H\Blog
March 2009

C2C Day 6 Date added 11.03.09 by Nick Rees Publication So we made it. After two final days of pushing hard, each of us covering well over 100 miles on both days, we arrived in Cannes early yesterday afternoon. As we rolled in along La Croisette we received a fantastic reception from the crowd gathered outside the Palais. Admittedly, it was a rather emotional affair, with the highs and lows of the week coming to a head. Once the initial excitement had settled down we gathered round for photos with Boris Johnson who was there to greet us, before we all celebrated with a beer or two at the reception kindly laid on by Savills. A special mention for Greg, who was one of the six riders to complete the superhuman task of riding the whole 1500km (also the best of the 3 team captains and a true rouleur). Reflecting on the ride, it was a fantastic experience that combined great scenery, cycling and people. It was hard to comprehend beforehand, just what would be involved and the scale of the task. It's difficult to put these in words but we will all remember this forever with very fond memories. On behalf of Team HB, thank you to Nick Hanmer and the C2C team who made the event such a success. And of course, a huge thank you also to all those who sponsored us and helped us raise so much for charity.

C2C Day 4 Date added 10.03.09 by Nick Rees Publication We were generously given an extra hour in bed this morning with a 5.45 wake up call. After a swift breakfast with the waiters looking on in astonishment as we cleaned out the buffet, we were on the road by 7. Greg and Anthony continued their quest to go the full distance with both doing circa 200 mile days again yesterday. Unfortunately, last night's shellfish pasta didn't agree with Anthony and in noticeable pain he finally had to do a stint on the coach today. Having done 460 miles in 3 days, we'll forgive him for sitting out a few stages. Fortunately for us all, despite looking like he might drop dead at any moment, he doesn’t appear to have lost his sense of humour. The cycling was excellent today with the weather holding out again and the temperature noticeably rising as we head further south. With relatively flat terrain in the morning, we hit some big climbs in the afternoon as we headed into the foothills of the Alps. These really took their toll on the legs. However, it was well worth the pain for the 30km descent on the other side. We finally rolled into Chanas with sun setting behind the mountains in the distance. With well over half the distance covered now, spirits were high as we sat down for dinner and discussed the day gone and what lies ahead. The camaraderie and Team HB spirit helping us all the way. We're all hoping for a good night's sleep tonight as we prepare for an all out final push on the last two days. Aix en Provence our destination tomorrow.

C2C Day 3 Date added 09.03.09 by Nick Rees Publication So here we are on day 3 of the Cycle to Cannes. Following the festivities and photos at the start, the whole pack set off together for a steady 100km first day from Greenwich to Folkestone. After the hop across the Channel We arrived in Calais early evening on Thursday and checked in to the hotel, having plenty of time to relax before things got more serious on day 2. Following the 4.45am wake up call on day 2, we gobbled down as much breakfast as we possibly could in 15 minutes (much like a plague of locusts moving through the hotel) and were on the bikes for 6.00am. After the first few hours in the dark the sun rose to reveal the rolling countryside of northern France. It was a beautiful crisp day and we were all immensely relieved that the forecast rain didn't materialise. The riding was great with clear roads and everything going to plan (apart from the odd minor crash here and there). Everyone worked hard, taking it in turns to sit at the front and 'take the wind'. We plugged away throughout the day and finally reached Reims at 8.00pm. Greg, Anthony and I all did more than our allotted stages, with those two crazies being two of the six riders that rode the full day 2 distance... 200 miles (14 hours in the saddle)!!!. Needless to say, afterwards I'd never seen Anthony so quiet, or walking in that way. I chose to take it a bit steadier, doing a mere 110 miles. Having paid a quick visit to the Physio to get the aches and pains ironed out and then following another spectacular display of consumption, we turned in for some much needed sleep ready for day 3, Reims to Dijon... Bring it on. Day 3 began with a 6.00am departure from Reims. The morning stages went through the picturesque vineyards of the Champagne region. Yet again it was a cold sunny morning with high spirits and everyone making good progress, despite the niggling aches and pains affecting us all (the poor physios are now being worked harder than anyone). We stopped for lunch in a quaint French town (which seemed completely deserted, as did all the others we've cycled through). Fortunately, the french do like their pharmacies and even in the most remote French town, you can generally find one. After a bulk purchase of painkillers and deep heat using my finest GCSE French and some unusual gesticulation, we set off again before the clouds rolled in and wind picked up. The conditions made the afternoon a little tougher but the rain held off. The peleton finally rolled in to Dijon at about 7.30. Team HB continue to go strong despite the soreness... Your sponsorship makes it easier, thank you.