Day 6 - Summer has arrived

We left for Bollene on day 6, the sun has turned out in full. After Tom having been requesting south of france heat and saying that it would be flat jinxing is the only word that can be used to describe what followed. The day was a sizzling heat that we were certainly not used to from being up in Newcastle. Stopping halfway for lunch on a football pitch we sheltered in the shade drained of energy and regretting wanting sun. After the routine a la cuisine of pasta and dolmio sauce we were raring to go with our NUUN electrolyte and numerous flap jack to keep us going.

The first crash of the trip came just after lunch as Quicky clipped the tyre of Hamish losing control and hitting the road, nothing serious and we were back on our way. The afternoon only got longer and George only being able to find a campsite further on from the planned stop the day seemed to go on for eternity battling against a very strong head wind. We eventually arrived just up the road in Montdragon as the wind closed in and the restaurants closed up for the night. McDonalds much to the horror of Tom became the only option, the drive through was a gleaming beacon and after some very dubious french from Hamish getting the order completely wrong we finally managed to get some food down us. We returned to the campsite to the gale force winds, relieved to see that our tents were still standing - yet the wind only got stronger resulting in not the greatest of nights. 

Day 7 - Roundabouts were never my forté

Leaving our stormy campsite in Mondragon we headed for Brignoles. Another long hot day; the weather has had a dramatic change from the North of France. The day despite the heat was pretty average with the generically tiring and continuously rolling hills. All was going well however and we were making good progress. George had gone ahead after lunch and found us a Premier Inn esq building ahead of our designated stop so we made last dash for it.

Just passing our original stop off point turned the day from what was rather boring to what at the time seemed rather serious and definitely an eye opener to the perils of cycling and the dire driving skills of the french. Quicky leading the way over the roundabout whilst all rushing to our final stop was hit by a car that hadn't seen him. Not a good two days for him, but Mish was quick to remind him that all bad luck comes in threes (Just what was wanted to be heard as I got up off the road). An apologetic driver and a very lucky escape left him with only a few cuts and bruises, fortunately with the bike and Quicky all in one piece we headed to our stop.

The hotel room was much needed as everyone was feeling rather worse for wear. An american style Buffalo Grill (that due to faulty lights said a dubious Buffalo Ill) stilled provided us with the much needed steak that we'd all been craving. An eventful day in the end, but we were very fortunate.

Day 6

Today the route will take us from the small town of St Genis Laval (twinned with Cirencester, Gloucs) to Bollene, covering over 180km in 30oC heat, with plenty of water and suncream needed. However morale is high having realised we are ahead of schedule and the coast is nearly within sight!

Sore Bums, Big Hills but we're on track!

Day 4 

A long day of burning heat, remnant mosquito bites from the night before, more than our fair share of hills and caused many low moments amongst the team. However after Hamish forced fed us all Kendle mint cake, we cruised the last 40 miles in 2 hours with a lot of downhills! 

After a hearty meal in a restaurant we're now all crammed into a hotel room but ready for another long day from Nuits St Georges to Lyon....just over 110 miles.

Hope you're all well back in the UK!

Still Alive and powering on

STILL ALIVE

Day 2 was by no means an easy one, faced with gruelling hills and heavy freight traffic the boys cycled 125 miles, from La Fére to Troys showing great perseverance and enthusiasm throughout the day despite some niggling injuries. On arrival in Troys, at around 10:00pm we had some difficulty locating Troys Camp Site despite the fact that George had already been there. Then after some first class flirting we managed to negotiate a 50% discount, and despite the lure of an onsite pool, we were all quick to bed

Today (day 3) the boys will cycle from Troys to Dijon along the D971, passing through the Champagne region, however there will be no time to stop and taste.

Our lifesaver and knight in shining armour

We almost forgot about one of our most integral parts of the team...George Coleman! This man answered our call for a support car driver a month or so ago with huge amounts of enthusiasm and energy. 1st year at Newcastle University studying International Business Management allowing us to use, and probably abuse, his knowledge of the french language. He will be setting up our meals throughout the day, pitching our tents and the end of the day and keeping our moral high when we hit rock bottom. For anyone that doesn't know this Saint, I have added a picture below and please add him on Facebook by following this link (https://www.facebook.com/george.coleman.39). He will have his finger on the pulse all the way so any questions during should be directed at him.

On another note...we have hit £6,000 which is an amazing total! So thank you to everyone for donating and please keep on helping us reach our total by telling your friends

"I heard France is really flat"

LONDON TO ROME 2013 ---- THE  ROUTE - 1 DAY TO GO!

Route sorted...despite our misconceptions France is not flat! However i'm sure you've all been eagerly waiting for our route to be released so that you can all keep and eye on our progress! 

Having set off tomorrow night from London just to get out of the City and away from the traffic day 1 will start from just North of Maidstone;

Day 1: Maidstone to Dover to St-Omer  (124 mile)

Day 2: St Omer to Crey-Sur-Serre (114 miles)

Day 3: Crey-Sur-Serre to Arcis-Sur-Aube (105 miles)

Day 4: Arcis-Sur-Aube to Pouilly-en-Auxois (123 miles)

Day 5: Pouilly-en-Auxois to Anse (106 miles)

Day 6: Anse to Montelimar (106 miles)

Day 7: Montelimar to Trets (110 miles)

Day 8: Trets to Eze (124 miles)

Day 9: Eze to Genoa (116 miles)

Day 10: Genoa to Stagno (112 miles)

Day 11: Stagno to Orbetello (118 miles)

Day 12: Orbetello to ROME!! (95 miles)

All the support from everyone has been incredible. So thank you so much to all those who have supported us so far!! We've raised almost £6,000 so far! Please help us reach our total by donating at

 http://www.bmycharity.com/londontorome