It’s fair to say its been a long week. It seems like a month ago that we set of from London. It’s been hard, challenging, painful but also a lot of fun and an absolutely amazing experience (not to mention diet plan).
A different hotel every night, your every need thought of and taken account of before you’ve even realised it. The routine, the team spirt that only comes with shared experience and goal will all end tomorrow. And I have to admit I’m a little sad.

However for experiences like this to work they have to end. The important thing is you start them.

We’ve been told it’s a relatively easy run into Monte Carlo tomorrow but I don’t believe them.

See you at the casino.

Today we cycled 94 miles from Moulins to Montbrisson. Tomorrow the hills start to come into play as we cycle 98 miles to Grenoble. We past the half way point today, in terms of mileage, which was a great boost. Temperatures have remained high and the promise of a pool at the hotel tomorrow should see everyone peddling that bit harder.

The scenery has been stunning with our route taking us through at least half a dozen towns or villages a day. To stop a take all the photos I’d have liked to is not possible but the below is a good example.

I’ve also been struck by the fantastic way we’ve been received. After I had my accident I popped in a local tabac to regroup and the staff and customers immediately began dressing my wounds and force feeding me arnica pills.
Earlier today a couple of us stopped at the top of a particularly tough hill. Within minutes a local gentleman had us in his kitchen filling up our water bottles and wishing us luck. He mentioned something about my belly being a little too big for such a ride but I’ll put that down to translation issues.

Looking forward to a good night sleep but know I will be dreaming of the hills to come……

Feeling great 26 miles into day 5. Well earned slice of cake and cup of tea. You can take the cyclist out of England…..

We finished day 3 in Veirzon which, I don’t mind pointing out, is a bloody long way from London! Another gruelling day in the saddle saw us notch up 108 miles through breathtaking countryside. The days are split into 4 with a morning break, lunch and an afternoon break. The fantastic crew race around in the two vans (and motorbike) to ensure each stop is ready to receive the weary riders with hot drinks, cakes and sandwiches. They are amazing and leave the riders with nothing to worry about but getting from A to B.

The challenge is tough but I guess that’s the point. As a group we are raising money for the Wooden Spoon Children’s Charity and as riders we want to earn your sponsorship. Well I can assure you that to a man everyone is giving there all so I encourage you to support the riders with a donation. Every penny counts.

The alarm calls are set for a 7am breakfast and a 7:45 departure. All that awaits is a mere 90 miles which will take us down to Moulins.

See you tomorrow