It started with a rather unwelcome 5am alarm call on Wednesday 28 July 2010 and finished some 4 days and over 300 miles later with a triumphant ride along the cobbles of the Arc de Triomphe and Champs Elysee. 

In between, 60 or so riders experienced the highs and lows of the London to Paris cycle challenge.  Everyone had their own reason for putting themselves through this torture but all were equally determined to reach the goal - The Eiffel Tower.

For those of you who want to see the route then please go to: 

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/42764199

I'm afraid that the GPS broke on day 4 so this just shows the first three days.

Day 1 - from London to Calais - was the hardest.  The hills in Kent seemed never ending and we had to make it in time for the 6.30 ferry.

On Day 2, we set off from Calais for Arras.  It started as a fairly flat ride but some significant 'undulations' soon got in the way.

Day 3 took us through the Somme and some spectacular scenery.  We passed war graves and were hampered by a fairly consistent wind.

Day 4 led us to Paris.  It rained a little and we left the rural scenery behind for some urban sprawl.

The camaraderie of the riders made sure that we all kept going and in all the weather was kind to us. 

I have many happy memories of this challenge which allow me to blank out the discomfort that 4 days in the saddle brings.

I would just like to thank everyone who sponsored me allowing me to raise over £3,000 for the Sheffield Children's hospital.

Now, what next? 

 

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Well, I've finally taken the bike out of the garage and started to train for my second long distance cycle ride.  Having managed London to Amsterdam in 2007, I've decided it's time to visit Paris.  On July 28th 2010, I'll be joining a group of fellow masochists in Blackheath for the four day cycle ride to the Eiffel Tower.  I'm hoping for a warmer ride this time with much less head-on wind!

For this ride I've chosen to support the Sheffield Children's Hospital.  Many of you will know that my son Sam had an operation there in February 2009.  Sam was one of the first children in the world to undergo the particular procedure and his consultant insisted on using the high class facilities in Sheffield.  This is my small way of saying thank you to everyone at the hospital for the care an attention they gave to Sam and for making his operation a success.

If you would like to know more about this worthy cause then please visit their web site http://tchcharity.org.uk/

By donating using this JustGiving site, it will make sure that the money goes directly to the charity and that Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer.   In addition, JLT will match every pound that you pledge.  If you would prefer to pledge through more traditional means then please just let me know.  Once I've reached the target of £1,450 the charity have agreed to reimburse the cost of this adventure. 

Thank you in advance for your donations on behalf of the Sheffield Children's Hospital and please think of me for those four days in July!