Bike ride blog 2009

Welcome to the Biking for Children in Care blog. You can read regular updates about the riders - where they are and what they are doing, as they bike through the Loire valley.

Thursday 25 June

8am  - St Pancras Station
The bike riders set off after a hectic meet up. Natasha Finlayson, the Trust's CEO greeted them and was able to snap a few pictures before they whisked away to their train. All the riders were proudly sporting their T-shirts and caused quote a stir among the rush hour commuters at the station!

11.57am - En route from Paris
Making their way to their starting destination of Muides Sur Loire, the bike riders are in fine spirits as they join in with their sing-along Sound of Music! They have on board 47 bikers and there will be 9 support team members in attendance.

Friday 26 June

10.42am - Amboise
The bike riders arrive ahead of schedule at Amboise for their coffee stop. They have cycled 51 miles already- 22 yesterday and 29 so far today.

1.30pm - Chateau Chenonceaux
Lunch stop! Enjoying a rest after cycling in the boiling heat, the bike riders have just got out the cake for Bekki's birthday - candles and all!

The support team are doing them proud. They have John Tindale driving the truck, John Deverson the van and John Griffiths the campervan. They are joined by Georgina, Peggy, Carol, Lis, Barbara and Geoff.

On the ride they have Greg at the front taking over the yellow jersey from Bob at Hove, who couldn't make it this year. He is ably joined by John and Andy. At the back they have Dave the Derriere, or La Lanterne Rouge as he prefers to be called! He has been given the questionable honour of taking on Bob at the backs mantel as King of punctures and patience and making sure they all get there!

So far they have cycled 64 miles, 40 today, with another 25 to go until they arrive at their stop for the night - Blois.

Saturday 27 June

2.54 pm - Saumur
The cyclists break for lunch at the lakeside in Saumur, a really beautiful stop. Well deserved after 50 miles cycling this morning!

8pm
The cyclists are still going after 89 miles today, all in the blazing heat (reports are between 34 and 37 degrees Celsius!). Gill says it is the hardest and longest day cycling they have ever done. They are really looking forward to getting to Angers for their supper - which is booked for 8.30pm. Will they get there in time? At the moment they are looking for a way through the forest and someone reckons it is still another 21 miles to go, everyone is hoping that is a joke! Everyone is OK despite the distance and the heat and spirits are still high, although starting to flag. A few beers should solve that - something they are all looking forward to soon!

Sunday 28th June

8am
The bike riders get off to a slow start with two repairs this morning. Everyone is feeling weary after a long day yesterday and another one ahead of them today. Despite this everyone is in good spirits and looking forward to cycling on to Nantes. 

11am
The bike riders cycle on to beautiful Mont Jean where they enjoy a much needed coffee break. This gives everyone a boost after cycling all morning in the 36 degree heat. 

1pm
Everyone is relieved to arrive in Ancenis where they enjoy lunch. They have now completed a total of 210 miles! After re-fuelling the bike riders set off to complete the last 30.

3pm
There's another delay as Andy's spokes go on his bike but everyone is pleased to have the break to take the opportunity to jump into the river! After cooling off, a spare bike is delivered which sets the bike riders on their way again.

4pm
Tea stop at Mauves sur Loire before cycling onto Nantes with Gill riding at the front along with John, Andy and Greg, proudly waving the biking for children in care flag. Fears that people may come down with heat stroke after cycling all day in the blistering sunshine are forgotten as everyone looks forward to a celebratory glass of wine!

8pm
Dinner at La Taverne du Chateau before a well deserved rest after completing the 240 miles. Congratulations to all the bike riders!

Monday 29th June 2009

9am
Having been loaded the night before with the bikes, the trucks begin the long 400 mile drive back to Calais with John and Jonesy leading the way.

10am
After a fantastic meal in Nantes and a good sleep, the bike riders board the coach to head for home to relax and reflect on their accomplishment.

4pm
Everyone enjoys a coffee in the Paris sunshine before making their way to the Gare du Nord to catch the Eurostar.

6.13pm
The bike riders are pleased to board the train home and have an hour to relax before arriving back at St Pancras Station. Another great year - congratulations to everyone involved!