Cycling from London to Paris is one of the great cycling experiences in Europe.  Last week along with 112 other ‘competitors’ I took on this challenge to test my fitness and raise much needed funds and awareness for the Royal Marsden cancer Charity.

Setting off from Crystal palace early on Wednesday Morning we passed through the picturesque Kent countryside before catching the boat and some respite for the days ahead. Our journey then took us on through the small villages and medieval market towns of Northern France, before looping back to cut through the famous battlefields of the Somme and Agincourt. With four long days in the saddle, some strenuous hill-climbs, the odd mechanical failure and lots of fun and camaraderie we re-grouped and arrived en masse,  bringing Paris to a standstill as we circled the Arc de Triomphe and arrived at the Eiffel tower on our victory parade.

In total I burnt around 24,000 calories, made approximately 82,000 pedal revolutions and consumed more oat cereal bars than is healthy for any individual.

In total the group raised over £168,000 for various charities, with the help of friends, family and colleagues my contribution is currently running at £2,435 – so a huge THANKS to everyone who has supported me.

My challenge website is still open for anyone who still wants to help me push this total further:

http://www.justgiving.com/jamiemcrobb-londontoparis

Updated on May 12th 2011 at 4:45 PM from the JustGiving API

After just over 100 miles on day 1 through the hills(some big ones) of kent and into the overnight stop at the holiday in coquelles, today saw stage 2 and the reformation of the formidable stellaton 6. We wound our way through northern france's many undulations into a fierce headwind before finishing in abbeville. 200 miles down in 10 hours and 20 in the saddle..not bad going for a late thirty something. Legs feeling good for Paris in 2 days time.

Updated on May 1st 2011 at 9:30 PM from the JustGiving API

Well its almost upon me now. The final weekend of training 180 miles complete feeling good to go. Roll on the 11th

Updated on Apr 3rd 2011 at 9:34 PM from the JustGiving API

Last few weeks before the mini Tour de France starts. Training has gone well , planning a 100 miles plus ride next weekend and back to back long rides over the royal wedding weekend before scaling back to keep some miles in the legs for the big one... Thanks to everyone who has supported me so far you've been amazing, and to anyone still thinking of donating... Thanks for any money you can spare, the Marsden really will put it to good use....

Updated on Feb 20th 2011 at 10:21 AM from the JustGiving API

Paris in the springtime is meant to be romantic... Not sure what mrs Mc will make of it as drag my tired and aching limbs up the Champs-Elysées in sweaty Lycra... The tour is fast approaching and the prospect of 550km in 4 days is spurring me on to train hard. Thanks to all my supporters so far who have helped raise a phenominal amount in the Royal Marsdens camapaign to beat Cancer..I know that they will put every penny of your hard earned cash to good use. Keep visiting this page for regular updates up to and including the event.... Jamie

Updated on Feb 9th 2011 at 9:03 PM from the JustGiving API

The trip is getting closer, i really don't know where the last month went... Only managing one long ride per week at the moment.. Need to step things up to ensure i' m prepared for the long days in the saddle...bike in for a service next week.. Did get a good work out last week though when my bike buddy's chain broke 20k from home and i pushed him most of the way back whilst riding my own bike... Did learn of 2 tragic losses to cancer amongst friends this week ,, please spare anything you can to add to my coffers for the marsden to help reduce this all too often occurrence

Updated on Jan 28th 2011 at 9:45 AM from the JustGiving API

Training going well xmas excess worked away and back at pre xmas levels of fitness

Updated on Jan 19th 2011 at 9:47 PM from the JustGiving API

Signed up for spring onion, 120km of hilly hell in march... Will be a good benchmark of my fitness for paris

Updated on Jan 19th 2011 at 9:46 PM from the JustGiving API

Over £1500 with gift aid thanks to all my lovely supporters

Updated on Jan 15th 2011 at 5:28 PM from the JustGiving API

Booked on Surrey spring onion 80 miles of hilly he'll in march to get some miles in my legs for Paris

Updated on Jan 15th 2011 at 5:27 PM from the JustGiving API

Getting ready to put those Xmas winter warmers on and get back out on the bike for new year training

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. 

I am climbing into my Lycra and onto my saddle to cycle from London to Paris in May 2011. That’s over 500km in 4 days, the only bit not self-propelled being the wet bit between the two countries.

What started out as an idle boast is now a confirmed reality and looming fast and I’ve started training to do the trip justice.

This isn’t just a middle aged man in Lycra trying to reclaim his youth though; there is a very serious side to this adventure… I aim to raise as much money and awareness for the Royal Marsden Cancer Campaign as possible.

 

Despite constant advances in therapy and care Cancer is all too prevalent in our society, turning worlds upside down and causing suffering way beyond the condition itself.

The Royal Marsden has a mission to remove the fear associated with Cancer through their commitment to promoting excellence in cancer research, clinical excellence and education. It is Europe’s largest cancer centre, with 40,000 patients from across the UK and abroad seen at the hospital every year.

Every penny raised on behalf of the Royal Marsden Cancer Campaign goes towards helping them make a difference to treat more people, more quickly and more effectively.

Please help me to help them by donating as much as you can comfortably afford via this dedicated just giving page. .

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.

So please dig deep and donate now.

Thanks for taking the time to look at my page and if you decided to donate, for that too. Please also feel free to leave comments, words of wisdom and advice for me for my training or just encouragement for the event itself..

Jamie