A group of budding cyclists from the business will be embarking on a challenging 272-mile cycle ride from Southampton to on 14 July 2010 (Bastille Day no less!). We aim to be cycling around 50 miles each day to arrive in on Monday 19 July, just under a week before the Tour de France enters the French capital. On arrival we hope to be joined by a few of our colleagues from our Paris office (more than a few of us work for the same company) to enjoy the major sights (photo opportunities galore) before we head back to the UK, saddle-sore but proud, arriving back in Southampton on the afternoon of 20 July 2010.

The entire project is being funded by the team themselves and any monies raised will be donated to our chosen charities, Cancer Research and the Piam Brown Ward at Southampton Hospital. The costs are being kept to a complete minimum (we’re camping along the way), but in the lead up to the ride, we will be running various initiatives to raise as much money as we can to help in fundraising for the trip as well as for these charities, so watch this space (as well as undertaking plenty of practice rides – including some for other charities as well). As Piam Brown are a local charity, we will be collecting for them through initiatives at work so, if you'd rather donate to them, please send us the money or give it to us when you see us.

So why are we doing this!?

What a better way to introduce ourselves to our European colleagues than turning up on their doorstep for a surprise visit!

It’s an opportunity for our French colleagues to join us on the last leg round

What better way to raise money, promote healthy living AND go green?

Part of our philosophy is all about giving something back

It’s a HUGE challenge – it's what we’re all about!

Where & when are we going?

14 July – Southampton to (a mere 20 miles)

15 July – St Malo – St Hilaire-du-Harcouet (50 miles)

16 July – St Hilaire – La Ferte Mace (37 miles)

17 July – La Ferte – Saint Evroult (56 miles)

18 July – Saint Evroult – Maintenon (52 miles)

19 July – Maintenon – (59 miles)

The Team

Let’s take a look at the team…

Alan Jerram – The past decade has seen Alan “run” (or should we say complete!?) two London Marathons, a half-marathon and a 10K… not that it has anything to do with cycling! The bike only came out of 10 years’ storage last summer and so he knows there’s lots of time to make up – he says he’s not fazed by the task though “It’s just like riding a bike”!

Liisa Lehtio - Liisa’s always been a keen cyclist; however, the English traffic scared her too much for five years or so, and therefore only the last couple of years have seen her back on the saddle again. Long-distance cycling, though, will be a challenge for her and she does wonder from time to time why she suggested this in the first place! Being moderately competitive, she will ensure that she’s up to speed by the time the group embarks to …

Jon Watt - Jon's a keen cyclist, both in the saddle and in the armchair watching the pro races and track cycling. Hoping to pick up some tips by reading 'The Man Who Cycled The World' by Mark Beaumont, especially interested in cures for saddle sores. To be seen riding the lanes of Hampshire on a Saturday & Sunday trying to find hills big enough to present a real challenge. Really looking forward to this event, and will be trying not to partake of too much wine and cheese en-route!

Tiina Kononen - Tiina has always been active and her love of sports has seen her try most sports under the sun from taekwondo to windsurfing. Cycling to her has always been just a means of getting from A to B and, although she hs used her bike daily, this trip will definitely test some boundaries! The reality of spending hours in the saddle hasn't put her off (yet) and as an avid traveller, she is keen to get on the road!

Jon Atkins - Jon got on his bike for the first time in 10 years last year and managed to complete the London to Brighton in June. As Southampton to will be roughly the equivalent of five/six of to Brighton's in a row...he’s hoping the thought of the celebratory pint of beer in will keep him going!!

Thea Simon - Thea has fond childhood memories of riding her bike, however they are JUST childhood memories and years have now passed since she got on one! Thea has always enjoyed outdoor activities, however, having only joined the group at the beginning of March, this has given her a HUGE challenge and she is determined to train and get up to 'speed' with them!

Riikka Manner (Supporter) – Alan Kirk’s better half, Riikka, will be providing support to the team throughout the training - some say cracking the whip!.

Paivi Manner - Päivi's keen on all sports but has taken on cycling only about a year ago but it has developed into a real passion for her.  A horse riding accident in March resulted in a broken elbow which has stopped Päivi from training for the big cycle but she is still determined to get herself to a good level of physical fitness by July.  This might require full-on training, 3 times a week after her elbow has fully healed, but Päivi is looking forward to this challenge as well!

 

 

 

Mark Morgan (Supporter) – Paivi’s non-better half will be joining the group on their training rides but sadly can’t make the ride itself.

 

The Build Up

During our training, the team have cycled a combined 2100 miles in 8 weeks – that’s the equivalent of cycling to ! Ultimately, we’d like to cycle as far as we can and aim to get to a combined total of around 10,000 miles by the time we set off on our journey!