The day started worryingly, Kate's wrist had swollen over night and still felt tender. Paula took her to a walk in clinic which was fortunately in sainsburys nearby, after a brief inspection Paula and Kate were sent to A&E. Kate had 2 x-rays, followed by a further 2 more as the first ones proved inconclusive. The conclusion from the later x-rays was that it could be a scaphoid fracture, and Kate has to wear a futura splint, will need a further X-ray in 2 weeks and is to rest her arm! At which point Paula and Kate both laughed.
In true traditions of the Tour de France the team decision was to take drugs(well ibuprofen and paracetamol) and carry on.
All this resulted with start of midday. We had agreed to meet our good friends David (hagrid), Anna and their 2 youngest 2 boys Charlie and Alfie in the crown pub just to the north east of Colchester. We rode their as quick as we could through the country lanes of Essex and Colchester which seems a lovely town. We got there by 3pm and had a fantastic afternoon of drinking, eating, drinking and more drinking. We were also joined by their eldest daughter Emily and her young not Jacob. Unfortunately it was soon time to say goodbye and at 8pm we headed for Harwich.
I must admit I can't remember too much of the ride to harwich, but we arrived in the dark juat 9.30 still in plenty of time for the ferry. So far 3 of the 4 days have finished in the dark, and it was only a lucky last minute decision to take lights
Today's stats
Distance 72.7k
Time 2.35.00
Climb
Average speed 20.1 kph
Total distance 305k
Saturday, 27 July 2013
Friday, 26 July 2013
Day 3 - Parsons Green to Chelmsford
At 10pm, in the dark, we finally arrived at Chelmsford after another long but good day on the bikes in more glorious weather.
We started late at 11am, it is not easy getting the kids moving after late nights and Paula and myself are not much better. For the first few miles we headed into London and shortly we stopped for a photo opportunity. Kate's comments were "why are we stopping after only 7k and what is that building?". "Kate, it's Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament!" More photos at Trafalgar Square, before we continued our adrenalin race against the cars and buses across London. There are some great cycle lanes and the drivers are much more patient then I expected.
At the Olympic stadium we headed north along the Lea valley tow path, unfortunately Kate had another tumble adding more road rash and sustaining a sore wrist, hopefully no more than a sprain, she rode most of the rest of the day with only one hand on the handlebars, still only 800 more miles to go!
We lunched along the lea valley and continued afterwards until Broxtowe near hoddesdon. The path was good, progressively getting better the further north we were. Just before we left we stooped at a boat cafe, run by minimen! ( www.theminimen.co.uk). 2 great guys who are part time actors as elves etc, and spend the summers selling ice creams during summer. ( photo to follow)
We then headed East along undulating country roads south of Harlow, and stopped for some great food (and my first wheat beer of the trip) at the nags head in moreton. We were all tired by this stage and felt much better after refuelling for the last hour and a half ride mainly down hill to Chelmsford
A very tiring and long day, the tow paths have been good but are slow with lots of stopping and starting
Today's stats
Distance 98.2k
Time 5.13.25
Average speed 18.7k
Climb 442m
Total distance 233.4k
We started late at 11am, it is not easy getting the kids moving after late nights and Paula and myself are not much better. For the first few miles we headed into London and shortly we stopped for a photo opportunity. Kate's comments were "why are we stopping after only 7k and what is that building?". "Kate, it's Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament!" More photos at Trafalgar Square, before we continued our adrenalin race against the cars and buses across London. There are some great cycle lanes and the drivers are much more patient then I expected.
At the Olympic stadium we headed north along the Lea valley tow path, unfortunately Kate had another tumble adding more road rash and sustaining a sore wrist, hopefully no more than a sprain, she rode most of the rest of the day with only one hand on the handlebars, still only 800 more miles to go!
We lunched along the lea valley and continued afterwards until Broxtowe near hoddesdon. The path was good, progressively getting better the further north we were. Just before we left we stooped at a boat cafe, run by minimen! ( www.theminimen.co.uk). 2 great guys who are part time actors as elves etc, and spend the summers selling ice creams during summer. ( photo to follow)
We then headed East along undulating country roads south of Harlow, and stopped for some great food (and my first wheat beer of the trip) at the nags head in moreton. We were all tired by this stage and felt much better after refuelling for the last hour and a half ride mainly down hill to Chelmsford
A very tiring and long day, the tow paths have been good but are slow with lots of stopping and starting
Today's stats
Distance 98.2k
Time 5.13.25
Average speed 18.7k
Climb 442m
Total distance 233.4k
Wednesday, 24 July 2013
Day 2 - Whitchurch to Parsons Green
Today was the first full day's bike ride, a long 72 mile ride in glorious weather, 25C and a tail wind.
Firstly we would like to thank everyone for helping us. We have borrowed bikes from Richard, Jack and Kate, and panniers and shorts from David, Ray and Joe
Also thanks to Heather, Alex and Emma for putting us up last night. We started at 9.30 and headed along the Hampshire country lanes to Farnborough for lunch. Highlight of the morning was when we stopped for a bar a Roadie passed us, Kate, who had been riding like peter sagan, quickly jumped on her bike and chased him and caught him, Sarah and Chris (with 2 heavy panniers) also chased him down, the poor guy had to turn off to hide his embarrassment!
For lunch we met Ray, Kane, Chris and Jason for lunch for the Wednesday "hungry horse special" £5 for a curry and a drink. The afternoons ride was completely different as we mainly rode upon tow paths of the Basingstoke canal, the Wey navigation and the Thames. Unfortunately the Strongbow Paula had soon took effect as she keeled over attempting to ride up to the Basingstoke canal tow path. Kate took sympathy as she decided to hit the deck (both apparently Brendan's fault!)
It was slow going in the aft, the Wey towpath was particularly sandy, but once we left the Thames path and headed towards Richmond park Chris (Fabian Cancellera) decided to cut through all the traffic and chase down every Roadie in the park, great fun, but the peloton was decimated.
We arrived in Parsons Green where we are staying in Emily's (Paula's neice) flat. Now eating ice cream and chilling after a great days ride.
Also a big thanks from Paula to Rachel who was a superstar today, taking 2 heavy panniers to allow Paula only to take one.
Today's stats
Distance 116.4k
Time 6.07.40
Average speed 18.9 k
Climb 596k
Total distance 135.2k
Firstly we would like to thank everyone for helping us. We have borrowed bikes from Richard, Jack and Kate, and panniers and shorts from David, Ray and Joe
Also thanks to Heather, Alex and Emma for putting us up last night. We started at 9.30 and headed along the Hampshire country lanes to Farnborough for lunch. Highlight of the morning was when we stopped for a bar a Roadie passed us, Kate, who had been riding like peter sagan, quickly jumped on her bike and chased him and caught him, Sarah and Chris (with 2 heavy panniers) also chased him down, the poor guy had to turn off to hide his embarrassment!
For lunch we met Ray, Kane, Chris and Jason for lunch for the Wednesday "hungry horse special" £5 for a curry and a drink. The afternoons ride was completely different as we mainly rode upon tow paths of the Basingstoke canal, the Wey navigation and the Thames. Unfortunately the Strongbow Paula had soon took effect as she keeled over attempting to ride up to the Basingstoke canal tow path. Kate took sympathy as she decided to hit the deck (both apparently Brendan's fault!)
It was slow going in the aft, the Wey towpath was particularly sandy, but once we left the Thames path and headed towards Richmond park Chris (Fabian Cancellera) decided to cut through all the traffic and chase down every Roadie in the park, great fun, but the peloton was decimated.
We arrived in Parsons Green where we are staying in Emily's (Paula's neice) flat. Now eating ice cream and chilling after a great days ride.
Also a big thanks from Paula to Rachel who was a superstar today, taking 2 heavy panniers to allow Paula only to take one.
Today's stats
Distance 116.4k
Time 6.07.40
Average speed 18.9 k
Climb 596k
Total distance 135.2k
Tuesday, 23 July 2013
Day 1 - Prologue
As the Tour de France finished in the dusk it seemed like a good idea to start our tour in the dusk. Just 11 miles on a lovely warm evening to our friends Heather, Alex & Emma in Whitchurch. Still managed a wrong turning! First of many........
Today's stats
Dist 18.8km
Climb 166m
Ride time 55.05 mins
Average Speed 20.5kph
Total distance 18.8km
Today's stats
Dist 18.8km
Climb 166m
Ride time 55.05 mins
Average Speed 20.5kph
Total distance 18.8km
Plans
The whole plan of this holiday is Cathy and Iains fault!!! They live near Geneva and whilst dropping in on them last year we decided (well Brendan decided!!) it would be a good idea to cycle out to see them. So the plans began to materialise.
After much discussion we began to realise that when we got to Geneva it would be really difficult (and expensive) to fly back with 6 of us and 6 bikes which would have to be boxed up at the airport! Hence the decision to drive the Espace out there and fly back before the holiday.
It so happened that Cathy and Iain and the girls were coming to UK for a holiday with Hector their black lab. Cathy was staying on to see relatives and then fly home later, whilst Iain was driving back with the dog to get to work on Monday. Iain was booked on the Chunnel and I was on the Ferry (Dover/Calais). Who would get their first? (a bit 'Top Gear' ish)
Saturday: Set off in Espace with roof box, roof rack with x2 cycle clamps,and the x4 bike rack at 8:45am to get the ferry Dover/Calais - meant to sail at 12:55, unfortunately we sailed an hour late. Which didn't really matter but Iain was getting the Chunnel leaving at 1:05 and the idea was to meet at services on the E15 in France to drive in convoy. Iain has a satnav so I was going to enjoy not having to navigate, just drive.
Ferry was very relaxing and although it had cost £50 to sail P&O gave me two £10 vouchers to spend - Bargain! My curry and drink cost me £2:50, and my bottle of Bailleys (Orange Truffle flavour) was £4.
Iain unfortunately had to wait at the services 1hr 20 for me - oops, at least Hector got a walk,drink and Iain had lunch. We travelled in convoy to Vertus south of Reims getting to a lovely hotel in the Champagne region!!! We arrived at approx 7:00 and decided to meet for dinner at 7:45. We had a fab meal with of course champagne!!! and great company - thanks Iain.
Sunday:- We set off about 9:00 (8:00 english time).Arrived at their house with an hour and a half to spare before Iain drove me to airport to get my Easijet flight back to Gatwick departing 19:10. Brendan collected me from Gatwick and we got home at about 10pm. with very fat feet! I sat with my feet up and watched the end of the 100th Tour de France, spectacular end to the weekend.
One thing we have forgotton!!!!! the number plate and indicator board.......oh dear!!
Thanks Iain for all your help it certainly made the journey a lot easier and I know it took you longer than it normally does, so thank you for escorting me. See you all in 2 1/2weeks for Bailleys on ice!!
Paula
After much discussion we began to realise that when we got to Geneva it would be really difficult (and expensive) to fly back with 6 of us and 6 bikes which would have to be boxed up at the airport! Hence the decision to drive the Espace out there and fly back before the holiday.
It so happened that Cathy and Iain and the girls were coming to UK for a holiday with Hector their black lab. Cathy was staying on to see relatives and then fly home later, whilst Iain was driving back with the dog to get to work on Monday. Iain was booked on the Chunnel and I was on the Ferry (Dover/Calais). Who would get their first? (a bit 'Top Gear' ish)
Saturday: Set off in Espace with roof box, roof rack with x2 cycle clamps,and the x4 bike rack at 8:45am to get the ferry Dover/Calais - meant to sail at 12:55, unfortunately we sailed an hour late. Which didn't really matter but Iain was getting the Chunnel leaving at 1:05 and the idea was to meet at services on the E15 in France to drive in convoy. Iain has a satnav so I was going to enjoy not having to navigate, just drive.
Ferry was very relaxing and although it had cost £50 to sail P&O gave me two £10 vouchers to spend - Bargain! My curry and drink cost me £2:50, and my bottle of Bailleys (Orange Truffle flavour) was £4.
Iain unfortunately had to wait at the services 1hr 20 for me - oops, at least Hector got a walk,drink and Iain had lunch. We travelled in convoy to Vertus south of Reims getting to a lovely hotel in the Champagne region!!! We arrived at approx 7:00 and decided to meet for dinner at 7:45. We had a fab meal with of course champagne!!! and great company - thanks Iain.
Sunday:- We set off about 9:00 (8:00 english time).Arrived at their house with an hour and a half to spare before Iain drove me to airport to get my Easijet flight back to Gatwick departing 19:10. Brendan collected me from Gatwick and we got home at about 10pm. with very fat feet! I sat with my feet up and watched the end of the 100th Tour de France, spectacular end to the weekend.
One thing we have forgotton!!!!! the number plate and indicator board.......oh dear!!
Thanks Iain for all your help it certainly made the journey a lot easier and I know it took you longer than it normally does, so thank you for escorting me. See you all in 2 1/2weeks for Bailleys on ice!!
Paula
Monday, 22 July 2013
Kit
Each person is allowed one pannier bag with the following items:
For Cycling:-
x2 cycle shorts
x3 tops for cycling in ( one thermal)
x3 pairs cycling socks
x1 cycling shoes/ trainers
x1 pair cycling gloves
x1 helmet
x1 raincoat
pair of arm warmers (Brendan only)
Other Clothes:
x1 pair sandals or flip flops
x2 cotton T shirts
x1 pair light trousers
x1 pair shorts
x1 jumper/hoodie
x2 underwear
x1 sun hat
x1 swimming costume
Can't quite imagine Rachel surviving??
Brendan will carry 4 panniers, Chris and Paula x2 panniers each, and the girls will just ride!!! One pannier to have rain coats, first aid kit, chargers. (If I get my way Brendan's panniers will have some bricks in them!!!)
For Cycling:-
x2 cycle shorts
x3 tops for cycling in ( one thermal)
x3 pairs cycling socks
x1 cycling shoes/ trainers
x1 pair cycling gloves
x1 helmet
x1 raincoat
pair of arm warmers (Brendan only)
Other Clothes:
x1 pair sandals or flip flops
x2 cotton T shirts
x1 pair light trousers
x1 pair shorts
x1 jumper/hoodie
x2 underwear
x1 sun hat
x1 swimming costume
Can't quite imagine Rachel surviving??
Brendan will carry 4 panniers, Chris and Paula x2 panniers each, and the girls will just ride!!! One pannier to have rain coats, first aid kit, chargers. (If I get my way Brendan's panniers will have some bricks in them!!!)
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