I have been a Samaritan for four years now. I wanted to do a fund raiser for our local Brighton Hove and District branch and combine it with a physical challenge. The 34th annual Hayling Cycle Ride certainly fits the bill! I have done a fair amount of cycling in the past but never these distances and never on consecutive days. It's going to be tough but I'm doing it for a great cause and that should keep me peddling. 

There are only so many times you can ask family and friends to sponsor you, so this is my swan song and I have chosen a big one! Please help support Brighton Hove and District Samaritans to keep our centre running 24/7/365 helping anyone who is in distress, anxious or suicidal.

Thank you for whatever you able to give. Wish me luck! 

 ** 373 Mile - Hayling Cycle Ride-YES THAT' CORRECT 373 MILES ! **

Day 1 Caen to Evreux

Distance 89 miles and approximately 5,000 feet of climbing. This follows the same route as 2018- "Completed! Hard work but amazing countryside."

Day 2 Evreux to Chartres-

Distance 65 miles and approximately 2,100 feet of climbing

A short uphill section out of Evreux to start the
day then over a plain and down to a river valley. You will be following the
river Eure for most of the day which includes approximately 6 miles of tarmac
cycle-way based on a disused railway. The route goes through lots of small
villages and the large town of Nogent-le-Roi. You will also see the beautiful
Chateau Maintenon, a turreted castle. Spend the evening in the lovely city of
Chartres and watch the luminaire lightshow projected on the famous Notre Dame
of Chartres.

"Completed! Took the above photo somewhere in France but made it to Chartres. May even watch the son et lumiere tonight......."

Day 3 Chartres to Lisieux

Distance 85 miles and approximately 2,500 feet of climbing.

A slightly longer day but with only an elevation
gain of 2,500 feet this shouldn’t be too difficult. First an easy ride out of
Chartres and across country to Senonches. Then turning North through
Verneuil-sur-Avre and Brogile, both are good places for a coffee stop or more.
A day with many Chateaux and a mixture of forests and farm land. Save something
for the last few miles though…."Completed. Had a bit of a drama but needless to say all is fine now. A well deserved drink."

Day 4 Lisieux to Bayeux

Distance 67 miles and approximately 2,600 feet of climbing.

A short climb out of Lisieux and straight into the
French countryside. Tree lined roads then as you get closer to Caen the ground
flattens out and you will wind your way through to Bavant and back to Pegasus
Bridge and then on to Ouistreham. Avenue de Mer in Ouistreham is the obvious
place for lunch with plenty of choice. The sandy beach is just over the sand
dunes, you may decide to go for a quick swim in the sea (weather permitting of
course!) We cycle along the coast road past Sword, Juno and Gold D-Day beaches
and  through Arromanches and on to Port-en-Bessin before turning inland to
Bayeux.

Day 5 Bayeux to Cherbourg

Distance 67 miles and approximately 2,500 feet of climbing.

The day starts almost straight away on country roads, the small town of Trévières and Isigny-sur-Mer are both good places for morning coffee stops. Then through Carentan and turn sharp right and head to
Utah, the D-Day beach. Ten miles of cycling alongside the sandy beach. Then a gentle climb up and over and down into Cherbourg. Hopefully you will save some energy to enjoy tonight’s party at the Mercure hotel where you will receive a 3 course meal followed by music and dancing. There will be no early morning alarms this year.