Helen’s Big Bike Ride – London to Paris

18th July, 2013

Partner, Head of Employment and keen cyclist Helen Watson has today started her latest cycling challenge – cycling from London to Paris. The 300 mile event will last for 4 days and everyday we will update the blog so readers can keep up with her progress.

Day 1, 17 July
Starting in London at 7am, today’s cycle will take Helen from Croydon towards Rochester before continuing on to Dover, a distance of 80 miles.  Helen will then  take the ferry over to Calais this evening.

Day 2, 18 July

Helen left Calais at just after 6am this morning with a 110 mile cycle to complete before the end of the day.

Lunch stop – 50 more miles done today so far! I am aching all over!

Gruelling hills. . .again!  Lovely French countryside but a cycle lasting 13.5 hours
today and my legs are really feeling it! It is so hot too – 35 degrees today. I
am counting on tomorrow being an easier day! .  Stopping in Amiens tonight
–what an absolutely beautiful place.  Typically French with everyone out in
the little restaurants and bars in the 37 degrees of sunshine!!

I am off to bed.. .tomorrow is another day.

Day 3, 19 July

The route from Amiens to Compiegne travelled today will see the cyclists passing numerous war memorials and monuments from the Battle of the Somme which was fought during WW1.

Flatter than the last two days but there are still far more hills than expected.
Today the hills are not as high but seem to go on for miles and my hands are
now aching with all the braking when we come down the other side.

Toe clip calamity today and the chain came off the bike . . but I am still going
with a few cuts and bruises.

Day 4, 20 July

Finally arriving in Paris is nigh! The final stretch of 66 miles covering Compiegne to Paris will finish over-looking the Eiffel Tower from the Trocadero Gardens. The cyclists will enjoy a well-earned celebratory meal.

On route to Paris!  The Eiffel Tour is in sight . . finally!

A few mishaps with drivers at junctions and I never thought I would drive round the
Arc de Triomphe let alone cycle round it . . closed my eyes and just went for
it!…

I made it – Team Claire House!

Day 5, 21 July

Helen is travelling back on the Eurostar to London this afternoon, having managed to enjoy a few hours free time in the French capital.

A well deserved rest in Paris and preparations begin for Mr Froome and his team
down the Champs Elysees.  All very exciting…

Helen’s cycle ride has been in aid of Claire House Children’s Hospice

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