30 April
One tired pedaller (Ben) and one not so tired pedaller (Paul) arrived at Nevers at 4.40pm, having cycled for 37 miles.
Upon leaving Sancerre, this morning, they didn't need the wind behind them to clock up 6 miles in almost as many minutes - it was downhill all the way.
6 miles of downhill was soon obliterated by the remaining 31 miles to Nevers being "all ..... hills ....well again"!
They crossed (by bridge, I hope) the Loire and are roosting for the night on the South side of the town.
That was all the information given to me by one extremely tired and quiet Ben tonight.
Jenny
Thursday 30 April 2009
Wednesday 29 April 2009
WELCOME - SANCERRE
29 April
The bikers overcame their pessimism that they would not reach Sancerre today and, after 62 miles of pedalling, they reached today's goal. 45 miles of the journey was ideal biking terrain with long straight roads and just about zero traffic. As often happens when complacency takes hold, they were jolted into the real world of biking. The ensuing and final 15 miles of cycling was an endurance and fitness test - quote (Ben, of course) "...... hill after .....hill after ....hill with no ..... let up". They weren't average hills that you pedal up and down but, according to the boys, they went up for ever and came down very quickly. A quick phone call to announce that "we are .....again", followed by a phone call later, after eating and recharging energy levels, to say that Sancerre is beautiful with astounding panoramic views over the Loire and miles of incredible scenery.
Tomorrow is a return to a more leisurely 30-40 miles (downhill out of Sancerre) following the Loire, via Nevers, for how ever many days it takes them to reach LE PUY EN VELAY and the beginning of what this ride is all about - the official starting place of THE PILGRIMAGE TO SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA.
Ben and Paul will be commencing their own very special Pilgrimage and our two pedallers are having the time of their lives and the experience of a lifetime.
May the wind be always at their backs. May all good fortune and great happiness be with them both.
Jenny (who has removed the words 'web netbooks' from the English Dictionary)
The bikers overcame their pessimism that they would not reach Sancerre today and, after 62 miles of pedalling, they reached today's goal. 45 miles of the journey was ideal biking terrain with long straight roads and just about zero traffic. As often happens when complacency takes hold, they were jolted into the real world of biking. The ensuing and final 15 miles of cycling was an endurance and fitness test - quote (Ben, of course) "...... hill after .....hill after ....hill with no ..... let up". They weren't average hills that you pedal up and down but, according to the boys, they went up for ever and came down very quickly. A quick phone call to announce that "we are .....again", followed by a phone call later, after eating and recharging energy levels, to say that Sancerre is beautiful with astounding panoramic views over the Loire and miles of incredible scenery.
Tomorrow is a return to a more leisurely 30-40 miles (downhill out of Sancerre) following the Loire, via Nevers, for how ever many days it takes them to reach LE PUY EN VELAY and the beginning of what this ride is all about - the official starting place of THE PILGRIMAGE TO SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA.
Ben and Paul will be commencing their own very special Pilgrimage and our two pedallers are having the time of their lives and the experience of a lifetime.
May the wind be always at their backs. May all good fortune and great happiness be with them both.
Jenny (who has removed the words 'web netbooks' from the English Dictionary)
Tuesday 28 April 2009
A SEDATE DAY'S PEDALLING
28 April
A much more explicit report from the boys tonight with a broader spectrum of the English language.
40.03 miles on the bikes, having left Blois at 11.30 am and having had no joy over activating their web netbooks. It's not looking good if you are waiting for emails from them.
They had their first glimpse of the mighty and impressive River Loire, following a bike track to Chambord. The track took them along the Loire, through picturesque villages and woods - providing them with a perfect morning's travelling. They stopped for lunch at Chateau Chambord where there was no fine dining for our two - simply a bench outside and yesterday's pate and bread.
At 3 pm "the rain started to absolutely ...... down for two hours" until they arrived at Neung-sur-Beuvron, situated in asparagus growing country, and a bed for the night.
Tomorrow, they are fully intent on pulling out all the stops with aspirations of reaching Sancerre and, if they do reach Sancerre tomorrow evening, "we will be well and truly ........". They will be heading for Nevers - bypassing Orleans on the B923 (I hope that's right - a very crackly telephone line).
Sancerre is synonomous with wine - so there will be plenty of motivation to arrive there on time.
Jenny
A much more explicit report from the boys tonight with a broader spectrum of the English language.
40.03 miles on the bikes, having left Blois at 11.30 am and having had no joy over activating their web netbooks. It's not looking good if you are waiting for emails from them.
They had their first glimpse of the mighty and impressive River Loire, following a bike track to Chambord. The track took them along the Loire, through picturesque villages and woods - providing them with a perfect morning's travelling. They stopped for lunch at Chateau Chambord where there was no fine dining for our two - simply a bench outside and yesterday's pate and bread.
At 3 pm "the rain started to absolutely ...... down for two hours" until they arrived at Neung-sur-Beuvron, situated in asparagus growing country, and a bed for the night.
Tomorrow, they are fully intent on pulling out all the stops with aspirations of reaching Sancerre and, if they do reach Sancerre tomorrow evening, "we will be well and truly ........". They will be heading for Nevers - bypassing Orleans on the B923 (I hope that's right - a very crackly telephone line).
Sancerre is synonomous with wine - so there will be plenty of motivation to arrive there on time.
Jenny
27 APRIL CONT'D
A late addition for yesterday's information and very important/significant - according to the peddling pair:-
At some point towards the end of yesterday's ..... awful ride, they came upon a concrete bus shelter in the middle of nowhere and huddled up out of the ..... rain and wind, ate two kitkats, had a protracted fit of giggling at their demise and prayed that there would be a place to stay the night within a short distance. If not, they would have to live life to the full by turning back and sleeping in the bus shelter.
STRANGELY enough, they got on their bikes and in no time at all discovered the village of 'PRAY'.
Blois was very close and so was a bed for the night.
They will dine out on that one for many years to come.
Jenny
At some point towards the end of yesterday's ..... awful ride, they came upon a concrete bus shelter in the middle of nowhere and huddled up out of the ..... rain and wind, ate two kitkats, had a protracted fit of giggling at their demise and prayed that there would be a place to stay the night within a short distance. If not, they would have to live life to the full by turning back and sleeping in the bus shelter.
STRANGELY enough, they got on their bikes and in no time at all discovered the village of 'PRAY'.
Blois was very close and so was a bed for the night.
They will dine out on that one for many years to come.
Jenny
Monday 27 April 2009
WAS THIS A GOOD DAY?!
27 April
Ben and Paul could barely hold the phone and I swear that Ben was falling asleep as he uttered the minimum of words tonight.
Net result: - today's blog down the phone was sketchy and littered with expletives.
Approximately 70 miles of cycling with a 30 minute break for food. I would have to edit my own blog if I were to repeat what was said verbatim, so the dots are a substitute for one adjective that was repeatedly used by Ben:-
It was ....hill after...hill for .... miles and the ....wind was permanently .... head wind. When they had finished battle with the .... hills, it was one long .... plateau with no .... let up from the .... head wind and, just to make the ride even more .... enjoyable, it was constant .... rain from 11.20 am until they came to roost on the outskirts of Blois. It appears that their accommodation tonight makes a urinal look like a palace. I can't believe it - they were laughing!
Sounds like a good day was had by the biking boys. Ben has sent a considerable amount of gear back home - so his load is lightened. To date, Ben has fallen off his bike 5 times and last time he landed with a big bang on his hip replacement. Sighs of relief all round when Paul gathered him up and pedalling recommenced.
Phew!
Jenny (for and on behalf of Ben - no quick fix for their web netbooks)
Ben and Paul could barely hold the phone and I swear that Ben was falling asleep as he uttered the minimum of words tonight.
Net result: - today's blog down the phone was sketchy and littered with expletives.
Approximately 70 miles of cycling with a 30 minute break for food. I would have to edit my own blog if I were to repeat what was said verbatim, so the dots are a substitute for one adjective that was repeatedly used by Ben:-
It was ....hill after...hill for .... miles and the ....wind was permanently .... head wind. When they had finished battle with the .... hills, it was one long .... plateau with no .... let up from the .... head wind and, just to make the ride even more .... enjoyable, it was constant .... rain from 11.20 am until they came to roost on the outskirts of Blois. It appears that their accommodation tonight makes a urinal look like a palace. I can't believe it - they were laughing!
Sounds like a good day was had by the biking boys. Ben has sent a considerable amount of gear back home - so his load is lightened. To date, Ben has fallen off his bike 5 times and last time he landed with a big bang on his hip replacement. Sighs of relief all round when Paul gathered him up and pedalling recommenced.
Phew!
Jenny (for and on behalf of Ben - no quick fix for their web netbooks)
Sunday 26 April 2009
REST DAY
26 April
Ben and Paul had a perfect rest day. They were given the run of a farm house in the country - the owners having gone away last night and for the whole of today. Ben chilled out and looked after the farm dogs, while Paul meandered through the countryside on his bike - returning with food from the local village shops for their evening consumption.
Their plan is to cycle the 60 (approx) miles to Blois tomorrow, having enjoyed a relaxing day off with no traffic, no people and in the company of dogs and sheep (who don't have conversation or parler francais).
Jenny
Ben and Paul had a perfect rest day. They were given the run of a farm house in the country - the owners having gone away last night and for the whole of today. Ben chilled out and looked after the farm dogs, while Paul meandered through the countryside on his bike - returning with food from the local village shops for their evening consumption.
Their plan is to cycle the 60 (approx) miles to Blois tomorrow, having enjoyed a relaxing day off with no traffic, no people and in the company of dogs and sheep (who don't have conversation or parler francais).
Jenny
Saturday 25 April 2009
CHANGE OF SCHEDULE
25 April
Having discussed their route for today and tomorrow, Ben and Paul decided to bypass staying with Paul's friend and head for Blois (relatively near to Orleons) on the D97 road.
58.7 miles cycling achieved today and they are presently staying at a B & B in Saint-Martin des Monts for two nights - taking tomorrow as one of the designated 'rest days' on their way to Santiago de Compostela.
Still no sign of the web netbooks functioning which may soon become classified as unnecessary excess baggage. Their phone bills should soon motivate them to take a couple of hours off in the next large town to get their equipment mobilised and then the emails may start flowing.
Jenny
Having discussed their route for today and tomorrow, Ben and Paul decided to bypass staying with Paul's friend and head for Blois (relatively near to Orleons) on the D97 road.
58.7 miles cycling achieved today and they are presently staying at a B & B in Saint-Martin des Monts for two nights - taking tomorrow as one of the designated 'rest days' on their way to Santiago de Compostela.
Still no sign of the web netbooks functioning which may soon become classified as unnecessary excess baggage. Their phone bills should soon motivate them to take a couple of hours off in the next large town to get their equipment mobilised and then the emails may start flowing.
Jenny
Friday 24 April 2009
AN UPDATE ON SPONSORSHIP RECEIVED
24 April cont'd
The generosity of people is incredible.
At this precise point in time, sponsorship moneys received are:
Online (JustGiving): £1192.69 - includes gift aid
Offline donations: £2118.00 - with gift aid yet to be added
Which makes the grand total an amazing £3310.69 BEFORE gift aid is added to the offline donations.
FANTASTIC AND THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS SPONSORED OUR CYCLISTS - BEN AND PAUL
Jenny - she who keeps counting the money donated to the wonderful Parkinson's Research
The generosity of people is incredible.
At this precise point in time, sponsorship moneys received are:
Online (JustGiving): £1192.69 - includes gift aid
Offline donations: £2118.00 - with gift aid yet to be added
Which makes the grand total an amazing £3310.69 BEFORE gift aid is added to the offline donations.
FANTASTIC AND THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS SPONSORED OUR CYCLISTS - BEN AND PAUL
Jenny - she who keeps counting the money donated to the wonderful Parkinson's Research
A GOOD DAY
24 April
No blogs as yet from the boys. Their equipment is still dormant!
60 miles achieved today including three never-ending hills which tested both their stamina and endurance levels. A very quiet road boasting a metre-wide cycle path which, after cycling in England, was a joy and pleasurable cycling.
The weather was on their side when head wind transformed into wind up their derrieres. French bread and cheese on a bench in the village of La Loupe. Cycling through Belleme, they decided it was as 'upmarket' as it's twinned British town of Goring-on-Thames. Sadly, our upmarket pedallers displayed their downmarket sides when Paul's chain dropped off in the middle of the town which was closely followed by Ben's chain falling off. Perhaps the manifestation of their language then supported their fall from grace.
Tonight's accommodation is in Mamers and tomorrow it's onward to Loue and a welcome break from the euro by enjoying the comforts at the home of Paul's friend in Loue (near Le Mans).
There are moments that they mention when I wish I was a fly on the wall.
Jenny
No blogs as yet from the boys. Their equipment is still dormant!
60 miles achieved today including three never-ending hills which tested both their stamina and endurance levels. A very quiet road boasting a metre-wide cycle path which, after cycling in England, was a joy and pleasurable cycling.
The weather was on their side when head wind transformed into wind up their derrieres. French bread and cheese on a bench in the village of La Loupe. Cycling through Belleme, they decided it was as 'upmarket' as it's twinned British town of Goring-on-Thames. Sadly, our upmarket pedallers displayed their downmarket sides when Paul's chain dropped off in the middle of the town which was closely followed by Ben's chain falling off. Perhaps the manifestation of their language then supported their fall from grace.
Tonight's accommodation is in Mamers and tomorrow it's onward to Loue and a welcome break from the euro by enjoying the comforts at the home of Paul's friend in Loue (near Le Mans).
There are moments that they mention when I wish I was a fly on the wall.
Jenny
Thursday 23 April 2009
VOILA! CHARTRES
23 April
A phone call from the buoyant boys at 6.45 pm, enjoying a glass of 'vin rouge' outside a very beautiful Chartres cathedral.
A wonderful day's biking with one blip - Paul was first over a hill and following his nose, and his hunger, to a supermarket and Ben, having reached the top of the hill, saw a crossroads at the bottom but not Paul. 45 minutes later they were reunited and en route again to Chartres. 64.25 miles achieved today at an average speed of 10mph.
They may even hook up to a free wi-fi tonight and get on to their web netbooks. They may even, with a wing and a prayer, add their own blog to this one .....ever hopeful!
Jenny
A phone call from the buoyant boys at 6.45 pm, enjoying a glass of 'vin rouge' outside a very beautiful Chartres cathedral.
A wonderful day's biking with one blip - Paul was first over a hill and following his nose, and his hunger, to a supermarket and Ben, having reached the top of the hill, saw a crossroads at the bottom but not Paul. 45 minutes later they were reunited and en route again to Chartres. 64.25 miles achieved today at an average speed of 10mph.
They may even hook up to a free wi-fi tonight and get on to their web netbooks. They may even, with a wing and a prayer, add their own blog to this one .....ever hopeful!
Jenny
Wednesday 22 April 2009
A FRUSTRATING DAY
Wednesday 22 April
Ben and Paul are having big problems with their respective new pieces of equipment - their web netbooks. In other words, they are not functioning for email or internet purposes. Until they have activated their equipment, I am getting minimum info for the blogs! After a couple of frustrating hours in Rouen this morning, they gave up on finding a solution to the problem and got on their bikes. Heavy traffic and confusing road signs impaired their biking speed! Eventually arrived on to a very quiet road with great scenery where they cycled for a number of miles along the River ... L'Eure. Sunburnt, tired and stomachs rumbling they found accommodation in a peaceful village called Fontaine-sous-Jouy - having pedalled for 40 miles. 47 miles to achieve tomorrow if they are to reach their next assigned destination, Chartres.
Two minor problems during the day - one chain dropped off one bike and two bags dropped off the other bike and I just hope it didn't happen in the midst of the heavy traffic. Les Anglaises!
Jenny (again)
Ben and Paul are having big problems with their respective new pieces of equipment - their web netbooks. In other words, they are not functioning for email or internet purposes. Until they have activated their equipment, I am getting minimum info for the blogs! After a couple of frustrating hours in Rouen this morning, they gave up on finding a solution to the problem and got on their bikes. Heavy traffic and confusing road signs impaired their biking speed! Eventually arrived on to a very quiet road with great scenery where they cycled for a number of miles along the River ... L'Eure. Sunburnt, tired and stomachs rumbling they found accommodation in a peaceful village called Fontaine-sous-Jouy - having pedalled for 40 miles. 47 miles to achieve tomorrow if they are to reach their next assigned destination, Chartres.
Two minor problems during the day - one chain dropped off one bike and two bags dropped off the other bike and I just hope it didn't happen in the midst of the heavy traffic. Les Anglaises!
Jenny (again)
Tuesday 21 April 2009
DIEPPE - ROUEN
Neither Ben nor Paul - our pedallers - are fit to blog tonight! Very calm ferry crossing this morning and then, upon arrival at Dieppe, they actually commenced pedalling.
Great cycling weather, 46.91 miles of beautiful scenery, the most courteous and considerate drivers (drivers have the greatest of respect for cyclists in France - long may that last, over the weeks ahead!) and THEN five rather steep hills hampered their speedy progress. Having overcome the obstacles, rather tired and rather hungry they arrived in Rouen at 9 pm, only to find a shortage of vacancies for an overnight stay.
Well, that only leaves approximately 1,453 miles to go.
Jenny
Great cycling weather, 46.91 miles of beautiful scenery, the most courteous and considerate drivers (drivers have the greatest of respect for cyclists in France - long may that last, over the weeks ahead!) and THEN five rather steep hills hampered their speedy progress. Having overcome the obstacles, rather tired and rather hungry they arrived in Rouen at 9 pm, only to find a shortage of vacancies for an overnight stay.
Well, that only leaves approximately 1,453 miles to go.
Jenny
Monday 20 April 2009
AU REVOIR
Still not in biking mode - heading for a beer or something stronger, I guess.
They have arrived at Newhaven where, we can only suppose, they have found another watering hole.
Wait until they sit on their saddles and actually do some pedalling from Dieppe tomorrow - an enormous shock to their rear ends and their saddles. Head wind will bring the alcohol levels down.
Jenny
THE PEDALLERS AND THEIR CHAUFFEUR
A photo of Ben, Paul and Reinhard. Excellent publicity for Baytree Garden Centre!
Once they ferry over the water, Ben will - hopefully - be taking over the reins as head blogger for his site.
Jenny
AWAY THEY GO!
20 April 2009
The first leg of the journey - via a Baytree Garden Centre van and Reinhard as chauffeur - to Peterborough station!
Bon voyage Ben and Paul
Have a great time and enjoy all that bloody pedalling.
From those you left behind
Jenny
Saturday 18 April 2009
FANTASTIC!
Well .... thanks to everyone, sponsorship actually received and passed on to Parkinson's has already passed well over the £2000 mark! What a great way for Ben to start pedalling and what a boost for him to know how much support he is receiving.
He is just about ready for 'the off' - onwards and upwards, Ben!
Here's to the Pyrenees!
Jenny
He is just about ready for 'the off' - onwards and upwards, Ben!
Here's to the Pyrenees!
Jenny
Thursday 16 April 2009
SPONSORSHIP ALREADY RECEIVED
16 April 2009
Sponsorship monies already received, including those on Ben's 'JustGiving' page, have reached an amazing £1,745 and that is without the addition of gift aid or sponsorship received on Paul's JustGiving page.
A very big thank you to everyone who has sponsored Ben and supported Parkinson's Disease Research.
Jenny
Sponsorship monies already received, including those on Ben's 'JustGiving' page, have reached an amazing £1,745 and that is without the addition of gift aid or sponsorship received on Paul's JustGiving page.
A very big thank you to everyone who has sponsored Ben and supported Parkinson's Disease Research.
Jenny
Wednesday 15 April 2009
HERE THEY ARE!
15 April 2009
A recent photo of Paul Winn and Ben - the pedalling pair - adhering to their stringent pre-marathon training regime. More than likely off to the pub.
We all wish them well and happy days ahead.
Jenny
Tuesday 14 April 2009
THE FIRST STAGE
THIS BLOG SITE HAS BEEN NAMED 'PEDDLING FOR PARKINSON'S' KNOWING FULL WELL THAT PEDDLING HAS BEEN MISPELT! There is already a site 'pedaling for Parkinson's' in existence.
14 April 2008
Just beginning to set up Ben's pedalling blog, one week before his marathon bike ride commences.
20 April: Paul Winn and Ben travel - by train, can you believe - from Peterborough to Newhaven.
21 April: Paul and Ben travel - by ferry (where are those bicycles?) from Newhaven to Dieppe.
21 April: Upon arrival at Dieppe, the cycling begins AND it's all the way to Santiago de Compostela - 1500 miles
Watch this space
Jenny
14 April 2008
Just beginning to set up Ben's pedalling blog, one week before his marathon bike ride commences.
20 April: Paul Winn and Ben travel - by train, can you believe - from Peterborough to Newhaven.
21 April: Paul and Ben travel - by ferry (where are those bicycles?) from Newhaven to Dieppe.
21 April: Upon arrival at Dieppe, the cycling begins AND it's all the way to Santiago de Compostela - 1500 miles
Watch this space
Jenny
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