Day One

Start: London Finish: Saint Omer

Distance: 111miles Climb: 5,200ft Moving Time: 7:30 Average Speed: 14mph Max Speed: 36mph

Daily extras: Punctures: 2 Embarrassing stationary falls: 1 Coconut shy’s found: 1 Coconuts won: 1

IF CARLSBERG MADE FIRST DAYS!

Wow. What a day. That went better than I could have ever hoped for. I was thinking I’d probably be too lazy to write these bogs (this is day one - so may well come true) but today was so eventful I couldn't wait to write a quick note.

After being kept awake most of the night by a mixture of nerves and the sound of rain hammering down outside, I woke up this morning with a real buzz. The weather was awful – but a good breakfast and last minute checks with Jas left meant I was good to go.

I was leaving early – 8:30 from the Riverside pub (where this challenge was conceived) and so myself, James and Adam were to be sent on our way by Jas, my parents, sister and brother in law, auntie and uncle. Then – just when getting ready to set off – I spotted my housemate Ali. Very obviously on the walk-of-shame, but also coming to say bye. Next thing I knew, Sam, Rich, Ffi and Cas turned up. Thanks a lot guys – meant a lot!

Five miles or so of tourist sights and then we tried to blast out through the south east of London and get on to the country roads as soon as possible. It was pretty bleak riding in the rain, but we made good headway and as we crossed the M25 the sun came out.

We’d decide to avoid the quicker but busier A20 and head down some quiet single track lanes so we could ride next to each other. This added about 15 miles or so, seemed to search out the biggest hills in the area – and had some pretty major pluses and minuses.

Firstly – the surface certainly wasn't smooth, and James got a rear puncture about 20 miles in. Adam and I carried on, but heard later that James had a second puncture – and it looked like his day was over. We continued on – keeping up a decent pace despite some pretty nasty hills, and enjoyed some great sights. Then – as if by magic – and for the second time in my short cycling career, we stumbled across a village fete. I’m a sucker for coconut shy – and we cycled straight over and managed to bring home some bounty (happy with that pun!). It was only about 15 miles or so later when struggling up a hill that I realized that people spend thousands trying to trim weight off their bike, so carrying a coconut in my drinks holder was probably a bit stupid, so it had to go.

Today is the only day that I had time pressure (to get our train) and it was looking tight. Real adrenalin kicked in – and we needed to average 19mph for the last 11 miles to make it. Then we came across some huge hills. No chance. BUT – then a text message from Mum said ‘train delayed 30mins’ – lucky boy.

85 or so miles later and we reach the barriers to the Euro Tunnel – where we are met by Security. It turns out James had fixed his bike and gunned down the direct A20, reached the tunnel 10mins before us and tried to find us to say goodbye. He was then apprehended by security and escorted off the estate, and threatened with a journey to the police station for trying to jump the border!

When we arrived – the same humourless chaps were waiting for us. After a lot of Hot Fuzz-esc radio conversation – they let me put my bike on the back of my parents car, and Adam too, was escorted off the property by the elite Eurotunnel swat team. All a bit ridiculous – but we got on the right train and I spent most of the journey eating, drinking, stretching and typing some of this.

First experience of French roads has been pretty love/hate. The first 10 miles or so were completely flat, sun was shining, roads were smooth, about 3 cars. However – my sat nav completely failed, and then a series of rolling hills emerged from nowhere. Some real steep climbs and impossible to get my rhythm.

Anyway – I arrived in Saint Omer at around 9:30pm. A very long day! A nice meal with my parents and now about to hit the hay. Legs feeling good now – but I’m pretty terrified about the prospect of getting out of bed tomorrow!

Thanks for reading – and thanks for your support. If you are reading this – and haven’t yet sponsored - sort it out!!

Sam