London to Paris Sept 09

ROUTE TWO

2009-09-14T07:00:00.000-07:00

WE RAISED A TOTAL BETWEEN US ALL £185,000

London to Paris Day 4 Compiegne - Paris

2009-09-14T04:11:00.000-07:00

Our last and final day of cycling with mixed emotions what kind of Terran would we face other than hills? Our option was to either leave with the early group at 7.45am or the later group an hour on. We opted for the earlier start this would mean we could have a few stops on the way a few beers some coffee and even cake. To our surprise we got off to a good start, we started off when Wayne realised we was going the wrong way, brakes on back we go, some little b....r had turned the sign round. We was cycling along and Andrews bottle fell from his bike and smash over the road good job it was only 20miles to the next water stop. Then all of a sudden traffic lights, yes they was on red but the car just kept going! and so did Graham only he kept going into the back of a stationery vehicle, can any of us speak french no! after the stars and fairies stopped spinning round his head we was all of again. At this stage I was thinking what more could go wrong then all of a sudden three of the riders had ran a stop sign not realising it was a stop sign and crashed, one hit the side and bounced onto the roof, one hit the passenger door and other ran into the back of the car, they all got up and carried on a little shaken no doubt but nothing was stopping us getting to Paris. As we travelled along the roads we could only concentrate on getting to our final destination, I thought I was a bad driver but hey the French can give me a run for my money. We reached our meeting point at 4.10pm after a few stops and few beers or two we re-grouped and got ready for our descend towards the Eiffel Tower. It was magnificence we were clapped, whistled and tooted at, it felt so rewarding and I can say with my hand on my heart that both Richard and Oliver stood tall and proud for this truly was their moment as well as ours. A pair of true gentlemen god bless you boys thank you for being there every pedal of the way

Day 3 London- Paris Arras to Compiege

2009-09-14T03:07:00.000-07:00

Finally a day of not so many hills, yippee just a stroll in the park, well not really still 82 miles to go we started out from the holiday inn on route to the campanile hotel which was our destination. Luckily our little group made up of Andrew, Wayne, Mark from Portsmouth. Kerry-ann from Swansea and I was all stopping at the same hotel that night so we kept together on route. We had a 20mile hike to our water stop, . Of cause we was heading for the river Somme, which names comes from a Celtic word meaning tranquility and it was. A bit of history for you in case you are unaware of the significant of the the River Somme The river is perhaps most famous as a result of the World War I Battle of the Somme (July to November 1916). Comprising the main Allied attack on the Western Front during 1916, the Battle of the Somme is famous chiefly on account of the loss of 58,000 British troops (one third of them killed) on the first day of the battle, 1 July 1916, which to this day remains a one-day record. The attack was launched upon a 30 kilometre front, from north of the Somme river between Arras and Albert. We stopped over a period of our ride not only to take in the views of the river Somme but also the graves of the troops that lost their lives. An enjoyable day we took it nice and easy and reach our destination by 5pm, a long soak in the bath to repair our acing muscle and straight to the pub for a well deserved beer or two or three

Photo's from the arrival in Paris

2009-09-14T00:08:00.000-07:00

As promised the last report from myself, I'm sure there will be entries from Julia, Wayne and Andrew today. The arrival was quite an emotional experience all round but everyone entered the spirit of things. With champagne been sprayed all over the place it was a sight to behold. Some of it even got drunk. (See the movie below for the arrival of team 2).
At the meeting point there were some 130 riders of team 2 and their friends and families.
Below are just a few shots of Wayne Julia & Andrew plus a group shot and also a group shot of Oliver Army.

Kerry Anne one of the lady rider's who had become quite friendly with Julia & Wayne on the trip, came over to us in a bit of a daze and a huge smile on her face. Peter, her boy friend who had been chatting t us earlier, carried out the ultimate romantic operation. Once the riders had meeting the last meeting place before leaving for the hotel. Peter took Kerry Anne to one side under the Eiffel Tower, went down on one knee and with the ring box open in one hand, he asked her to marry him. How romantic is that. She accepted, then went off to show the ring off.

May we wish you both all the very best for the future along with lots of happiness.

The whole event in Paris was spot and concluded with a gala dinner at the hotel which was very nice indeed The oganiser's then went through the thank you formalities. Overall a massive £185,000 had been raised for various well deserving charities. What a fantastic acheivement.

Many of the riders then went out one the town in Paris, where they got the energy from I do not know.
Our own table which were Wayne & Julia's family and friends decided to pop next door into the mall where there were a couple of bar/bistro's. Here we had a couple of night caps and then retired (me first). However, I have to say we picked the only bar in France that did not have any cognac or Anis of any sort.

Sunday, was spent having a leisurely breakfast, late'ish check out. After that Wayne & Julia took a taxi due to having a very large sports bag along with Julia's grandad & Thelma and made their way the Gare du Nord train station, the rest of us took the metro (which I have to say is incredibly easy to use).
From there with all bags in lockers we spent two and a half hours outside a bar/bistro close to the Gare du Nord where Julia & Wayne had to check in for the Eurostar back to the UK at15.15
After several attempts to get one of the group to try a Belgian beer called Delerium Tremens which was 11% alcohol, we all opted for our own preference. After a spot of lunch it was soon getting close to 15.00. Ten minutes later we waved goodbye to Julia and Wayne as the went off through the Eurostar check in and joined the other riders for the Train home.

Now that it was all over it was just ourselves left to our own devices on a beautiful Sunday afternoon in Paris. So not to bore you too much, we went to the Notre Dame cathedral, had a nice coffee in yet another bistro on the Seine. We finished up having dinner in the Latin Quarter and finally headed for the Metro and the journey back to Charles de Gaulle airport. All in all a very good weekend for riders and supporters alike.

Paris Arrival

2009-09-13T01:08:00.000-07:00

After a beautiful day in 24 degree temperature the 2 teams arrived at 30 minute intervals at the Eiffel Tower. Wayne, Julia & Andrew were all in team 2. There were many excited family and friends to meet them. No-one was quite sure which road they were actually going to use to get to the Eiffel Tower.
A great team spirit was formed with people swapping mobile numbers to be able to let each other know the final entry road.
Our team finally arrived at 17.30 to jubilant cheers and a few tears, exhausted but very buzzy as they were allowed a couple of pints about 2 miles away.The full report with photos will be put onto this blog tomorow when I can get to use a proper English keyboard.
Stay with us for all the good stuff.

Day 2 Continued Calais to Arras

2009-09-11T13:40:00.000-07:00

Last night we was absolutely shattered, so this is how it goes, we started out from the Cottage Inn that's Wayne and I because Andrew landed himself a cushy number and was stopping at the starting point of the day yes the Holiday Inn and even better he got a full English breakfast, what a result. Mind you having arrived last meant we started first and that gave us a good start, 24 miles to the first water stop and we was going great couldn't tell you at this point where Andrew was got delayed at the start and don't think he was feeling all that good, tied maybe it was a very long day London to Calais and very trying.

Next stop lunch which was a further 30miles on top, I was starving could have ate a scabby dog not that I know what a scabby dog taste of. Now who ever said France was flat was lying and quite frankly needs to get on a bike and do London to Paris, the hills seemed long and long and long and hills after hills after hills, hungry starving and 3 miles off my god it seemed to take forever, when we eventually arrived they was setting up so it wasn't quite ready, never mind valuable sun time off with the shoes and not much else, should have worn a bikini top instead we have got knee marks and glove marks it was a lovely day. Lunch was superb and well deserved got the opportunity to rest for an hour it was great Andrew turned up 30minutes later quick bit to eat and a well deserved rest . Still 30 more miles to go no rest for the wicked.

All I could see for the next 30 miles was a well deserved glass of lager and a warm shower, all Wayne could see was my backside given the fact that he spent most of the time trailing behind and if you believe that then you don't know Wayne that well ,they don't call him thunder thighs for nothing, shirt open chest abreast anyone would think he was on his sun lounger!!!! mind you if he had have been he'd have been curled up under a umbrella.

We eventually reach the out shirts of Arras, what a busy town concentrate and follow the orange markers the only problem was someone had nicked them Adventure to the rescue thank god their truck came rushing up the road to replace the markers. Traffic lights after traffic light, unclip, clip in it was so busy at one stage Wayne slipped forward off the clips bounce onto his backside Ouch not what you want to happen sore bits and all!!!

We got back in time to have a wonder around take in the town have a beer and then dinner it was all in all a good day Andrew made it 30mins after us, he'd partnered up with Mark and Kerry-Anne onwards and upwards to the follow day Compiegne 82miles and easier cant wait.

Sorry folks its 11.30pm Waynes snoring his head off and I need to be up for 6.00am I dont do 6am very well nite

2009-09-11T12:58:00.000-07:00

Julia & Andrew's Day 2 and Waynes Day 4 of (B' ham to London & London to Paris ride).

2009-09-11T00:50:00.000-07:00

Received text from Julia at 17.01 yesterday. After an 82 mile slog which took a very respectable 6hours and 45 minutes and included loads of hills they arrived at the Hotel Arras.
With a totally numb bum and apparently a second cheek growing Julia admitted to being kna....ed and retired for a well earned drink, meal and rest.

Also received a later text at 18.27 from a very proud Wayne. "Julia not only completed this leg of the ride but was the first lady over the line" Which Julia forgot to mention.

Well done Jules, we are all very proud of you, Wayne and Andrew as well but you have now set them the benchmark. (Photo's I'm sure will be put on the blog as soon as possible).

From us here, Harry got a great send off yesterday. Tracey and the other mum's as well as Ashley & Maggie said what a superb inspiration you were to all of them.
Keep it up and love from all.

Day 1

2009-09-09T14:13:00.001-07:00

Day 1 and the start fo the Adventure !!For more pictures ..... www.picasaweb.google.com/chazmassey/LondonToParisDay1

No abiltiy to download photograps at the moment !! sorrry

5.00am start is far too early !! Spent a nice evening in Oxford with my sister and her family, didnt drink too much and ate pasta until i could swallow no more. This morning Alan very kindly took the ‘rallying’ point in London. Once all the formalities were completed and I had met up with my two companion riders, Wayne and Julia, we finally set off at 7.15am.
We had certainly learnt over the last few months that a steady start was far more preferable than the ‘mad’ fast start. So inevitably off we went at a ridicules pace and after about forty five minutes felt absolutely knackered and awful, still I consoled myself with the fact we had 90 miles to go !!
The journey through the outreaches of London was certainly interesting if not picturesque, traffic was fairly light but it appears that ‘white van’ drivers never sleep so had to run the gauntlet until clear of London.
Kent was good with rolling hills and not too much traffic. An area I have never visited and certainly very 'quaint'. Plenty of Hops been grown which cant be a bad thing.
Lunch was good, that said if lunch had been bad I would have eaten it, I was very hungry after the mornings ride.
Arriving at Dover at was different, we managed to get slightly lost since the signs provided had been removed. The group we were with decided to turn left and i and 2 others decided we would try straight on. It turned out to be a great ride in to dover except we overlooked the fact that we were meant to meet and a collection point before heading to the docks. No damage done.
Ferry Crossing, Cycling on to the car deck is significantly different to driving on to the car deck, I was pleased the guy who takes your photograph was absent !! A good crossing if a little rough at times, by now I was past caring really, the day had been tough but enjoyable …. The first beer was cold and agreeable.
Hotel is good a comfortable wish i could report i'm sharing with a 25 year blonde with extremely powerful thighs !! …….. actually he name is Steve and he’s from Clethorpes …… I bet he snores. Rooms are fine and I prepare for tomorrows ride and head off to the bar.
Amazing no ailments / aches or pains. Things are looking ok for tomorrow. I have so far never cycled 95 miles followed by 80 so we will have to see.
Day 1 complete …… off to bed !! Will try and download photgraphs tomorrow when hopefully i will have more time

LONDON TO CALAIS DAY 1 (WAYNES DAY 3)

2009-09-09T13:40:00.000-07:00

Well lets begin yes, a wake up call at 5am breakfast at 5.30am and a check-in and briefing at 6.15am.

To early for us all I might add but we needed to leave at 7.30am to get to Dover for the 6.15pm ferry not much pressure! and finally the start and what a start it was no other than undulating hills yes bloody hills all the way out of Croydon.

First pit stop and a well deserved one was 23miles in a lovely village called Leigh not much time quick water stop and a few snacks before the onward journey yes up another bloody hill.

Second pit stop lunch so we cycled on visited some lovely country side to a village called bethersden 30 miles from Leigh and we was going great guns, Topped up on pasta, cold meats and salads nice cuppa and off we go.

Then well I am not sure how to describe it only undulating, undulating, undulating and if you are not sure what that means well I will tell you steep bloody hills, Andrew and Wayne tootled up no problems me i got off and pushed it made sense when you could walk quicker on foot than cycle but i reached the top and off again. Yes up another hill, I truly didn't realise just how hilly England is nonetheless we persevered and eventually reached Dover at 4.10pm, well that was me and Wayne, we lost Andrew 6 miles from Dover in fact about 30 riders went the wrong way and we certainly did not want to go back given the fact we had just cycled flat out down hill free speed back up ha ha you must be joking so we followed the signs into Dover. Andrew went via the bike route down the country lanes and ended up at the ferry port, but we didn't meet at the port Oh dear we was all in a car park just outside the port, he did get to us he cycled back!

Ferry crossing was grand fish and chips just what the doctor ordered we finally reach Calais mind you we need to be up for 6.30an wheeeep a lie in so wel l maybe not we are an hour in front I bid you all goodnight until tomorrow.

Follow On To Julia's Post

2009-09-08T17:51:00.000-07:00

After arriving exactly 2 minutes after Wayne, Steve & Richard reached the Croydon Aerodrome Hotel, Julia and I arrived. We saw three very buzzed up but weary guys. After showers and a top up of 1 Lager & 1 Guinness plus a Mcdonalds to replace some of the 10,000 calories burned off over the last two days. I had the pleasure of taking Steve & Richard home as they were only on the B'ham to London leg.
As of tomorrow Julia joins the 130 strong team with Wayne that will start at 05.30 with a hearty breakfast and then a long cycle ride to Dover.

We wish them all the luck in the world and look forward to meeting them all at the Eiffel Tower in Paris on Saturday.
(Apologies for having to use a new post but whatever you did Jules it would not allow me to edit your post).

Birmingham - Paris Cycle Ride Day 2

2009-09-08T13:11:00.000-07:00

What a friendly welcome at the overnight stop The Four Horse Shoes, StokenChurch Eamon was our host and what a true gentleman, he made our overnight stop really enjoyable the food was out of this world and very filling, the largest breakfast you have ever seen it took 53miles to work off the meals, and yes that's how long it took to reach our next port of call the Aerodrome Hotel Croydon.

We departed at 10am following the A40 in towards Central London, it started out quite overcast and then the sun broke through and boy was is hot we departed with four bottles of juice each and had to stop twice to purchase four more each, eight bottles of juice and I can even remember the toilet breaks none absolutely none dehydrated or what.

Steve's famous last words there wont be any hills like those during a recent training ride, well there are longer and stepper this country is not flat its undulating Steve my quote to you is get off that horse and drink your milk because I am sure you did not start our with a stance that wide.

Kingston upon Thames was a memorable drink stop for Wayne, having re-clipped looked up and had to do an emergency stop OH No bike attached to feet not good. Wayne bit the dust but saved his bike which was the most important thing

The route into Croydon my god what can I say they have more traffic lights and motor cars than Birmingham, stop, start, stop, start clip in clip out clip in clip out I wish I had worn my trainers.

Never the less we arrived only minutes before Julia and our nominated driver for the day Tony, its been a long day and a very enjoyable experience. Well done to both Richard and Steve for their valuable company over the 137miles we have travelled. I bid you now farewell for my journey continues in the company of Andrew, Julia and 127 route two riders.

The ride took 4hours 13 minutes with a maximum heart rate 186 a little better than yesterday we burnt 3468kcal over a distance of 53.1 miles very busy noisy (not what we are use to) Tony will update the photo later when he eventually returns home from his onward journey of London, Ludlow, Bedworth and finally his bed calling him in Tamworth. Thank you Guys see you in Paris Tony.

London to Paris Cycle Run. (B'ham to London leg)

2009-09-07T09:23:00.000-07:00

Today 7/9/09.
The start of the London to Paris cycle ride began at Birmingham Children's Hospital 08.30. Wayne (Oliver's Dad), Oliver's uncle Richard and Steve, (James 's dad. Who has suffered from Leukemia) plus family and friends and Oncology staff met at the entrance to the hospital. Many photo's were taken by all as well as the Birmingham Evening Mail.
Once everyone was ready, the Clic Sargeants Ashley and Liz brought out the 99 pink balloons in memory of Oliver's birthday 9/9. Six of the balloons had respective photo's of Oliver, Richard, Harry, Jude, Jordannah & Connor attached, all of who lost their battle with this dreadful disease. Also a seventh balloon with a photo of Lewis (who is still fighting his battle) attached.

At 09.00 precisely they were released and off went the guys. There journey is about 110 miles from Birmingham to Croydon Aerodrome where the main leg of the run will start on Wednesday 9/9/09 (Oliver's Birthday). They will reach their first stop near High Wycombe at approximately 16.00 this afternoon.
We eagerly await their report and will post all info as it comes in.

Wayne just reported in from Stoken Church, and well 16.00 hours turned out to be a little optimistic they arrived at 19.00 hours, the ride took 6hours and 32 minutes, at one stage Wayne recorded a heart rate of 201 now I am no doctor but I'm guessing that's not good!!! must have been Edge Hill that's hard hill and as I understand a very steeeeeeep hill, they have travelled 84.8 miles and burnt off 6309 kcals I wonder what was on their dinner plates this evening? None the less they arrived eventually a little tied no doubt and some fresh blisters I'm guessing in the nether area well done boys lets see what tomorrow brings..

Oliver Mellors "justgiving" for Lymphoma Cancer Research.

2009-09-07T08:48:00.000-07:00

Monday, 15 June 2009

The First Group (Dubai)

Over the last week or so Jarrat Beaumont has collected in the region of £5,000 for the www.justgiving.com/olivermellors from his colleagues at The First Group (Dubai).

I would like to thank you on behalf of Julia & Wayne (Oliver's mum & dad) for this extremely generous donation with special thanks to Gary & Danny who I know generously support other charities.

Loughborough Race For Life:

Sunday 14/6/09 started as a beautiful day. At 11.00am precisely the Loughboro' Race for Life began with the count down from 10 to 0 and they're off.

Many charities were represented in this race but Sarah Morris and team were set on completing the 5 kilometre run in the name of Oliver Mellors for cancer research. B Cell Lymphoma Cancer unfortunately took Oliver's life after a very hard fight in April this year.
So far donations on Oliver's own charity site are close to £7500
The first attached photo are the members Sarah's team from left to right.
Laura, Abi, Julia (Oli's mum, who was a last minute replacement for Jenna who pulled a ligament last week),Sarah Morris, Jo, Ang, Byrony, Emily and finally Lizzie Morris Sarah's daughter and friend of Oliver.
The team finished in a respectable 38 minutes and carried on to enjoy a beautiful Sunday's entertainment.
We would all like to thank Sarah for organising the team and of course all members of the team that represented Oliver.
Well done to all of you!

Sheffield Race For Life:

Roz Haley ran the Sheffield Race for Life also on Sunday 14/6/09. Once again Roz's chosen charity is Lymphoma Research in the name of Oliver Mellors.
Unfortunately, the camera with the photo's of this event has jetted off to foreign climes for the next two weeks. Photo's will be published upon return.
We would all like to thank Roz and friends for their generous effort.

Once again any friends of Roz that wish to donate please do so by following the same link as the previous post of www.justgiving.com/olivermellors

Thanks for everything Roz.

Portsmouth Race For Life:

On Sunday the 26/7/09 the Portsmouth Race For Life took place. Two of Oliver's Army (Southern Battalion) took part in the race, Pearl Beaumont & Charlene Maguire Barr. Once again in aid of Oliver's Lymphoma Cancer Research.
Many thanks to you both Pearl & Charlene.
We look forward to doing the same next year.

PREPARATION

2009-09-03T14:23:00.000-07:00

Its the 3rd September and not one of us as been out on our bikes for the forth coming event during the past few days but we've been hard at work training over the past three months for this and what we cant do now well who knows, life dealt us a hard hand and nothing compares to our past experience but our wonderful children who never once moaned or complained about their life changing ordeal, our challenge begins can we even come close to equalling the courage shown by our children if not they will guide us through this life challenging event and hope that they will someday be proud of what we are about to achieve god bless you all. Support childhood cancer awareness