My last blog before I set off tomorrow from Blackheath in London for my cycle ride to Paris. Our first day takes us through the Kent countryside before we catch a late afternoon ferry to Calais. The second day is from Calais to Arras, and then on the third day to Campeigne. The fourth day sees us arriving in Paris, with a whirl around the Arc de Triomphe and finishing by the Eiffel Tower.
The overall ride is 320 miles and I'm raising money for Sue Ryder Care at Nettlebed, Henley-on-Thames. I pretty nervous today, just wanting to get going really. I hope that I'm fit enough and have put in enough training. The thigh muscles are like rocks which hopefully is a good sign. The first three days we cover around 90 miles per day, with the last day being 60 miles in to Paris.
Over the last week I have managed two training sessions of 30 miles each and a pilates class last evening to stretch out the muscles. I must remember to stretch out after each day's cycling.
The trip is run by Discover Adventure and there are around 60 cyclists taking part. Hopefully I can team up with some fellow cyclists who are a similar standard and pace to me. I cycle around 14 to 15 mph. The trip has six support people from Discover Adventure along with us so it should be well organised and safe.
So its off to Blackheath this afternoon, plenty of pasta this evening and an early start on Wednesday morning. Lets hope that the weather is good and not too windy!
I will wish myself Bon Voyage et Bon Chance. Phil
