CALVADOS CHALLENGE - 19th - 24th September

Parkinsons is a progressive, degenerative neurological condition for which, as yet, there is no known cure.  It affects millions of people world wide.

The Cure Parkinson's Trust funds research into this devastating and debilitating condition.  A prime mover (and shaker) in this is Tom Isaacs, diagnosed with PD at 27.  His walk around Britain - 4,500 miles - raised money for the charity and awarenesss of the disease.  Tom is the inspiration for my project, which is to cycle a considerably more modest 220 miles from Cherbourg to Dieppe in the company of some friends and my two sons.

Our intrepid party numbers 8 in all, 2 of us with PD.  There will be 7 cyclists and a support vehicle (not simply to carry the wine, cheese and Calvados we acquire en route).  Please support us by giving as generously as you can.  We are all paying our own expenses so all the money we raise here will go to the Trust. 

Parkinson's is a disabling disease, particularly in the later stages.  I am lucky that my medication controls my symptoms sufficiently for me to attempt this challenge.  As Tom Isaacs says, he wants to be able to introduce himself to people by  saying "Hello,  I'm Tom Isaacs, I used to have Parkinson's."  We all of us want this too, and would like it to happen sooner than later.  Your donation will help bring that day forward.

If you would like to know more of the work of The Cure Parkinson's Trust or Movers and Shakers follow the link www.cureparkinsons.org.uk  

PROGRESS SO FAR

Friday.  Arrived Cherbourg after perfect ferry crossing - thank you Brittany Ferries (they also provided a free ticket for the car and bikes).

CYCLING DAY 1.  Distance 93 kilometres.  Don't bother cycling in England, come to France where the roads are almost pothole free and drivers cyclist aware.  This is about as good as cyling gets with gentle breezes and pleasant sunshine, the bread fantastic, the pain au rasin are to die for and the pate would turn a veggie into a meat eater. A leisurely day's cycling marred only by the fact I left my rucksack behind when we stopped, nothing important in it only my passport, tickets and Stephen's library book.  Thankfully a nice person named Ford (thank you) handed it into the local gendarmerie.

Day 2.  Distance covered 90 km, but it felt like more (see later). After we left our 60's timewarp hotel in Les Veys we divided into 2 groups.  Party 1 chose the beaches - David & boys - and reached their hotel at 2.30pm without incident and then went to inspect Pegasus Bridge.  Party 2 decided to grab some culture and went to Bayeux to see the tapestry.  One of our party then decided he also wanted to see the beaches so we spent over 1 hour cyling into a strong headwind, we got to the hotel at 6.30pm.  I am harbouring unkind thoughts about this member who we managed to lose some miles before the hotel - he turned up at 8pm.

Day 3.  The longest and hardest so far.  112 kilometres covering 6 hours 23 minutes riding time.  Total time inlcuding stops 9.5 hours.  More hills than expected with Marian and I giving the others a chance to catch their breath at the top of the steepest ones.  We managed a maximum speed of 58.5 kph in a 50 zone - luckily no gendarmes about.  We are now relaxing in our hotel with some of the party doing serious damage to a bottle of Calvados - so both parts of the challenge are being addressed!

Day 4.  The final day.  We have to get to Dieppe by 6:00 p. m.  Dreading this day as it is likely to be more hilly than yesterday.  Good thing is that it is only 70 km.  However, the road out of Fecamp is a long and very gentle rise up to a plateau that lasted for all morning and a bit of the afternoon.  Then down to sea level and the pain begins.  We saved the best (worst?) to last.  A steep hill with, seemingly, no end.  Some of our team were passed by a man running up the hill.  Apparently he does this twice a week.  And then at last, the descent into Dieppe.  Short stop to shop and then onto the ferry.  Home and bed by 11:00.  We did it. A party of largely inexperienced cyclists rode from Cherbourg to Dieppe, with a few mishaps and diversions on the way, but we did it.  Just don't ask me to come out riding with you ever again - until the next time.

I would like to add a big thank you from all the team, David, Robin, Marian, Stephen, John, Dan, Jonathan and me for the wonderful generosity you have shown.  It is both an immense encouragement and a real challenge to merit your support. 

Ben Burbridge