Team Brean raise over £8000 in charity Bristol to Paris bike ride

Four team members have recently completed a 4-day charity challenge for the Bristol-based charity Above & Beyond that support 8 hospitals across Bristol. Sarah, Kieran, Ali & Dave along with 50 other participants cycled 480km over 4 days. In total over £100,000 was raised. Read more about how they got on below.

 

Day 1. Will the weather improve???

The day started with slight drizzle at our meet point Ashton Court. After registering and sorting bags a group photo made the reality kick in of what we were about to do.

We headed off over a misty Clifton suspension bridge heading into the city to the BRI to be greeted by dozens of well-wishers. A slow through the city ride and out on the cycle path towards Bath. After lunch, the weather took a turn for the worse with rain non-stop to Sailsbury. Busy roads a fly-by post-Stonehedge before reaching our final destination. We lost Ali & Dave for a short while due to a puncture but met up with them at the break. Another big day tomorrow as we head to Portsmouth and the ferry. Please, can we have some nice weather???

Day 2 Salisbury – Portsmouth. – The Hills!!!

Although the distance was shorter today the hills were prominent the whole way. The legs were already tired and pretty much done before lunch. Activity levels then peaked and we were rewarded with the sight of the sea before a crazy downhill and city negotiation to the port.

The ferry awaits, setting sail at midnight and a very early start as we head to the biggest day of 140km!

 

Day 3 – What a day!

The ferry overnight was a little bumpy but with the hour time difference and the

inability to get to sleep not much sleep was had.  The weather app said a cloudy day ahead which was a complete load of rubbish as this turned out to be persistent drizzle with lasted until 4.30pm. The hills of the day before were a distant memory as we climbed several cols, enjoying the brief downhill moments. A change of clothes at lunchtime at 3pm yes 3pm! Set a brief improvement but there was still a distance of 50km to be covered. Does anyone live in France???? The villages are very sleepy the roads in good condition and lots of painted water towers. The sign for the hotel was a welcome sight after over 8 hours in the saddle and as you can imagine lots of sore body parts! Still 100km to get to Paris.

Day 4 – The final day into Paris

On our bikes for 8am and off just before 7pm. An epic day with a clear blue sky overhead and rolling countryside into the outskirts just after lunch. With the temperature on the rise, sun cream was needed for the first time and added to the challenge against very tired bodies and the final few miles. The first view of the Eiffel Tower came into sight as we navigated our way around the tower and to our finishing point.

A glass of champagne truly deserved. A fantastic effort by everyone who took part a total by all fundraisers of over £100,000. We have met some wonderful people all with different reasons as to why they took part. Very inspirational and an experience that will be cherished for a long time.

Thank you to everyone that has made a donation. Thanks also to grandparents for looking after the kids numerous times for training and of course to come and complete the challenge.

Donations can still be made online here:

https://b2p2019.everydayhero.com/uk/team-brean