I am planning to attempt a cycle ride from Calais to Mont Ventoux in the South of France. It will be a bike ride of 987 kilometres (613 miles) in 6 days - culminating in the legendary cycle climb to the summit of Ventoux at 1912 metres. Eight of us are doing this as a team to raise money for the Walton Centre's "Home from Home" appeal. The team includes a neurologist and a neurosurgeon from Walton! We are being supported by a local firm of solicitors, Fletchers in Southport - to whom we are incredibly grateful.

 

The Walton Centre is the specialist neurological and neurosurgical hospital in Liverpool where I am a neurologist. Our patients often travel far from home to receive the highly specialised treatment they need and while they are with us we badly need suitable accommodation in the hospital for their families and friends. 

 

I have been training since December and it has been tough. In the week, after work, it is indoor bike sessions and weights. At the weekend it is long training rides to build up endurance and distance. The winter weather has been a major challenge while increasing my mileage - so far I have crashed on black ice, been blown off the bike in a gale and run for home in a snowstorm.....but am slowly getting there - now up to 140km weekend rides. I will need to do up to 200km a day in France though.

 

To reach Mont Ventoux we will need to cycle the length of France. Starting from Calais we will do the distance in 6 stages, via St Quentin, Troyes, Dijon, Villefranche sur Saone, Lorial sur Drome and then arriving at Les Baronnies at the foot of Ventoux. We will need to cover  150-200km each day.

 

Mont Ventoux is a legend as one of the hardest climbs of the Tour de France, featuring as the finale of a stage on many occasions over the years - most recently the scene of Chris Froome's stage victory on Bastille Day during last year's tour. Cyclists from all over the world travel to France to attempt it. There are 3 routes to the summit but the one we will attempt is the southern one from Bedoin - the one used in the Tour de France. Unfortunately it is by far the most difficult, recognised as one of the toughest in cycling, climbing at a 10% gradient for 22km! It is characterised by heat, winds and a barren desert-like "moonscape" for the final 6km.

 

 I cycled up Ventoux with my sons in 2012 - it was hot and very hard. This time it will be after a 600 mile ride down the length of France to get there.

 

I hope you will feel able to support our effort to raise funds for this worthy cause in aid of patients and their families.

 

‘The Home from Home Appeal is aiming to raise £500,000 by December 2014 to provide Relatives’ Accommodation for families whose loved ones are undergoing lifesaving treatment at The Walton Centre’. 

 

 

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