London to Paris cycle ride - 5 to the 9 May 2010.

Hello and thank-you for visiting my fundraising site!

I have always wanted to go to Paris! I have been to Brittany and enjoyed the culture, the secanry, the food and drink, so going to Paris has the same appeal! The guide book has been brought, the passport located and the bicycle is ready to go! Yes you have read correctly.

In May 2010 I will br CYCLYING to Paris cycle from London, which is a  staggering 485 km or 301 miles! The trip itself is 4 days of cycling, leaving on the 5th May 2010. Considering I had not riden a bike since I was a teenager, I am still wondering why I chosse this mode of transport.

Not only will I be cyclying myself to Paris, I am aiming to raise money for the Jubilee Sailing Trust which is a fantastic organisation that I have been involved with for 10 years, both on and off the ships. I have always amazed and inspired by the people I meet through the trust and what can be achieved.

The Jubilee Sailing Trust is the only organisation that integrates able bodied and physically disabled people, in the adventure of tall ship sailing. On board either of the ships, everyone gets the opportunity to helm, climb the rigging, set sails, clean dishes and participate in 'happy hour'.  Furthermore, the camaraderie on board, inspires, motivates and encourages even the quietest of personalities! The participation of sailing in a mixed ability crew is a life changing experience that stays with you beyond the voyage. For further information please go to www.jst.org.uk/

After 15 years since I last rode a bike, I am under no illusions on how difficult the trip (and the training) will be, but feel that the JST ships, branches and the inspirational people that I have met whilst on board are deserving of the effort! (And saddle sores!)

There are many ways you can help, firstly, come cyclying with me!Secondly, sponser me! Or organise an event on my belhalf.. A non-uniform day, cake stand, sponsered walk, or quiz night.

I would very much appreciate it if you would support me by helping in what ever way you can, so that they may continue to inspire and change people’s lives.

Thanks.

Jennie.

Monday 12th October 2009 - update

I have now been confirmed on the next London to Paris Cycle trip, between 5th and 9th May 2010. The route will that I will be going is different to the one in Septemeber, but still the same distance!

Our challenge begins bright and early and heads south. Our long journey takes us through rural ; along the  before we reach the white cliffs of  was ‘pedal’ steamer or ferry takes us across to . Approximately 150 km / 95 miles

Day 2: to Abbeville

Stunning picturesque countryside awaits us in northern as we travel south through some beautiful quaint villages. Cycle through Desvres, a market town known for its ceramics and continue with the windy roads along the valley of the . We spend the night in Abbeville – steeped in history from the war and it retains its beautiful gothic church.

Approximately 125 km / 75miles

Day 3: Abbeville to 

Our route this morning follows the river out of Abbeville. The is perhaps most famous for its battles and you cannot fail to be reminded of the thousands who lost their lives in the war. But the is also a Celtic word meaning tranquillity… With apparently less ‘undulations’ (hills) than previous days, we might just get to ! Approximately 120 km / 70 miles  

Day 4: to   

Our final day’s cycling takes us past some stunning countryside including a wooded area alongside the River Oise, before we meet the outskirts of . Obviously the traffic increases but our destination and the finish is in sight. We cycle though the Parisian streets around the Arc de Triumph to our finish beneath the lofty arches of the . Approximately 90 km / 60 miles

 Day 5: to

After breakfast we are free until we return by Euro star train back to St Pancras in the afternoon.

Thanks for your continued support.

Thursday 4th September 2009. 

Unfortunately due to circumstances beyond my control I have had to make the decision to postpone my trip. I will now be undertaking the to bike ride between the 5 and 9 May 2010.

Monday 2nd August 2009.. Update!

Hello everyone,

At last I get around to updating the site. I have now returned to Plymouth on a perminant basis (for now any way), so I have little excuss not to be on my bike a bit more!! In recent weeks the training is not been going to well, but I have 6 weeks to get the miles in!!

For those interested the route I will be doing is:

Day 1: – – : Cycle approximately 145 km / 90 miles

Day 2: – : Cycle approximately 125 km / 75 miles

Day 3: – : Cycle approximately 125 km / 75 miles

Day 4: – , Cycle approximately 90 km / 60 miles

So I will be going past some very interesting sights.... Including World War 1 sights and rual communities.

I would like to thank everyone so far for helping with the fundraising front... Much appreciated..

Next time I will be updateing on the trials of the actual trip!