The final day started with a lie in- until 5.45am! Breakfast was at 6 and we were on the road by 7am.
I spent the day with my knee tapped up with blue tape- it was a bit sore but held up enough to get me to the end.
We had 3 stages to complete, totalling about 100 miles through rolling countryside. For the first time, I was able to put on a short sleeved top (with leg and arm warmers!) as the sun tried to poke its way through the clouds.
The first stage, 60 km, was pretty quick and uneventful. Our second stage, a further 60 km, included a race to the top of a substantial hill and was followed by a welcome lunch.
For the final stage, Olympic silver medalist Lizzie Armitage arrived to cycle with us to the finish line. For some reason, she turned up in Mark Cavendish's flashy car- which generated almost as much interest as she did! We cycled 40 km mainly downhill, with the sun out enough to take off my leg warmers for the first time!
We arrived in Cannes just as Boris Johnson was making a speech- and had to wait just around the corner for about 15 minutes before being allowed to cycle in. We cycled in as we had left London- in the rain! There were plenty of people there to welcome us and ther ewas a great sense of achievement.
It was a really great ride- my knee is sore and I have a few saddle sores but the bike was fantastic and I feel better at the end of it than I did last time!
I was able to make a speech last night at the Invest in Nottingham dinner and am enjoying the sunshine and t shirt weather here in Cannes.
Thanks for following my journey. There is still time to help bring my fundraising total up, and I would really appreciate your support.
www.justgiving.com/jonathan-collins1
Wednesday 13 March 2013
Monday 11 March 2013
Day 6: only 120 miles to go!
As I write this I am sat in the physio room was an acupuncture needle in my very sore knee. Today was tough, and I completed 4 out of 5 stages.
I managed the first two stages this morning, but had to skip the middle one because of a very painful knee. I then completed the final 2 stages of the day. It was tough, but knowing tomorrow is the final day does help!
The weather was slightly better today, although still not what you imagine when you think of Cannes!
I am hoping that a night of rest will enable me to complete the final 120 miles tomorrow without my knee causing too many problems.
Here are some photos to give you an idea of the ride so far.
Jon
I managed the first two stages this morning, but had to skip the middle one because of a very painful knee. I then completed the final 2 stages of the day. It was tough, but knowing tomorrow is the final day does help!
The weather was slightly better today, although still not what you imagine when you think of Cannes!
I am hoping that a night of rest will enable me to complete the final 120 miles tomorrow without my knee causing too many problems.
Here are some photos to give you an idea of the ride so far.
Jon
Day 5: 94 miles complete
Apologies for posting this late- thanks for your concern- I am still going!
Yesterday I cycled a further 94 miles in the fog and cold. The sun did make a brief appearance but once again we finished in the rain.
It was another early start and late finish- on the road at 6am finishing at 8.30pm. Definitely looking forward to arriving in Cannes.
Today's weather is slightly better, the sun is beginning to peak through the clouds. I hope to get some pictures up later too.
Appreciate your support.
Jon
Yesterday I cycled a further 94 miles in the fog and cold. The sun did make a brief appearance but once again we finished in the rain.
It was another early start and late finish- on the road at 6am finishing at 8.30pm. Definitely looking forward to arriving in Cannes.
Today's weather is slightly better, the sun is beginning to peak through the clouds. I hope to get some pictures up later too.
Appreciate your support.
Jon
Saturday 9 March 2013
Day 4: "The worst weather ever"
The organisers chose to tell us today that this was the worst weather ever experienced on the Cycle to Cannes. The rain and wind continue to make the long distances even more strenuous than anticipated.
I got up at 4.45 this morning, had breakfast at 5am at got back on my bike. I felt a little sore after the 197 miles completed just yesterday. The first stage went fine, but the second was really difficult. We were cycling into the cold, driving wind and the rain was coming down. My bike seemed to struggle with the conditions, as did I! The bike was slipping gears, caked in mud and experiencing all kinds of problems. Unfortunately, this meant I had to skip a stage.
Over our lunch break, I managed to fix the bike and was riding again this afternoon. I was feeling much better, but I got absolutely drenched once again.
So here we are- 3 cycling days down- 3 to go! Here's hoping the weather picks up tomorrow!
p.s I would be very grateful for any sponsorship to keep me going! Thanks. https://www.justgiving.com/Jonathan-Collins1
I got up at 4.45 this morning, had breakfast at 5am at got back on my bike. I felt a little sore after the 197 miles completed just yesterday. The first stage went fine, but the second was really difficult. We were cycling into the cold, driving wind and the rain was coming down. My bike seemed to struggle with the conditions, as did I! The bike was slipping gears, caked in mud and experiencing all kinds of problems. Unfortunately, this meant I had to skip a stage.
Over our lunch break, I managed to fix the bike and was riding again this afternoon. I was feeling much better, but I got absolutely drenched once again.
So here we are- 3 cycling days down- 3 to go! Here's hoping the weather picks up tomorrow!
p.s I would be very grateful for any sponsorship to keep me going! Thanks. https://www.justgiving.com/Jonathan-Collins1
Friday 8 March 2013
Day 3: 195 is a long way!
Last night ended with a slight hiccup as i arrived in france but my luggage remained in Dover. However many tops you have packed, if they get left behind your wet kit is the only thing to turn to!
Another early morning today, getting up at 4.30 for a 6am start. It wasn't raining too much this morning but it was rather foggy! Our views of the French countryside were rather obscured by the fog, but I could see that it was flat and muddy.
By lunchtime it was raining more, and the 95 miles cycled already felt quite a long way. And we still had another 100 to go.
I didn't arrive at the finish point for today until 9pm....197 miles completed today, drenched and still another four days to go!
I hope you will think about sponsoring me if you haven't already- 938 miles in the pouring rain is a long way!
Another early morning today, getting up at 4.30 for a 6am start. It wasn't raining too much this morning but it was rather foggy! Our views of the French countryside were rather obscured by the fog, but I could see that it was flat and muddy.
By lunchtime it was raining more, and the 95 miles cycled already felt quite a long way. And we still had another 100 to go.
I didn't arrive at the finish point for today until 9pm....197 miles completed today, drenched and still another four days to go!
I hope you will think about sponsoring me if you haven't already- 938 miles in the pouring rain is a long way!
Thursday 7 March 2013
Day 2: London to the Channel Tunnel
Today marked the first day of six cycling down to Cannes.
Waking up early this morning, I saw that the forecasted light rain was much heavier than hoped! We met at the start point at 7.30. By this point, I was already quite wet....
By the time we stopped for lunch, I was drenched! Lunch basically consisted of chocolate bars- nothing like some nutrition for a long ride! After our break, we got back on our bikes and headed towards the euro tunnel.
We arrived there just after 4pm. I was soaked and covered in mud, but otherwise ok. I cant help but wish that I had invested in some mud guards!
70 miles down, only 850 odd to go! Here's hoping the French weather is kinder to us!
Waking up early this morning, I saw that the forecasted light rain was much heavier than hoped! We met at the start point at 7.30. By this point, I was already quite wet....
By the time we stopped for lunch, I was drenched! Lunch basically consisted of chocolate bars- nothing like some nutrition for a long ride! After our break, we got back on our bikes and headed towards the euro tunnel.
We arrived there just after 4pm. I was soaked and covered in mud, but otherwise ok. I cant help but wish that I had invested in some mud guards!
70 miles down, only 850 odd to go! Here's hoping the French weather is kinder to us!
Wednesday 6 March 2013
Day 1: Nottingham to London
Today, I have packed my bags and made my way to London ready to start cycling tomorrow.
And when I say bags, I mean bags. With a total of 3 kit bags and more riding tops than there are days to ride, I am certainly well prepared. I have packed for every eventuality- hoping for the best!
The journey hit a slight road bump before it got started as I tried to work out how I could get my bike across London. The organisers only had space for 20 bikes and mine was not one of them. In the end, I have found a way to get both myself and my bike to the start line in time to be on my way tomorrow.
I am staying just outside of London tonight as I prepare myself mentality to begin the race. For the first time, I am beginning to feel a bit nervous about the journey- 938 miles is a long way to cycle! But I am excited to get going and still hoping to complete the whole course.
I am very pleased that I have almost passed the £1000 mark on my Just Giving page, raising funds for the Karen Green Foundation. I would really appreciate any further donations to help me make a difference and to spur me on!
Thanks for your support,
Jon
My bike for the journey:
And when I say bags, I mean bags. With a total of 3 kit bags and more riding tops than there are days to ride, I am certainly well prepared. I have packed for every eventuality- hoping for the best!
The journey hit a slight road bump before it got started as I tried to work out how I could get my bike across London. The organisers only had space for 20 bikes and mine was not one of them. In the end, I have found a way to get both myself and my bike to the start line in time to be on my way tomorrow.
I am staying just outside of London tonight as I prepare myself mentality to begin the race. For the first time, I am beginning to feel a bit nervous about the journey- 938 miles is a long way to cycle! But I am excited to get going and still hoping to complete the whole course.
I am very pleased that I have almost passed the £1000 mark on my Just Giving page, raising funds for the Karen Green Foundation. I would really appreciate any further donations to help me make a difference and to spur me on!
Thanks for your support,
Jon
My bike for the journey:
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