Day 1 - Paris to Beauvais (110kms)
As we got ready to start the Paris-to-London Bike Ride, the sky in Paris looked very, very dark and the weather forecast called for rain. Last year, we had managed to race the first stage and arrive only minutes before an incredibly fierce storm flooded roads (and houses), but this year it looked like we wouldn't be so lucky.
After the opening ceremony, introductory speeches and photo sessions with the nearly 250 riders, twelve teams + the group of one-day riders who would only do the Paris-Beauvais stage left in separate waves.
During the speeches, our collection got a special mention: we have raised over 55,000 euros so far out of a total 280,000 euros for the approximately 230 participants who raised funds. I was asked to say a few words and pointed out that we're still far from over: there are still donations on their way and there will also be the auction of the much-admired, beautiful NeilPryde Alize bike dressed in SG and Japan colours.
Like last year, I joined the "fast" team with my friend Chris. There were a few familiar faces again but also many new - young(er) - ones. As always the fast team would start last. As we were waiting for our turn, the skies opened up and we were drenched in cold rain while standing in the open-air park. Not a very auspicious start to the day but fortunately, it turned out to be the only shower of the entire day and we would all be dry within half an hour of riding.
Getting out of Paris is never fun and always slow and filled with traffic and today was no exception. Within the first 2 kms we saw another group stopped by the side of the road: first puncture! We were soon on the heels of the next group, and the next, and the next... until we had climbed back and overtaken all groups even before the first steep (14 pct) hill approximately 35 kms outside Paris. Looking at my co-riders I realized that there were a few "serious" cyclists in there: 5 or 6 young guys who went up the hill as if it was just a bump in the road. From that point, and even though it is a teamride, our group would have difficulties staying together throughout the day, with a small group of young, strong riders in front, bits and pieces in the middle, and a few more behind, whom we waited for regularly. At least, we'd wait and regroup regularly, but the overall pace was closer to that of a race than that of a team ride.
Northern France is mostly flat and one would think that this stage would be easy. But this is without counting with the wind: it was one of those days when very strong front or side winds blew from morning till evening, and in places it felt as if we were constantly climbing. As we were a rather undisciplined and individualistic set of riders rather than real group, it was difficult to find a good way to rotate at the front and take turns in protecting each other from the wind, meaning that some of us ended up spending more energy than they could or should have. But we still made good time.
An accident in another group prevented the van that carried lunch from being at the expected meeting spot in time. After waiting for a long while, we decided to ride on and also to add an extra-loop to the ride. We took different routes and finally rode about 110 kms instead of the announced 88 kms. Still, we were the second team to arrive at the finish, where dinner and drinks were waiting, after a brief stop to see Beauvais' beautiful cathedral (and take a photo on its steps with our bikes). Unfortunately, as our hotel was about 7kms away from the finish line, there was no beer to be found, the only true disappointment of the day!
I made up for it later at the hotel, after waiting for my bag which had been left behind. It was recovered an hour later, and after a welcome shower, we made sure to find the beers we really needed.
In bed at midnight, and ready for tomorrow's second stage from Beauvais to Dieppe.
Please follow this link for more information:
Paris to London Bike Ride
Stay tuned for more reports from this great event.