Sunday 27 April 2008

Via: Carcassone, Narbone, Perpignan

207 km, ave speed 23.1 km/h.

All being well, it should be our last day today - what a great feeling! Strong head winds all the way to the coast reduced our speed but we battled on. Sped up when we turned south and had the wind slightly behind us. Made good speed along fast roads towards border. The last hour had some steep climbs and winding coastal roads - stunning scenary. Met with Donald's dad and celebrated our finish with a bottle of champagne in the evening sunshine. It was a fantastic end to an awesome ride.

Total distance cycled: 1656 km in 8 days!

Saturday 26 April 2008

Via: Aiguillon, Agen, Toulouse.

241 km, ave speed 23.4 km/h.

The weather is getting warmer as we head south. Followed a canal for much of the day - the tow path was a welcome break from the roads. Regular coffee and soft-drink stops are keeping us going (and awake!). The day ended with strong head-winds and we arrived at the hotel too late for dinner, so it was lamb kebab and chips from local take-away then straight to bed!

Friday 25 April 2008

Via: Saintes, Pons, Mirambeau, Libourne, la Reole

209 km, ave speed 26.0 km/h.

Hot and sunny day as we entered the wine region. A few hills to deal with. Sore bums!

Thursday 24 April 2008

Via: Pornic, Machecoul, Lege, La Roche-Sur-Yon, Surgeres.

236 km, ave speed 26.6 km/h.

Crossed the bridge over the mouth of the Loire River. A fast day on smooth roads across flat countryside. Another puncture (but not due to off-roading this time!). Brief showers.

Wednesday 23 April 2008

Via: Janze, Messac, Redon, Severac.

151 km, ave speed 24.9 km/h.

An early start got us some good distance before morning coffee. Saw an Airbus cargo plane landing (Airbus A380 fuselage built in San Nazaire). Arrived in San Nazaire mid afternoon - which gave us enough time to have a look around the docks and visit the Operation Chariot memorial. Visited the WW2 German U-boat pens - impressive structure with good views of Loire esturay.

Tuesday 22 April 2008

Via: Fontenay, Flers, Domfront, Gorron, Ernee, Vitre.

169 km, ave speed 23.5 km/h.

Misty and cloudy start to the day. Now in routine of stopping for morning coffee break (with pastry!) after 50/60 km. Stopped at bike shop for repairs and new tubes. Open rolling countryside and farmland with smooth fast roads. Arrived in Vire to be told no hotel accommodation available due to local event, so continued cycling to next town... Enjoyed a cold glass of local cider with beef dinner.

Monday 21 April 2008

Via: Buchy, Rouen, Pont-l'Eveque, Pegasus Bridge.

213 km, ave speed 23.6 km/h.

The day began with good speed on open roads however our progress was slowed by navigating our way through Rouen. Our route crossed the Seine River and included a short section of 'off-road' forest track and a climb up a muddy motorway embankment. Had one puncture each. Busy roads with many lorries. Visited Pegasus Bridge (near Ouistreham) late afternoon.

Sunday 20 April 2008

Via: St Omer, Hesdin, Abbeville, Neufchatel.

230 km, ave speed 23.0 km/h.

Good weather. Was joined by about 100 club riders on Sunday morning ride - made good use of the peloton while it lasted! Problems finding hotel - 17km cycle in dark along 'Avenue Verte' (paved disused railway line). Friendly hotelier provided late meal and after a wash it was straight to bed!

Late Saturday morning (after a late night...) we set off from Chatham. By bike, train and ferry we made it to the France/Belgian border. Chris had an 'off' when crossing wet railway tracks. Rider ok - bike making strange noises... Stayed in Belgian hotel Saturday night.

Well done to Phil 'Pip the Hat' Purslow for doing two marathons in 8 days! Pip ran Paris in 3hr 46min and London in 3hr 52min. Not bad for an old fella! Thank you to Phil and his sponsors who donated money to HELP for HEROES on our fund-raising website. D

10 minutes ago I knew nothing about blogging! If you can read this then I've managed to set up a blog! Welcome, we hope this will be useful in keeping you informed of our progress as we cycle through France. D

http://www.justgiving.com/airbornecommandoengineercycle2008