S Kinnimont
London to Paris Cycle April 2016
Fundraising for Young Lives vs Cancer
Story
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For anyone who knows me, you'll understand when I say "I'm not athletic by any stretch of the imagination". I hate, hate running, unless it involves chasing a ball or other fun inspired objects! However, I love, love cycling, although there's a bit of a wish list attached to that too. So in my younger days when I cycled across the United States, and along the beautiful terrain of Northern Spain and into Portugal, the larger open roads and the serene rural roads spanning the wonderful landscape of both continents, ticked all my boxes.
That was then, and this is now. The challenge of the London to Paris cycle is relatively HUGE for me, and one that I will peddle my little legs off toward achieving for CLIC Sargent!
So, why do it, why not take the sofa option and watch those that comfortably can ?
Well, a short while ago, my brother-in-law, Paul asked me to cycle with him and his team of colleagues to cover the London to Brighton challenge. This they would do to raise funds for CLIC Sargent and in memory of young Benny Boy Crutchley a very special young man who sadly lost his battle to cancer. Ben's father Nigel headed the team, raising money to support youngsters like Ben, their devoted families and the dedicated staff through CLIC Sargent. Their cycle ride was a great success, but the challenge continues. So I've now joined the team
justgiving CLIC Sargent and bennyboycrutchley fund
'Lots of children do recover from cancer but some, like Ben don't. 10 families each day in the UK are told that their child has cancer ' that's 10 more families like Ben's who will desperately need the help of CLIC Sargent.
I will be digging deep to meet the challenge of the London to Paris Cycle about to start next week April 20th 2016. Please join me on my journey and continue to sponsor what you can for this fantastic and invaluable cause. Knowing that I have your support and that you're with me, will push me through those 'tired miles' all the way to Paris.
Here is the challenge and journey to Paris :
Day 1: London to Calais ( Wed : 20/04/16)
Our challenge begins bright and early from Crystal Palace heading south enroute to the coast. Our long journey today takes us through rural Kent- the garden of England. Our path winds though traditional British countryside, along the North Downs Way before we reach the white cliffs of Dover. The ferry takes us across to Calais and our first nights resting place. 95 miles (approx)
Day 2: Calais to Abbeville (Thurs : 21/04/16)
La belle France! Stunning picturesque countryside awaits us in northern France as we travel south through some /beautiful quaint villages- do not be surprised to be greeted with a Bonjour Monsieur/Madame as you cycle past! Cycle through Desvres, a market town known for its ceramics and continue with the windy roads along the valley of the Canche River. The Artois region is amazing with the Spanish influenced town of Hesdin and its tremendous architecture and close proximity to the battle of Agincourt. We spend the night in Abbeville – steeped in history from the war and despite being destroyed in just one night it has managed to retain its beautiful gothic church. 75 miles (approx)
Day 3: Abbeville to Beauvais (Fri : 22/04/16)
Our route this morning follows the river Somme out of Abbeville. The Somme is perhaps most famous for its battles and you cannot fail to be reminded of the thousands who lost their lives in the war. But the Somme is also a Celtic word meaning tranquillity… so summing up the feeling of the day as you cycle through this superb region. After lunch you can enjoy the countryside with a little less ‘undulations’ than previous days. We finish the day in Beauvais where the market square, Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, is a true highlight. Several of the houses close to the Cathedral date back from the twelfth to the sixteenth centuries. 70 miles (approx)
Day 4: Beauvais to Paris (Sat : 23/04/16)
Our final day of cycling and the big push to Paris, our final destination. We are still treated to some stunning countryside including a lovely lunchtime in wooded area next to the River Oise. After lunch we near the outskirts of Paris and you will start to spot the familiar sights of the Eiffel Tower and the River Seine. We rendezvous in a park just north of Paris before joining together to cycle the last miles along some of the famous boulevards. Our finish point can be seen for miles above the Paris skyline and on arrival the celebration can begin! 60 miles (approx)
Day 5: Paris to London (Sun : 24/04/16)
The day is yours to soak up the Parisian way of life, explore the city, and visit the landmarks that only yesterday you were cycling by. We will meet in the afternoon at the Gare du Nord to catch our Eurostar home, arriving at St Pancras where you will be reunited with your bike and commence your onward journey home.
Are you with me? For children like Ben and all the families that will need the support of CLIC Sargent and to pack a BIG punch at cancer!