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

Perfect 10?

10 miles. Not far is it? Not when in 2 1/2 months I will have to do that 7 times over in one day. On a bike.

At Christmas I bought a bike. A proper bike. Or so I am told. What do I know about bikes. It's got carbon forks. No carbon spoons.

It's the first 'racing bike' I have ever had. Tomahawk, Grifter (super - I have you know), a string of Mountain bikes. But not a racer. Never needed one.

Now I am cycling from London to Paris I needed one. So I bought it.

That was the only bit of research I have done on this cycling lark. Yeap I was caught up in the 'find it cheaper on-line' culture. Shame I did not get caught up in 'find out about cycling long distances' movement.

Today was the culmination of my lack of knowledge on the subject.

Of course I have been on the exercise bike. And was getting pretty proud of myself. Up to an hour and fifteen minutes at some hard resistances. Big sweating, big aching, big exaggeration of my progress. All of which aided by high BPM by Rage against the machine, the Rocky theme tune and Byron Stingley (pretty mixed eh?).

So back to the 'proper bike'. First point - I look stupid. Helmet makes my head look even bigger. No colour co-ordination. Oh and the shoes. Big feet mean big trainers. Small pedals need small shoes. Racing boots - they'll do. Won't be doing much racing anytime soon. Of course they are blue. Matches the yellow top.

Big helmet, small blue shoes. Nice.

So back to this bike. "I were right about that saddle". Doesn't help when you put the padded shorts on back to front. Mistake 54.

Trying to find some quiet roads. No problem. Problem? They are all downhill.

But this is fun (apart form realising how rough the roads are) - free speed. And the next thing; these bikes have only got brakes on the bottom bars. That's a long way down for a 'tall' lad who is still getting down to his riding weight.

So it's not just the legs that are going to feel it. Back, neck and of course the ar5e.

I did get back up that big hill. I have this vision in my head of me getting up Ditchling Beacon without bailing which spurs me on. Only time will tell if I do of course. Watch this space.

5 hours later I feel the burn but it's a good one. Who needs advice from t'internet? I will make my own mistakes thanks.