London – Paris Bike Ride 24th-27th July 2008 - It WAS More Fun With Two!

What an experience - to join 56 other riders for three days of intense cycling.  We all had different skills, bikes and levels of fitness but were all dedicated to one goal - to cycle from York House, Twickenham to the foot of La Tour Eiffel. So we set off on Thursday morning - with some trepidation and even anxiety.  But we needen't have worried - our organisers, Tall Stories, had thought of everything: routes were planned and we were led by expert rider guides; food and drink was supplied  every 25miles or so, and First Aid and mechanics were on hand too.  Even accomodation , ferry tickets and the return Eurostar trip had been sorted - allowing us to focus totally on our cycle challenge.

So we climbed up hills cruised along plains and whooshed down more hills. For the dataphiles, our average speed was 12mph, our max was 42.2 (down the hills from South Downs into Portsmouth) and the distance was 235 miles.  We travelled in groups of 10-11 with others of similar pace. The Noble Argentium cruised gracefully along until Friday afternoon when a rear spoke snapped.  it couldn't be replaced overnight and when a second one went on Saturday afternoon the buckled wheel got worse and safety considerations meant a new wheel was needed.  But our excellent support crew (especially James and Nix) saved the day and we rode triumphantly into Paris with our fellow riders, stopping traffic at L'Arc de Triomph and along the Champs Elysees.

We feel priviledged to have been part of this tremendous fundrasing event - expected to result in over £100k for the Big Issue Foundation.  On saturday night we heard more about the work of the BIF including some moving personal testimony from one of our fellow riders who had experienced at first hand the support and care that the BIF gives to those who need a hand up.

And there have also been more bonuses for us - we had a great time with our fund raising activities, we enjoyed our training sessions in the Cotswolds, and we have improved our fitness and wellbeing into the bargain.  In fact we've benefited so much that we would recommend this to anyone!

And finally we would like to thank everyone who has made our success possible - whether through generous donations, practical support, or moral support.  THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

Best wishes

David and Dee

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