Planning the south coast route

On Wednesday Mike and I went to Littlehampton to figure out the south coast part of the Oxhill to Paris cycle route. It was a glorious summer day. We cycled 20 miles from Littlehampton towards Brighton with the sun on our face and the winds at our back, only to return with a strong headwind against our burnt faces .

I clipped a metal post and went flying over the handle bars landing head first into the grass (thank God it wasn't concrete). I got a bit bruised and broke a brake. Luckily a bicycle shop wasn't too far away.

Cycling Oxhill video

Holding a camera while cycling - a bit tricky but fun. I would love to have a helmet camera, but my little digital camera will do for now.

Sorry to say that Graham will not be joining us on the cycle trip, he's too popular, everybody wants a piece! I understand - we miss his 'go forth and conquer' spirit already. Great good luck with the Stratford Rowing Club Graham!!

Good news is that we have Derek confirmed as our support driver!! I am so pleased and relieved. Thank you Derek!

Cycling to Oxford

On Sunday we cycled to Oxford! We followed the route Mike planned for our first day to Paris. Great route! Very picturesque on mostly quiet roads (with a few off road moments). There were a few steep climbs which kept us warm. By 1 pm we were at the Turf pub in Oxford drinking a pint.

An off road moment

Cycling along the Oxford canal

Much needed break

Locking up at the Turf

Our train ride home Oxford to Banbury was more complicated than we expected. It turns out bikes are not so welcome on trains. The Cross Country trains only allow 3 bikes at a time (for all the passengers), and only allow you to reserve 2 places. We were 5 cyclists so it meant we had to reserve for 3 trains which come at 30 minute intervals! Crazy! 

However, Lady Fortune was on our side. The next train came (in which only 2 or 3 of us were meant to take) and the platform conductor was nowhere to be found, so all 5 of us snuck our bikes onto the train. Brilliant! 

Chernobyl's Children Charity

We are now cycling for a charity! The village has long supported Anne and Angela's Chernobyl's Children Oxfordshire and South Warwickshire charity. For years children from Chernobyl's contaminated area have had the chance to get away for 4 weeks every summer. Their risk for getting cancer is crazy - 3000% increase for thyroid cancer. For the children, a summer away when the dust and contamination is at its worst makes a big difference to their health - and happiness, for which kid doesn't appreciate a summer holiday!

We hope that anyone following our progress on this blog will generously support the kids! I'll create a donate button on the blog very soon, so if you're here now and there is no donate button - come back soon!!

Chernobyl's Children Coffee Morning in Anne's garden in August.

Stratford Route

This was hands down my favourite training route last year - 37 miles to Stratford and back. With a tea and cake stop. The tea and cake won me, still does. As an added plus, the route has few hills, none really hard. On a sunny Sunday morning the ride is a treat. Last Sunday it was sunny :)

By the Avon

It was our first long distance ride this year, even though we cut out 5 miles on a shorter route home. It was exhillerating. We're pushing ourselves once again. Liz and I both feel the training is not as hard as it was last year - our first cycle trip. I'm getting fit in spite of my bad habits. Five weeks left to go!!

On a side note: Mike and I are trialling (driving/cycling) the UK side of the route to make sure it's a good ride. So far, I've cycled a bit of Didcot and Reading - both weird and wonderful in their way.

A route through Reading.

Catch up

Mike has handed over the blog for this year's ride to me, Vanessa: his wife, fellow cyclist and enthusiastic picture taker. I hope to do him proud!

The training schedule is taking hold. We go out Sunday mornings and so far the weather has been kind.

 Sunday morning good humour.

Graham finally joined us which meant the Alpine Route! - a 20 mile collection of the highest hills in the area. He's a bit of a masochistic our Graham. The Team rides again.

Kicking off the Alpine Route

Occasional traffic jam.

Otherwise great roads.

Love ya.

Dreams

Dreams do come true! We are getting our acts together with roughly the same 'peleton' as last year.

Sunny start

Great cycling!

Outside The Peacock pub for another training day, not so sunny.

Things to do: find a route from Oxhill to Paris; book b&b's; book a ferry; get a support driver and get fit!