Severn Hospices Charity Challenge, London-Paris

10th - 13th Sept London-Paris

Severn Hospices Charity

I could see right from the word go, at our pre challenge departure hotel, that this group were going to be good. They had in all honesty been the best prepared group that I’d come across this season. The leader, Paul had spent many weekends organizing training rides that many of the participants so clearly had attended. I’d heard through the grapevine that he was providing pre ride and post ride snacks & brunches at his own home etc. Maybe that was the draw?

Not sure how true it was Paul, but if so it worked a treat.

The Severn Hospice riders were very keen. On day one every single one of them proudly wore the challenge shirt, and for probably the first time the residents of Bexley, Strood & Rochester knew exactly what the group of cyclists riding through their patch, stood for.

Now as I said, this lot were good but in any group engaged in an activity that is inherently a competitive one, there will be some that are better than others. Cue, the ‘A’ Team!

Mr Continental, Simon, Barry & Alan. These guys were not only good cyclists but excellent team players, you were a credit to the charity and although fantastic in the saddle you stayed with and helped others and did plenty of team work. A point to mention, Alan & Simon are both time trial-lists with 10mile personal bests below 23mins. I wonder if the tour mechanic could have given them a run for their money!!

We had hardly any mechanical problems or medical ones either, on this challenge. Another accurate indication of the team’s preparedness. They were a good group to work with, nice people and I hope to work with them again in the future, not to mention cycling with the The ‘A’ Team.

I’m sorry that I can’t mention all of the riders on this blog, but i’m sure that if any of you are reading this, then you’ll understand.

Unfortunately this was another occasion where the working situation dictated that I would not be able to enjoy the celebration dinner with the group. That was a shame, however maybe if i had attended I may have been duped into some race or challenge by my new friends.....

Who knows?

I left this group at the end and departed straight back to Dieppe to meet the next group.

Two out of four on the bounce completed.

Au revoir.