Lens to the Puy De Dome  

The trip consists of 45 teams of 4 riding 500 miles from Lens to the bottom of the Puy De Dome in Southern France. 

We left on Thursday 25^th to catch the 2.03pm shuttle & made out way to Lens where we just settled in, ate & had an early night, well with the odd beer or three.! 

Day one was a 7am start, dark, cold & slightly misty. We rode south towards Fontainebleau a total of 186 miles. The way it works is that one bike sets off. We predetermine a distance, say 15 miles & drive to that point passing the rider that has started. When we arrive, we set off the second bike & they ride for an agreed distance. We then wait for the first bike to arrive, pick them up then drive past the second rider to the third agreed point & set the third bike off and so forth. We all take it in turns to ride, navigate, ride & recover. The day finished right outside the beautiful chateau. What a sight. 

Day two was a 7.40 start as we did so well in the first day they ‘promoted’ us so we didn’t finish too early, thanks to lessons learned from last year & great teamwork. We left Fontainebleau for Bourges which was 172 miles. The first stages were fairly flat but then started to climb as we hit the Loire Valley & Sancerre famous for its wine…unfortunately we had no time to sample it.  

Day three’s start at 7.15 was damp, misty & very cold. We were warned that this was a very tough day hence it being ‘only’ 148 miles. The event finished at the bottom of the Puy De Dome which is famous for its 2.5 mile 1 in 8 climb. 46 mad riders decided they hadn’t had enough & cycled up it, including Alan & Tony from our team. Respect guys!!! 

Last year we raised £780 for AYME. The team were so taken by Mary Jane that they agreed with me to make AYME the one charity we keep and add another each year as up to two are allowed to be chosen by each team. Even with the difficult times we are in, we think we will end up with more than last year which we are very pleased about.  

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Budget Rent a Car in Milton Keynes for their generous support for loaning us a long wheel base Renault Van which allowed all our bikes, kit, bags, food & the four of us in comfort. It really made it so much easier. 

Highlights of the trip would be the incredible weather. We had no rain the whole trip till we were just outside Paris driving back; driving in Paris; they really are mad! The scenery; particularly Fontainebleau, Sancerre & the Puy De Dome. The team spirit & camaraderie between teams. Tony & Alan making it to the top of the Puy De Dome and all the other riders. Alan getting ‘disorientated’ when needing the toilet at 3am! Flying the St Georges flag in the French countryside to the dismay of the locals. Roll on next year. 

For more details of the route & event click here 

We would like to thank everyone who so generously donated and supported us. It is greatly appreciated. If after reading this you wish to make a donation please click here

So it’s on to next year…in the Brittany region we understand…! Bring it on!!!