From 23rd - 28th August 2009, I will be participating as a cyclist in the Rock FM Tower2tower Charity Ride. The ride is in aid of Rock FM's Cash For Kids charity which helps homeless and under priveledged or 'at risk' children across Lancashire. The ride starts from The Eiffel Tower in Paris and ends at The Blackpool Tower on 28th August. More details of our challenge are further down. I am currently training hard to get my fitness level up to a standard to be able to complete this. I have a substantial amount to raise for this Charity and would be very greatful for your support in raising this. I have set up a just giving page where donations can be made. You can access it by clicking here. Alternatively, if you have an event where my photography can be used to raise money then get in touch.
Here is what I will be doing on my challenge.
Day 1 (Sat 22nd Aug 2009) – Travel to Paris
We meet in London in order to catch the 11.32 Eurostar to Paris, arriving mid afternoon. Some of our support Team will be meeting us in Paris at our Hotel, as all the riders will have transported here in readiness for our challenge tomorrow.
We have an event briefing this evening before we retire as we leave very early tomorrow in order to avoid the hustle and bustle of the rush hour traffic.
Day 2 (Sun 23rd Aug 2009) – Eiffel Tower to Evreux
An early breakfast awaits us this morning as we aim to be headed out in the saddle for no later than 7am.
We cycle eastwards out of Paris towards the suburbs – it will a good 15 miles approximately until we are out of the built up areas and enjoying the fantastic cycling that France has to offer.
After our lunch in the town of Mantes-La-Ville, we push in cycling towards Evreux – our overnight stop.
Cycling distance – approx. 66 miles
Day 3 (Mon 24th Aug 2009) – Evreux to Caen
We push on with our challenge heading towards the port of Caen. This is where we will board the ferry over to Portsmouth overnight. Our lunch today will be near the town of Lisieux.
Our ferry willy depart Caen at 11pm and arrive in Portsmouth at 7am.
Cycling distance – approx. 75 miles
Day 4 (Tues 25th Aug 2009) – Portsmouth to Abingdon
Back in the saddle, we push on with our challenge as head towards he charming city of Oxford. It’s not long before we’re enjoying quiet country roads of beautiful English countryside.
Following our lunch stop east of Reading, we continue cycling North and finally reach Abingdon – a long day in the saddle today, but well worth it!
Cycling distance – approx. 90 miles
Day 5 (Wed 26th Aug 2009) – Abingdon to Worcester
We’re now well and truly getting into our challenge, as we are now just over half way!!
Again, we follow the nice backcountry lanes and enjoy our open-air buffet lunch.
We reach Worcester after about 58 miles, which makes a nice short day after our hard efforts yesterday.
Cycling distance – approx.66 miles
Day 6 (Thurs 27th Aug 2009) – Worcester to Chester
After breakfast at our Hotel we set off for another challenging 90-mile day heading towards the historic city of Chester.
Our lunch stop for today will around the area of Shrewsbury.
Cycling distance – approx. 90 miles
Day 7 (Fri 28th Aug 2009) – Chester to Blackpool Tower The final day of our Tower to Tower Cycle Challenge! We push on North out of Chester, by passing Runcorn and up toward Preston.
We cycle as a group down the waterfront parade of Blackpool, with the sight of the Tower spurring us on with encouragement.
It’s not too long before we reach the Tower and enjoy a champagne finish.
Cycling distance = approx. 72 miles
More information can be found at the Rock FM website by clicking here. Please donate generously and I will update with progress.
