Bikeblog 3 – The epilepsy action five country cycle challenge 2008
Nothing to do with the lottery here I know, but its the 3rd part of the adventure of what happened when I cycle across 5 countries in 3 days for charity, covering a stagering 535 miles in just 3 days it was immense.
Bikedate 19th Sep, bikeplace Le Quesnois, France (it was when this was started)
Bonjour! Well, our ship eventually came in an hour and a half late, but we had a good crossing and Knighty stayed at the wheel as if he were at Le Mans. With France an hour ahead, and a slight navigational challenge, it was 22.00 when we checked into the Campanile at Valenciennes.
Fortunately the neighbouring Novotel's restaurant was still open (just) though the waiter 'suggested' that steak or omelette might be best for speed of service. No matter, both were good.
By the time we had unloaded and organised ourselves for an early start it was midnight.
All too soon the alarm went off at 5.00.. Wingco volunteered tro do the first leg for an hour whilst the three Daves waited for breakfast, promised at 6.00 but only delivered at 6.30. Wingco set off prompt at 6.00 in hot pursuit of another cyclist who appeared to know where he was going.
At that time in the dark, not to mention temperature 5 degrees, it was difficult to see the arrows marking the route, and after half an hour, absence of directions at the next roundabout suggested we had lost it. No problem, just phone the Daves to check but …. No signal on the O2 mobile. Mmmmm.
Retracing steps, managed to find those welcome arrows, and fellow novice Craig and Wingco put heads down and pedalled. But, in the lost half hour, the Daves had overtaken, and absence of mobile contact hampered the rendezvous. Fortunately, Craig's mobile was in use, and eventually Knighty and Roger found Wingco. Not so much Wingco, more like the long lost Japanese pilot enquiring if the war was over!
Hawkweye was by then already well on the road pedalling like a demon and enjoying the company of a young lady also from the area.
Looks like we're all doing three stints. Bikeplace now approaching Luxembourg – it may seem like a leisurely way to travel, but it's non-stop as we need to get two riders going at any one time. One sets off, motorhome overtakes and reaches agreed destination, second one starts whilst the rest await arrival of the first, etc etc. Need to unload and load bikes, grab a bite to eat, take turns to drive, navigate.
Apart from Wingco's sortie off beam, only other notable cycling event was Roger struggling to do more than 7 mph due to brakes locking. Should have stuck to good old-fashioned blocks, not these new-fangled disc brakes. All sorted for his second run.
Only non-cycling event to note was Knighty discovering that it's best to have the lid of the on board toilet down when flushing as it tends to splash upwards. Not good if you're bending over it to release the emptying lever!
So, day 1 proper almost done. It's been a great day, with generally clear country roads, lazy rivers with swans, herons and ducks. It's become hillier (who said Belgium was flat) but what has kept us pedalling has been the support of everyone back home and the camaraderie of the teams here. And it's all in aid of two very good causes too.
Luxembourg here we come, Germany tomorrow.
Au revoir
