I'm cycling To Paris! 

This was a 6am decision on a random Saturday morning that has now become a reality. I have recently bought a road bike using some of the money that my bloody brilliant step-dad gave me before he passed away. I had been saving the money for something meaningful and I couldn't think of a more fitting way to spent it - an adventure (that Whiff would have loved but would have only done if A) he was on an electric bike and B) there were plenty of pub stops along the way) and to raise money for a brilliant charity that made Whiff's last days (and ours with him) so comfortable and dignified.

Update: the route has been decided upon and when I say decided, it has been forced upon us (us being me and my good friend Elly who is cycling this with me). We are cycling the Avenue Verte route which is more appropriate for our bikes (the classic route required off-road or hybrids). And our starting point isn't where I'd hoped it to be but due to ferry timetables, work commitments, the clocks changing and the euro tunnel no longer accepting bike passengers (thanks covid...) we don't really have any other options. To be honest, organising this has been a logistical nightmare - I can see why 'normal' people do it as an organised trip. So, we'll be leaving from Newhaven at 11pm on the 21st and arriving in París some 235km away (plus the occasional detour to site-see) on 24th October. Fingers crossed it is all flat and the rain holds off. 

Training is going...well training is happening...I've had a few flats and falls (clip in shoes...seriously!), one seriously bent bike part and one very long cycle ride where I thought it was a good idea to go with triathletes (I knocked an hour off my PB!) As of today (2/10) I've managed four 80km rides and about six 50km rides. I have recently had my bike property set up and have had a new seat fitted which has helped the comfort levels. However, to this date, I've not managed to summon the energy to get onto the bike for 2 consecutive days let alone 3! So wish me luck...

Keep up to date with my training and eventual journey (22/10) via my instagram (carrie_von_wilson), Facebook or strava (carrietomkins) and please donate to this amazing cause. St Michael's hospice is an amazing charity and it is completely run on donations so whatever you can give will be very much appreciated. 

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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