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

We rode 98 miles today. That puts us at 180 for the trip so far. The big learning of the day is that I had no idea how tough this would be. Every part of my body is sore. Multiple times today I would push myself to the limit to get up a hill only to round the bend to find and longer and steeper one.
Tomorrow,we’ve been reassuringly told,
is one of the hardest days of the whole trip. It is your body’s final adjusting day (whatever that means) and 110 miles long to boot.
I’d love to add some light up beat banter but it genuinely hurts to hold the iPhone. Instead please enjoy the photo of Matt Turner (financial news) disappearing into the Normandy country side.
Wish us luck for tomorrow!!

All riders accounted for as we arrive in Portsmouth after 82 pretty tough miles. We have been fed and watered and shown amazing hospitality by the sailors of HMS Excellence at their barracks in Portsmouth harbour. We are currently sinking a few cold beers at their bar “Moby Dick” where it’s a pound a pint!!! Joe Martin has said it would be rude not to have a least a couple as we have not seen prices like this since university.

The ferry leaves at 10pm and with 4 to a cabin and a 6:30am arrival a good nights sleep is by no means guaranteed.

Looking forward to breakfast at Pegasus Bridge and trying to remember to cycle on the right side of the road.

Day one in the bank but a long way to go….

56 miles in the bank. Thanks for the great send off Dow Jones at 222 Gray’s inn road

In addition to shifting a couple of pounds and setting an amazing challenge for myself, Financial News staff and our readers we are also partnering with the Wooden Spoon Children’s Charity to raise as much money as possible for disadvantaged children. My fundraising page can be found here. Any support greatfully received

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/montecarlo