London - Paris 3rd - 6th Sept 2010

Just back from a another London - Paris trip. As usual it was a three day cycling event, with a day either side for us staff. Unfortunately once again I didn’t get to ride and I won’t on these trips anyway. It is a shame as riding is my foremost passion, fixing bikes and working around them comes second, closely though... so no problems.

Well the event went well and the 60 participants were a great group. This was an open challenge and many different ones were being represented. The ride was successful and there were no logistical or hotel muck ups, everyone slept in the right place at the right time.

I just want to make a special mention about three of the participants; first Darren Tapper & Ben Higham who rode for 9 days from John O Groats to London to arrive for the next three days of London - Paris. They cycled well and amazingly neither of them had road bikes, one had a mountain bike and the other a hybrid. A big well done guys, your families and your chosen charity should be and I’m sure are, all very proud of you both.

Secondly and this fellow was not so fortunate. One of the more senior riders John Bush had a nasty spill less than half way through day one, somewhere on the outskirts of the Kent countryside. 

At the point of impact John was riding alone and therefore he had no one to help him. He cannot recall the accident and when he was found he was in quite a bad way. In the picture above, you can see him with Carlotta one of our tour managers. Underneath the bandages on his head are 6 stitches in his left ear. Some of his ear was ripped down to the  cartilage. He also had numerous abrasions and lacerations which were to most parts of his upper left torso & head.

Three & a half hours in Ashford Kent Accident & Emergency and a CT scan, showed there were no serious injuries. This I’m absolutely certain of, was down to wearing a cycling helmet. Personally, I feel that had John not been wearing one, the injuries would have been far more serious. John intends to keep the helmet that saved him, to use as evidence and a visual aid for his up & coming war stories... Did I tell you about the time I cracked a rib in the Velodrome.... sorry I digress!

Unfortunately John was unable to continue his charity cycle ride, although he did remain on the trip. I’m sure one day he’ll be back to finish the task that he set out to do. If you’re reading this mate, I’d love to get some miles in with you. You’re a good rider so get better soon and back in the saddle.

Well 48hrs rest & recuperation and I’m almost ready to begin the next one. Same route, same agenda. ‘Severn Hospice’ is the charity benefitting from this next one, so more on that next time. I will be remaining in France at the end of the event and joining the following one for ‘Best Beginnings’. Who knows there may even be some well known faces on that one, hint, hint!

Bye for now.