However, I do feel like a bit of a celebrity as loads of people at work are interested in how things went on the ride, I really should have prepared a slide show, it would have saved me having to repeat myself every 10 minutes.
Tuesday, 28 July 2009
The Anti-Climax - Back at Work
After the euphoria of completing the London to Paris bike ride its back to work. Whilst we have been taking part in the ride of a life time [did I mention it was 340 miles in 4 days] - it just seems strange that everything else has been carrying on as normal - our cycling bubble has now been popped & normality reigns.
Sunday, 26 July 2009
Day 5 - The Journey Home
Euro-Star was excellent leaving Paris & arriving at St Pancras bang on time - had a heart stopping moment as we walked through St Pancras station - I couldn't find my wallet & had to sprint back to the train - Luckily it was under my seat - close one!
That was the good part of the journey, what followed was wasn't particularly good - a 1 1/2 hour wait at St Pancras for our transfer, then a 1 hour journey through central London to Kingston to retrieve our bikes, followed by a 4 hour drive M25 -> M40 -> M6 up to Nantwich & Mike's house - eventually arriving at 1.00 a.m. Sue & Clare were waiting with a cup of tea & a weary smile having arrived earlier via flights from Paris.
Day 5 - Le Tour - Le Texan
Lance Armstrong - his domination of Le Tour de France almost complete - except this time he would have to settle for 3rd place & standing on the podium next to eventual winner [& team mate??] Alberto Contador & 2nd placed Andy Schlek - but not bad for a rider who retired 3 years ago - who broke his collar-bone in April - finished 12th at the Giro d'Italia in June & who will be 38 years old in September. I managed to capture a few images of Armstong's promotion for his Livestrong charity. The 4 MPV's were just roving around the streets of Paris & the "Nike - Livestrong" store is on the Champs Elysee.
Day 5 - Le Tour - So Near & So Far
The icing on the cake was supposed to be watching "Le Tour de France" as it raced up & down the Champs Elysee to its conclusion. Unfortunately the planning of our return to the UK didn't coincide with Le Tours arrival in Paris.
Disappointingly Sue & Clare had to depart for the Charles de Gaulle at 1.30 pm in time for their 4.00 pm flight to Manchester & Mike & I had to depart for the Gare Du Nord at 4.00 pm for our Euro-Star back to London - All gutted having to miss the Grande Finale of Le Tour.
Mike & I did catch a little of the publicity Caravan that precedes Le Tour arrival - but it didn't really help knowing it was so near & so far.
We had to make do with a few nice souvenirs this time but we will be back - that is a certainty.
Day 5 - Sunday Stroll in Paris
Our Sunday stroll followed the Seine - past the Eiffel Tower & between the Grand Palais & Petit Palais here are few snaps taken along the way. We made our way up to the Champs Elysee & the finish line for the Tour de France.
Day 5 - The Day After - the Day Before ?
Sunday, excellent breakfast - stopped for photo at the"mini" Statue of Liberty with l'Eqiuipe - the headline reads "Chapeau Le Texan" - I think the french are finally warming to Lance probably because he wont win this years Tour de France. A stroll along the Seine in the sunshine with Sue, Mike & Clare - the legs ache a bit but hey I've just cycled 340 miles in 4 days what do you expect.
One last chance for Jersey Sponsors photo with the Eiffel Tower.
Saturday, 25 July 2009
Day 4 -The Eiffel Tower 4 - a special mention
The hare & the tortoise springs to mind - these two ladies made the trip on hired bikes, with hired kit & were not the fastest but kept a steady pace which suited them - they were last [or very nearly last] to roll in at lunch & at the hotels each day - but make it to Paris they did - I didn't catch their names but well done. They got a standing ovation from all the "keen" cyclists who had stopped for a beer as we entered Paris earlier in the day.
Day 4 -The Eiffel Tower 2
The "Medal" which will be engraved, the "Sacrificial Salute" of the bike to the Eiffel tower & a hug from the wife - it was so nice to see Sue at the finish line after 4 days. 
Day 4 -The Eiffel Tower
There's no stopping this peleton as we roll off the Champs Elysee & finally reach the Eiffel Tower. The miles [or Kilometers] - the pain - the hills - the punctures - the pasta - the muffins - the adrenalin - the buzz - the emotions - Everything comes together all at the same time. I admit to feeling a little... overwhelmed. Finally I understand what an achievement it has been - 340+ miles in 4 days raising much needed funds for a fantastic charity - fulfilling - you'd better believe it - would I do it again - you'd better believe it.
Day 4 -The Champs Elysee to the Eiffel Tower
We turn onto the hallowed cobbles of the Champs Elysee - the holy grail for sprinters at "Le Tour" & we are rolling along enjoying the cheers & adulation being poured on us by the french public. I mentioned they are rising from their seats in the cafes right - its true - I never thought I'd see the french interrupt their morning coffee - it really is a sight for sore eyes - amazing 600+ cyclists - sorry I already mentioned
that.
that.
Day 4 -The Trocadero to the Arc de Truimphe
This is it - the final
journey - a crescendo of Whoops & Yee-Hah's & we are on our way - the french public seem a bit puzzled - has "Le Tour" arrived early - Lance looks nothing like that in l'Equipe - even they begin to cheer & clap - taking photos - amazing.
The Arc de Triumphe our first obstacle - No problem - the traffic has to stop as 600+ cyclists converge - its an amazing sight - you had to be their - now the french public are rising from their seats in the cafes.
Day 4 -Vernon to Paris - The Trocadero 3
The atmosphere & friendliness was in abundance -
A new friendship - "Eric, Mickey & Mickey" & not forgetting "Froggy" who pedaled every mile & drank in every bar between London & Paris.
Day 4 -Vernon to Paris - The Trocadero 2
We are held at the Trocadero for over an hour waiting for ALL 600 cyclists to regroup from the respective 4 rides. It time to chill - reflect on what has been a momentous achievement for some & take a few more photos.
Photo 1 - Englishmen in Paris
Photo 2 - Jersey Sponsors "Ricoh & Elite Auto Centres" get a look in [If you look closely MY l'Equipe newspaper has made it safely to Paris neatly folded in my rear pocket & protected by an Asda carrier bag]
Photo 3 - The DA crew can't resist 1 more sign - although I think we've been following this one for 4 days.
Day 4 -Vernon to Paris - The Trocadero
What a Buzz - that ride through Paris was "Brilliant" - the e
nd is in sight as we reach the Trocadero - to our right the Eiffel tower reaches up towards the sky - their is already quite a group relaxing and celebrating on the lawns - to my suprise no one has taken the plunge into the fountains. The celebrations begin - handshakes & hugs all-round - the odd bottle of Champers & beer - but for some its all too much?
Day 4 -Vernon to Paris - The Run In - 2
Did I mention a Cafe or Bar - Oh Yes! we speed round an island and are confronted by a group from our ride already enjoying the Paris atmosphere - its rude not to join them so we pull over for a well earned beer. [These babies are 8.5 Euros each] - the "White Knights" group encroach onto a wedding party & blag their way onto some wedding photos - everyone is in party mood.
Day 4 -Vernon to Paris - The Run In
The "Run In" - we pass a signpost for Versailles & we know we are now in the suburbs of Paris - the road ramps up - and we climb through Versailles & over the top - the buzz speeding down into Paris central is fantastic "60 Km/h" - Our first view of the Eiffel Tower [its still a few miles away] but now its in sight. Dicing with the Paris traffic is exciting - the adrenalin rush - adding to what will be a memorable day. The photos are taken in a rush [I cant remember what they are].
Day 4 -Vernon to Paris - 50 miles & Lunch
50 miles done & we arrive at lunch - not quite the "Last Supper" but certainly our last road stop for lunch on this years L2P. I have to say that the "Extreme Team" have been brilliant in supplying us with the daily buffet - the food has been excellent. Check out the photos Yummy!The DA crew give us our briefing for the final 15 miles to Paris & we are on the final run in - the plan is to enjoy the ride - stop at a Cafe / Bar for refreshments then cycle onto the meeting point in front of the Trocadero.
Day 4 -Vernon to Paris - More "Arty" on the go photo's
Photo 1 - Bike Art
Photo 2 - Look No Hands [at 30 Km/h] - Please don't try this at home
Photo 3 - Mike enjoying the freedom that cycling brings
Photo 4 - Self Portrait
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
