London to Paris Bike Ride

London to Paris Bike Ride

In my 30's I use to be reasonably fit (completed 24 hour 15 peak Snowdonia challenge and UK highest 3 peak challenge) but then children came along. Don't get me wrong, love them dearly and would not change a thing but by giving my all to the kids things like long walks, out on the hills, went out of the window.  I became a proud modern father and because both of us worked full time I helped with the cooking, taking the children to clubs, tidying the house, taking the children to school, ironing, taking the children to parties, helping with cleaning, taking the children swimming, well you get the idea not much time for excising.

Then the weight started to pile on, the alcohol consumption started to creep up before I knew it 30's have gone, 40's has disappeared in a flash and suddenly 50's is here with the children grown up and not needing me so much. My fitness levels has more or less disappeared with a walk round the block starting to become an effort.

Then a Facebook message pops up from my niece saying that she is doing a cycle ride from London to Paris (260 miles). I had a mad moment (probably the bottle of wine did not help) thinking, I can do that (whatever possessed me as the furthest I have ever been on a bike is probably 20 miles), and sent a message back saying if she could cope with an older (note I do not regard myself as old by a long shot) person tagging along I would like to join her.

She immediately replied before I could change my mind GREAT but you will have to train and then promptly sent me some links with training schedules http://london2paris.co.uk/

I am now committed having also promised to raise money for a couple of local charities, CADMHAS http://www.cadmhas.co.uk/ that advocates for those with mental health issues and Ty Gobaith (Welsh for Hope House) http://www.hopehouse.org.uk a local children's hospice.

The website training session is for 18 weeks but as we are going in September I am already 4 weeks behind.  I am therefore having to already push myself a bit harder but first week so far so good with 30 miles done and a longish bike ride to come over the weekend.

Will be cheating slightly as I will be using the spinning bike we have during the week but getting out on the road during the weekend.

What you might ask has a food blog got to do with a bike ride. The only caveat I have put in place for doing this ride is that we will be looking out for excellent food stops on the way to PARIS.  I will then post them on this site, if anybody out there has any suggestions please let me know.

Tomorrow morning out early for a 20 mile bike ride!!!