Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I'm embarking on a big personal challenge and cycling from the North to the South of France over 2 weeks - well thats the plan!!!

I also thought this would be a good opportunity to raise some money as I recently lost a friend to lung cancer and the Roy Castle foundation is a very worthwhile cause. Although times are hard I would be very grateful for anything you can give.

I will endeavour to keep this page updated whilst on my travels with some photos and a few brief words....  For anyone interested in the route, ive listed it below:

DAY 1:(SUN 08/05/11)  DUNKERQUE to ST.OMER (32km)

Day one completed. Arrived at St Omer, its rained all the way here but caught the highlights of the footy so not all bad!

DAY 2: ST.OMER to BETHUNE (50km)

Made it! Sore arse already though! Tomorrow 90km is going to be a killer.

DAY 3: BETHUNE to CAMBRAI (90km)

Hard graft today but made it through the rain and 80 odd degree heat. Just been for beer and peanuts - a real athletes diet! 

DAY 4: CAMBRAI to LAON (100km)

Hills!! Feel like I'm 10 yrs old again, in bed for 9pm.

DAY 5: LAON to CHALON-CHAMPAGNE (108km)

Bigger badder hills and more of them!! Chalon-Champagne now but none of that business on a bobbys salary, went to Intermarche for some bottles of Kronenbourg! Arse started playing up when I got here, considering buying a gel saddle cover for my gel saddle!! 

DAY 6: CHALON to TROYES (103KM)

Worst day by far!! Got diverted again and again onto roads that mountain bikes would have struggled on. I've hit the bonk today.

DAY 7:  TROYES to CHAMONT (105km)

Another tough day, yesterday took its toll and I can gradually feel the power going from my legs on the hills. But no surrender!!!!!

DAY 8:  CHAUMONT to DIJON (112km)

63 miles today and rode it very quick but it was the worst lot of hills so far - now I know why bikes have so many gears!!

DAY 9:  DIJON to MACON (107km)

Feeling very pleased with myself today, covered 90.8 miles which is the longest distance yet (the distance estimations have not been entirely accurate) and its been the longest time in the saddle. Knee playing up for last 20 miles so hoping I won't carry that into tomorrow as I felt strong again today.

DAY10:  MACON to VIENNE (95km)

Nightmare day, took 2 hours just to get through Lyon. Couple of photos added from today - beard watch!!

DAY11:  VIENNE to MONTELIMAR (110km)

Rhone Valley today, done 74 miles in 90 degrees - baking hot!! Terrain ok but headwinds that slowed our progress. Just realised theres only 3 more cycling days left - bonus!!!

DAY 12:  MONTELIMAR to NIMES (100km)

Really tough, 70 miles, 4 big hills, 100 degree heat and headwinds. If you're into S&M I'd recommend it!! Looking towards the finish line, ready for a rest!!

DAY 13:  NIMES to BEZIERS: 81 miles. Another tough day, didnt get off to the best of starts when we got lost in n the city centre. Blistering heat with strong headwinds made it tough today. Didnt arrive at Beziers until 7pm so a bit of food and straight to bed for the big finish tommorrow!(112km)

DAY 14:  BEZIERS to ST.GENIS:  The final day!!  Set off this morning with my left knee giving me some considerable stick.  On the one hand I just wanted to get thorugh the day, and the other, I was sad the incredibly tough but enjoyable journey was ending.  After a couple of hours, I had forgotten the latter and just wanted to finish when we were commited to a rough cycle path that was about 10 miles long and could have caused serious damage to the bikes, yet we managed to limp through it.  Cycled past some beautiful coastlines and villages, but didnt stop, straight through to the finishing line of St. Genis!!!!! 71 Miles.(105km)

I would just like to thank everyone for their donations and kind words (and micky taking) on this page and via text, which really helped keep me going.  James was a great friend to many, and a devoted husband and father who will be missed, and Im glad I had the opportunity to do this for him and to raise money for such a worthwile cause.  I'll update the page later this week with more photos and words but have. limited access to the internet.

Once again, a big thanks for visiting the page,

Hogey