Updated on Sep 13th 2012 at 5:40 PM from the JustGiving API

Day 4 and FINISHED!!! 500km since the Eiffel. Big climb today over the Col which was long and slopey and never gave us any rest until the top - apart from the coffee shop, lunch stop and numerous photo stops. Amazing scenery all day once we hit the Jura - and the most fantastic couple of descents: one for speed and one for the view over Geneva Amazing experience overall and some great people met. Shower and Sherberts time!

Updated on Sep 12th 2012 at 5:46 PM from the JustGiving API

Day 3 and 98 miles on the clock today. Phew - a bit of a tough day in the saddle but most if us are feeling pretty pleased with ourselves to have worked our way up a major climb and done close to a Century. Weather cooler but the threatened rain never materialised. Last leg tomorrow and the feared Col. Wish me luck! John.

Updated on Sep 11th 2012 at 3:17 PM from the JustGiving API

Day 2 successfully completed with 85 miles and a lot more climbing. One casualty today but fortunately only cuts and bruises. Rode through major wine regions of Burgundy and Chablis and pinched a few grapes off the vines!! Weather turned on us and we had some (warm) rain - still better than Yorkshire weather... Descent into Semur gave a beautiful view over the city. Cheers, John.

Updated on Sep 10th 2012 at 4:42 PM from the JustGiving API

Day 1 is in the bag. 83 miles out from Paris now and despite a downpour as we set off, the rest of the day has been dry, hot and not too hilly. Super café stop with chat over coffee - or was it beers...? Bit weary after a limited night's sleep (soooo excited). Legs up now and chilling before dinner and probably an early night.

Updated on Sep 9th 2012 at 6:44 PM from the JustGiving API

Day "0" and settled into Paris hotel - despite an initial scare of finding I was sharing with "Miss Jason". Turned out just to be a bloke! Bike arrived here safely and now reassembled successfully (I hope). Boiling hot which looks good for a dry cycle tomorrow. Ready for it now. Cheers, John.

Updated on Sep 8th 2012 at 6:11 PM from the JustGiving API

Day "-1" : all packed up and ready to go. Alex arrives soon for Big Pasta Bake. Feeling a bit anxious, now it's so close - but hopefully the winter training (in June and July!!) will pay off. Thanks to all the donors, and much appreciated encouragement. Thinking of you Jacqui. John B

 

Updated on Sep 4th 2012 at 12:45 PM from the JustGiving API

Thank you so much everyone for the contributions - we made the target !! But don't let that put you off donating if you have been "getting around to it" !!!

Thanks for visiting my “Paris to Geneva Challenge” page.  I have signed up for another cycling challenge, continuing the long slow trip around Europe.  2010 was London to Paris, and 2012 will be Paris to Geneva from 10-13 September. Somebody pointed out that there are some “Alps” in the way – whatever they are…

We will be cycling for four days and will cover 320 miles or 500 kilometers, which sounds much more impressive. The interesting bit will be the last day, where we climb the Col de la Faucille, which is a staple of the Tour de France. At some 1300m high, it will have a breathtaking view from the top, probably very literally breathtaking.

I am raising funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association. Some of you will know of the sad passing of Jacqui Priestley in 2011, taken in the prime of her life. This ride is in her memory and to support the Association who do such wonderful work helping sufferers and carers, as well as sponsoring research towards treatments and fingers crossed an eventual cure for MND. 

Many thanks for reading – and for making a donation. All donations will go straight to the Association, as I am funding the ride myself.

Here’s how you do it…
You can contribute by using the JustGiving site, which is the easiest and is fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Thanks again,
John