Tour de Vimba
In September, two twenty-something Australians cycled from London to Paris in three days. They covered a distance of about 450kms in total and up to 150kms a day. Ben and Brad did this event to raise money for Vimba and managed to raise over £2,200! If you would like to donate to show your support please do so at : http://www.justgiving.com/TourdeVimba.
Their story ....
Total
Riding Time: 23:46:32
Distance: 533.26
Average Speed: 22.37
Maximum Speed: 64.43
Other Stats
Number of Mars Bars consumed: over 100
Punctures: 5 (all in the first day)
Driving on the wrong side of the road: 4 incidents
Arguments about directions: 3
Lost cyclist: 1 incident
Lost cyclists: 2 incidents
Snails consumed: 30
Road Crew:
Alicia Brooks, Clea Hodson, Scott Brooks, Stephen Atkinson
Day One:
Thursday 2nd September
London - Saint Martin Bolougne
Time 8:01:15
Distance: 187.95km
Average Speed: 23.4km/h
Maximum Speed: 66.6km/
On a clear but cold morning two brave Australians set out on an epic journey that spread over two countries:
Their mission: to cycle from London to Paris
Their aim: To get there…. and to raise money for Vimba, a charity helping young children in Zimbabwe.
Ben Newson and Bradley Brooks started their journey at Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament in Westminster and then cycled down to the Dover coast. Things looked dire (and rather pricey) as they managed to get 4 punchers in the first 2 hours. But they made it to the ferry port in otherwise good nick and met up with their support car. The next puncher was to be the last of the entire ride, and besides surprising a rather austere customs official at the Dover border control, also meant that Bradley had to carry is bike rather than the other way round onto the ferry.
A much needed break and feed occurred on the ferry and once we had reached Calais it was time for the last 50kms of the day to Saint Martin Bolougne. We managed to avoid busy roads and thus had a beautiful ride/drive through the darkening French country side. We reached our hotel at about 8pm in the evening and had a late dinner during which the boys struggled to keep very heavy lidded eyes open.
Day Two:
Friday 3rd September
Saint Martin Bolougne – Amiens
Time: 6:50:05
Distance: 148.21km
Average Speed: 21.6km/h
Maximum Speed: 63.6km/h
A chilly, wet morning greeted us as we started out on Friday. Mist curled around trees and bike wheels alike, as we slowly navigated our way through the winding back roads of France
Just as the sun began to slowly soak up the mist we reached a region, rather ominously called The Seven Valley’s. A few rather large hills and valleys ensued with the boys conquering each one with very little complaint and almost no bad language.
We stopped off at a country pub and after the old tried and tested technique of pointing at the menu accompanied by many a hand gesture we were eating some delicious local food, including garlic with some snails and frogs legs.
After some navigational problems at the end of the day, two very tired cyclists peddled their way into Amiens and to their hotel. However the end was in sight and the excitement was palpable at the dinner table. Even this however could not keep them awake and before long the only sound was the snores reverberating down the passage way.
Day Three:
Saturday 4th September
Amiens – Paris
Time: 08:55:12
Distance: 197.1km
Average Speed 22.1km/h
Maximum Speed: 63.1km/h
The final day was upon us and after a short but emotive stop at a beautiful yet sad Australian war memorial, we were a hundred kilometres from Paris. The car hit Paris traffic and narrowly escaped death a number of times. The bikes however weaved in and out of the static cars and were soon leading the race to the finish line.
After almost been squashed by a tram, going down a few one way streets and dodging people and cars alike, the support team were on their way to the meeting point, the Eiffel Tower. The cyclist beat us by miles however and by the time we go there they were entertaining other tourist with photos and poses.
Congratulations were wished, the champagne was popped and sun burn was complained about.
The cyclist were sore and tired but very proud of their great achievement.
WELL DONE BOYS!!!
If your interested in raising money for Vimba through a sporting activity or any other event please visit our getting-involved page or contact us on info@vimba.co.uk.
Special thanks to all the companies for sponsoring us ...
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