Click on "Read More" for ride diary:

"Fear isn't racing infront of 120,000 people with millions watching on TV.  Fear is collapsing on the floor and not being able to get to the phone or knowing what the next few minutes will bring"

Dave Savage

Commonwealth Triathlete

 

"Great courage and great cause Dave. I hope you're not doing the ride in that pink tu-tu! Thanks for your tri help."

Ewan Thomas

Olympic 400m Relay Gold Medalist

 

"Dave is one of those people who puts himself on the line and makes us realise that anything is possible. And with the heart of a Champion, he will ride the 1000 miles to Spain for a truly worthwhile cause. I for one, am behind my friend every step of the way..."   Have fun and best of luck Dave.

Chrissie Wellington  3 x Ironman World Champion

 

Great challenge Dave and a fantastic cause. Keep peddling-its a long way... Is there a rail strike?!!

All the best mate.

Ricky Burrell

Olympic 100m medley finalist

 

Thank you for visiting my webpage.  The reason for me doing this ride is to raise money for a scanning machine for the  Cancer Ward of the Southampton Hospital.

 

Last October, I collapsed and was admitted to this hospital.  To cut a long story short, I was fortunately cleared of having cancer of the gall bladder. However, the experience was a horrendous one not just for me but for my family and friends.  In some ways, I think it can often be just as hard, if not harder, for those people around you acting in support .

 

On the 3rd June, I will do a solo cycle tour from St Malo, France to Santader in Spain via Barcelona. The route I'll take is approximately 1000 miles. I'm not known for my navigational skills so probably more! Besides I've figured, if the sea is on my right and the sun is infront of me, what could possibly go wrong?....

 

I have a need to understand more about this illness so with kind permission of the hospital staff, I visited the cancer ward at Southampton Hospital on 7th April. I wanted to learn of their experiences and how cancer has affected not only their lives but  those close to them. Two things predominantly struck me. The positivity and determination to lead as much of an uninhibited life as possible despite the hugely restrictive circumstances left me in awe. Secondly was the level of responsibility of the staff. Lets just say there can be no 'bad day at the office'. Particular thanks to Helen Coundley, Mr and Mrs Disney and the staff of C3 Ward. You are all truly inspirational.

 

If, by my ride I raise a few quid so others in the future can have a smooth passage to recovery or to be diagnosed early, then every mile and every penny will be worthwhile.  

 

Contrary to popular belief, the money raised isn't going towards Dave's cheese, wine and paella fund during the ride (!) and should you be kind enough to make a donation, the secure payment method on this webpage will ensure that your money will safely go directly into this charity which is very personal to me.

 

MY DIARY:

Friday 28th May.

I write this paragraph with 6 days until I go and guess what... I have a minor, but painful tear in my gastrocnemuis (muscle in the calf) from pretending I am still young enough to make those tennis drop shots.  The 'pop' sound was as prominent as the feeling. I attended Soton A&E (there's a certain irony about that!) who gave me the news and also a set of crutches. There is internal bleeding indicated by the external bruise but I will do as much as I can to accelerate the recovery process. I'll have to sacrifice the Barcelona section of the trip and keep the weight down to a minimum (possibly ditching the tent, mat etc and staying in hostels and b&b's) regardless of how the healing process goes because I know even at this early stage that it wont be 100%. All sorts of things have crossed my mind in the last 24 hrs including if the ride is now sensible, the letting people down and if my drive and stubborness is clouding my better judgement.  Its not been an ideal preparation after only just having recovered from bronchitis (no training for a month). Alas, I will be on that ferry and do the ride one bloody legged if I have to even if it means I do the trip on a Sainsburys Shop Mobility wagon. The ride will take place and I will do everything i can.

Saturday 29th May

After yesterdays news, what better way to move on than pack! There is definately something bonkers about doing this whilst the panniers are laying next to the crutches, icepack and ibruprofen on the floor. The Altura kit arrived today. There have been so many people and companies involved in my trip who have worked really hard to help make this trip happen so am using this as an incentive. Not to mention the money raised for the charity. But hurdles are there to be overcome - I may have to just climb over said hurdles very cautiously for a while!

Monday 31st May

Righty ho. The crutches are gone. Lets get on with this!!! I'd rather be the other side of a couple of days riding before I can feel confident/comfortable but one day at a time. I can walk at least, ableit short shuffling steps reminiscent of my beloved late Gran! I dont have a dilema because in my mind i've always been going. However there are questions and uncertainties which wont be answered until i'm there. Eg if the calf will hold out or go again. For the mean time, i'll keep reducing the weight of my 'donkey' but hope I have taken enough clothes and equipment to last me 17 days! I will do a s*** or bust easy ride for 5 mins weds. Its a shame my mindset is now in survival and pain threshold mode as opposed to the anticipation of the adventure ahead but I'm sure this will change with a bit of riding.

 

Wed 2nd June

Mad day today. Lots of media commitments and last minute dashing around but I say with utter relief, my dummy ride to test the calf was fine. After another swim this evening, I feel much more confident that the damaged muscle tissue is healing. Bags packed and passport in date so its goodbye, au revoir and adios England.

 

Friday 4th June. St Malo-Paimpont. 65 miles. Ok, Ive landed on the shores of France, the donkey has had a sleep and its time to get this tour underway. Sounds simple hey? No. Signs out of St Malo for cyclists are as rare as a month in France without someone going on strike. Alas, let the adventure begin. I'm very dubious about my calf. My thoughts have been that if I cant walk, how on earth will I cycle 800 miles. Lets give it a go and see! I hope caution gets replaced by excitement and anticipation because this could be a disaster. I've got to be nuts. On crutches until 2 days ago, advised my medics that there could be long term damage should there be any further tears. What am I doing.

 

Sat 5th June.

Paimpont-Redon-Missillac. 54 miles. The calf is loostening up but am still cautious. Today I felt I could ditch the flat pedals and old trainers for clipless pedals and proper cycling shoes. I stopped after an hours ride for breakfast by a lake where I was asked by a fisherman to hold the keep-net as he has cought this Jaws-esque size fish. I think it was the same killer that attacked Martin in Bournemouth! Has Nemo been re-caught since then Mart?! Within 2 hours we were cooking it up riverside and eating it with fresh bread and olive oil. Love it.  I saw the signs that Missillac village were hosting a music festival that night so found myself somewhere to stay, showered up & enjoyed an evening of Salsa, Flamenco and some dodgy French "Le M&M". Ok, he was rubbish but the town partied into the night fronted by the amazing Salsa band. This town hosts an amazing castle on a lake. Incredibly, its divided up into 19 flats with tenants paying minimal rent because of a clause in the agreement that states if anything goes wrong with the roof, they must pay. Shrewd landlord. I'm sure I saw him on the roof with a Black and Decker.

 

Sunday 6th June. Missillac-La Boule-st Nazaire-Challans. 75 miles. Leaving Missillac was a shame but I have to hit the road. Its too early in the tour to laze too much. La Boule is a very plush city with elegance and typical French chic. The market was exactly the right place for a hungry cyclist. Im not sure what the locals thought of a lyrca clad Brit on a big heavy touring bike rolling through their fancy market with a rumbling stomach but I certainly didnt add to the class. Cycling across the bridge from St Nazaire was bonkers. Massive headwind and a long way down. A long way across too by all accounts. A couple I spoke to had a falling out because she didnt want to cross the bridge so they had a 30 mile detour to avoid it.

 

Monday 7th June. Challons-Talmont. 44 miles. The beauty of this ride is I have no idea what is just around the corner. Today I stumbled across a town that hosted the end of a St. Petersberg to St Gilles Croix De Vie trimaran race. The welcome celebrations for the winning yacht were last night but witnessing the afternath was impressive enough. I chatted to a couple from Hayling Island who purchased their bikes from Cycleworld. Small world.

 

Tues 8th June

Talmont-La Rochelle. 53 miles. My backside is killing me more than my legs. I feel fitter and fitter by the day but there is just no getting used to the saddle! I spent much of today thinking of the people the money I have raised will benefit and its a good feeling. Also of everyone back home, friends, family and companies alike who have been more supportive than I ever could have imagined. These things inspire me hugely. I couldnt believe my eyes when I saw a young lad, no more than 20, trying to walk off with my bike! I was dressed in casuals so I dont think he associated me with being the owner. His problem was he hadnt anticipated how heavy and un-balanced the bike is when laden with the panniers. No sooner had he tried to run off with my bike than it fell on top of him trapping him underneath and wasnt strong enough to lift the bike off him! Hilarious. I just picked my bike up from on top of him and rode off on it laughing.

 

Wed 9th June

La Rochelle-Cognac. 65 miles. What can I say-thunder storms, Radio Solent interview and got soaked just before doing the Hospital visit in La Rochelle Hospital. I camped just outside the city last night so the ride to the Hospital wasnt far at all. They lent me some clothes for the visit as everything I had was soaked. Thankfully it wasnt one of those arse revealing operating gowns. After this visit, I realised that Southampton General Cancer Ward really is a cut above in every way. The calf problem has put paid to a Barcelona or Santiago section which I'm dissapointed about. The late breakfast overlooking the waterfront was pure serenity. Entering Cognac vine yard country now. So quiet. After a while, when my B.A Baracus and Mick Jagger impressions were as good as they were going to get, I realised why the bloke who cycled the length of the Americas started talking to the bears. I had to do a bit of a runner at lunchtime as I saw the vine yard farmer coming towards me because I just knew he would object to me drying my tent and wet washing over some of this vines during my lunch stop.

 

Thu 10th June

Cognac-Blaye. 55 miles. I went to the Martell Cognac Distillery for a very informative tour this morning. Cognac was a bit of a detour but figured Id like to see how the drink is made, to have a couple of cheeky ones then ride through the miles and miles of vine yards. Did you know in evaporation alone, Martell loses 3 million litres every year? And there are only 3 other areas other than Cognac that can grow the vines and officially be called Cognac? Its all in the soil dont you know! So windy. Two steps forward and one step back. I rode with a gent of about 70 years young for a while today. He is incredible. He started riding when he was 50 and was riding from Bruges to Santander averaging 60 miles a day. The campsite in Blaye is incredible as it sits in a citadelle whose history includes being bombed by the British and seized by the Nazis. Picturesque too overlooking the Gironde river. I had a 3 course meal today. A big meal never tasted so good. Generally, I've been eating little bits on the move. I got stopped by the police today for riding on the road where aparently I should have been using the cycle path option. However, if i'd have done that i'd have missed the signs for the campsite so hopped back onto the road when they'd gone!

 

Fri 11th June.

Decided on a rest day today after the bonkers headwind yesterday battered my legs. Various body parts are hurting and my clothes need washing as I officially stink. One thing I hadnt anticipated on hurting was the palms of my hands. What a great day. Lots of stretching in he park, massaged my legs, ate a vat of artichoke and prawn pasta and fell asleep in the bit of sun that appeared. And, wait for this one as its good-un. I had my first cup of tea and sat on a chair since I left! I met up with some lovely people on the site including a girl who was updating details for the Rough Guide book. We watched the France game in the boozer. Boy do they not like the fact they drew today! Very stroppy! I feel like I'm on holiday today. My French has re-surfaced and can just about hold conversation. Pleasantly surprised. However, i dont know how to ask for a new, fresh set of legs.

 

Sat 12th June

Blaye-Sore. 75 miles. Blaye and a day off have been great but its time to press on. The ferry over the Gironde took about 25 mins and turned out to be a free-bee! I stopped off for lunch in Bordeaux (and had a curry!!!!) I came a little bit too close for comfort to an oncoming tram. It came from the right and by now ive programmed myself to look left! The unexpected bit of the day was coming across a gay pride march carnival procession. Bit out the blue that one! Stunning cathedral. The only problem with going as raw as I am is that every night is a gamble accomodation wise. Ie today I headed for a signed site to find it was closed for a private rugby tour and the next was another 20 miles down the road. At the end of the day when food, water, legs and morale are low or empty, its the last thing I wanted. The bike nearly ended up being hurled into the hedge and the toys being thrown out of the panniers. The rollercoaster continues.

 

Sun 13th June

Sore-Onesse. 40miles. Bloody 'neighbours' kept me up until about 2am. Not impressed. I dont suppose they were either after finding someone had disconnected their electric supply at 6am.... Travelling south west now. Onesse is one of the Pilgrim stops en route to Santiago de Compostella. I tried keeping up with a Dutch road team at the back of their peleton today. They found it hilariuos that some crazy english bloke on his donkey fully ladened with everything inc the kitchen sink wanted a bit of a draft. My arse is so sore and the only thing I have found funny today is that "Sore" is the name of the place I stayed last night. How did they know! Im a bit bored of the forest now and looking forward to seeing some Basque coastline. I know if I dont start seeing things more positively I will regret it when I get home but its difficult when bum is so sore, tired, weather shocking, bad loo facilities, covered in mosquito bites, wake up to a wet condensation sodden tent every morning then cart it round wet all day and lack of sit down relax meals. I need to get in touch with why im here and find what I need to do to turn this around.

 

Mon 14th June

Onesse-Tarnos. 55 miles. Another Radio Solent chat this morning.  Rained all day, got soaked. Thats about it. Missing a dry night, cup of tea, a clean loo with paper in it and fresh vegetables. What am I doing here? I seriously need to do some searching because I'm not enjoying it and its soley down to me.

 

Tue 15th June

Crossed the border into Spain today. The 48 mile ride was wind assisted for a change! I came via Biarritz and Bayonne. They couldnt be more different. Bayonne has two halves of 'old and new' with a beautiful cathedral one side and plush restaurants on the other. Then theres Biarritz. Wow, amazing, everything I would want in a city. Mile upon mile of stunning beaches, history, modern architecture, restaurants and coffee shops, waterways..... you get the picture! It was at this moment I put things into perspective. I have amazing pictures for you all. I was advised that San Sebastien 'wouldnt dissapoint' which is just the case. For the first night im staying in a hostel. Bargain at 17 euros inc breakfast. So relieved because would you believe-its throwing it down with rain for a change! Cant wait to explore the city tomorrow. But for tonight, a bed! Pure bliss. 

 

Wed 16th June

After catching up on practicalities, I made my way into the city along the stretched surf beach. As a city it has everything. Just so happens Spain are playing today in the World Cup so after working my way through the line of 14 tapas (great performance even if I say so myself) I made my way to a bar/tv screen combination.  When the going gets tough, the Davie Boy heads to the Pinchos (Tapas) Bar to get involved! I had no idea that the divisions between people from the  Basque Country were so big. The vast majority of people were delighted Spain lost. As one local drunk gentleman told me, "if Spain treated us better things would be different." I'm just passing through. Not much anyone can say to that who are impartial but those on either side, which is what it is, have plenty to say. It has poured down all day but I'd rather explore the city drenched than vegetate in a hostel and be dry. Also spent some time with a Mexican lady living in Dallas who inspired me. She's just finished reading a book on Kiribati!! Not happy about the fog horn disguising itself as a Dutch backpacker. Thankfully my request to move to another dormatory at 1am where no-one had sinus issues was granted.

 

Thursday 17th June.

 

2nd day off in a row. Need to rest calf really. Its not good but its nearer to keep going than to ride back! Mind you, there would be a great tail wind that would mean an easy 120 miles a day covered. Its nice to stop long enough in one place to have the time to enjoy it and explore as opposed to passing through and taking a couple of shots. The weather is still bad but rambling around this city is fun and educational whatever the weather. I've worked on the calf loads today so lets see what tomorrow brings. I've heard it gets a bit lumpy in these ere Pyranees.

 

Friday 18th June.

 

San Sebastien-Gernica. 62 miles of absolute torture. The body was tested to its full today as there is no doubt I'm in the mountains. You know you're high up when the mountain goats look startled to see you and you have visions of Heidi making daisy chains and skipping through the fields. Where are the bears to talk to? I understand now!! The donkey is not liking these passes at all. Squeeking, grumbling, making strange noises etc. The bikes' not sounding too good either! Its like manoevering a tanker down a canoe slalom. (Aparently).  Despite the physical challenge, its superb seeing the best of the Pyranees to the left and the Atlantic to the right.

 

Sat 19th June.

 

Gernica-Castro Urdiales. 45 more miles of hilly hell taking 8 hours which took me from Basque Country and into Cantabria. Today has been the toughest days riding by a long way. Today was when Descartes theory of the union of mind and body became aparent. At one stage, i was faced with a 10% gradient for 2 miles plus crazy Atlantic Ocean headwind that would have pushed you off even if if were ridable. I went via Bilboa (or Bilbo if spelt the Basque way) which wasnt my kind of place at all. Industrial, overcrowed etc. Dropping down into my destination village of Castro Urdiales at the end of the day  was like dropping down into Lyme Regis with the spectacular views of the bay, sea defence wall and small port on offer. The vibrant nightlife was fun. Something I knew already but was re-emphasided was the social habbits of the French and Spanish. Time taken over meal times, the way alcohol is treated, food respected, the outdoor life absorbed and overall respect for mankind to name a few.

 

Sunday 20th June.

 

Castro Urdiales-Santander. 52 miles. Much easier riding today. I dont think my legs could have coped with another day like the last 2. The road hugged the coast most of the way which was invigorating. And its a sunny day!! Better late than never. Today being the last day was an emotional day. Recollections of the cancer scare, C3 Ward, time in hospital, the huge and overwhelming support i've had back home, sense of relief in completing the ride after calf concerns, the money raised for people in future, everything came to the forefront of my mind when I saw "Santander 29km". Yes, I cried unfamiliar tears and was a bit embarrassed but relieved to be wearing sunnies as I rode through a village at the moment things came to the forefront! I was about to complete the trip, jump over the hurdle and it felt, well, everything you can imagine. Its been so much more than a ride. Its been a journey I didnt entirely map out myself but felt the need to create my own path in the hope what was at the end was solutions and clarity. I will need to look back in hindsight to see if this has ultimately been realised but one thing I know for sure is that it has helped both myself and others.

 

828 miles covered, 170 litres of water consumed, nearly £4000 for charity, 2 countries inc a mountain range, no weightloss whatsoever, torn calf, no punctures, 100 hours in the saddle, far too much food and the end of this rollercoaster. No planes, trains or automobiles! I've done it.

 

Monday 21st June.

 

Zero miles today as the Captain of the Pont-Aven is taking me home. It seems very strange covering miles under someone else's 'steam' but no complaints here. Its like freewheeling and knowing there is no hill to climb at the bottom. I'm on the back of the ferry right now very pensive with a pint of cider in hand and Santander becoming increasingly smaller by the minute. The Pyranees look so picturesque from a distance-ha ha. The sun is to my right and the sea all around. This in itself seems strange. Every holiday has has a song or songs that attach themselves to the memories. Mine are Sheryl Crows "Winding Road", "This Sex Is On Fire" (or my version "These Legs Are On Fire"), Take Thats "Never Forget" and whatever the Shakira song is thats constantly being played here. My singing or impressions are no better but I've had experiences on this trip i'll never forget and will use in future. I have a fuzzy feeling in my stomach I cant explain but its not a bad one. Whenever someone achieves something, there is always a team behind them. I am both greatful and lucky for my support network. They were, singly and collectively, this huge driving force all the way. How did over 100 people end up at a quiz I organised for example? I am one of the lucky ones. I hope the money raised will positively contribute towards helping people in future. Many people can do, and indeed have done what I've done, but everyone has a different story and this has been mine.

 

Special message to those who supported me.....thank you, thank you, thank you....I will never forget.

 

Dave Savage.

 

I held a pub quiz on Friday 30th April at the Yacht Tavern, Woolston with the proceeds going to the charity. Approximately 100 people comprising of family, friends, collegues, tri and tennis club members and neighbours turned up and would like to thank you all very much for your support. It was a great night that raised £830 with still more money coming in. I'm not sure who had the record for  bbq hot-dog eating (but a total of 104 got sold.....!)  but Tonys Team won the quiz so congrats to them. I'd like to especially thank Jacqui for opening up her pub, the Yacht Tavern to such a motley crew and Mum and Dad for their help in organising it. Not to mention the many people who kindly donated prizes for the raffle. And some very generous ones such as the Power Boat Experience (Mike Sandford/Zap Cat), writing of wills (Payne Marsh Stillwell Solicitors), restaurant meal for two, full body massage (Holly Crane), bouquet of flowers (Wild Greens), a photo shoot with the Yachttie Totties Football team, Cycleworld gift vouchers and Mums chocolate cake!  Then there was the auction of the signed and framed Wayne Bridge England shirt and boots which raised £220!