Cycle to Cannes
Building Magazine article - Mipim cycle ride sets off from Greenwich - click here to read
The Blog
11th March 2008 - Aix-Cannes
With the arrival time in Cannes set for 2.30, the first of the days three stages was set to be a very fast leg run at an average of over 30KPH. With this knowledge we decided to sit out this stage and coach on to the second. On the coach journey Dave started to feel queasy, but decided to ride Stage 2, not being able to stomach the heady atmosphere of the aroma of ralgex and the coach toilet. Dave did the final 2 stages of around 70 miles feeling very sick and not being able to take on any food and minimal liquid which was exacerbated by an incident with a car on the run in to Cannes.
Vernon was suffering with a very sore knee but held in well to to arrive on the Croissette in beautiful sunshine with the azure blue of the Med offset by the snow on the mountains in the background. It was a fantastic feeling to arrive after cycling 2 stages feeling so ill, not being able to take on any food and just hanging in. We celebrated with a handshake and a pat on the back that was about all we had the energy for.
After a lap of the Croissette we arrived to be greeted by some of the MIPIM delegates and to be awarded a medal. Unfortunately Dave had to miss the Plowman Craven party on the boat and the C2C party due to sickness but was ably represented by Vernon. The whole week had been a fantastic experience in excellent company and one not to be missed. A massive thankyou goes out to the organisers, back up crew and the motor bike outriders for making it such a good week.
10th March 2008 - Chanas to Aix
Today was a day of more climbs. Dave did a stage over and above his allocated stages. Dave's additional stage went past Ventoux.
The weather today was cold and windy again. On our second stage we cycled through some heavy rain. All our kit is really wet at the moment and our hotel hair dryers have come in handy.
We had some huge climbs today, one in particular never seemed to come to an end. Fortunately it was followed by a long desent in the driving rain. There were some hairy corners particularly in the rain.
2 crashes today could have ended up nasty but fortunately both riders were uninjured. One riders helmet was smashed which was a lesson to those who sometimes go out without one.
During this trip there has been a great team spirit with riders encouraging each other when they are struggling. The support crew have been fantastic throughout.
Tomorrow we head into Cannes.
9th March 2008 - Dijon to Chanas
We had a very strong head wind in our faces all day with intermittent rain and took turns riding directly into it on our first stage which was 36 miles. I nearly came off in that stage when I touched a wheel ahead of me when someone braked.
Dave and I also did stages 5 and 6 which was about 40 miles. It was an extremely difficult stage with 4 big climbs. I had to dig very deep to pull myself over the last climb. During that stage part of the peloton came down going up the hill. We finally came into the hotel car park in the dark at about 7pm. We had a little help up front from the strong riders who stayed up front for the entire stage. I so wish I was 10 kgs lighter when trying to climb some of those hills.
More sleep, a new back and a new knee would be much appreciated.
8th March 2008 - Reims to Dijon
Interesting start to the day - below freezing conditions and a start in the dark. A few km in the conditions changed to freezing fog hiding the vines in the Champagne region. 3 riders got lost in the fog!
The beginning of our day started with a pretty stiff climb. That stage was really enjoyable. Dave did an extra 2 stages bringing his total for the day to 117 miles. - the final stage starting with a hard climb and then an amazing decent into Dijon with the outriders expertly directing the riders through the rush hour.
7th March 2008 - Calais to Reims
Today consisted of 6 stages
We had to wake up at 4:45 for a 6am start. Dave did 5 of the stages totalling 160 miles. Dave started the first stage in darkness and had to rely on bike lights. Weather today was wet for a couple of hours, sunny and very windy all day. We were meant to have a tailwind which turned out to be cross wind in very open terrain.
We have been fed really well and have eaten loads all day. The French outriders have been really good at controlling the traffic.
My first stage went pretty well in the rain but I managed to pick up a lower back injury. The physio tried to sort it out. I struggled through the 2nd stage due to my back and got called off with a few other riders about 3/4 of the way into the stage.
I've got a appointment with the physio tonight so will have to see how I am tomorrow.
6th March 2008 - London to Folkestone
Today consisted of 3 stages
We assembled at Greenwich Park with 130 odd lycra clad Property industry riders.
Dave decided to do all 3 stages. He set off from Greenwich park at around 9:30 in the morning.Having to contend with the London traffic wasn't much fun but the support riders ensured it went smoothly.
I decided to do 2 stages - one which I had to do and the other an optional extra. After being on the road for about 15min my chain came off. Got that sorted out pretty quickly. Within the next 2 minutes I had a flat rear tyre. I then had the onerous task of trying to catch the bunch but wasn't able to get onto the big ring - another mechanical failure. I spent the rest of that stage trying to catch the bunch. The final stage went slightly better. My man flu last week hasn't helped my fitness.
The average speed of the day was 18mph but reached the mid 20's at times. A tailwind helped us get to the Euro Tunnel crossing early.
Up early tomorrow for a 6am departure.
Till tomorrow,
Regards
Vern and Dave
Daves Training Card
Saturday 9th Feb - 2 hours road
Sunday 10th Feb - 5 hours steady - around 80 miles
Monday 11th Rest
Tuesday 12th 1h15mins turbo
Wednesday 13th 2 hours road
Thursday 14th 1h15mins turbo
Friday 15th Rest
Saturday 16th 2 hours road in biting Easterly wind
Sunday 17th 5 hours road including 3 hrs 28 mins for Hemel Hempstead 100km reliability ride.- Very cold start
Vernons Training Card
Very busy week last week so training had to be on turbo only
Tues 19th - Turbo 1.5 hrs
Thurs 21st - Turbo 1.5 hrs
Sat 23rd - Turbo 2 hrs - Steady
Sun 24th - Turbo 1hr - Hard
Need to try and get out on the road this week as the turbo is getting a little boring.
Tuesday 11th Feb 08 got off the turbo and faced the elements for 1hr 20min
Thursday 13th Feb 08 did 1hr 20min on the lanes around Harpenden and St Albans
Friday 14th did a kilometre swim
Saturday 15th rode for 1hr 30min on the turbo trainer
Sunday 16th - lovely day did a 4hr ride in the Chilterns - felt strong - got quite a bit of hill training in that session
The Challenge
It would be challenging enough in a car, but in support of selected charities, Plowman Craven's Vern Horsley and Dave Rogers will be donning their lycra and lights and cycling from London to Cannes for MIPIM 2008.
As part of the annual organised charity ride "Cycle to Cannes" Dave and Vern will complete a minimum of 100km each per day as they raise money for LandAid, The Tom ap Rhys Pryce Memorial Trust, Sarah Matheson Trust and Architects for Aid (A4A).
In preparation for the epic ride they have both upped their time in the saddle, "it has provided just the motivation I need to get some exercise over the colder months" commented Vern, "but I am spending a lot of time on the indoor trainer!"
Dave is a little more old school and prefers road miles regardless of the weather "It'll be cold in northern France so I'll be used to it" he commented after a completing a weekend of long rides.
Each rider has pledged to raise £3,000 for the charities and staff, friends and family have all chipped in. In order to help them on the way we are seeking additional donations and messages of support.
If you would like to sponsor Dave and Vern please visit http://www.justgiving.com/cycletocannes