The final day of our London to Paris cycle was upon us. We had a slightly later breakfast after which a few of the team attempted in vain to clean the gunk accrued on their bikes from the previous day. Chris also decided to fashion a new holster for his video camera using cable ties…
…and before you attempt to copy the above on your bike, Chris already has a patent for his innovative design.
As we waited outside for the last minute faff (no names here as it would be unfair to Mark), Danny briefed the team on the final day. “What’s that strange hot thing in the sky” quipped Andrew, referring of course to the sun that had kindly made an appearance for the first time since leaving Dover.
The team set off, following a lovely cycle lane running alongside the River Oise. From here, their route left the river and headed to the foot of the first climb near Verberie. The climb, a gradual snaking climb through a forested area, was no match for the team – Tom struggled to keep up in the support van!
Once the climb had been conquered, the roads opened up, with some fantastic tree-lined stretches through the French countryside.
The team were flying along!
Tom had set up lunch in anticipation of the riders’ arrival. As the team neared the lunch spot, Pete took the opportunity to blend into the tiny French village with a clever disguise.
After a dry, leisurely and warm lunch, the team continued into the outskirts of Paris. Having spent the last couple of days riding along rural roads through agricultural land, the team now needed to have their wits about them. Danny briefed the team on some of the more ‘fun’ elements of cycling through this bustling city.
The route follows the river Seine for a while before turning off towards the Champs Elysees. This iconic cobbled road rises from the river to the Arc de Triomphe, a roundabout that should on the tick list for every cyclist. Danny briefed the team before arriving at the Arc and luckily, the traffic was relatively quiet.
Due to the Euros football festival, the whole area surrounding the Eiffel Tower was fenced off, with France playing Switzerland later that evening. The team made excellent time however, and in no time at all were stood in front of this impressive landmark.
Equally as important was Peter finding that he’d achieved several King of the Mountains in the More Adventure Strava group!
Father and son, Stephen and Andrew, had raised an impressive £1000 for the British Heart Foundation.
Brother’s-in-law Chris and Pete had challenged themselves physically, had the chance to spend some quality time together, and the trip had highlighted how fit they both are and what they can achieve in the future.
Colleagues Mark and Peter from Adestra had also been fundraising. Mark raised over £1000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK and Peter had raised £740 for Hope For Life Katanga.
The whole team had acheived so much – in four days they’d cycled 275 miles through some of the best and worst weather a weekend in June can bring. There had been a collision with a lamppost (sorry Chris, we’re not poking fun we promise), rain, sunny blue skies, rain, several punctures (Danny wins here), rain, and yet the team just carried on, one pedal at a time.
A massive congratulations to the London to Paris June 2016 team, we hope you enjoyed yourselves and hope to see you all next year!
© 2024