Road bikers? Charity supporters?

[GracieB]

Hi guys n gals.

I'm taking part in a cycle ride from London to Paris next year for charity.

Just wondered if anyone here has done it or similar? Any road bikers? Or anyone do anything else for charity?

 

 

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Edited October 11, 2016 by GracieB

[Randy_Baton]

My work (EDF) normally sponsor it, not sure if they are doing it this year but they are covering the joining fee for any staff who want to join. I was tempted but didn't want to do it with a bunch or randoms.

 

I've done similar in the past, the hardest part is hitting the road day after day, but I've got a longer recovery period than most. If you're a regular cyclist it shouldn't be too hard (esp. judging by the people I know who've done it).

 

There's plenty of support so it's fairly easy going in terms of carrying kit and water.

 

On a similar note my bike frame cracked yesterday its a Specialized and I've put over 10k miles on it in 6 years. Took it to the shop today and found out specialized give a lifetime warranty on frames and due to me having an old wheel size (26") its unlikely they'll be able to find a replacement frame to fit my wheels. If that's the case I'll get a whole knew bike, sometimes warranties are amazing! And my local bike shop said they'd thought me out a replacement bike whilst I wait for it to be sorted.

[GracieB]

I've also done similar (Essex to Brussels) but heard London to Paris is hilly and a lot harder! I'm not a regular cyclist at all but it's for a Hospice where my mum passed away so pretty worthy of me doing well. Just need to get on with the training now!

Wow! What an amazing service! I wanted a Specialized but was talked out of it!

You get out quite a lot then? Do you belong to a club or anything?

 

 

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[coldel]

For fun when I used to live in Paris, I jumped a train to Cognac and cycled back to Paris on my own, my learning's were:

 

Don't cycle long distances on your own with no support, its a stupid and dangerous thing to do

Hardly any mobile signal outside the main cities

On Sunday's there is nothing open outside the main cities, I had to knock on peoples doors to replenish water

It is hilly in France (as above)

It's stunningly beautiful in rural France

The roads are amazing

I saw farmers with shotguns in Cognac as I mistakenly (I think) cycled where I shouldn't have

[kbad]

Hiya, nothing quite so exotic, London to Brighton 4 years running , London to Milton keynes 2 years running and London to Cambridge all for charity . My bikes light fully carbon specialized , carbon shoes , Fulcrum 3 wheels - but I have to reluctantly conclude its the rider that has to be light (me) not the bike lol

 

I ride with Team MK group D and would definitely recommend you join a riding group if you are not already part of one, and train for the hills

 

All the best

Edited October 11, 2016 by kbad

[gangzoom]

Did Land's End to John o'groats a few years back. Was in a group of 6, covered about 110 miles a day, wives were recruited to drive the support van .

 

Later that summer got KOM on a few local Strava segments, was able to crack out 20mph average over 1hr+ rides, but since the arrival of a kid all I have time for these days is the 4 mile commute to work on the bike .

 

London to Paris is suppose to be good fun, enjoy it, take your time, riding with mates help, we ended each day with a mini sprint on the road leading to the hotel!!

 

Once you've done it your be amazed at what your body can do with a bit of focus. Running is now my next focus, half marathon around Donington park nearly killed me, but still want to do a full marathon at some point. New York or London should provide more inspirational surroundings than the fields of Derbyshire and planes landing at East Midlands airport .

Edited October 12, 2016 by gangzoom