Best Beginnings - London-Paris, 12th-15th Sept

12th - 15th Sept London - Paris

Best Beginnings

Having left the last group near the Eiffel Tower, I found myself driving late into the night back to Dieppe. Excited about meeting the next group, I was wondering how the stag party consisting of young actors and the famous Premiership footballer’s brother, would find day’s 2 & 3 of their challenge. Day 1 I missed as it clashed with my previous group.

I met the group in the early hours of the following morning upon their arrival in Dieppe. Needless to say they really were not that interested in meeting their soon to be mechanic/route layer at that time of the morning!

A few hours later and a late breakfast (well for the participants anyway), and there was an array of smiling faces. Except one that is. Ashley Walcott, yes older brother to Theo (Arsenal & England). Unfortunately on day one, home side of the channel Ashley had injured his leg. As you can imagine someone who is by profession a personal trainer and quite obviously from a very fit and sporting family, Ashley was somewhat devastated by his injury. He was not to ride at all on day two, but did well by completing day three of the challenge. Having spoken to him and knowing a little of his lifestyle & background Ashley would have more than likely been the fittest of the entire group. Therefore maybe he could come on another challenge next time, something longer like the Canadian Rockies? Ashley I hope you get to read this!

The actors, Leon Ockenden and his chums, what an energetic and fun loving bunch this lot were. The challenge was part of Leon’s stag weekend. Different but absolutely great at the same time. These guys laughed their way to Paris and one of them even managed to miss the professionally placed arrows twice, and get lost, or maybe it was just part of the script? 

I have two regrets from this trip, 1) I had no charge in my camera battery so therefore I couldn't take any pics of Leon dressed in his nappy and other typical stag paraphernalia and 2) that the stag party were unable to attend the celebration meal, as they had other plans once we arrived in Paris. It would I’m certain without doubt have been a lively meal!!

I think Leon is hooked on road cycling now. By the end of the tour he was telling me how he intended taking his road bike to Ireland on a three week acting job that he was shortly departing for. I hope he did, and likewise I hope to meet him again one day, a real charmer!

Three out of four.

Be back real soon