- One thing that some cyclists do are longer bike rides. These might be multi day trips or one really long ride of a hundred miles or more. ( Ms. Ava Connor)
100 miles or more? HA HA LOL . Like that’s going to happen….
Pedal2Paris was AWESOME!
Those of you who have been loyally following ‘The Awesome Hen’ will know that at the end of last year I had a sudden rush of blood to the head & signed up for the Royal British Legion’s Pedal to Paris 2014 Bike Ride. It was an attempt to do something personally to honour the memories of the Bede Boys -WLS, Tutty and Bob H and to commemorate the Centenary of WW1 by trying to raise money to help today’s gallant service men and women and their families.
Nearly 300 cyclists gathered at Greenwich
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysrMJjG_ANk
to start the ride and we all finished at the Arc de Triomphe 4 days later.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CT_0TktHNIU
It was one of the very best experiences of my life; I loved every minute! Without your fantastic support, I could not have done it and I thank all of you very much indeed.
By looking on the web-site of the Royal British Legion, you can see how the charity uses money raised in donations to improve the lives of servicemen and their families. By looking at my blog (Category: ycling from London to Paris) you can read about my efforts to learn to ride a bike properly and (LOL) turn myself into a long distance cyclist.
Yours encouraging anyone who’s thinking about doing something similar to go ahead and do it – it was fabulous!
PEDAL2PARIS 2014
WITH THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION
WAS
AWESOME!!!!
The Route!
View Pedal to Paris in a larger map
THE
CAUSE
WAS
AWESOME!!!
Wreaths were laid to commemorate those who died:
and funds raised to support for those who survive:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Ajzy9fjfLtU
(youtube video source: The Royal British Legion)
THE GENEROSITY OF MY
KIND SPONSORS
WAS
AWESOME!!!
THE
ROYAL
BRITISH
LEGION’S
LEGENDARY ORGANISATION AND SUPPORT TEAMS
WERE
AWESOME!!!
(photo credit: Dave Hayward)
MY
FELLOW CYCLISTS
WERE
AWESOME!!!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysrMJjG_ANk
(Youtube video source: British Forces News)
THE WELCOME OUR
FRENCH HOSTS
GAVE US
WAS
AWESOME!!!
They welcomed us with ceremonies at their war memorials in Calais:
Abbeville:
Beauvais:
and at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier under the Arc de Triomphe in Paris:
(photo credits: Dave Hayward)
with bunting in Auchy la Montagne
and with a feature article written by Monique Biéri the ‘Courrier Picard ‘ at Poix de Picardie:
THE
CONSTANT SUPPORT
I WAS GIVEN
BY MY FAMILY & FRIENDS
WAS
AWESOME!!!
both before:
and afterwards:
W. L. S.
(WHO SURVIVED FIGHTING ON THE FRONT LINE IN 2ND YPRES IN 1915
& IN WHOSE MEMORY
I PEDALLED TO PARIS)
WAS
AWESOME!!!
both in his youth:
and in his old age:
THANK YOU ALL SO, SO MUCH!
Yours feeling absolutely thrilled to have been part of The Royal British Legion’s Pedal2Paris ride, 2014,
Pedal2Paris Day 4!
Pedal2Paris Day 4!
Day 4: Beauvais to Paris (100.8km)
taken from the P2P itinerary – The Royal British Legion.
Enjoy the mounting sense of anticipation as you leave Beauvais for the final stretch to Paris. After lunch, you will merge together into one massive peloton for your triumphant entry into Paris.
From the outskirts of the city, Paris police accompany you, sirens blaring, as you wind through city streets to your final destination. Your first view of the Arc de Triomphe as you turn the corner is a magical moment that you will never forget. We are the only bike ride other than the Tour de France that the roads around the Arc are closed fo and cycling around this iconic monument with 300 cyclists is thrilling end to your exhilarating, unforgettable adventure.
But it’s not quite over yet. Before celebrations begin you will, as a group, parade up to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier beneath the iconic Arc. During a poignant ceremony, cycling becomes secondary for a few minutes as we remember all those in our Armed Forces who are away from home serving their country – some of them in difficult and dangerous surroundings. What better way to “Stand shoulder to shoulder with all who Serve”?.
But the evening is all about celebration as we toast your fantastic achievement! As your bike heads back to London, you travel by coach to your hotel and a final celebratory dinner together, hosted by The Royal British Legion.
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Day 4 – Beauvais to Menucourt
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Menucourt
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Day 4 Menucourt to Paris
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Paris
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and here are the very last hills for our trip:
Yours thrilled to bits to be in Paris!
Pedal2Paris Day 3!
Pedal2Paris Day 3!
Information taken from: P2P itinerary – The Royal British Legion.
Day 3: Abbeville to Beauvais (106.9km)
Following a rousing send-off from the people of Abbeville, we continue our cycling by heading south through the Somme region.
The Somme is remembered for the terrible battles of the First World War and the beautiful countryside is studded with cemeteries and other poignant reminders of the thousands of men who lost their lives. You will continue through the Oise Region of Picardie and in the afternoon there will be a special reception at the small village of Auchy La Montagne, where each year the villagers give us a wonderful welcome in thanks for their liberation by British Forces in the Second World War.
The day ends with a ceremony at the war memorial in Beauvais followed by a drinks reception at the Fire Station, before coaches take you to your hotels.
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Day 3 – 7.00am breakfast in hotels 7.40am coach from Cap Hornu 8.00am coaches from Ibis and Mecure hotels 8.45am War Memorial ceremonyDepartures at 9.00am, 9.45am and 10.00am |
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Day 3 – Abbeville to Poix de Picardie
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Poix de Picardie
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Day 3 – Poix de Picardie to Auchy la Montagne
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Auchy la Montagne
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Day 3 – Auchy la Montagne to Beauvais
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Beauvais
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Here is the map for the hills:
Yours with only one more day to go until PARIS!!!
Pedal2Paris Day 2!
Pedal2Paris Day 2!
Information taken from: P2P itinerary – The Royal British Legion.
Day 2: Calais to Abbeville (120.9km)
A moving ceremony at the Calais War Memorial begins our first day in France. After laying a wreath of Remembrance, set off south-west through the beautiful undulating fields and open countryside of the Pas de Calais region. Cycling is the national sport of France and you’ll receive a warm welcome with locals cheering and waving you on your way.
Rolling road-closures and our fleet of support vehicles make sure you need stop for no-one as you cycle to ancient Desevres for lunch. You’ll then pass through the picturesque villages of Roussent and Crécy-en-Ponthieu. Our final leg of the day will bring you to the stunning town of Abbeville, which lies on the River Somme. Abbeville suffered badly in a German air raid in WW2 but its beautiful Flemish-style architecture is still in evidence.
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Calais Town Hall
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Day 2 – Calais to Desvres
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Desvres
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Day 2 – Desvres to Roussent
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Roussent
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Day 2 – Roussent to Crècy-en-Ponthieu
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Crècy-en-Ponthieu pit stop
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Crècy-en-Ponthieu to Abbeville
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Abbeville
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and this is what the hills will be like:
Yours very pro the ‘plain sailing bits’,
Pedal2Paris Day 1
Pedal2Paris Day 1
Information taken from : P2P itinerary – The Royal British Legion..
Pedal to Paris
The Royal British Legion’s signature bike ride. 300 cyclists on a 4-day ride to Paris with a triumphant finish at the Arc de Triomphe. The starting point is Greenwich Park. Please note: Google maps add the distance and DRIVING time to this map. Cycling time is not included.
Day 1: London to Calais (129km)
Leave the capital bright and early from Greenwich Park, accompanied by our motorbike outriders, and head for the coast through some of Kent’s finest scenery.
Leave the capital bright and early from Greenwich Park, accompanied by our motorbike outriders, and head for the coast through some of Kent’s finest scenery.
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Start – Greenwich Park
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Day 1 – Greenwich to Aylesford
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Royal British Legion Village, Alyesford
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Day 1 – Aylesford to Sellindge
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Sellindge Sports and Social Club
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Day 1 – final leg to Dover
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Dover
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Ferry to Calais
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There’s been a lot of talk on here about tough hills, so we asked the super-efficient P2P organisers to highlight key elevation moments that might be challenging. Here’s what they told us…
Yours, not quite believing that I’m really on my way!
The Die is Cast!
The Die is Cast!
I’ve been for my last training ride.
I thought it would be miserable as it was starting to rain, but it turned out to be brilliant fun!
Under Starter’s Orders:
I was just putting on my helmet when Sir Plym appeared driving his lawnmower. He’d been cutting the grass in the churchyard and on the spur of the moment, he challenged me to a race down The Street. The Agent drew up the course with the starting line at the church lych gate and the finish at the Ox and Moose. Lady Egality was in charge of waving the chequered flag, aka her hat.
We set off and I couldn’t believe it – it wasn’t even neck and neck. Maybe I will be fast enough to keep up with everyone else on the Pedal2Paris.
An encouraging email:
I have been so anxious recently about riding slowly – every other cyclist I meet on the road seems to overtake me. However just after my race, I received an email from kind Dan, the Events Administrator for The Royal British Legion.
Please do not worry about your speed, I am sure you will be fine and find plenty of company in one of our speed groups and our ride captains (they’ll be the riders in red) are a fantastic help.
Don’t you think that is encouraging? It never occurred to me that there might be anyone slow in a ‘speed’ group – perhaps I’ll find a cycling buddy!
And…the thought of ride captains who ‘help’ is very reassuring.
A new shirt arrives!
There was also an exciting post this morning. The Royal British Legion has sent me an official shirt to wear!
Isn’t the bit with the supporters cheering us all on, shouting, Bon Courage ! & Allez ! fab ?
The die is cast!
I’ve been for my last training ride. It is now too late for me to get any better at cycling, any fitter or any faster.
The die is cast!
Yours, beginning to get really excited,
I have just found this message on the RBL’s Facebook page:
You’ve all been training so hard and putting so much time into fundraising for the Legion, we wanted to say ‘well done’
– and remind you of the important work the charity will be able to do thanks to your superb efforts. Give yourself a pat on the back!
I should like to pass my pat onto all those who have so kindly and generously sponsored me.
Thank you all so much!
Stop Press:
I’ve just been looking on the website of the Paris hotel where the RBL have kindly booked me a room to stay in on Sunday night should I actually manage to stagger up to the Arc de Triomphe..
Here is a promotional photograph showing a suggested ‘leisure’ activity:
Is someone having a laugh?
Read More
Total Panic!
Total Panic!
Today I found this picture on the Royal British Legion’s Facebook page:
then I found this:
Hi All, just thought I’d introduce myself. I’m one of the Paramedics who will be riding with you to Paris. See you soon. Wiggy
and then this:
All these riders from the Pedal2Paris 2013 ride, seem to be on stretcher tables although the girl in the foreground looks quite jolly which is something…
I am not very brave. I don’t mean to be ungrateful or rude, but I don’t want to see a Paramedic soon, even though Wiggy sounds absolutely charming. Do you think I am over-reacting?
In just 2 weeks, I’ll find out if I’m a feckless grasshopper instead of a worthy ant…
Oh no!
Yours thinking I should find a paper bag to start hyperventilating into,
And now I see that another new picture horror has just been posted onto the Royal British Legion’s Pedal 2 Paris Facebook page:
I think this is called ‘showing off ‘, don’t you? The cyclist is smiling for goodness’ sake.
Read More
It’s Time to Put the Pressure On!
It’s Time to Put the Pressure On!
I’m having some qualms about cycling to Paris. Look what’s been posted on the Royal British Legion’s Facebook page:
Less than three weeks to the starting pistol, how’s the training going?
Are you working on your average speed, long distances, uphill slogging (we’ve heard the approach to Dover is tough) – or are you putting your feet up and preserving your energy?
That word ‘slogging’ sounds dubious; don’t you think the RBL gurus are trying to tell me something? I sense the bit about putting my feet up and preserving my energy is code for LOL.
The comments that other Pedal2Paris riders are leaving on the RBL Facebook page are also giving me pause for thought. Several mention 100 mile + training rides which ‘help to get saddle time’.
Oh no…. And now the Agent has kitted me out so beautifully, I can’t even blame my tools.
Yours feeling quite sick about that approach to Dover,
Read More
Paris is only 4 weeks away!
Paris is only 4 weeks away!
The final countdown for the Poppy Bike ride has begun.
The Royal British Legion has just published this message on its facebook page:
I’m not sure whether to be excited or alarmed.
Do you think this reminder is intended to be encouraging or unnerving?
After months and months of thinking about the ‘Pedal to Paris ride’, suddenly, it’s almost upon me. I don’t know whether I will have trained enough or not. I do hope I will have done so but …I have qualms.
What should my priorities be for my last-minute ‘Pedal to Paris’ preparations?
Given that I’ve only a month left for last-minute tweaks to my training schedule, I googled the web last weekend to find out what the well-prepared cyclist prioritizes. What would you make of these bits of advice?
- …cyclists training for long-distance rides should push themselves to the limits to prepare. You should reach your VO2 max, or maximum oxygen consumption capabilities, during training to evaluate your ability to successfully complete a long bike ride. (Ms. Linda Ray)
Oh no! I can’t say that I’ve exactly pushed myself ‘to the limits’ during my carefree whizzes through the country lanes around Castle Coop – I’ve never even heard of ‘VO2 max’ before and I still walk rather than ride my bike up some of the hills.
- Long distance cycling is more mental than physical…. it’s the mind and the desire to persevere that forces a cyclist onwards. Having a positive attitude keeps a person going forward and over the next hill. (Articlesbase)
…more mental than physical – what???? I’ve less than a month to go and now they tell me that all this time I should have been training my brain to pedal to Paris….
- Get together your gear for your trip. ( Ms. Ava Connor)
Now that sounds much more do-able…. An officially sanctioned shopping trip – yay, I can manage that!
A Trip to London:
No sooner had I read that I should get my gear together for the Pedal to Paris ride (as a priority) than I found myself nipping onto a train to go to a bicycle shop in the City, near Liverpool Street.
I thought a day shopping in London would be fun and it was! I love the people in their amazing clothes, the shop window displays, the buses, the bustle and all the colour & noise. It’s such an exciting city to be in!
Guess which shopper is me!
Nirvana!
Yours having come home completely laden with exciting bags full of things to pedal to Paris with,
On My Poppy Bike (part 4)
OH NO …. WHAT HAVE I GONE AND DONE NOW?
Oh my goodness. Now I understand why the Victorians kept vials of sal volatile close to hand.
This morning I found the long awaited email from Graham announcing:
Dear Lady Liberty,
I’m pleased to announce that our bike ride registrations are now open! These rides are big challenges.
Many thanks for all your support and I look forward to seeing you on one of our bike rides.
Best wishes,
Graham
He included this picture below of riders looking happy. I think he must have realised that I need might reassurance. That was pretty thoughtful of him, don’t you think?
Please press ‘click’ Now!
I was so happy to hear from Graham and to see all the smiling faces of the riders in the photograph I became carried away and blithely followed Graham’s instructions to sign up. In a jiffy, I had pressed the ‘click’ button to register. Then I noticed Graham’s phrase about ‘big challenges’ and thought again. It was too late! There was no button to ‘unclick’ my registration. Can you believe it?
The very next thing I knew, even before I could faint away with horror at what I’d done, Graham was emailing me again to say:
Congratulations! You are now registered for the Pedal to Paris.
You will shortly be receiving a Bike Ride starter pack that will help you get training for the ride but if you have any questions please get in contact.
Best wishes,
Graham
Events Manager
Je suis well and truly dans la soupe maintenant.
Oh dear. It is one thing to imagine doing something and to make jolly sounding New Year Resolutions, but it is quite another to lock oneself into actually doing it. The agent is unmoved by my wobbles and asks why on earth I pressed the ‘click’ button if I don’t want to do the ride. I don’t know why he has to be so logical at times like these. I am in a crisis!
I’d better ‘get on my Poppy bike’, hadn’t I?
Yours nervously,
Read More
Feeling a bit meh? Is your standard information diet – The Times, Le Figaro, Die Welt, The Washington Post et al… ok for global news but not quite cutting it on those all – important village updates?
Catching up with ‘The Awesome Hen’
Want to join us but don’t live in Castle Coop? You’re in luck ! Yay!
Our crack Editorial Team at The Awesome Hen:
News Reporter
Lady Liberty Hen
WW1 Centenary & Barbecue Enthusiast
The Agent Pastoral Guide
The Rev. Rosecomb (aka Trev the Rev) Film and TV Buff
The Graf von Blommehön Gardening Guru
Lady Lohmann-Brown Party giver Extraordinaire
Lady Egality Maran Sporting Correspondent
Sir Plymouth Rock Author of '101 Ways to Organise Everything & Everyone'
Brown Owl Castle Coop Local Celebrity
Lady Eftie Nudge Castle Coop Resident Tourist
Julia. I'm allowed to be present at editorial meetings so long as I sit at the back & colour in quietly. 
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All the villagers you meet in The Awesome Hen live in the virtual village of Castle Coop and nowhere else. They are entirely their own selves and have no alter egos in either the actual or the virtual world.