Way of The Roses Day 1 - ( Morecambe to Pateley Bridge ) 8/5/14

Logistics, logistics, logistics........Riding this route 2 years ago all I had to worry about was me. Oh Mrs. S. was a big help on that one, sorry darling. However planning this adventure became a lesson in logistical skills. Four adults with bikes and kit in an old Vauxhall Astra, across country.With overnight stops  and bike storage, it wasn't easy. With our support driver, Mark,  it was somewhat eased . This turned out to be essential, we couldn't have ridden these bikes without somewhere to store and transport overnight kit.

So at about 6:30 am on Thursday we all gathered and sorted everything out and we were on our way soon after. Overcast and raining the forecast wasn't great. Morecambe and this time I was determined to get my picture taken with Eric. A group photo and we rode to the official start point just the other side of The Midland Hotel. Another group photo and we were off . We had arranged to met Mark in Settle for lunch.

We had barely crossed the road when we all decided we needed the toilet. The welcoming staff at a nearby Frankie & Benny's must have wondered what the hell was going on, but she was ever so obliging. By diverting I must have missed  a sign and we didn't seem to be on the right track. However we soon picked it up again and started to knock off the miles. Soon enough the flat run out starts to climb and the effort becomes more concerted.

This is a lovely run and the weather was behaving and the following wind was a bonus. By the time we reached Settle and Mark, we were all ready for something to eat. I'd chosen The Kitchen on  Market Square. I had a marvellous sausage sandwich there last time, it was as I'd remembered. Sam plumped for a full breakfast on a butty and soon realised he may have overdone it.

This was all a distraction from what lay ahead of us, the "killer hill" out of Settle. Last time it almost saw me off, on a bike with full panniers. This time I hoped it would be easier. It wasn't , after both Sam and I cramped up and stopped a bit, we carried on to the top, where Mark was waiting. We knew this would be our toughest day and this hill would be the hardest climb.

From there on in things got a bit easier, a few more climbs and by the time we caught up with Mark again outside The Angel at Hetton, the rain had started. We considered a cup of tea there, but decided to push on to Pateley Bridge. By the time we reached the  dangerous 2 mile decent into the village the roads were soaking. It's still a thrill  but must be treated with respect.

We all arrived safe and there was Mark waiting for us outside The Lyndale Guest House . All our bags had been checked in and put in our rooms. We took off our wet kit and the bikes were put in there storage shed.

I had stayed there before on my last trip and Lynn & Steve are so helpful. Changed we walked straight into The Crown to sample their excellent beers and hearty food. On finishing we were surprised by our friend Dave , he had driven up to see us and was staying in the same B&B . He planned to ride some of tomorrows leg with us.

Day one complete .

Way of the Roses .....Again

After last years exploits, culminating in our fabulous London to Paris trip. It was going to be hard to top  it this year.. However an early Easter break to Mallorca, saw Mrs S. and  me base ourselves in Puerto de Pollenca. Having never been to this part before , I was aware it was some what of a cycling Mecca. Four days cycling in the beautiful hills and sunshine did me the world of good and Mrs. S. didn't find it too shabby either. Many thanks to Pro Cycle Hire there. On return thoughts turned to my second ride of The Way of The Roses , this time it wouldn't be solo, but with my London to Paris team. Sion and Sam were keen to keep the momentum going so earlier this year we sorted out the logistics of all being off together, away from our work commitments. Sam's dad would be the support driver as well. So here we are the night before our grand depart and I was hoping for a much drier ride than in 2012, when I got soaked. The forecast looks fairly poor again , showers, heavy at times. Here's hoping it won't be too bad. All set for a 9am ish start at Morecambe. follow us on twitter @CycleWithMe.

London to Paris - Day Four ( Compiegne to Paris ) 29/09/13

Firstly,apologies for the lateness of this post, it was a pretty full, exciting and eventful day. Rising at 6am for a 7am breakfast again, I was becoming accustomed to the routine by now. I knew exactly what I was going to eat and in what order, was I becoming an institutionalised L2P cyclist ? Water bottles filled and a final check of tyre pressures for the last hussar into Paris.

Just over 50 miles to go on the final day

 Leaving the Ibis here and setting off along the river my attempt to reach Paris was almost thwarted by "Rocket Ron" who beckoned my from behind as I reached a set of unseen bollards. Missing them by inches I decided to not do this again until at least tomorrow. The first 10 miles of this last 50 plus mile leg was nice and flat, but given More Adventure's thirst for a nice hill or two, it wasn't long before we were climbing again. The legs were pretty leaden by now and I slowly ground my way to the top for a brief rest with those ahead.

Love these French roads

The weather was holding as there was a watery sun in the sky trying to break through here. Conditions were once again calm. This early climb seemed to kick start the weary body into action and before I knew it I was at the front with the "Elite Group" , well sort of. In our tight group we spun along at a hairy pace up and down the rolling silky tarmac roads of the French countryside, each mile closer to the goal. A stop for a very early lunch here near to a park was welcome indeed.

Brunch

From here on in it was going to get busy. Despite it being a Sunday, Paris is Paris and I was truly excited at the thought of negotiating the Arc de Triomphe.  The roads did get busier and the charming suburbs rolled by. Local like-minded children in the "interesting" Saint Denis came out on their own bikes to ride alongside us, performing stunts or just watching from the central reservation. After this we were then suddenly stopped by a Sunday flee market about a mile long which forced us off our bikes. Having no choice but to walk it in cleats. I couldn't have stopped a pig in a passage with the way my legs looked after this.

Once all through safely we rode on before grouping near to the Arc. In one big uniformed line of pairs we raced across this iconic landmark, an absolute thrill  if I'm to be honest. I could have done this again and again , it was a real treat. Immediately onto the Champs-Elysees and down those famous cobbles to eventually arrive in the park opposite the Eiffel Tower...... We'd made it ! Such a feeling of achievement and we'd all got there in one piece.

The lead out through the streets of Paris

Outside The George V ( Not a part of the Ibis chain )

The Team

Made it !

With that we had a 5 mile ride to the hotel, so no chance of a sit down then ! Showered and changed we had a group meal and one or two small cream sherries to celebrate. A good night was had by all. A great group of people who shared a rather challenging adventure and raised some good money for all our fantastic charities  along with www.moreadventure.co.uk

THANK YOU ALL. 

London to Paris - Day Three ( Arras to Compiegne ) 28/09/13

Sam was surprisingly clear headed this morning given his birthday celebrations, so no chance of getting near to him on the bike,today then ! Still he was a little lacking in appetite for breakfast at 7 am, a legacy of the night before. We grouped at 8am again outside the Ibis ready for another 70 plus miles to Compiegne. The weather was calm again with the potential of more sun later. Sun cream at the ready to top up those Belgian tan lines !

Outside the Ibis Arras

The ride out of Arras was another beautiful one and took us through the area of the Somme. Glorious watery light veiled the fields either side as the roads became more exposed to the wind. There's no shelter here other than that provided by your fellow riders. Sion and Sam were up at the front again with our "Rocket Ron"  and I was conserving my energy and enjoying the countryside again.

Check of the Garmin's

These wind farms are a big clue to the prevailing weather here.

We stopped near to a Commonwealth war cemetery which had a very sobering effect on all the riders, what pain we were feeling on the ride was nothing compared to what we could see here.
These were long stretches of exposed road now and you're at the mercy of mother nature. Thankfully she was having a good day and winds, although testing could have been much worse.A brief coffee stop to recharge the batteries and we were off again.

Coffee stop

Commonwealth Cemetery in the Somme area

Chaingangs  formed and speeds zipped along as we eventually rode into Compiegne. Another Ibis to tick off here, Showered and changed we made our way to an all you can eat Asian buffet, ( little did they know we'd cycled over 70 miles and were just a tad hungry )  A few refreshing recovery beers in the light rain outside before retiring to bed. Another fifty plus miles to Paris in the morning, Praying this weather will hold !

London to Paris - Day Two ( Calais to Arras ) 27/09/13

Day two and Sam's birthday, we awoke in the Ibis with heavy legs to meet for breakfast at 7am . As much as we could eat to give us energy for that days ride. We assembled at the front of the hotel at 8 am and were off, another 70 plus miles to the town of Arras. The weather was calm but chilly and the first few miles fairly flat. Soon enough the roads started to open up and the rolling nature was for me, a real thrill. Silky smooth tarmac and beautiful views along minor French roads was an absolute cyclist's dream. However there were several stings in the tail along the way. Some long climbs made it interesting, at least for the legs and lungs. I felt good and so did Sion and Sam too. Strong riding amongst the group as well meant we were all making good time. Lunch at the side of the road was again a smorgasbord of French fare, enough to power us through for the afternoon.

Rest at the top of the hill

Which way now ?

Roadside Lunch

By the afternoon the sun was out and road continued to roll up and down, glorious cycling conditions. As we rode into Arras, a beautiful town, the cobbles shook us upon  reaching the second Ibis of the trip. Another leg completed and time for a quick shower. It was out to a pre booked restaurant and time to celebrate Sam's 23rd. This had the potential to get very messy as we had a rendition of "Bon Anniversaire" in the restaurant followed by a visit to the local French Karaoke bar, a first for me at least.

Nearly There

Sam's Birthday

Sam proved his worth with a large whisky, followed by a cocktail bought by the rest of the group and the guys at more adventure. This after several red wines in the restaurant before. Good effort Sam and good luck for tomorrow!

Arras at night

One of the best days I've had on the bike. Tomorrow Arras to Compiegne.    

London To Paris - Day One ( Greenwich to Calais ) 26/09/13

The night before the off, Sam ,Sion and I had met in Greenwich where we were all staying. A mixture of apprehension, delirium and excitement filled the room in the Pizza Express as we carb loaded that evening. We had the kit ready and the bikes assembled for the following morning.

Kit Ready The Night Before.

Black Heath Common at the Start

That morning Sam and I met Sion outside the Premier Inn and from there with our backpacks and kit we rode across Greenwich Park to Black Heath Common where we were due to met the guys of More Adventure. 7 am we were there meeting the rest of the riders , in fact all 23 of them. By 8 am we were off on the ride out of London. A stop start hellish pedal through the worst London has to offer, the only saving grace was it wasn't raining. As we got further out of the capital things seemed easier except for a few sharp climbs which took some of us, me,  by surprise. With little time to recover we were climbing again. It took it's toll  despite the training I'd done this year. Through the rolling countryside of Kent and toward Dover we rode, stopping for lunch at 42 miles in. This was a brief pause to regain the energy levels.

 Soon enough we were on the outskirts of Dover, which to be fair has seen better days. By now we were nearly 70 miles in without any punctures, however Sion was to be the first, 2 miles from Dover.
 We were lucky enough to have Dover Port employees in our group who with their connections eased our passage to the ferry and front of the queue. Just when we thought we'd seen the last climb of the day, we had to ride up the steep gangway onto the ferry. Bikes stored we headed for the restaurant. It's hard not to constantly think of food on these rides.

The only puncture of the day 2 miles from Dover

Curry and rice hit the spot as we sailed across The Channel. Docking, we were last off and by now it was dark and with 4 miles to ride , we streamed around Calais with lights flickering until we reached our first hotel.

The group rode well, but it was a tough first day even though the weather had been kind.The small mercy of little wind and no rain was a sign from the cycling gods that this could be a good few days.

Nearly Time

Just a tad over two weeks before Sam ,Sion and I set off on this adventure along with several others, please donate to a very worthy charity and follow us on this blog along the way. Bon Chance to all Riders !

https://www.justgiving.com/cycle-with-me/new