’s cycling takes us along the river Seine to Breval; from here we continue on a slightly larger road to Septeuil and Crespieres, where we touch the outskirts of Paris. Cycling is the national sport of and while the Tour de France attracts supporters in its thousands, it is normal for the locals to stop and cheer us on as we pass through their towns and villages. As we reach the suburbs of Paris we look out for the distinctive landmarks of theEiffelTowerand the Sacré Coeur standing out on the skyline. Reaching the suburb of Boulogne Bill Lancourt, we continue through the Paris streets to our finish beneath the lofty arches of theEiffelTower.
Cycle approx 65 miles
You can support us and Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance by credit and debit card and if you are a taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.
Thank you for visiting our fundraising page!
