WEDNESDAY, 23 SEPTEMBER 2009
Final Blog
Well, that’s it, we’ve landed back in Liverpool, safe and sound, after an amazing experience thoroughly enjoyed.
Getting back was relatively problem-free once we’d found a bike shop in Nice who gave us a couple of free bike boxes. We enlisted the help of the hotel’s handyman to help us get our pedals off and stuffed the boxes with the rest of our gear before taking them by taxi to the airport. Thankfully Easyjet didn’t weigh the boxes so we escaped without some no-doubt horrendous charges that we’d worried about for the 24 hours prior.
We’d like to express our deepest gratitude to the number of people who made our journey that much easier, safer and pleasant;
- Celine & David for putting us up in Paris having not seen me for 20 years – great food, great company J .. we’ll be back!
- Hetty & Willem who bought us our meal and made a very generous donation of £50 at Camping Belle Rive in Condrieu
- Patrick who sorted out our bar tab and offered us food, hot water and accommodation on our way to Aix
- Axel who, with knowing us 20 seconds, provided us with beds, food, laundry facilities and a guided tour of Aix
- Dave from Thomas Cook and Daman from Keycamp, the reps who saved our bacon when the heavens opened
- Ian, Caroline, Neil and Carol who made life a million times better by giving us a lift from the evacuated camp-site after Monaco all the way to Nice, gave us food and another generous donation to the charity
- Claire Devine at the Chester Chronicle, Marcus Siddall at Western Eye (UWE’s Student Union Paper)
- Our corporate sponsors: The Bike Factory, Garmin, Bell Helmets, Red Bull, Kryptonite, Insure & Go, Keycamp, Cheshire Police Federation, Endura and Britannia Cestrian Removals
- All of our friends and relatives who have donated generously both online and who have been coaxed into handing over there cash in person
- And, of course, all of the other people we met en route who were genuinely keen to help – from the farmer who gave us a cable tie to the lady near Canterbury who topped up our water and gave £5 to the cause
Please have a look at our Pics! link which has been updated with the final chapter’s photos, and remember that you can still donate via the big blue Donate button on the front page.
Your contributions to the B.I.R.D. charity will make a world of difference to those desperately in need of their support.
Much love, Jon & Andy x
FRIDAY, 18 SEPTEMBER 2009
Blog day Nineteen
Distance today; 99 miles, calories burnt; 8500.
Well we have just woken up to the sound of thunder and lightning and
looked outside to see it tipping it down again all over our tents that
we had laid out on the veranda to dry out yesterday. The water is now
over a foot high and a car just floated past....seriously. The water
is up to the door of the ford ka opposite and people are trying to
evacuate as I write this. What fun!
I can't believe the weather here at the moment and I can’t believe how
lucky we were yesterday to have such a beautiful day in which to
complete the last leg of our journey.
We planned our route from St Tropez to follow the coast road through
Frejus, Cannes, Antibes and Nice to reach our final destination which
was the Cafe de Paris in the centre of Monte Carlo, perhaps the most
exclusive and expensive cafe and people watching location in the world.
The route measured 79 miles and the sea was rarely out of sight as we
set off at 8.30 am with only a change of clothing and a few essentials
for the trip (which turned out to be loads after all).
We made good time for the first 20 miles flying along at 20 mph and
rewarding ourselves with lots of "Pain o Chocolat" at St Maxime and a
cup of coffee at Frejus.
The views as we cycled along the coast road were amazing with steep
cliffs, beautiful sandy beaches, expensive yachts and amazing houses
in abundance. The temptation was to stop, admire the view and take
photos every five minutes but we would still be there now if we had
done.
We did manage a few photo opportunities though as the scenery seemed
to grow more stunning every time we rounded a headland or crested a
climb.
We managed a quick lunch break in a small marina in Miramar which is
around 12 miles short of Cannes and then another coffee in the old
part of Cannes in a small beach bar where they charge an
"exuberant" price for a drink. I guess it was rather nice though and
the scenery was interesting. Thank goodness for sunglasses eh!
From there it was back on the bikes and off through Antibes past more
yachts and roller skaters weaving in and out of cones and onto Nice. By
now we were on a great cycle path with a speed limit of 10 kph which
runs along the edge of the beach and goes on for miles. I think we
sped along there at more like 30 kph as we were getting excited about
nearing Monaco some 20 miles away.
We raced along the beach front dodging tourists and up a series of
steep climbs that took us out of Nice and round a headland past the
ocean liner port. The houses here are beautiful and it’s really quiet
as all traffic is sent in land if it’s heading towards Monaco as the
roads are narrow and steep and many are currently being dug up. (Yes
it happens here too)
We then went through a few tunnels and some very exclusive areas
towards our goal. We almost came into Monaco by surprise really and
stopped to get a picture at the "Welcome to Monaco" sign as proof of
arrival. We then headed straight for The "Cafe de Paris" and the "bun
fight" that is trying to get a table there. First we were told that we
could not park our bikes out the front, that's almost sacrilegious!
Then we encountered some rather condescending rich woman who insisted on
sitting down at the table that we had claimed and refused to move. She
just kept saying "Sorry" and looking down her nose at us as we were
clearly not dressed appropriately for such a place. Her apologies were
not accepted but we did give her and her embarrassed husband the
table. Her need was clearly greater than hours after having had to
walk 20 feet from her Ferrari and us having only peddled 80 miles.
We found a table soon after and ordered a beer each, Jon tentatively
asking how much it was. €14 each was the answer!! We both tried not
to react in a way that made us look like we thought that at all
expensive though my "snort" may have given the game away.
Soon after we got talking to a bloke called Lionel from Antwerp who
was in Monaco to sell diamonds. (He is now our best friend). He was on
his own so joined us for a beer and filled us in on the global diamond
market. It’s actually really interesting and well you never know when
you may be in the market for a couple of 9 carat rocks for some
special lady do you. We spent a great hour or so chatting to him and
he seemed like a great guy. If any of you folk need any rocks then I
can now say that we have a contact who is a Diamond Merchant in Monte-
Carlo who may be able to help you out.
Before he left Lionel kindly paid for our beers and we made for the casino.
We donned a pair of trousers bought especially for the occasion and
failed dismally to blend in with the high rollers. I exchanged €50 for
chips and went straight to my lucky roulette table where I won last
time I was here. I placed the lot on black and 60 seconds later I was
cashing in my chips to walk out with €100 and a big smile on my face.
Always quit when you win.
Anyway the time had come to get out of Monaco and back to our caravan
in St Tropez so we split town and jumped a train to Frejus which is 20
miles from home. We bought tickets and hoped no one would notice that
we had two bikes with us and chuck us off as they are funny about such
things here. We landed there at 10 pm grabbed a quick pizza then
peddled our way to the extra 20 miles to arrive back at about
midnight. A long and brilliant day and the end to a great trip.
We now sit marooned in a static caravan surrounded by at least a foot
of water with the task of getting to Nice in the morning for a weekend
of mischief with our mate Paul who is flying out to meet us. We may
have to get there by dingy.
We will keep you posted.
We will write one more blog on our return with some facts and figures
and anything interesting to report but thanks for reading.
Andy and Jon.
Well we have just woken up to the sound of thunder and lightning and
looked outside to see it tipping it down again all over our tents that
we had laid out on the veranda to dry out yesterday. The water is now
over a foot high and a car just floated past....seriously. The water
is up to the door of the ford ka opposite and people are trying to
evacuate as I write this. What fun!
I can't believe the weather here at the moment and I can’t believe how
lucky we were yesterday to have such a beautiful day in which to
complete the last leg of our journey.
We planned our route from St Tropez to follow the coast road through
Frejus, Cannes, Antibes and Nice to reach our final destination which
was the Cafe de Paris in the centre of Monte Carlo, perhaps the most
exclusive and expensive cafe and people watching location in the world.
The route measured 79 miles and the sea was rarely out of sight as we
set off at 8.30 am with only a change of clothing and a few essentials
for the trip (which turned out to be loads after all).
We made good time for the first 20 miles flying along at 20 mph and
rewarding ourselves with lots of "Pain o Chocolat" at St Maxime and a
cup of coffee at Frejus.
The views as we cycled along the coast road were amazing with steep
cliffs, beautiful sandy beaches, expensive yachts and amazing houses
in abundance. The temptation was to stop, admire the view and take
photos every five minutes but we would still be there now if we had
done.
We did manage a few photo opportunities though as the scenery seemed
to grow more stunning every time we rounded a headland or crested a
climb.
We managed a quick lunch break in a small marina in Miramar which is
around 12 miles short of Cannes and then another coffee in the old
part of Cannes in a small beach bar where they charge an
"exuberant" price for a drink. I guess it was rather nice though and
the scenery was interesting. Thank goodness for sunglasses eh!
From there it was back on the bikes and off through Antibes past more
yachts and roller skaters weaving in and out of cones and onto Nice. By
now we were on a great cycle path with a speed limit of 10 kph which
runs along the edge of the beach and goes on for miles. I think we
sped along there at more like 30 kph as we were getting excited about
nearing Monaco some 20 miles away.
We raced along the beach front dodging tourists and up a series of
steep climbs that took us out of Nice and round a headland past the
ocean liner port. The houses here are beautiful and it’s really quiet
as all traffic is sent in land if it’s heading towards Monaco as the
roads are narrow and steep and many are currently being dug up. (Yes
it happens here too)
We then went through a few tunnels and some very exclusive areas
towards our goal. We almost came into Monaco by surprise really and
stopped to get a picture at the "Welcome to Monaco" sign as proof of
arrival. We then headed straight for The "Cafe de Paris" and the "bun
fight" that is trying to get a table there. First we were told that we
could not park our bikes out the front, that's almost sacrilegious!
Then we encountered some rather condescending rich woman who insisted on
sitting down at the table that we had claimed and refused to move. She
just kept saying "Sorry" and looking down her nose at us as we were
clearly not dressed appropriately for such a place. Her apologies were
not accepted but we did give her and her embarrassed husband the
table. Her need was clearly greater than hours after having had to
walk 20 feet from her Ferrari and us having only peddled 80 miles.
We found a table soon after and ordered a beer each, Jon tentatively
asking how much it was. €14 each was the answer!! We both tried not
to react in a way that made us look like we thought that at all
expensive though my "snort" may have given the game away.
Soon after we got talking to a bloke called Lionel from Antwerp who
was in Monaco to sell diamonds. (He is now our best friend). He was on
his own so joined us for a beer and filled us in on the global diamond
market. It’s actually really interesting and well you never know when
you may be in the market for a couple of 9 carat rocks for some
special lady do you. We spent a great hour or so chatting to him and
he seemed like a great guy. If any of you folk need any rocks then I
can now say that we have a contact who is a Diamond Merchant in Monte-
Carlo who may be able to help you out.
Before he left Lionel kindly paid for our beers and we made for the casino.
We donned a pair of trousers bought especially for the occasion and
failed dismally to blend in with the high rollers. I exchanged €50 for
chips and went straight to my lucky roulette table where I won last
time I was here. I placed the lot on black and 60 seconds later I was
cashing in my chips to walk out with €100 and a big smile on my face.
Always quit when you win.
Anyway the time had come to get out of Monaco and back to our caravan
in St Tropez so we split town and jumped a train to Frejus which is 20
miles from home. We bought tickets and hoped no one would notice that
we had two bikes with us and chuck us off as they are funny about such
things here. We landed there at 10 pm grabbed a quick pizza then
peddled our way to the extra 20 miles to arrive back at about
midnight. A long and brilliant day and the end to a great trip.
We now sit marooned in a static caravan surrounded by at least a foot
of water with the task of getting to Nice in the morning for a weekend
of mischief with our mate Paul who is flying out to meet us. We may
have to get there by dingy.
We will keep you posted.
We will write one more blog on our return with some facts and figures
and anything interesting to report but thanks for reading.
Andy and Jon.
Blog day eighteen
This is a short blog tonight as we are completely knackered and are
currently sitting in a pizza restaurant in Frejus 20 miles from St
Tropez and we have to eat before we cycle back making it 98 miles today.
We made it to Monaco at long last at 4.50pm and celebrated in style
at the Cafe De Paris with a pint of lager costing £13 each. We then
befriended a Diamond Merchant from Antwerp and well ........ the rest
we will tell you tomorrow. My pizza has arrived and i need all my
energy to get home.
Bon nuit and thanks for all the congratulatory texts. They are
appreciated.
currently sitting in a pizza restaurant in Frejus 20 miles from St
Tropez and we have to eat before we cycle back making it 98 miles today.
We made it to Monaco at long last at 4.50pm and celebrated in style
at the Cafe De Paris with a pint of lager costing £13 each. We then
befriended a Diamond Merchant from Antwerp and well ........ the rest
we will tell you tomorrow. My pizza has arrived and i need all my
energy to get home.
Bon nuit and thanks for all the congratulatory texts. They are
appreciated.
WEDNESDAY, 16 SEPTEMBER 2009
Blog day Seventeen
Well there isn't really that much to report today as we have spent
most of the day either asleep or sat reading in our caravan. We both
awoke around 7am to the sound of a gale outside as things got flung
around by the wind and the rain battered our tin roof. It felt a lot
more secure that that blasted tent of mine so I was quite content to
lie in my pit all morning.
At 5pm the heavens opened again with a torrential downpour which
lasted only ten minutes but which was followed by blue sky. What a
relief. We headed to the beach and had a quick beer bumped into the
girls from last night for a quick chat and smirked at the large yacht
that had been washed up on its side on the beach overnight. How sad!
Tonight we have been out for what felt like out first relaxing evening
meal to a restaurant called "La Boheime". The food was fantastic and
there was a live band playing cover versions on the veranda that were
seriously good. We offered to buy their cd in return for them plugging
our website and telling the audience about what we were doing. No one
batted an eyelid so I think the band got the best deal there. Well at
least I know what I’m giving my brother Dan for Christmas now. I hope
he likes cover versions.
Tonight is an early night as we are up at 7 ish to head to Monaco
which is 73 miles away. We will then get the train back to the nearest
station and cycle the last 21 miles here to Port Grimaud. Its gonna be
a long day tomorrow so I hope the weather isn’t too bad.
Once that last journey is done we can relax and I think I will sleep
for a week.
Well must be off so catch you all soon once the mission is complete.
Andy and Jon
most of the day either asleep or sat reading in our caravan. We both
awoke around 7am to the sound of a gale outside as things got flung
around by the wind and the rain battered our tin roof. It felt a lot
more secure that that blasted tent of mine so I was quite content to
lie in my pit all morning.
At 5pm the heavens opened again with a torrential downpour which
lasted only ten minutes but which was followed by blue sky. What a
relief. We headed to the beach and had a quick beer bumped into the
girls from last night for a quick chat and smirked at the large yacht
that had been washed up on its side on the beach overnight. How sad!
Tonight we have been out for what felt like out first relaxing evening
meal to a restaurant called "La Boheime". The food was fantastic and
there was a live band playing cover versions on the veranda that were
seriously good. We offered to buy their cd in return for them plugging
our website and telling the audience about what we were doing. No one
batted an eyelid so I think the band got the best deal there. Well at
least I know what I’m giving my brother Dan for Christmas now. I hope
he likes cover versions.
Tonight is an early night as we are up at 7 ish to head to Monaco
which is 73 miles away. We will then get the train back to the nearest
station and cycle the last 21 miles here to Port Grimaud. Its gonna be
a long day tomorrow so I hope the weather isn’t too bad.
Once that last journey is done we can relax and I think I will sleep
for a week.
Well must be off so catch you all soon once the mission is complete.
Andy and Jon
Blog day Sixteen
2000 hours.
Well Jon and I are sat in a French karaoke bar on St Tropez beach listening to an aged French bloke sing Boney M's Daddy Cool. How surreal is that? He is dressed in a white shirt unbuttoned to the navel with leather pants and biker boots. He also has badly bleached hair and reminds me of Peter Stringfellow. I think we have ended up in the Blue Oyster Bar by mistake.
23.40 hours.
Well we are now back in our static caravan a la "holiday
home" having had a few beers and having got seriously lost on the way
home due to Jon’s poor sense of direction. . . . Him having been the
sober one!
We spent most of the evening with two young "models" in the bar who
astounded us with their intellectual capacity. When Jon mentioned that
we had spent last night camped in a vineyard they both earnestly asked
"What’s that" in unison. Brains and beauty in one...... How rare!
Having spent the night talking like I would to my 3 year old nephew we
waved aurevoir to our “supermodels” and wended our way home. I can
tell you now that I won’t be hitting Monaco in the morning even by jet
plane.
The weather is still horrible with very strong winds and flooding
already. Anyway as you know, last night we were caught short one might
say and ended up camped out in the wilderness. I'm not sure how much
experience you have with camping but when it started chucking it down
last night it gave me a warm cozy type of feeling all cocooned in my
sleeping bag "dans la tentè", however 16 full hours of solid rain
later I don’t mind saying that that "cozy" feeling had been replaced
with a genuine concern that I was going to drown in a space no bigger
than an ants “g string" as the rain started to pour in.
After swearing like a trooper, mopping like a frenzied Eastern European
Toilet Cleaner and packing my bags like a 17 year old going on an 18
to 30's package holiday I finally emerged from my tent to greet an
equally drenched Jon in a synchronized " Let’s get the hell out of here"
type of scramble towards the road. From then on it was a 1000 foot
climb over a steep pass in driving rain to a small bar in a tiny
village too inconsequential to remember. There we drank copious amounts
of coffee and stuffed our faces with "pain o chocolat" before heading
back out into the rain to hurtle down 15 kms of twisted slippery road
into what should have been a sun drenched St Tropez but in actual fact
was a miserable, wet, freezing cold flooded resort which everyone
seemed to be extricating at a rapid rate of knots. Anyone would think
a tsunami was about to hit!
We would be forgiven for thinking that God was punishing us for being
a day being schedule.
It now appears that 3 months of drought has miraculously come to an
end with our arrival and along with it any hope of evening up my
"cyclists tan" which makes me look like I have the arms and lower legs
of a Nigerian and the torso of an Eskimo. Bloody marvelous!
Well we have 69.9 miles yet to go to achieve our goal and 5 days in
which to do it. The decision we have to make is whether to do it
tomorrow in what is forecast to be driving rain or play it by ear and
wait on a suitable day. We both want to get it done ASAP but I
personally think we have earned the right to pick an acceptable day so
that we can get some decent photos at least. What do you lot think?
We don’t want to let you down and wimp out having been so lucky with
the weather all the way down but it would be nice to actually enjoy
the final leg of what has been a fabulous journey rather than arrive
like drowned rats. Answers on a postcard please..... Or perhaps a text
would be quicker.
Bon nuit
Andy and Jon
Well Jon and I are sat in a French karaoke bar on St Tropez beach listening to an aged French bloke sing Boney M's Daddy Cool. How surreal is that? He is dressed in a white shirt unbuttoned to the navel with leather pants and biker boots. He also has badly bleached hair and reminds me of Peter Stringfellow. I think we have ended up in the Blue Oyster Bar by mistake.
23.40 hours.
Well we are now back in our static caravan a la "holiday
home" having had a few beers and having got seriously lost on the way
home due to Jon’s poor sense of direction. . . . Him having been the
sober one!
We spent most of the evening with two young "models" in the bar who
astounded us with their intellectual capacity. When Jon mentioned that
we had spent last night camped in a vineyard they both earnestly asked
"What’s that" in unison. Brains and beauty in one...... How rare!
Having spent the night talking like I would to my 3 year old nephew we
waved aurevoir to our “supermodels” and wended our way home. I can
tell you now that I won’t be hitting Monaco in the morning even by jet
plane.
The weather is still horrible with very strong winds and flooding
already. Anyway as you know, last night we were caught short one might
say and ended up camped out in the wilderness. I'm not sure how much
experience you have with camping but when it started chucking it down
last night it gave me a warm cozy type of feeling all cocooned in my
sleeping bag "dans la tentè", however 16 full hours of solid rain
later I don’t mind saying that that "cozy" feeling had been replaced
with a genuine concern that I was going to drown in a space no bigger
than an ants “g string" as the rain started to pour in.
After swearing like a trooper, mopping like a frenzied Eastern European
Toilet Cleaner and packing my bags like a 17 year old going on an 18
to 30's package holiday I finally emerged from my tent to greet an
equally drenched Jon in a synchronized " Let’s get the hell out of here"
type of scramble towards the road. From then on it was a 1000 foot
climb over a steep pass in driving rain to a small bar in a tiny
village too inconsequential to remember. There we drank copious amounts
of coffee and stuffed our faces with "pain o chocolat" before heading
back out into the rain to hurtle down 15 kms of twisted slippery road
into what should have been a sun drenched St Tropez but in actual fact
was a miserable, wet, freezing cold flooded resort which everyone
seemed to be extricating at a rapid rate of knots. Anyone would think
a tsunami was about to hit!
We would be forgiven for thinking that God was punishing us for being
a day being schedule.
It now appears that 3 months of drought has miraculously come to an
end with our arrival and along with it any hope of evening up my
"cyclists tan" which makes me look like I have the arms and lower legs
of a Nigerian and the torso of an Eskimo. Bloody marvelous!
Well we have 69.9 miles yet to go to achieve our goal and 5 days in
which to do it. The decision we have to make is whether to do it
tomorrow in what is forecast to be driving rain or play it by ear and
wait on a suitable day. We both want to get it done ASAP but I
personally think we have earned the right to pick an acceptable day so
that we can get some decent photos at least. What do you lot think?
We don’t want to let you down and wimp out having been so lucky with
the weather all the way down but it would be nice to actually enjoy
the final leg of what has been a fabulous journey rather than arrive
like drowned rats. Answers on a postcard please..... Or perhaps a text
would be quicker.
Bon nuit
Andy and Jon
MONDAY, 14 SEPTEMBER 2009
Blog day Fifteen
Total miles: 56.2, calories: 5497, 2061ft ascent.
A day in Provence...
Today's been quite an adventure - both scenic and beautiful, and hellish and
tortuous. Being the 3rd day in a row we've been pretty exhausted but
were grateful for axels’ hospitality leaving Aix as revived as was
possible. Top speed today was 40mph at which point one of my spokes
came flying off shattering my reflector but there was no real damage
other than our need for speed - we've been quite lucky in that respect
a couple of times and have vowed to slow down for the last couple of
days.
Again we stopped for coffee and got chatting to a couple who
ended up buying our drinks for us - the cafe culture here is great and
the French put us to shame with their courtesy for each other,
greeting everyone in the place when arriving/leaving and seemingly
keen to engage in a natter with anyone.
We'd hoped to get to St Tropez tonight but, when stopping for a final
refuel 20 miles from our destination, the waiter took an hour to
prepare a kebab (all they sold) which we'd hoped would take 10
minutes. Along with l'addition came darkness and impending storm
clouds. We donned our now-worn hi-vies jackets and torches and set off.
Five miles down the road we saw lightning ahead and decided that, having
not camped al fresco thus far, we'd turn off the road into a track and
head down a tractor trail to a clearing amongst a vineyard where we
are now. The storm seems to have cleared and we're amongst the stars
and seemingly endless rows of vines.
There's a distant rumble of thunder over towards the mountains and nothing else other than the chirps of hundreds of crickets all around. Wonderful. After a good
night's sleep we hope to reach port grimaud around lunch time, pitch
our tents and take a quick dip in the sea to relax these tired muscles
in preparation for the mountainous winding road to Monaco. Seems
incredible that we'll be all done in a couple of nights' time... and
on target too if you discount our two half-days of bike troubles.
So, from here in our own little vineyard, bon nuit xx
A day in Provence...
Today's been quite an adventure - both scenic and beautiful, and hellish and
tortuous. Being the 3rd day in a row we've been pretty exhausted but
were grateful for axels’ hospitality leaving Aix as revived as was
possible. Top speed today was 40mph at which point one of my spokes
came flying off shattering my reflector but there was no real damage
other than our need for speed - we've been quite lucky in that respect
a couple of times and have vowed to slow down for the last couple of
days.
Again we stopped for coffee and got chatting to a couple who
ended up buying our drinks for us - the cafe culture here is great and
the French put us to shame with their courtesy for each other,
greeting everyone in the place when arriving/leaving and seemingly
keen to engage in a natter with anyone.
We'd hoped to get to St Tropez tonight but, when stopping for a final
refuel 20 miles from our destination, the waiter took an hour to
prepare a kebab (all they sold) which we'd hoped would take 10
minutes. Along with l'addition came darkness and impending storm
clouds. We donned our now-worn hi-vies jackets and torches and set off.
Five miles down the road we saw lightning ahead and decided that, having
not camped al fresco thus far, we'd turn off the road into a track and
head down a tractor trail to a clearing amongst a vineyard where we
are now. The storm seems to have cleared and we're amongst the stars
and seemingly endless rows of vines.
There's a distant rumble of thunder over towards the mountains and nothing else other than the chirps of hundreds of crickets all around. Wonderful. After a good
night's sleep we hope to reach port grimaud around lunch time, pitch
our tents and take a quick dip in the sea to relax these tired muscles
in preparation for the mountainous winding road to Monaco. Seems
incredible that we'll be all done in a couple of nights' time... and
on target too if you discount our two half-days of bike troubles.
So, from here in our own little vineyard, bon nuit xx
Blog day Fourteen
Total miles: 70.5, calories: 6888.
Last night we set up camp in the dark, on sand,
and both spent the whole night sliding down our roll matts into
crumpled heaps, at the bottom of our tents, it emerged over breakfast
- the usual 3 pain au chocolats each. The campsite we stayed at had
free wifi at reception so we both checked our emails, facebook, and
our sponsorship totals before taking the tents down and reporting to
reception where we were told we could sneak out without payment if we
wanted. We did! At the foot of the hill stood a beautiful medieval
village where we planned the day's route in a small Italian cafe with
the locals.
We decided on our final stops, the first being aix-en-provence at the
end of the day, 70 miles away, the following night (tomorrow) will be
in port grimaud, a further 80 miles, where we'll set up tents and take
a break by the sea for the day to do laundry and recuperate for the
final 75 mile leg of the trip to Monaco.
Today was relatively flat and we were grateful once more for good
weather. Today was perhaps the most scenic of all days and we messed
around for a bit trying to take photos of each other cycling along.
We stopped for afternoon tea, well orangina, in a small cafe where I
got chatting to a French guy named Patrick. He told us of the journey
ahead, offered us a place to stay, a meal and a shower - all which we
had to turn down sadly as we had a further 30miles to cover to remain
on target. Still, he paid our bill and even offered to take us and our
bikes in the back of his car to Aix. I had to look up two words in my
French dictionary during that chat - 'tempting' and 'cheating'!
Despite his best efforts to lead us astray, we remained strong (we
will be uploading our GPS logs at the end so you'll be able to see
just how good we've been!). We set off to complete the final 30 miles
in 2 hours, stopping only for some jam butties - rocket fuel for
cyclists it seems.
The final run towards Aix was mainly up hill. It was a long hard slog
rewarded with a huge down-hill run through the outskirts of the city
itself. As we pulled into the centre, we passed the first shop we’d
seen open all day and grabbed a couple of kitkats in case we couldn’t
find anything to eat at the camp site. 1 mile away from the site, a
cyclist pulled up alongside us and spoke English to us, enquiring
about our journey. We chatted for a couple of minutes as we wound our
way round the city before the cyclist, his name's axel, offered a
place to stay in his apartment - we leapt at the chance! So, we've
spent the evening being able to get hot showers, pizza, we've used
axels’ washing machine, charged all our electronics and even had
chance to upload our photos to facebook. After all that, axel took us
for a tour around the very old, but very trendy, Aix. We haven't been
able to thank him enough - such hospitality being shown towards us, as
complete strangers, has restored our faith in mankind!
So, I’m already lying on my bunk, Andy’s on the top one so I can punch
his mattress in the likely event he starts snoring - at his request I
hasten to add - as we don't want to wake axel ... His wife gave birth
today so with taking us in too he must be exhausted - thanks guys and
congratulations!
Ok, I think that's about everything. Tomorrow night we should be by
the sea! I'm almost feeling a hint of sadness at the thought of the
trip being over - it's been really tough but so much fun - still,
there's another 3 days left so I shouldn't speak too soon.
Until tomorrow... A bientot x
Last night we set up camp in the dark, on sand,
and both spent the whole night sliding down our roll matts into
crumpled heaps, at the bottom of our tents, it emerged over breakfast
- the usual 3 pain au chocolats each. The campsite we stayed at had
free wifi at reception so we both checked our emails, facebook, and
our sponsorship totals before taking the tents down and reporting to
reception where we were told we could sneak out without payment if we
wanted. We did! At the foot of the hill stood a beautiful medieval
village where we planned the day's route in a small Italian cafe with
the locals.
We decided on our final stops, the first being aix-en-provence at the
end of the day, 70 miles away, the following night (tomorrow) will be
in port grimaud, a further 80 miles, where we'll set up tents and take
a break by the sea for the day to do laundry and recuperate for the
final 75 mile leg of the trip to Monaco.
Today was relatively flat and we were grateful once more for good
weather. Today was perhaps the most scenic of all days and we messed
around for a bit trying to take photos of each other cycling along.
We stopped for afternoon tea, well orangina, in a small cafe where I
got chatting to a French guy named Patrick. He told us of the journey
ahead, offered us a place to stay, a meal and a shower - all which we
had to turn down sadly as we had a further 30miles to cover to remain
on target. Still, he paid our bill and even offered to take us and our
bikes in the back of his car to Aix. I had to look up two words in my
French dictionary during that chat - 'tempting' and 'cheating'!
Despite his best efforts to lead us astray, we remained strong (we
will be uploading our GPS logs at the end so you'll be able to see
just how good we've been!). We set off to complete the final 30 miles
in 2 hours, stopping only for some jam butties - rocket fuel for
cyclists it seems.
The final run towards Aix was mainly up hill. It was a long hard slog
rewarded with a huge down-hill run through the outskirts of the city
itself. As we pulled into the centre, we passed the first shop we’d
seen open all day and grabbed a couple of kitkats in case we couldn’t
find anything to eat at the camp site. 1 mile away from the site, a
cyclist pulled up alongside us and spoke English to us, enquiring
about our journey. We chatted for a couple of minutes as we wound our
way round the city before the cyclist, his name's axel, offered a
place to stay in his apartment - we leapt at the chance! So, we've
spent the evening being able to get hot showers, pizza, we've used
axels’ washing machine, charged all our electronics and even had
chance to upload our photos to facebook. After all that, axel took us
for a tour around the very old, but very trendy, Aix. We haven't been
able to thank him enough - such hospitality being shown towards us, as
complete strangers, has restored our faith in mankind!
So, I’m already lying on my bunk, Andy’s on the top one so I can punch
his mattress in the likely event he starts snoring - at his request I
hasten to add - as we don't want to wake axel ... His wife gave birth
today so with taking us in too he must be exhausted - thanks guys and
congratulations!
Ok, I think that's about everything. Tomorrow night we should be by
the sea! I'm almost feeling a hint of sadness at the thought of the
trip being over - it's been really tough but so much fun - still,
there's another 3 days left so I shouldn't speak too soon.
Until tomorrow... A bientot x
SUNDAY, 13 SEPTEMBER 2009
Blog day thirteen
Well we waved goodbye to Zombie camp this morning with a ting of
sadness and a healthy slice of relief and headed back onto the open
road with renewed vigor after our day of rest. We actually met a lovely Dutch couple last night called Hettie and Willaem who bought us dinner and sponsored us 50 Euros after hearing about our venture.
We set off at 10am and completed 41 miles in no time and had lunch in
Valence which is a beautiful city with narrow shopping streets and a
real cafe culture feel to it. We were in time to see a wedding party
leave the town hall and rush into cars that then drove round the
streets blasting their horns with the occupants hanging out the
windows. Some actually started doing handbrake turns round roundabouts
and one car hit a lamppost much to our amusement.
From Valence we headed to Montelimar alongside the Rhone taking in
the views and enjoying the sunshine. The route was flat so we made
the 32 miles in less than two hours and had a brief supermarket
car park picnic to the amusement of the locals once more.
Montelimar was a fantastic looking place with loads of bustling bars
and cafes along roads shaded by pleached Plane Trees. I wished we
could have stopped but we were going so well that we thought we may
try for a hundred miles.
On leaving town we hit the hills and peddled up a steep incline for
6kms before hurtling down the other side onto more flat terrain. From
then it was just head down and peddle like hell to a pre determined
camp site at the 100 mile mark (www.campings-franceloc.fr in Mornas). We made it in the dark with or lights
and hi viz vests on and have just managed to pitch our tents on sand
in the dark on a slope. A good night’s sleep tonight does not look likely. For
now though we shall did you farewell and hit the only bar in town. I
need a pint.
sadness and a healthy slice of relief and headed back onto the open
road with renewed vigor after our day of rest. We actually met a lovely Dutch couple last night called Hettie and Willaem who bought us dinner and sponsored us 50 Euros after hearing about our venture.
We set off at 10am and completed 41 miles in no time and had lunch in
Valence which is a beautiful city with narrow shopping streets and a
real cafe culture feel to it. We were in time to see a wedding party
leave the town hall and rush into cars that then drove round the
streets blasting their horns with the occupants hanging out the
windows. Some actually started doing handbrake turns round roundabouts
and one car hit a lamppost much to our amusement.
From Valence we headed to Montelimar alongside the Rhone taking in
the views and enjoying the sunshine. The route was flat so we made
the 32 miles in less than two hours and had a brief supermarket
car park picnic to the amusement of the locals once more.
Montelimar was a fantastic looking place with loads of bustling bars
and cafes along roads shaded by pleached Plane Trees. I wished we
could have stopped but we were going so well that we thought we may
try for a hundred miles.
On leaving town we hit the hills and peddled up a steep incline for
6kms before hurtling down the other side onto more flat terrain. From
then it was just head down and peddle like hell to a pre determined
camp site at the 100 mile mark (www.campings-franceloc.fr in Mornas). We made it in the dark with or lights
and hi viz vests on and have just managed to pitch our tents on sand
in the dark on a slope. A good night’s sleep tonight does not look likely. For
now though we shall did you farewell and hit the only bar in town. I
need a pint.
FRIDAY, 11 SEPTEMBER 2009
Blog day Twelve
Today has been a well earned day of rest thank God as yesterday
evening I "Bonked" for the first time. No! That does not mean I lost
my virginity. It is a cycling term for when you hit the wall or run
out of energy completely.
After starting the day well and going like the clappers for the first
3 hours I failed to eat enough to keep it going and the heat and hills
we encountered leaving Lyon took it out of me.
When we finally landed here in Condrieu I fell into my tent and a 10
hour coma.
I feel far better today and this has given us the chance to do some
overdue hand washing and bike tinkering as well as giving our muscles a
rest. It’s not till you stop however that you realise how much
everything hurts/ aches.
The campsite we found at short notice last night is like a scene from
a zombie movie. There must be 200 caravans here but I have only
counted 10 people and 4 of them have just left.
The barman here seems to be pleased to have someone to talk to and has
got steadily drunk all day. He has penchant for “techno house”
and has been jigging away all afternoon occasionally doing the "Big
fish, little fish, cardboard box" thing when he thought I wasn’t
looking. I wouldn't mind but he is in his forties.
I'm beginning to think he is one of the zombies and is just waiting
for nightfall so that the locals can come and eat our brains. I’m
seriously thinking of finding the nearest hardware store and
practicing my French. "Je voudraise un axe et un shotgun s'il vous
plait"
The weather today has been a pleasant change in that it’s been cool
and overcast. Ideal cycling conditions really so I hope it’s the same
tomorrow. I have done little more than read my book "French
Revolutions “about a guy who cycled the tour de France route a few
weeks before the event as a complete novice. It’s very funny (thanks
Mike!).
Tonight we may even find a decent restaurant as we both crave
vegetables having lived on bread and cheese from local supermarkets in
the main. We have caused some consternation and/ or amusement to
locals as we have often sat gorging ourselves with baguettes and water
in car parks looking like sweaty freaks. I'm surprised the Gendarmes
haven't been sent to move us on.
Tomorrow it’s back on the bikes and the final push to Monaco. We have
around 290 miles to go and reckon on about 4 days given good weather
and decent terrain. We aim to follow The Rhone tomorrow towards
Avignon and then east toward Aix en Provence.
There are some long days ahead but spirits are high and we have broken
the back of the journey. Thanks to all those of you who have called or
texted us with encouragement and shame on you who haven’t! ha ha ha.
The sponsorship has gone really well and we are getting closer to the
£2000 mark which would be fantastic.
Anyway, time for a nap now so catch you later.
Andy and Jon
evening I "Bonked" for the first time. No! That does not mean I lost
my virginity. It is a cycling term for when you hit the wall or run
out of energy completely.
After starting the day well and going like the clappers for the first
3 hours I failed to eat enough to keep it going and the heat and hills
we encountered leaving Lyon took it out of me.
When we finally landed here in Condrieu I fell into my tent and a 10
hour coma.
I feel far better today and this has given us the chance to do some
overdue hand washing and bike tinkering as well as giving our muscles a
rest. It’s not till you stop however that you realise how much
everything hurts/ aches.
The campsite we found at short notice last night is like a scene from
a zombie movie. There must be 200 caravans here but I have only
counted 10 people and 4 of them have just left.
The barman here seems to be pleased to have someone to talk to and has
got steadily drunk all day. He has penchant for “techno house”
and has been jigging away all afternoon occasionally doing the "Big
fish, little fish, cardboard box" thing when he thought I wasn’t
looking. I wouldn't mind but he is in his forties.
I'm beginning to think he is one of the zombies and is just waiting
for nightfall so that the locals can come and eat our brains. I’m
seriously thinking of finding the nearest hardware store and
practicing my French. "Je voudraise un axe et un shotgun s'il vous
plait"
The weather today has been a pleasant change in that it’s been cool
and overcast. Ideal cycling conditions really so I hope it’s the same
tomorrow. I have done little more than read my book "French
Revolutions “about a guy who cycled the tour de France route a few
weeks before the event as a complete novice. It’s very funny (thanks
Mike!).
Tonight we may even find a decent restaurant as we both crave
vegetables having lived on bread and cheese from local supermarkets in
the main. We have caused some consternation and/ or amusement to
locals as we have often sat gorging ourselves with baguettes and water
in car parks looking like sweaty freaks. I'm surprised the Gendarmes
haven't been sent to move us on.
Tomorrow it’s back on the bikes and the final push to Monaco. We have
around 290 miles to go and reckon on about 4 days given good weather
and decent terrain. We aim to follow The Rhone tomorrow towards
Avignon and then east toward Aix en Provence.
There are some long days ahead but spirits are high and we have broken
the back of the journey. Thanks to all those of you who have called or
texted us with encouragement and shame on you who haven’t! ha ha ha.
The sponsorship has gone really well and we are getting closer to the
£2000 mark which would be fantastic.
Anyway, time for a nap now so catch you later.
Andy and Jon
THURSDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER 2009
Blog day Eleven
Total miles:73.4, Calories:7417, 2411ft ascent, max hr 172bpm.
We were up early this morning, the tent being dry for the first morning so far - usually everything has been pretty soaked through with dew/ condensation by dawn. We both had a good night's sleep so were packed and away by 8.30am. A quick stop for some coffee and pain au chocolat fuelled us for the ride through several diversions to lyon. It was an amazing feeling to finally pass through this milestone. A beautiful town comparable in size to, i suppose, manchester.
After lyon we stopped at a Decathlon store to refresh our energy drink and electrolyte supplies (we're sweating bucket loads, quite literally, i think). Andy's pannier rack dropped off, panniers attached, FORTUNATELY whilst we were stationary. I dread to wonder what would have happened should we have been travelling at speed! Another quick 'Macgyver' repair and we were back on the road. A very very hilly road. We seemed to be climbing for eternity after leaving lyon despite sticking to the N6/N7 roads wherever possible. A quick drink at the summit and back down we came to Vienne. We stopped off at the supermarket, had a bite to eat (a huge bite - it's costing us €50 each per day to fuel and hydrate ourselves sufficiently at French prices!) and headed to our accommodation for the night, Camping Belle Rive in Condrieu. The site owners gave us a 50% discount as we're doing this for charity (you have sponsored haven't you?), charging €7 for us both. The site has steep hills at either side of the valley with terraces playing host to yet more vineyards. There's still not a cloud in the sky :-)
We were both feeling pretty exhausted this evening on the final leg of the journey so we'll play tomorrow by ear - we haven't had a full day off for a while now so this may well end up being a two night stop. Besides, i'm sure the natives would be happier if we did some laundry... and that swimming pool does look inviting! Xx
We were up early this morning, the tent being dry for the first morning so far - usually everything has been pretty soaked through with dew/ condensation by dawn. We both had a good night's sleep so were packed and away by 8.30am. A quick stop for some coffee and pain au chocolat fuelled us for the ride through several diversions to lyon. It was an amazing feeling to finally pass through this milestone. A beautiful town comparable in size to, i suppose, manchester.
After lyon we stopped at a Decathlon store to refresh our energy drink and electrolyte supplies (we're sweating bucket loads, quite literally, i think). Andy's pannier rack dropped off, panniers attached, FORTUNATELY whilst we were stationary. I dread to wonder what would have happened should we have been travelling at speed! Another quick 'Macgyver' repair and we were back on the road. A very very hilly road. We seemed to be climbing for eternity after leaving lyon despite sticking to the N6/N7 roads wherever possible. A quick drink at the summit and back down we came to Vienne. We stopped off at the supermarket, had a bite to eat (a huge bite - it's costing us €50 each per day to fuel and hydrate ourselves sufficiently at French prices!) and headed to our accommodation for the night, Camping Belle Rive in Condrieu. The site owners gave us a 50% discount as we're doing this for charity (you have sponsored haven't you?), charging €7 for us both. The site has steep hills at either side of the valley with terraces playing host to yet more vineyards. There's still not a cloud in the sky :-)
We were both feeling pretty exhausted this evening on the final leg of the journey so we'll play tomorrow by ear - we haven't had a full day off for a while now so this may well end up being a two night stop. Besides, i'm sure the natives would be happier if we did some laundry... and that swimming pool does look inviting! Xx
WEDNESDAY, 9 SEPTEMBER 2009
Blog day Ten
Total miles: 54, 1400ft climb, 5485 cal, max heart rate 177bpm.
A lovely day today. We woke at dawn and went for breakfast at the campsite restaurant on the
bank of the river whilst the sun dried most of the night's dew from
our tents and sleeping bags. It appeared we needed to have reserved
bread or croissants if we wanted to have them there, so the owner
leant me his bike to nip down to the local boulangerie. Our first port
of call was a bike shop after my brake's hydraulic fluid bled all over
me during a quick attempt at a repair the night before. No joy. The
guy was very nice but could only carry out a repair in the afternoon.
Still, i bought a couple of handlebar bar ends as i snapped one off
yesterday on a steep climb. By a stroke of luck, the guy from the shop
we'd visited yesterday passed us on his bright red vespa stopping to
say he realised he had a front gear cog at home i could have for free!
We'd been quoted €50 euros yesterday so i'd declined - maybe a job
for tomorrow as i've snapped quite a few teeth off it. There's proof
we're working hard for your cash!
Anyway, we followed him back to his shop (E.U.R.L Cyclo Services, 79 Ave Bouciant), where my bike was hoisted up
for the best part of an hour, the break lines filled and the pads/
discs realigned. He told us of a 'green route' cycle path to macon
which we travelled 10 miles out of our to reach but it was well worth
it. We spent the day meandering through vineyards, chateaus and old
railway stations - the path is an old railway line similar to that in
chester - stopping only where the path was broken up by b-roads
connecting the small remote villages. It has been one of the hottest
days i've known today - again, not a cloud in the sky... the tans are
coming along nicely ;)
We broke into our first aid kit for the first time today. Andy kind of
crumpled into a heap with himself both under and over the horizontal
bike on the floor whilst attempting a stationary 3 point turn - we
both thought he'd bust his knee he fell with such force, but a couple
of nurofen and a spray of iodine sorted the emergency. These bikes are
so heavy they're difficult to hold upright without two hands
supporting them at all times. Next was my turn when my chain came off
crossing an intersecting road - the cog teeth dug deep into my shin
and the blood pumping through my legs literally spurted out until i
lay down and elevated it whilst waiting for andy to realise i was no
longer behind him. Andy was so ensconced in his Enrique Iglesias album
that he was a good half a mile away, literally, before he realised
something was afoot.
I think we've done well with the mileage today considering the repairs
meant we only had the afternoon to play with. We've come to rest
alongside the Saône once more on a beautiful municipal campsite -
Camping du Port d'Arciat - our pitch is on the river bank next to a
rickety old bridge. Sadly the municipal campsites are council owned so
we can't negotiate a discount but they're cheap enough anyway... €10
for both of us for one night.
Tomorrow we get to join the fast and relatively flat N6 once more so
providing we don't get stuck in traffic around lyon we should be back
up to 80 miles per day. We're both looking forward to passing lyon as
the coast is then tantilisingly close :-) We should be up and on the
road by 7am so, now we're unpacked, we'll be getting to sleep just as
soon as we've finished our drinks here in the campsite bar. More
tomorrow... X
PS. Andy wouldn't let me carry the bananas today :(
A lovely day today. We woke at dawn and went for breakfast at the campsite restaurant on the
bank of the river whilst the sun dried most of the night's dew from
our tents and sleeping bags. It appeared we needed to have reserved
bread or croissants if we wanted to have them there, so the owner
leant me his bike to nip down to the local boulangerie. Our first port
of call was a bike shop after my brake's hydraulic fluid bled all over
me during a quick attempt at a repair the night before. No joy. The
guy was very nice but could only carry out a repair in the afternoon.
Still, i bought a couple of handlebar bar ends as i snapped one off
yesterday on a steep climb. By a stroke of luck, the guy from the shop
we'd visited yesterday passed us on his bright red vespa stopping to
say he realised he had a front gear cog at home i could have for free!
We'd been quoted €50 euros yesterday so i'd declined - maybe a job
for tomorrow as i've snapped quite a few teeth off it. There's proof
we're working hard for your cash!
Anyway, we followed him back to his shop (E.U.R.L Cyclo Services, 79 Ave Bouciant), where my bike was hoisted up
for the best part of an hour, the break lines filled and the pads/
discs realigned. He told us of a 'green route' cycle path to macon
which we travelled 10 miles out of our to reach but it was well worth
it. We spent the day meandering through vineyards, chateaus and old
railway stations - the path is an old railway line similar to that in
chester - stopping only where the path was broken up by b-roads
connecting the small remote villages. It has been one of the hottest
days i've known today - again, not a cloud in the sky... the tans are
coming along nicely ;)
We broke into our first aid kit for the first time today. Andy kind of
crumpled into a heap with himself both under and over the horizontal
bike on the floor whilst attempting a stationary 3 point turn - we
both thought he'd bust his knee he fell with such force, but a couple
of nurofen and a spray of iodine sorted the emergency. These bikes are
so heavy they're difficult to hold upright without two hands
supporting them at all times. Next was my turn when my chain came off
crossing an intersecting road - the cog teeth dug deep into my shin
and the blood pumping through my legs literally spurted out until i
lay down and elevated it whilst waiting for andy to realise i was no
longer behind him. Andy was so ensconced in his Enrique Iglesias album
that he was a good half a mile away, literally, before he realised
something was afoot.
I think we've done well with the mileage today considering the repairs
meant we only had the afternoon to play with. We've come to rest
alongside the Saône once more on a beautiful municipal campsite -
Camping du Port d'Arciat - our pitch is on the river bank next to a
rickety old bridge. Sadly the municipal campsites are council owned so
we can't negotiate a discount but they're cheap enough anyway... €10
for both of us for one night.
Tomorrow we get to join the fast and relatively flat N6 once more so
providing we don't get stuck in traffic around lyon we should be back
up to 80 miles per day. We're both looking forward to passing lyon as
the coast is then tantilisingly close :-) We should be up and on the
road by 7am so, now we're unpacked, we'll be getting to sleep just as
soon as we've finished our drinks here in the campsite bar. More
tomorrow... X
PS. Andy wouldn't let me carry the bananas today :(
TUESDAY, 8 SEPTEMBER 2009
Blog Day Nine
Total miles: 42, calories: 4561, max heart rate: 207bpm
Did you ever wonder why the words cycle path and physcopath were so similar?
Well since being in France I have discovered the answer. The reason is that cyclepaths attract the most insane, obstructive and downright antisocial people in the world, many of whom have no damn right being there in the first place. Not only are they frequented by strange people like the fat lady who would not move out of my way today and I believe actually tried to knock me off my bike but they are also designed by imbeciles. Why on Earth would you design a cycle path that measures less than five metres long and ends exactly in the place you actually require protection?
Also why would you position a bin in the centre of one forcing the user either into the road unexpectedly or even worse into the path of some phycopath lurking nearby. The mind boggles.
Anyway, clearly it has been a dull day today, primarily because we have bee hit by mechanical difficulties, no not my knees but Jon's front wheel and his brakes as well. We have only covered 40 miles today, most of which was spent searching for non existant bike shops. The result is we have to return tomorrow to fix Jon's front brakes, or else risk calamity at the foot of some steep hill (Note to self; ride behind Jon for foreseeable future)
We are a day behind schedule now which is fine by us, and puts us back in sync with our original timetable. At the moment we are in Chalon Sur Saone and have had a fab meal and a couple of cheeky beers at long last. The camp site looks out over the River Saone, and it's rather nice with free accommodation at Camping du pont de bourgogne, thanks for that, very kind of you!!
We are sandwiched between a quiet German couple who look like swingers and some noisey Germans who keep letting firecrackers off and running around in their briefs. Maybe they will all get together later and we can get some peace and quiet....either that or more fireworks perhaps.
Anyway, I digress, I think perhaps the highlight of the day today was Jon losing our bananas off the back of his bike whilst on a five mile decent from 1850 feet. It wasn't so much the losing of the bananas as the smug self satisfaction I got as he had just been picking at the way I had secured a two litre bottle of water to my panniers, which was still securely strapped to bike at the foot of the hill, whilst he was banana-less!
Haha, if you happen to see an article on ITN concerning a multiple pile up on a French road near Chagney which is attributable to an articulated truck loosing traction as it skids on a pile of bananas then please don't forget I mentioned any of this I beg you!
It's actually a beautiful area we have travelled through for the last two days. The views from high up have been breathtaking and you can see for at least 40 miles. The weather has been boiling hot again today, touching 40 degrees I believe and causing me to almost melt. It's been like cycling in a sauna, literally.
Scarily it's only going to get hotter so be prepared to meet a shadow of my former self when we return (wishful thinking)
Well it's gone 10pm, so I better get my head down as who knows what tomorrow has in store for us. More cycling perhaps....
Bugger!
Did you ever wonder why the words cycle path and physcopath were so similar?
Well since being in France I have discovered the answer. The reason is that cyclepaths attract the most insane, obstructive and downright antisocial people in the world, many of whom have no damn right being there in the first place. Not only are they frequented by strange people like the fat lady who would not move out of my way today and I believe actually tried to knock me off my bike but they are also designed by imbeciles. Why on Earth would you design a cycle path that measures less than five metres long and ends exactly in the place you actually require protection?
Also why would you position a bin in the centre of one forcing the user either into the road unexpectedly or even worse into the path of some phycopath lurking nearby. The mind boggles.
Anyway, clearly it has been a dull day today, primarily because we have bee hit by mechanical difficulties, no not my knees but Jon's front wheel and his brakes as well. We have only covered 40 miles today, most of which was spent searching for non existant bike shops. The result is we have to return tomorrow to fix Jon's front brakes, or else risk calamity at the foot of some steep hill (Note to self; ride behind Jon for foreseeable future)
We are a day behind schedule now which is fine by us, and puts us back in sync with our original timetable. At the moment we are in Chalon Sur Saone and have had a fab meal and a couple of cheeky beers at long last. The camp site looks out over the River Saone, and it's rather nice with free accommodation at Camping du pont de bourgogne, thanks for that, very kind of you!!
We are sandwiched between a quiet German couple who look like swingers and some noisey Germans who keep letting firecrackers off and running around in their briefs. Maybe they will all get together later and we can get some peace and quiet....either that or more fireworks perhaps.
Anyway, I digress, I think perhaps the highlight of the day today was Jon losing our bananas off the back of his bike whilst on a five mile decent from 1850 feet. It wasn't so much the losing of the bananas as the smug self satisfaction I got as he had just been picking at the way I had secured a two litre bottle of water to my panniers, which was still securely strapped to bike at the foot of the hill, whilst he was banana-less!
Haha, if you happen to see an article on ITN concerning a multiple pile up on a French road near Chagney which is attributable to an articulated truck loosing traction as it skids on a pile of bananas then please don't forget I mentioned any of this I beg you!
It's actually a beautiful area we have travelled through for the last two days. The views from high up have been breathtaking and you can see for at least 40 miles. The weather has been boiling hot again today, touching 40 degrees I believe and causing me to almost melt. It's been like cycling in a sauna, literally.
Scarily it's only going to get hotter so be prepared to meet a shadow of my former self when we return (wishful thinking)
Well it's gone 10pm, so I better get my head down as who knows what tomorrow has in store for us. More cycling perhaps....
Bugger!
Blog day Eight
I am gutted! We just arrived at a fantastic campsite in Arney le Duc after 78 miles of grueling up hill climbing 3000 feet and found it had a great little bar and a fab shop. To say I was desperate for a cold pint of Stella is an understatement, so imagine my dismay after salivating like Pavlov’s dog whilst throwing my tent up and rushing into the shower, I return to find the “bar stewards” had shut up shop whilst I was busy de-griming myself in their fantastic hot power showers.
I am now sat in my tiny tent dreaming of a cold kronenberg and gorging myself with haribo sweets. Nothing new there then!
The camp site owners have been great and have let us stay for free! It's a safe site with a swimming pool and beautiful surroundings, I recommend a visit here at Camping de l'étang de fouché. Rue du 8 mai 1945-21230 Arnay-le-duc. www.campingfouche.com
Anyway today has been amazing, not just for the weather, which topped out at a sweltering 42 degrees, but also for the scenery. We have climbed consistently all day from Auxerre and reached almost 2000 feet near Saulieu where we had dinner. We have burnt about 7000 kcals and struggled to eat enough to keep going. You can’t get a good old pork pie here in France, which is a terrible shame. I’ve eaten so much bread and cheese I could probably apply for duel nationality.
We actually worded out today as we ate four baguettes for dinner then bought four more to take away that we are spending as much money on fueling our bodies to Monaco, as we would to get there in a Ferrari. Well at least we have less emissions I guess, especially since they closed the bar early.
As we have mentioned before, the locals have been so great to us and we often get clapped and cheered when drivers se the ‘London to Monaco 2009’ logos on our hi-vis vests. It almost makes up for looking like complete plonkers for wearing them. Even two motorcycle cops waved to us today, which is a rarity by all accounts. Seeing them on their bikes made me think of that 80’s American cop program ‘Chips’, and would they French call it ‘Frites’…….maybe not eh?
The landscape today has been the best I have seen yet, with long straight undulating roads lined with poplar trees giving some respite from the sun. We needed that today as it was so hot. We took a break in a picnic spot under some trees and had a rest and gave a million mosquitoes the opportunity to have a free lunch on us. Apart from a few truckers, who I swear I have arrested at ‘Broxton roundabout’, the place was secluded and gave us a chance to dry out our tents, which get soaked in dew every night and are notoriously difficult to dry out.
I think we are over halfway to Monaco now, having covered about 470 miles, so it’s all going to plan. We still have the hottest weather to contend with and some mountains to climb, but we are both enjoying it all. I was only thinking to myself this morning as I was coasting along listening to Enrique Iglesias on my iPod, ‘Life can’t get much better than this Andy’….then I realized I wasn’t French at all and I had another bloody hill to climb.
Au reviour for now.
Andy and Jon
I am now sat in my tiny tent dreaming of a cold kronenberg and gorging myself with haribo sweets. Nothing new there then!
The camp site owners have been great and have let us stay for free! It's a safe site with a swimming pool and beautiful surroundings, I recommend a visit here at Camping de l'étang de fouché. Rue du 8 mai 1945-21230 Arnay-le-duc. www.campingfouche.com
Anyway today has been amazing, not just for the weather, which topped out at a sweltering 42 degrees, but also for the scenery. We have climbed consistently all day from Auxerre and reached almost 2000 feet near Saulieu where we had dinner. We have burnt about 7000 kcals and struggled to eat enough to keep going. You can’t get a good old pork pie here in France, which is a terrible shame. I’ve eaten so much bread and cheese I could probably apply for duel nationality.
We actually worded out today as we ate four baguettes for dinner then bought four more to take away that we are spending as much money on fueling our bodies to Monaco, as we would to get there in a Ferrari. Well at least we have less emissions I guess, especially since they closed the bar early.
As we have mentioned before, the locals have been so great to us and we often get clapped and cheered when drivers se the ‘London to Monaco 2009’ logos on our hi-vis vests. It almost makes up for looking like complete plonkers for wearing them. Even two motorcycle cops waved to us today, which is a rarity by all accounts. Seeing them on their bikes made me think of that 80’s American cop program ‘Chips’, and would they French call it ‘Frites’…….maybe not eh?
The landscape today has been the best I have seen yet, with long straight undulating roads lined with poplar trees giving some respite from the sun. We needed that today as it was so hot. We took a break in a picnic spot under some trees and had a rest and gave a million mosquitoes the opportunity to have a free lunch on us. Apart from a few truckers, who I swear I have arrested at ‘Broxton roundabout’, the place was secluded and gave us a chance to dry out our tents, which get soaked in dew every night and are notoriously difficult to dry out.
I think we are over halfway to Monaco now, having covered about 470 miles, so it’s all going to plan. We still have the hottest weather to contend with and some mountains to climb, but we are both enjoying it all. I was only thinking to myself this morning as I was coasting along listening to Enrique Iglesias on my iPod, ‘Life can’t get much better than this Andy’….then I realized I wasn’t French at all and I had another bloody hill to climb.
Au reviour for now.
Andy and Jon
SUNDAY, 6 SEPTEMBER 2009
Blog day Seven
Auxere.
Nothign to report today really. Spent the day chilling out in town, servicing our bikes and doing a bit of reading in the sun by the tents.
We've revisded our schedule slightly, having not taken a full rest day thus far and now intend to be in Lyon in two days with a likely overnight stop in Beaune :)
It seemed a shame to pass through Auxere without taking time for a quick stroll. The city is very comparable to Chester though significantly smaller. I think our bikes were happy to some respite and a bit of TLC too - I've already managed to shear off a few teeth from my front cogs.
Ok, early night again - 92 miles tomorrow, 90 the day after.
WIth love from la France, Jon X
Nothign to report today really. Spent the day chilling out in town, servicing our bikes and doing a bit of reading in the sun by the tents.
We've revisded our schedule slightly, having not taken a full rest day thus far and now intend to be in Lyon in two days with a likely overnight stop in Beaune :)
It seemed a shame to pass through Auxere without taking time for a quick stroll. The city is very comparable to Chester though significantly smaller. I think our bikes were happy to some respite and a bit of TLC too - I've already managed to shear off a few teeth from my front cogs.
Ok, early night again - 92 miles tomorrow, 90 the day after.
WIth love from la France, Jon X
SATURDAY, 5 SEPTEMBER 2009
Blog Day Six
Total miles: 83.45, calories: 7617, max heart rate: 185bpm.
Well, todays' been awesome. We set off early, stopping only for a quick breakfast of croissants, red bull and pain au chocholate. Our first point of call was Sens, which was a great photo opportunity (hopefully for Chester's Chronicle's second article) as Sens is twinned with Chester.
That was 50 miles from our starting point so we ate well - a 400g steak with chips for me and a monster burger for Andy. At about 4pm we set off to cover the remaining 32 miles to Auxerre. The roads have been incredibly flat, fast and for the most part, safe. At one point I managed to maintain 24mph in order to catch up with a tractor pulling a huge cart which was holding up the traffic at 16mph. A hard slog but well worth it because I could then 'draft' him (travelling in his slip stream) and continued for two miles with virtually no peddeling, leaving a hot and miffed Andy behind in a cloud of dust, Carpe diem! Haha
In Auxerre we had 2 two big mac meals each, agreeing we should maybe eat more healthily tomorrow despite today's calorie deficit, we then continued through the beautiful town centre to the municipal camp site which has cost just eight Euros. If you ever get the chance, a visit to Auxerre seems well worth it for a one day stopover.
Last night was free by the way - we explained we're doing this for charity and were waved on past reception. Tomorrow we hope to cover a similar mileage, providing we have more good weather and the roads are as good as today.
It's 9pm now and our beds are freshly made, so I'm heading for a shower then straight to bed to get an early night before tomorrow's early start.
X
Well, todays' been awesome. We set off early, stopping only for a quick breakfast of croissants, red bull and pain au chocholate. Our first point of call was Sens, which was a great photo opportunity (hopefully for Chester's Chronicle's second article) as Sens is twinned with Chester.
That was 50 miles from our starting point so we ate well - a 400g steak with chips for me and a monster burger for Andy. At about 4pm we set off to cover the remaining 32 miles to Auxerre. The roads have been incredibly flat, fast and for the most part, safe. At one point I managed to maintain 24mph in order to catch up with a tractor pulling a huge cart which was holding up the traffic at 16mph. A hard slog but well worth it because I could then 'draft' him (travelling in his slip stream) and continued for two miles with virtually no peddeling, leaving a hot and miffed Andy behind in a cloud of dust, Carpe diem! Haha
In Auxerre we had 2 two big mac meals each, agreeing we should maybe eat more healthily tomorrow despite today's calorie deficit, we then continued through the beautiful town centre to the municipal camp site which has cost just eight Euros. If you ever get the chance, a visit to Auxerre seems well worth it for a one day stopover.
Last night was free by the way - we explained we're doing this for charity and were waved on past reception. Tomorrow we hope to cover a similar mileage, providing we have more good weather and the roads are as good as today.
It's 9pm now and our beds are freshly made, so I'm heading for a shower then straight to bed to get an early night before tomorrow's early start.
X
Blog day Five
Total miles: 52.1, calories 4400, max heart rate 177bpm.
We had the most amazing night’s sleep last night at Celine and David’s. They were incredible hosts and went out of their way to clean our clothes, dry everything, pump up our bike tyres, feed us, write to our future campsites, and let us use the internet and charge up all our phones, cameras, satnav and the cycle computers too.
As a result, we had a great day today – thank you Celine and David – you were fantastic!
So, after a restful morning we set off with fresh legs at 1pm. Our plan had been to travel 75 miles today but, with having a break this morning we managed just over 50. The first part was pretty stressful with some drizzle and heavy traffic. We did manage to see most of the tourist traps from a distance but our eyes were mostly on the road. There are a LOT of traffic lights in and around Paris, which never appear to give you a clear run.
Still, after 4 hours we were clear of the worst of it and could really push on. In fact, we were travelling along the flat at an average of 19mph once we were out of the city and managed to cover the last 15 miles in about 45 minutes.
We’ve both written ‘londres á monaco’ on our hi-vis jackets and it was surprising how many people beeped at us and applauded from their cars – it was really motivating. Motorcyclists often have a chat with us whilst waiting for the lights to change at junctions too.
The GPS we’ve been leant by Garmin has been invaluable for finding the nearest camp sites at the click of a button so we’ve started only looking for a place to stay around 7pm and aim to be pitching our tents by 8pm and eating at 9pm. Tonight we’ve ended up at Camping la belle etoile, in Vaux le penil on the Seine. It’s a beautiful area – we both wish we had more time to explore on this trip, but really must keep going. Tomorrow we’re aiming to be en route by 7am as; ideally, we’d like to cover nearly 100 miles to put ourselves back on track.
Today we both feel great after 50 miles, so providing we leave early as planned, have no technical problems and the wind or hills aren’t as extreme as the past 3 days we should be ok....and the weather man says it’s going to be sunny for at least 7 days, so we’ll see.
Much love....thanks for reading x
We had the most amazing night’s sleep last night at Celine and David’s. They were incredible hosts and went out of their way to clean our clothes, dry everything, pump up our bike tyres, feed us, write to our future campsites, and let us use the internet and charge up all our phones, cameras, satnav and the cycle computers too.
As a result, we had a great day today – thank you Celine and David – you were fantastic!
So, after a restful morning we set off with fresh legs at 1pm. Our plan had been to travel 75 miles today but, with having a break this morning we managed just over 50. The first part was pretty stressful with some drizzle and heavy traffic. We did manage to see most of the tourist traps from a distance but our eyes were mostly on the road. There are a LOT of traffic lights in and around Paris, which never appear to give you a clear run.
Still, after 4 hours we were clear of the worst of it and could really push on. In fact, we were travelling along the flat at an average of 19mph once we were out of the city and managed to cover the last 15 miles in about 45 minutes.
We’ve both written ‘londres á monaco’ on our hi-vis jackets and it was surprising how many people beeped at us and applauded from their cars – it was really motivating. Motorcyclists often have a chat with us whilst waiting for the lights to change at junctions too.
The GPS we’ve been leant by Garmin has been invaluable for finding the nearest camp sites at the click of a button so we’ve started only looking for a place to stay around 7pm and aim to be pitching our tents by 8pm and eating at 9pm. Tonight we’ve ended up at Camping la belle etoile, in Vaux le penil on the Seine. It’s a beautiful area – we both wish we had more time to explore on this trip, but really must keep going. Tomorrow we’re aiming to be en route by 7am as; ideally, we’d like to cover nearly 100 miles to put ourselves back on track.
Today we both feel great after 50 miles, so providing we leave early as planned, have no technical problems and the wind or hills aren’t as extreme as the past 3 days we should be ok....and the weather man says it’s going to be sunny for at least 7 days, so we’ll see.
Much love....thanks for reading x
FRIDAY, 4 SEPTEMBER 2009
Blog Day Four
Total miles: 82, calories: 4789, max heart rate: 179 bpm.
Well we have just arrived in Paris after an 80 mile slog over more hills and have arrived at Jon's old French excnage partner's house from when he was 14. We have been welcomed with open arms and a mohjito. Wonderful :)
Our clothes are washed and I have been the main cause of amusement to five year old Emma and three year old Liam. Not sure what hastired me out most, them or today's ride. Tonight we have steak for dinner and a bed. Thank god as we have not slept well the last few nights due to heavy rain hammering down on the tents.
We love the French though, as they are far more friendly than us Brits. They keep shaking their heads and muttering 'de eenglish are mad' when they find out what we are upto. We have had so much stuff for free, we should do this more often!
Anyway, a large side of cow and a glass of red awaits so this will be a short blog tonight. Au revoir for now.
Did I mention that our host is a French Chef? Ahh bliss.
Well we have just arrived in Paris after an 80 mile slog over more hills and have arrived at Jon's old French excnage partner's house from when he was 14. We have been welcomed with open arms and a mohjito. Wonderful :)
Our clothes are washed and I have been the main cause of amusement to five year old Emma and three year old Liam. Not sure what hastired me out most, them or today's ride. Tonight we have steak for dinner and a bed. Thank god as we have not slept well the last few nights due to heavy rain hammering down on the tents.
We love the French though, as they are far more friendly than us Brits. They keep shaking their heads and muttering 'de eenglish are mad' when they find out what we are upto. We have had so much stuff for free, we should do this more often!
Anyway, a large side of cow and a glass of red awaits so this will be a short blog tonight. Au revoir for now.
Did I mention that our host is a French Chef? Ahh bliss.
WEDNESDAY, 2 SEPTEMBER 2009
Blog Day Three
Total miles 57.2, 4200 calories max heart rate of 168bpm.
Well after intending to be up and on two wheels by 8 this morning, we finally hit the road at 11:00, due to a lack of sleep and some teething difficulties with the whole camping out lark really. Seemingly I snore like a jet trying to take off and Jon almost had to overdose on sleeping pills to get to sleep after shaking my tent failed to wake me.
Anyway, the cycling went well for the first seven miles, and then Jon's pannier rack sheared a bolt from the rear stem and made his bike uncycleable. After initially panicking, then an hour of bodging with tent cord and the like, we managed a temporary fix, until we found a farmer who miraculously managed to understand that we needed a heavy duty zip tie to enable us to carry on.
And even more amazingly having one to hand! What luck!
A few miles in and it became apparent that we had not seen the end of the hills, or the wind, or the giant wind turbines of which there are hundreds in this area. After about 20 miles we stopped in a local tabac for an espresso and to fill up with water. The owner's daughter used a camera for the first time ever to take a photo of us, and she clearly has more talent than I will ever have, as it was better than any of mine so far.
Next it was off to Doullens, and after mastering the Garmin GPS at long last, we finally went by the shortest route. We have zig zagged our way down so far, very frustrating I assure you. Finally we made it to Amiens...a day late. The plan was to go another 15 miles beyond, but a slight debacle with me losing the bike lock keys after securing the bikes outside a cafe lost us another 30 mins. They were in a pocket in my jacket I didn't consciously know existed. Honest!
Anyway, we have now pitched our tents, had a brew, showered and it's just started to pour down. So it's time for an early night, and an early start, as we have 85 miles to cover tomorrow. Tres difficult I believe the natives say.
Especially for us lightweights.
Well after intending to be up and on two wheels by 8 this morning, we finally hit the road at 11:00, due to a lack of sleep and some teething difficulties with the whole camping out lark really. Seemingly I snore like a jet trying to take off and Jon almost had to overdose on sleeping pills to get to sleep after shaking my tent failed to wake me.
Anyway, the cycling went well for the first seven miles, and then Jon's pannier rack sheared a bolt from the rear stem and made his bike uncycleable. After initially panicking, then an hour of bodging with tent cord and the like, we managed a temporary fix, until we found a farmer who miraculously managed to understand that we needed a heavy duty zip tie to enable us to carry on.
And even more amazingly having one to hand! What luck!
A few miles in and it became apparent that we had not seen the end of the hills, or the wind, or the giant wind turbines of which there are hundreds in this area. After about 20 miles we stopped in a local tabac for an espresso and to fill up with water. The owner's daughter used a camera for the first time ever to take a photo of us, and she clearly has more talent than I will ever have, as it was better than any of mine so far.
Next it was off to Doullens, and after mastering the Garmin GPS at long last, we finally went by the shortest route. We have zig zagged our way down so far, very frustrating I assure you. Finally we made it to Amiens...a day late. The plan was to go another 15 miles beyond, but a slight debacle with me losing the bike lock keys after securing the bikes outside a cafe lost us another 30 mins. They were in a pocket in my jacket I didn't consciously know existed. Honest!
Anyway, we have now pitched our tents, had a brew, showered and it's just started to pour down. So it's time for an early night, and an early start, as we have 85 miles to cover tomorrow. Tres difficult I believe the natives say.
Especially for us lightweights.
Blog Day Two
Total miles: 48.24 miles, 3219 cal, max heart rate 181bpm
Today began at 6am when we packed up, waved goodbye to a few home comforts and took the one mile route to the ferry. Check-in was quick, and a quick chat with an intrigued French border control officer seemed to replace the need to show passports.
We went to the front of the car queue and were waved on first. At the front of the car deck is a bike mounting rack for eight bikes, though we appeared to be the only cyclists on board.
Chatting to one of the ferry staff, we were advised that to cycle at night we must wear hi-vis jackets. I bought a couple and decided to wear mine all day too. Yes, I look special, but I like the sense of security it gives. Besides, I usually ride at the back of Andy. What we thought was going to be a 90 minute crossing actually turned into a three hour affair once we'd boarded, disembarked and setup the Garmin satnav in Calais.
We also lost another hour because of the time difference - something we'd neglected to factor in. So, before we got going properly it was noon.
People thus far, appear very friendly towards cyclists. We enjoyed the first 15 miles, stopping in a small tabac for an espresso and a couple of chocolate bars. We enjoyed the flat countryside and were thankful for dry roads. One thing we noted is the lack of hedgerows here. The fields roll from horizon to horizon with nothing to hinder the views (or the wind!)
Only minutes later the hills started. Not small hills but seemingly endless climbs which peaked only to reveal a further more distant peak as we thought we reached the summit. This continued throughout the day. To give you some idea of the gradients, we were reaching speeds in excess of 45mph on the descents, the thrill marred only by the thought of another long steep climb. We must have passed over 50 wind turbines on our way today - they seemed to be some of the only moving objects. The towns have been all but deserted - the only real bustle coming from the E.leClerc supermarket we stopped at for lunch and the Carrefour where we bought our supplies tonight. We got some pretty funny looks having a lunchtime picnic on the grass in the supermarket car park!
Tonight we have pitched our tents and come to rest at 2 rue Des Champs in Fruges, a small town with a campsite four kilometers from the centre. The facilities are great though there are only two other pitches occupied. We can hear the distant whir of a win0d turbine and cows grazing five metres away in the adjacent fields - the only sound interrupting the settling rustling of the Lombardy poplar leaves in the wind.
We've eaten, put our various devices on charge, and set our alarm clocks for 7am, for tomorrow we hope to be 70 miles closer to Paris.
Only two bouts of sickness today, hopefully tomorrow, it’ll be down to one!
Today began at 6am when we packed up, waved goodbye to a few home comforts and took the one mile route to the ferry. Check-in was quick, and a quick chat with an intrigued French border control officer seemed to replace the need to show passports.
We went to the front of the car queue and were waved on first. At the front of the car deck is a bike mounting rack for eight bikes, though we appeared to be the only cyclists on board.
Chatting to one of the ferry staff, we were advised that to cycle at night we must wear hi-vis jackets. I bought a couple and decided to wear mine all day too. Yes, I look special, but I like the sense of security it gives. Besides, I usually ride at the back of Andy. What we thought was going to be a 90 minute crossing actually turned into a three hour affair once we'd boarded, disembarked and setup the Garmin satnav in Calais.
We also lost another hour because of the time difference - something we'd neglected to factor in. So, before we got going properly it was noon.
People thus far, appear very friendly towards cyclists. We enjoyed the first 15 miles, stopping in a small tabac for an espresso and a couple of chocolate bars. We enjoyed the flat countryside and were thankful for dry roads. One thing we noted is the lack of hedgerows here. The fields roll from horizon to horizon with nothing to hinder the views (or the wind!)
Only minutes later the hills started. Not small hills but seemingly endless climbs which peaked only to reveal a further more distant peak as we thought we reached the summit. This continued throughout the day. To give you some idea of the gradients, we were reaching speeds in excess of 45mph on the descents, the thrill marred only by the thought of another long steep climb. We must have passed over 50 wind turbines on our way today - they seemed to be some of the only moving objects. The towns have been all but deserted - the only real bustle coming from the E.leClerc supermarket we stopped at for lunch and the Carrefour where we bought our supplies tonight. We got some pretty funny looks having a lunchtime picnic on the grass in the supermarket car park!
Tonight we have pitched our tents and come to rest at 2 rue Des Champs in Fruges, a small town with a campsite four kilometers from the centre. The facilities are great though there are only two other pitches occupied. We can hear the distant whir of a win0d turbine and cows grazing five metres away in the adjacent fields - the only sound interrupting the settling rustling of the Lombardy poplar leaves in the wind.
We've eaten, put our various devices on charge, and set our alarm clocks for 7am, for tomorrow we hope to be 70 miles closer to Paris.
Only two bouts of sickness today, hopefully tomorrow, it’ll be down to one!
MONDAY, 31 AUGUST 2009
Blog day 1
Total miles 81.86, 5591 calories, max heart rate: 190bpm.
Started out at 8am with a small sendoff from lucy, richard, pepe and neil. First port of call was an nhs drop-in centre for an unscheduled doctor's appointment - jon having been in bed with vertigo/sickness for 6 days. Still, an hour later with pills in hand, we pushed on steadily completing the first stage by 9pm.
It's been an amazing first day with clear blue skies, a couple of good feeds at roadside cafes, directions from a lovely lady in her front garden who gave us £5 sponsorship and topped up our water. We're now unpacking in our B&B in Dover ready for a good night's sleep and a ferry ride to Calais at 0830.
All our equipment's been great so far. Andy had a problem when his pannier rack came unbolted on the A2 but minutes later repairs were complete and we battled on. Other than that, just a normal day on the road with good hopes for tomorrow's first day in France. We are staying at the St Albans guest house in Dover.
Today only three bouts of sickness!
Started out at 8am with a small sendoff from lucy, richard, pepe and neil. First port of call was an nhs drop-in centre for an unscheduled doctor's appointment - jon having been in bed with vertigo/sickness for 6 days. Still, an hour later with pills in hand, we pushed on steadily completing the first stage by 9pm.
It's been an amazing first day with clear blue skies, a couple of good feeds at roadside cafes, directions from a lovely lady in her front garden who gave us £5 sponsorship and topped up our water. We're now unpacking in our B&B in Dover ready for a good night's sleep and a ferry ride to Calais at 0830.
All our equipment's been great so far. Andy had a problem when his pannier rack came unbolted on the A2 but minutes later repairs were complete and we battled on. Other than that, just a normal day on the road with good hopes for tomorrow's first day in France. We are staying at the St Albans guest house in Dover.
Today only three bouts of sickness!
THURSDAY, 27 AUGUST 2009
The time has come...
Well, the time has come to pack and say goodbye! Tomorrow we leave for London to prepare for our departure on Monday morning. Thank you to all our sponsors, including those sites in France who have offered us overnight accommodation for free!
Please keep an eye on our blog, your support and encouragement will mean the world to us!
Here's our planned route:
Date Morning Miles Evening
------------------------------
31/08/2009 London 75 Dover
01/09/2009 Calais 90 Amiens
02/09/2009 Amiens 80 Paris
03/09/2009 Paris - Paris
04/09/2009 Paris 85 Charny
05/09/2009 Charny 55 Avallon
06/09/2009 Avallon 75 Chalon-sur-Saône
07/09/2009 Chalon - Chalon-sur-Saône
08/09/2009 Chalon 77 Lyon
09/09/2009 Lyon 70 Valence
10/09/2009 Valence 60 Bagnols sur Cèze
11/09/2009 Bagnols - Bagnols sur Cèze
12/09/2009 Bagnols 69 Aix-En-Provence
13/09/2009 Aix 73 Frejus
14/09/2009 Frejus 50 Monaco
15/09/2009 Monaco St Tropez
16/09/2009 St Tropez
17/09/2009 St Tropez
18/09/2009 St Tropez
19/09/2009 St Tropez
20/09/2009 St Tropez Monaco
21/09/2009 Monaco Nice --> Liverpool
Jon and Andy
Please keep an eye on our blog, your support and encouragement will mean the world to us!
Here's our planned route:
Date Morning Miles Evening
------------------------------
31/08/2009 London 75 Dover
01/09/2009 Calais 90 Amiens
02/09/2009 Amiens 80 Paris
03/09/2009 Paris - Paris
04/09/2009 Paris 85 Charny
05/09/2009 Charny 55 Avallon
06/09/2009 Avallon 75 Chalon-sur-Saône
07/09/2009 Chalon - Chalon-sur-Saône
08/09/2009 Chalon 77 Lyon
09/09/2009 Lyon 70 Valence
10/09/2009 Valence 60 Bagnols sur Cèze
11/09/2009 Bagnols - Bagnols sur Cèze
12/09/2009 Bagnols 69 Aix-En-Provence
13/09/2009 Aix 73 Frejus
14/09/2009 Frejus 50 Monaco
15/09/2009 Monaco St Tropez
16/09/2009 St Tropez
17/09/2009 St Tropez
18/09/2009 St Tropez
19/09/2009 St Tropez
20/09/2009 St Tropez Monaco
21/09/2009 Monaco Nice --> Liverpool
Jon and Andy
TUESDAY, 4 AUGUST 2009
Charity Auction
In a bid to raise money for our Charity "BIRD" our sponsors have been kind enough to donate some great items for us auction off. Each item is shown in the accompanying attachments. Please feel free to google them and look at the specifications on line.
Endura have offered us the Air Defence Jacket (any size and a choice of two colours) which retails at £80.00
Garmin are sending us a Nuvi 550 sat nav which normally retails at £300.00
Bell have sent us a Bell Sweep helmet in a medium size and matt magnesium and tital silver colour which retails at £90.00 - £100.00
If you are interested on bidding on any of these brand new unused items please send me your bid by e-mail and we will compile them and let you know if you have secured the item on the 22nd August 2009. You can bid as many times as you want and the deadline is 12 noon on 22nd August.
Remember that the money goes to our charity so please dont feel that you have to bid below the market price. You can always bid a little more and help the charity even more whilst securing the item you want.
If you have any questions just ask.
You can also send your bids through our website www.londonmonaco.org
Oh and feel free to sponsor us by clicking the blue DONATE button on the home page.
The "just giving" website is completely secure.
Endura have offered us the Air Defence Jacket (any size and a choice of two colours) which retails at £80.00
Garmin are sending us a Nuvi 550 sat nav which normally retails at £300.00
Bell have sent us a Bell Sweep helmet in a medium size and matt magnesium and tital silver colour which retails at £90.00 - £100.00
If you are interested on bidding on any of these brand new unused items please send me your bid by e-mail and we will compile them and let you know if you have secured the item on the 22nd August 2009. You can bid as many times as you want and the deadline is 12 noon on 22nd August.
Remember that the money goes to our charity so please dont feel that you have to bid below the market price. You can always bid a little more and help the charity even more whilst securing the item you want.
If you have any questions just ask.
You can also send your bids through our website www.londonmonaco.org
Oh and feel free to sponsor us by clicking the blue DONATE button on the home page.
The "just giving" website is completely secure.