Hi everyone,
I am back home, fit and well, having ridden 1398 miles (home to home) across , , and . WOW what an experience and personal achievement!!
Below is a brief summary of the highs and lows of our cycling adventure.
As planned David and I left Old Windsor on the 21 June, with a fond ‘arrivederci’ from our families and friends. The 110 miles to , through and on the A2, was not hugely interesting. Only highlight of the day was meeting Ed, a student who sponsored us £10. Hopefully it was not his last beer tokens.
The following day, across the channel and into , we found the roads and route to be flat and reasonably easy to ride, but not at all interesting. Potato fields surrounded us for miles and miles. Apart from being pushed off the road by a lorry (just a little scrape on left knee) there were no other problems. It took 6 days to cross and as food and wine was acceptable we did some serious eating and drinking.
On day 8 we crossed into , where roads got a little hillier. The amazing views made up for the extra effort required though. On the 29 June at 12.30pm we reached the St Bernard Pass Peak, 2473 metres above sea level. We celebrated with a nice lunch and just one drink.
I was very happy once we got into . I could understand the language and knew for certain we were going to get good food and wine. We cycled from Aosta through , to Genova and then down the coast, passing some beautiful beaches and coastlines. I was knocked off the road by a lorry for a second time (only cuts and bruises but the pannier rack on my bike had to be replaced.) By the time we got to , we were two days ahead of ourselves and we slowed down from 80-90 miles to 60–70 miles a day. This meant we could spend the afternoon on the beach. We also wanted to give those coming by plane enough time to arrive on the 11 to see us in.
Although we carried tents, pots and pans we only cooked once and camped 4 times, once when we had to in France and 3 times in Italy out of choice, because the weather was so nice. We found that 3 and 4* hotels were more comfortable than one man tents.
On the 11 July we had finally made it. Again to the familiar cheer from our family and friends and with flags waving, we arrived at my house in ‘San Salvatore’. A party that night, with further family members to celebrate - was for me, the perfect ending to an amazing adventure.
Whilst this trip has been a long awaited ambition of mine, I cannot forget the other reason I put foot to pedal. Thank you very much, to those of you who visited this page and supported my adventure in aid of ADDCT. I have been overwhelmed by the sponsors I have received and I am so pleased to have been able to raise money in aid of Alexander’s trust. However, despite the huge generosity already given, as you can see, I have not yet reached my target, so for those of you who have not sponsored me, but would like to donate to this worthwhile cause, please, please do so now. I have achieved my lifetime goal and would now love to know I reached my target for Alexander.
Alexander Devine Children’s Cancer Trust has been set up by John & Fiona Devine in memory of their son Alexander who died at the age of 8 having been diagnosed at the age of 4 with a rare brain tumour. The long term aim of the trust is to build and fund ‘Alexander House’ a children’s Hospice in the Berkshire Area. Alexander House will be a home from home environment providing respite and quality time for the whole family. The house will also offer other much needed services for children and their families. For further information ADCCT visit www.adcct.co.uk
Donating through just giving is quick, easy and secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: The Alexander Devine Children’s Cancer trust gets your money fast and if you’re a taxpayer Justgiving makes sure 25% in gift aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.
Thank you for your support and donations.
Umberto.
