Here's the breakdown - taken from my Action Medical Research Sponsorship Page...
Date of Event: 23/07/2008 for five days...
On the road to Paris two wheels are better than four!
Thank you for taking the time to visit my little plot on the Action Medical Research landscape.
Please, please, please give as much as you can and help this adventure of a lifetime benefit as many people as possible.
Last year was a tough – very tough at times – yet immensely rewarding experience that raised hundreds of thousands for Action Med’.
This year I plan to be fitter, lighter and more streamlined in my funky Lycra on my beloved Madone 5.5!
There was rather more of me than I would have wished last year!!!
I’m training hard several times a week which isn’t a problem as your generosity is a wonderful motivator – that and the thought of the climbs to come!
For those who wish to know more here’s a brief taster of the two-wheeled trials to come…
Day 1: London – Calais
Distance to Cycle approximately: 153km (95 miles)
After a VERY early start from Greenwich we will wend our way through the outskirts of London. It won’t be long before we are among the fields and villages of rural Kent, passing orchards and traditional oast houses. We’ll continue pedalling along the North Downs Way following the smaller country roads to Dover and the magnificant south coast. The ferry to Calais will take us to our first overnight stay in a simple yet fine French hotel. Cream will be applied!
Day 2: Calais – Abbeville
Distance to Cycle approximately: 120km (75 miles.)
After a very hearty breakfast we head south from Calais, passing through beautiful rural landscapes and quiet back roads. Cycling inland from the coast, we avoid busy Boulogne and pass east through ancient Desvres, renowned for its pottery. Following quiet winding roads we reach the valleys of the Canche River, and cross the river to Hesdin, a pretty town near the site of the historic battle of Agincourt. Continuing south, our final 30km brings us to the River Somme and the town of Abbeville with its beautiful Flemish-style architecture, its glorious gothic church and, more importantly, our dinner and lodgings for the night. More cream!
Day 3: Abbeville – BeauvaisDistance to cycle approximately: 110km (70 miles.)
Saying farewell to Abbeville we follow the River Somme east out of the town in the direction of Amiens. These lands are renowned for the terrible battles of the First World War and are scattered with cemeteries and other poignant reminders of the thousands of man who died here. Our route soon turns south and we follow shady beech-tree-lined avenues so typically French, into meandering valleys and traditional farming hamlets. The cycling is mostly flat and through agricultural lands. Our day ends at Beauvais, another town renowned for its large gothic cathedral. Lashings of cream now!
Day 4: Beauvais – Paris
Distance to cycle approximately: 95km (60 miles.)
Our final day’s cycling takes us over the river Théram and south of Beauvais towards the great capital city. Following small country roads we head towards the small town of Meru and continue south through beautiful countryside. Cycling is the national sport of France and while the Tour de France attracts supporters in its thousands, it is normal for the locals to stop and cheer us on as we pass through their towns and villages. As we reach the suburbs of Paris we look out for the distinctive landmarks of the Eiffel Tower and the Sacré Coeur standing out on the skyline. Reaching the suburb on St. Denis we reach the River Seine, and follow its northern esplanade in the shadow of the Bois du Boulogne until we reach the Pont d’Iena and finish beneath the lofty arches of the Eiffel Tower. A quick shower, a sip of fine wine and a celebration meal complete the adventure. Tomorrow the riders of Le Tour arrive (I bet they don’t need cream!)
