Hello everyone,

On Monday the 14th of June I will start on my journey from London to Paris.

Setting off from Big Ben, Westminster, I will be cycling 60 miles to the South Coast (Newhaven) where I will take an overnight ferry across the channel. From Dieppe it is roughly 100 miles to the Eiffel Tower, which will form the finish line for my journey. I plan to take only the essentials I will need: tent, clothing, food, drinks, and aim to hit about 60 miles per day, which roughly equates to 6 hours in the saddle at a steady pace.

This trip is going to be fun, but it's not just about soaking up the French scenery. I'd like to make it really worthwhile and raise some money for Cancer Research UK, a richly deserving charity that need no introduction. We all know the sobering statistics when it comes to cancer, and also the amazing work Cancer Research UK does. I lost my grandparents to cancer and feel that this ride will perhaps in some small way help in the future to finally beat this terrible illness. 

I will attempt to post updates and photos during my trip at internet cafes where possible, and am currently busy making arrangements with equipment, train/ferry tickets and route preparation.I've already found a 'suitable' bike... a lovely second hand (brown, painted with wood paint) Dawes 'Fox' tourer... It's a bit rusty and shabby round the edges but it should get me there (fingers crossed).

Any support that you can offer would be greatly appreciated, all donations will go to Cancer Research UK.

Thanks, and wish me luck!

Maurice

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Update: Thursday 17th June

Right, just incase everyone thought i had dissapeared on my travels im pleased to say I arrived in paris on tuesday evening checking into the campsite before cycling to the eiffel tower for the photo finish (well kind off) the photos didnt come out brilliantly because off my cash convertors canera bargain also taking equally poor photos! and i am typing on a french keyboard so am struggeling to find all of the letters!

the trip turned out as follows:

Sat 12th June - Burwell - Cambridge 11 miles (setting out at 3am to catch the train to london.

Train to London Liverpool st (first cock up, i was hoping to get to kings cross so had a nice detour of the tower of london.

London - Plumpton 80 miles (then cycled to next village to watch england vs USA....verdict poor.

Sun 13th June - Plumpton - Newhaven 15 miles

Ferry to Dieppe

Dieppe - Neufachatel camping sainte claire 21 miles

Monday 14th of june - Neufachatel - Hennonville camping - 60 miles

Tuesday 15th June - Hennonville to Marines Tabac coffee shop. Bumped into Rob a cyclist from the ferry who was also doing the same route: With his help we both set off together for the next part of the journey!

Marines - Pöissy - 50 miles

Poissy - Paris - 20 miles

Tuesday 16th June - site seeing around paris on bike, cycled de champs elyees, arc de triomphe

These are estimates as I dont have the exact figures on me!

anyway enjoy the photos: and there will be more i hope; from the freindly people I have met on the way!

thanks everyone for their support. Really am incredibly  pleased with the out come of the trip!

Maurice