Month: January 2016
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It’s not about the bike
I bought Ol’ Paint in 2009. She’s a steel-framed Marin, and she’d been sitting in the shop’s inventory for more than a year when I walked up and offered cash. Ol’ Paint is designed for city riding, and I bought her with the idea that 90% of my riding would be daily commuting. (I’d have…
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The route — Dieppe to Paris
There’s a wealth of material covering this route. It seems it’s become a very popular outing. The master of this is Donald Hirsch, who has done the entire London-Paris route in 24 hours. More power to him! Others have fleshed out his route with maps, guides and descriptions, such as this one: Cycling from London…
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The route — London to Brighton
I need to confirm with Fearless Leader Joe if this is still the Day 1 route, but this is what he’s mentioned in the past: Cycling London to Brighton. The amusing bit about this first day is how the best part is saved for last, as you can see here in the elevations. It sounds…
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Beyond middle-age crazy
Cycling from London to Paris — 300-some kilmoeters over a period of three days, between two major cities in different countries — sounds like an activity for healthy young enthusiasts on featherweight carbon-fibre bikes. At 54 years old, I’m past the middle-age crazy stage (I hope). L2P is a ride I want to ride for…
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What gear are you in?
This is an embellishment of a joke my mother told me ages ago. You have been warned. So there’s a fellow, call him Nigel. He’s a middle-aged bloke, kind of quiet. Actually, he’s a bit of a swot and not very popular with the ladies. Or with anyone, for that matter. Just an inoffensive guy…
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I’ve booked the flights
I got an unbelievable price via Air China. There’s a layover in Beijing, but that’s acceptable. Direct flights were double the cost. The price was so low I kept thinking I’d click a ‘Next’ button and see the fuel charges added on, or some such.
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The riders
We have 15 riders signed up, which Fearless Leader Joe says is the limit that he’s willing to organize. Among these are at least six L2P veterans. We have at least three countries of residence represented: England, Japan and Australia. And Joe has confirmed there are no Canadians this year. I haven’t got all the…
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Weather
From historical trends, it looks like temperatures will be in the low to mid teens, but could reach into the 20s as well. Not a huge chance of rain overall, but I believe Fearless Leader Joe said it rained the whole tour last year. In other words, we have to be prepared for pretty much…
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Hotel in Marines
Hôtel Les Sablons in Marines. A pizzeria. Whatever … looks fun and they are accustomed to catering to cyclists. Près de Cergy. Well, thank goodness for that.
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Schedule
Day 1: Friday, 29 April — Depart London to Newhaven, via Brighton. Catch the night ferry. Day 2: Saturday, 30 April — Dieppe to Marines – more than 140km. As we’re taking the night ferry, we have a long day to achieve this. Day 3: Sunday, 1 May — Triumphant arrival into Paris and overnight…