Whats this all about then?

"69 Dude." As someone once said.

69 days until I ride 'triumphantly' into Paris with about 10 other people on our bikes. Tour de France this ain't. Indeed it's not even the 'proper' London to Paris people talk about (and indeed may have searched to get to here).

No. This is a group of people who just wanted to do something for the hell of it.

The start of the idea was to do something to raise money for the charity we nominated when our Dad, Husband, Grandad and Friend died last year.

We are all busy of course and we could have just remembered Bruce Cox in our heads, our conversations and our photo's. This was just not enough. As many people pointed out at his funeral - "Bruce always had time for everyone". So we must make time for him. I am sure more of that in the next 69 days. I digress...

So the Sons; Me (Darren) and Craig, thought it would be a good idea to ride from London to where I now live; Paris.

The call went out. First to commit was Fran, a good mate of mine from work. Second was a great family friend Kris. And then in dribs and drabs - long term family friend Marco and Darren's old mates Hadsi, Neil, Paul and belatedly Dom.

All had their reasons for commiting I am sure. Hopefully the main one to raise some money for the make-a-wish foundation but also for some personal reasons too.

A trip to France, a laugh with the lads, a challenge.

For me one of the side reasons was a focus to get fit. When your Dad dies you realise you are not super human, because you thought he was.

I also think it will be a nice trip, a laugh and a challenge. How can it not be?

4 days, 180 miles, tower to tower (of London to Eiffel), 4 hour ferry journey, a night out in Brighton and the unexpected. Oh and Father in law and Mum driving and co-driving the support vehicle!

Even the choice of transport looks to provide some amusement. Some have gone out and bought the latest kit. Others are using the bike they rode to school on 18 years ago.

I hope the other participants will add to this blog over the next 69 days. And I hope it is worth your time reading it. Whoever you are.

Darren Cox