Day 2 of our first London to Paris Cycle was upon us. There had been a great deal of drying overnight which, due to the resultant honk may mean that More Adventure will never be able to stay in the hotel in Calais again. It was 07:54 and there wasn’t a lot to show for the team. Our anticipated departure of 08:00 was looking unlikely.
Outside, the team were introduced to the second support vehicle…
If Heineken did cycling holidays…(not our words by the way).
The first few miles through Calais and then south are completely flat (well, one bump), so the team went at their own pace for around 6 miles before arriving at Ardres. The More Adventure team had organised some camels and Highland Cows to welcome them and ensure they didn’t take a wrong turn.
The flat sections were beginning to ‘fizzle out’ and the aptly named ‘undulation day’ had officially begun, Dennis headed up a small peleton at the rear.
Up and down the route went, some of the hills looking far more intimidating than others. But the main thing is that we were dry and there were smiles all round.
The first ‘significant climb’ (Editor’s note: this term has been developed over a number of years and will forever remain subjective, impartial and always to the rider’s taste) ascended rapidly through from Wizernes through the woodland above. Michael effortlessly accelerated up it as if he actually had a motor for legs. Impressive stuff (if only he had Strava!). Clive was astounded at how he actually accelerated uphill, defying laws of physics!
At lunch we all realised how attached a few of the guys had come to the itchy blankets. The sun was out and still they persisted in wrapping up. We are considering getting some branded up and selling them as a memoir of the trip.
There were a couple of ‘significant climbs’ left before the end of the day. The last of which was an enjoyable (some people do enjoy hills) switchback with a flat section to finish off. More Adventure leader Tom assured the group that the back of the day had been broken (whatever that means)…
A few more glorious miles and we arrived in Arras.
It was a quick change around (the Leffe Bar was obviously calling!) before having our first meal as a group in the beautiful town centre.
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