Day 3 -No sleep till bedtime.

Its 4-30 am (3-30 to us!).

It's 750 miles to Monte Carlo (120 to Paris)

We have six bikes. A full van of energy drinks. It is dark. We are wearing sunglasses. 

Welcome to Day 3. 

It has to be said that after three hours sleep in the Cabin on board the ferry the atmosphore inside the fun bus this morning was a little fractious. Perhaps conscious of the long distance we had to travel all senses of humour had installed a by pass. 

Finding an unfamiliar place in a new town, in the dark with a pea soup fog thrown into the mix was never going to be easy. Add in three hours sleep and no breakfast and it was a doomed mission from the start. 

It does remind me how quickly we have all bonded on this trip. This may sound like a bizarre thing to say given the above but we all know everyone is trying their best, we all know that we are tired, hungry, aching and therefore we all know the odd tense moment is inevitable. Like all good friendships though they are soon forgotten as more pressing needs come to hand and the smiles and laughter resume. ( I still haven't forgiven you Richard for that incident with the bungee rope but that is an aside :-))

Welcome to France. 

Speaking briefly of the start, this was the view that greeted us as we exited the van into the chilly cold French air. Amazingly it was accompanied by the sound of a cockerel in full voice albeit he was a bit late for our taste. It was soon joined by the sound of Taylor Swift as my alarm clock went off much to the confusion of some who had never heard of her. 

Ready to roll and at 6am after all of the kit had been sorted, bikes cleaned and the vanishing muffins finally found we set off. Remembering to ride on the right side and make sure I was left back at the van as was becoming traditional we became highly aware just how quiet it was. 

The roads in Northern France are amazing. At a steady pace we rolled amazed at the scenery and the quietness of these roads. The only cars that passed us went onto the other lane of traffic almost causing us to ride off the road into the ditch through sheer surprise or lack of concentration. One of the two. 

As with yesterday there were multiple Garmin Head Bob moments and I in particular had one when I saw this sign as I started with 120 to go. Once I did the kilometre to mile conversion and safe in the knowledge that following the signs to Paris could only send us so far wrong I relaxed and started really enjoying the view. 

Pain au Chocolate and Poppy

Now this isn't a health kick fad or the latest flavour of Walkers crisps but something that will stay with me for a long time. Having scouted ahead brilliantly to bring the team breakfast (still around 8-30 despite having ridden 30 miles) Bob and Barry had parked in a layby where another expanse of

Farmland maginicenctly dominated the landscape. 

In amongst the greenery of the main field behind the van stood a solitary poppy. 

Given the symbolism of the poppy in the UK this was a very poignant reminder of where we were. 

After our brief stop at a panorama to admire the view over Notthern

France resulted in another pedal incident and a panto exchange ("it's behind you") we reverted back to our steady progress to today's destination just outside of Paris. 

One village even prepared some bunting and fete materials for our arrival although it sadly clashed with church meaning nobody was able to attend. 

Much like yesterday the temperature and spirits began to rise in the afternoon even with a couple of short sharp hills thrown in. Steve attacked on one after hearing it was a strava segment but then validly justified his actions by using his go pro camera to film the rest of the team. 

The last 30 miles 

Here is the good news. The commonly held belief on events like this is that your body adapts as you go along. 

By day four you should be getting used to the consistent demands you are placing on your body day in and day out. Like that pair of slippers the elastic is finally giving and the bit under the toes is wearing but they are just so comfortable. 

Therefore if Day4 is when you start riding in, Day 3 must be when you feel the worst.  You know it is bad when a team member can't get their phone to work and then realises the numbers on the screen are the calculator app!

I know this was true for me when I did a similar thing before. It was as much that both your body and mind adjusted and you now knew your strengths and limitations far better because in the course of three days you had tried just about everything to ride quicker. This is a good thing and I hope that the team has the same experience tomorrow to last it through.

PS 

As I write, this I am struggling to stay awake in a hotel room in Paris as my physical part of this particular adventure has taken a different route.   However, as with everyone who reads this, I am still proud to be a part of this team and will keep supporting them right to the end. 

Merci et Bon Voyage. 

Day 2 - what a difference a day makes

24 hours later

After the glorious sunshine that greeted us on day 1, day 2 could not have been more different. As the rain fell and more Lycra and waterproof layers were added, the local bike shelter was turned into a temporary kitchen/dressing room/workshop. Not sure Team Sky would approve of this but needs must when you are looking forward to nearly 100 miles in the rain.  

We have done this before but the plan today was to head off and cycle for an hour before stopping for breakfast. Before we managed this we had the return of an old friend; The "Garmin head bob".

This usually happens near or as the group approach a major ish junction.  Whoever is responsible for the directions on the day will look at their bike computer with the store route, look up, look back at the computer with their head quizically to one side, look up again but this time left and right, before saying "err guys..." With a worried tone. 

The Garmin Head Bob is usually followed by the unnecessary climb as the incorrect route invariably takes you up a hill. Don't ask me why it just does. Given the wet start and low sugar levels as people were waiting breakfast you can imagine how popular it was when half way up a 15% gradient both Gary and I subtly said "err guys...".  Fortunately for me there are two Garmins on this trip so I am no longer solely responsible. 

I'll have the large coffee

Having finally found a very nice garden centre for breakfast we settled down at a group of four small tables. When Barry placed his large coffee on the table unfortunately it spilled as the table was wobbly and the cup overflowing. One mop up operation later and it was all sorted. However as Barry returned to the table the table was knocked again by Barry sending yet more coffee across the table and half emptying the cup.  

Whilst we were all in stitches at this one of us had a guilty confession.  You see the Barry that knocked the table the second time was actually a different one but it was far too funny to own up immediately. Sorry Barry. 

One breakfast of champions later and we were back on the road. For those worrying about the quantity of food here we will all burn through around 5000 calories a day on this trip so effectively we can eat reasonably guilt free. 

In avoiding the next small town we ended up going over a lovely climb with an alpine bend!  I am pretty sure I can still call it an Alpine bend even if it was in Gloucestershire. 

As you can see the weather had not improved any which makes the fact I am writing this blog in brilliant sunshine even more frustrating. 

Little England 

I have had the following thought before but one of the reasons I love cycling is that you see things at a much slower pace. You also tend to go through small towns that have by passes built around them to keep traffic out. 

Malmesbury and Tetsbury are two such villages that were typical small English towns. Sadly as it was throwing it down with rain at the time I couldn't take any photos but have a look on google earth (other map products are available) and you will see what I mean. Tetsbury even had flags in place across the street and in a town later on we saw a real life village fete!  They are not just made up for films!

In addition to this we saw the White Horse of Westbury on the hill side.  The photo below is probably not that clear given it was a bit of distance away but it is there. 

We also passed within a mile of Stonehenge and the sign below is not a common one on British Roads. We did wonder whether it was for real or they just knew we were coming. 

I guess my main point here and I am going to quote Ferris Bueller. "Live moves pretty fast. Sometimes you should take sometime to look around."  Had I been in a car I would have bypassed these completely. I would not have been in those town centres or on the A roads to see the white horse. But why not?  Nothing actually is stopping me except the lack of time. Which is just a bit sad. 

The last 20 Miles

Having said that; we had a ferry to catch. 

The Groups riding yesterday was comparable to an excited puppy. Everything was at full speed and approached with boundless enthusiasm and energy. 

After 180 miles, Today it was more comparable to a mature Labrador.  With its actions measured whilst fighting the urge to curl up in a ball and have a nap. 

Fortunately the sun had come out for the last 20 miles which helped lift spirits even if our legs were still aching. 

After one final Garmin Head Bob/unnecessary hill we actually made very good progress as the lure of the end of the day acted to motivate us all.  In fact this part of the ride was a little off the main roads we had been on and that enabled us to ride more in a group than in a single line which always helps the mood as conversation levels increase.  

Tomorrow we must remember to cycle on the right.

Day 1 Wrexham to Gloucester

I am out of breath, sweating, my heart racing as I scan the scene ahead of me. It is still ten hours until I get on the bike but I just know I have forgotten something!

The night before any long ride is always an odd affair. Excitement and nerves in equal measure and aside from the obvious carb loading and getting enough rest it is always spent running around making sure you have the right kit.

Of course once we got to the start point this morning for some ceremonial photos with the team it became obvious what I had forgotten.

It was really nice to see so many friends and family there for the send off as the team prepares for the journey to Monter Carlo ( or Paris in my case) and the memory of that will be useful motivation in the coming days.

The team rolled away from the office a little so that we could make a rolling start past our friends and family in a Tour de France style.

And they're off... Their bikes.

It's a little known fact that in his victorious Tour de France year, Chris Froome fell off his bike before the race officially started. Two of our members, who shall remain nameless now share this accolade.

It is a rite of passage that when you get into cycling you will buy the kit, with the shoes and the pedals that you clip into like a ski boot. It is also a rite of passage therefore that you will fall off when you forget your foot is attached to the bike. It has happened to all of us.

You slow to a near stop and suddenly realise you weight has shifted past a point of no return. To take out another member of your team in a scene like a Domino Rally is unfortunate. For this to be caught by somebody else's video is doubly unlucky.

However we are pretty confident that is another £250 for charity when we send the video to a TV accident clip show.

Take two

Actually rolling past all of our friends and family will stay with me for a long time. People lining the streets, cheering and encouraging you in it genuinely felt like a pro race. Even more so because Nick and I who are not going to Monte Carlo hung back a little and ended up following a car after the main group.

Nick is also not going the full route and was riding with us for 50miles today and spent most of his time right at the front. Taking the brunt of the wind allowed everyone else to have a easier ride whilst still making great time. He also provided another service when a border collie appeared a full speed through a hedge barking. Nicks change in direction, sudden acceleration and look of absolute terror was very funny for the rest of us.

Thereafter we headed down the A49 toward Leominster in what was a relatively uneventful part of the ride.  When we did get to Leominster there was a notable change in the air; the temperature dipped a few degrees and the breeze freshened.  It was about to rain!

Like white Knights riding over the hillside Barry and Bob passed us in the van with all of our rain kit.  Normally cyclists go out prepared but with a van following us on route with a supply of everything the amount we need in our pockets is drastically reduced so left on the van.  You can imagine the elation at seeing it and the disappointment that it was not in the next car park we passed!  However it was in the next lay-by which was a fantastic relief.

Last twenty miles

As with the Land End John O Groats ride we did the last twenty miles are by far the hardest. My dear Sherlock however did you come to that conclusion?  Well no prizes for that I guess, but as maintaining the same pace becomes more difficult and muscles start mutinies at being asked to climb small hills this is the part that to me is why I am doing this.  Nobody said it would be easy and the last hour of each day certainly won't be.

So a Friday night in a new town.  The possibilities are endless.. Providing you mean sleep 

Route map for the day

Monte Carlo or Bust

Monte Carlo or Bust has a certain familiarity to it. Because I'm old (the wife's words), I can remember the original film about cars racing across Europe and finishing in Monte Carlo - starring Terry Thomas, Tony Curtis and Peter Cook, just to mention a few.

We, (Richard, Gary, Steve, Paul and myself not forgetting Barry our support driver) rather than being in cars, have made the brave if not slightly crazy decision to cycle (as in bicycle, not motorcycle) this original films route to Monte Carlo starting 12th June 2015.

Now, some may say there are comparisons to be made from the film cast and ourselves i.e.
Who is the scoundrel?
Who is the good looking one? obviously me
Who are the gadget men? and so on ...

On the other hand you may think that we're more likened to characters from the Wacky Races....

I'll leave it up to you to decide, but suggestions would be appreciated (be kind, we have feelings you know)

Oops, nearly forgot ... if you're at a loose end from 12th June - 21st June, we are still looking for another support driver to help with navigation - guaranteed to have some laughs

The reason for doing this is simple ... our objective to raise money for our two chosen charities - "Leonard Cheshire Disability" and "Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research". 

A Virgin Money site is set up, where you can make your valued donations regardless of how large or small and all moneys received will be equally split between out two chosen charities

Don't forget to donate - you're our motivation!

www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/wrexhamtomontecarlo

The training starts NOW ...

Thanks
Mike

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