Sunday 6th September - Day 2

Well, it seems as though setting off at 8am isnt as simple as it first appears - we all forgot that an 8 O'clock start actually means 7.00am in England( with the time difference) so it is even more of a tiring experience....... 

First stop today was 30 miles into the days ride,  no sign of the support man as he was looking after the other part of the team as they had been seperated, so settled in and waited for him.  He arrived, armed with pate and bagettes..... they had a brew and set off again.  60 more miles and there was a welcome cuppa waiting for them.  Then back in the saddle , cylcing in close formation over the plains into the wind to reduce energy consumption.  After 6 hours of cycling they called it a day - "feeling good but a bit tired"  I think that is a little of an understatement.......

Saturday 5th September 2009

Hi its Beverly here, Jeremys wife......... I woke up this morning at 7am, made myself a cuppa and sat up in bed and drunk it.... its the least I could do I thought to support my darling hubby as he registered at the start line!!!!!!.....

He rang me and said the 'team' were all  raring to go and as the day went on he kept in touch from time to time.  The first 35 miles slipped by and they settled into their pace.  They crossed the channel through the tunnel in the support van and after a total of 72 miles the first day came to an achy close in Calais. 

Tomorrow, as we all know is another day..... the second of three and I think possibly the toughest, time will tell.

I have to say its quite stressful this end, worrying about him and his well being.  Its ok for him..... he knows how he is!!

Onward and upward.  He says thanks to his pals for showing up this morning at the start and thanks for the supporting messages along to way, it spurs him on.

Friday 5th September 2009

The day has dawned and I am as prepared as I ever will be........ The adventure starts at 2.30pm this afternoon,when we all set off together in a mini bus and following behind, our support vehicle, with our trusted support man, full of our precious bikes, to Chartwell, which is the start point of the ride. 

We have to register at 7am tomorrow and then the ride begins in earnest at 8.00am.  Beverly, my wife has packed me off with some instant porridge, some chocolate and some lip salve!!! I wonder where I'll be using that! ?. 

Wish me luck guys...  Thanks for all of your kind words of encouragement so far and donations to the cause........  Watch this space for a progress report over the next few days......

Monday 31st August 2009

The training is nearly over.  Three months of cycling, three times a week have nearly finished. I can't believe I've stuck to it as I'm not that sporty.  I hope my hard work sees me through although the reality of cycling 300 miles to Paris from next saturday is sinking in.  Its not a foregone conclusion so its going to be a great personal challenge physically and mentally.

My wife says that my body has become a temple, my friend says "yes........ a buddist one"   can't think what he means!

But hey, the time is here and I'm looking forward to the challenge and going through it with the rest of the 'gang' .  

Although the challenges that I face are nothing compared to those folks suffering from M.E..... who face much more long term personal difficulties that they have to overcome.  I hope the sponsorship I raise can help to make a real difference to some peoples lives.

I'll get my wife to add to this during next weekend to keep you up to date with the event itself and find out which part of my body aches most. 

I'll write again when I'm back in the land of the living, cheers

Jeremy.

Saturday 25th July 2009

Its the morning after the night before - We spent a fun evening fundraising....all the lads and myself organised a charity fund raising party at a local hotel.

We had a great band and best of all raised £300 in the raffle and over £1,100 in the charity auction.

There were some great lots.....a full body massage, champagne & chocolates and a helicopter flight !!

Everyone loved our bike display where they could see our bikes, some of the support equipment we use and information on what training is involved preparing for the 300 mile ride to Paris.  We showed the route on a large map....blimey....it's a long way and only 6 weeks training to go...... better get on my bike.....

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

BHF London2Paris Bike Ride

Hi All,

You know I like a challenge.......... well this is my challenge for this year. 

As part of a road cycling team, made up of a group of friends, some of whom were participants of last years British Heart Foundation London2Paris bike ride and some 'virgins' like me  are cycling to Paris over 3 days.........

yes you read it here first...Thats about 100 miles a day - talk about having a sore bottom at the end of it!!! 

( I think its best not to talk about it actually)

I train with the  'gang' three times a week, come rain or shine, putting in the hours, building up the miles. 

You know what - sometimes its tough going but slowly I am getting fitter and faster! (according to the lads), but one thing sticks in my mind and that is at least I can get on my bike and do this, at least I am reasonably fit and able to make choices.    So I thought I would raise some money along the way, something that could make a difference to people who cant.  My step daughter devoloped M.E ( a chronic fatigue illness) about 18 months ago and this charity has been a godsend, it is certainly one that is close to my heart, so I am riding this challenge on behalf of :-

The Association for Young People with M.E . It is a charity that supports young people and their carers who have been affected by this strange, silently debilitating illness.  As yet there is no obvious cure, no medicine or treatment, its just a waiting game as to the length of time it takes to recover.  Months or years, not days or weeks, time slips by silently.

The money I raise for A.Y.M.E will go directly to them and be used to support the sufferers and their families and will also go into helping to fund the on-going research thats needed to find a positive way forward in the recovery process

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

If you could donate something, that would be greatly appreciated, I have independantly raised £250 to enter the bike ride and that money goes directly to the British Heart Foundation who are organising the ride, another hugely worthwhile charity.

Thank you for taking the time.

Jeremy