Arch to Arc - the full journey

Thank you for all your kind emails and texts...a number of you asked for the full map of the route. The GPS tracker worked most of the way but we got a few odd readings during the swim in the middle and 3 hours when the battery failed! But it does give a good feel of the journey...I will update it further for other more accurate readings in due course. Enjoy!

Driving home in the rain...with thanks! (by Julian)

Well the team have been prised from their beds and are back in the minibus heading for Calais and Eurotunnel. After we finished yesterday, we had a long, long, long awaiting cold beer next to the Arc and then headed for our hotel in Beauvais. Someone forgot to reset the TomTom to "use Toll Roads" so it took an hour and a half...and our drivers were also tiring so it wasn't the smoothest drive!

Somehow we managed to delay the bed for an hour or so and grabbed some hot food and a few bottles of quality red wine before retiring. Then once those eyes were shut, nothing was going to shift any of us until those wretched alarms went off.

And so to the thanks. Thanks to all those who have texted encouraging messages or sent emails or added to the blogs. At our low points, they were there to lift us and were a huge help.

Many texts said "Congratulations. You did it." In reality "we didn't do it"...we just put one foot in front of the other, one arm over the other, one circuit of the pedals. It was the horde of helpers and supporters that "did it".

First our spouses - each in their unique way - were essential. Sharron and Ian planned the route, drove it the weekend before (with many "sweets and cigarette" stops!) and then for 50+5 hours stayed up to ensure we got there. Sarah watched swimmers whilst all others slept, motivated, filmed, videoed and helped people dress/undress. Jos had saintly hands that came out for pre and post massages in very unusual places across London - and one team member named them as the single biggest factor for us achieving this adventure.

And then there were Liz and Steph. Liz had prepared to come along as our feeder - but at the last minute, we had to go early to avoid the winds and so swum on a Saturday. Liz couldn't come and so despite the anticipation had to stay at home and take care of business. Steph similarly could and then couldn't come as the schedule moved around - in the end, she decided to stay at home to let Andy's mother, Jenny, join us on the boat. Jenny was a total star - she quietly made tea for each swimmer as they emerged freezing from the water and helped them dress. Jenny stepped into the role that Liz had previously filled so well - being the only one who would "go down below" to make tea or sandwiches. If it is hard to swim, it is harder to support and much, much harder to be at home or at work waiting for news.

Let's not forget our Channel Swimming & Pilot Federation Pilot, Lance Oram, observer, Tanya and crew, Chris. Yes they get paid for their professionalism and experience - but they also took a personal interest in each of our swimmers and in our endeavour that made the entire experience just more fun. Then there is the unpaid, highly committed beach crew...Freda Streeter, our trainer, is a legend in the channel swimming community - and that massively understates her impact on each swimmer that she helps. Barrie who stomps the shingle with a well rehearsed pot of vaseline and a glass of Maxim. Irene & Emma who keep everything under control and safe. The swimmers who return year after year like Cliff and Laura - who are an inspiration and also plain mad for continuing to do solos!

And of course, we mustn't forget our friends who helped out with childcare, with logistics or running children around to sporting events or medical appointments. So thank you Howard, Kate & Richard, Ann, Sally, Emma, Erika, Lisa, James, Hilda and many others in small ways that made a big difference. To Tracey for the full medical kit and seasickness tablets (BTW they worked this time...but then you weren't there to refuse to give them to me ;-D) - we were only sorry that you couldn't make it in person. And to my assistant, Imogen, for booking hotels and juggling the diary endlessly to ensure I was there.

But like any good Oscar speech the list doesn't stop there. Over the last 9 months, "archers" and "supporters" alike have been locked in the training and preparation. Our children and families have got on with life in parallel. To them we owe a huge debt of gratitude...so thank you to Alfie, Cameron, Charlotte, Chloe, Daniel, George, Georgia, Hannah, Heather, Jacob, Max, Megan, Molly, Phoebe, Robert, Tom, Tom and William.

So if anyone "did it" then these people "did it"...they are the true stars of "Arch to Arc 2010". When you see them, say thank you from us!

p.s. Those who have pledged, sent money by cheque or web...thanks are also due to you. Those with Spinal Injuries and in the Scout movement thank you.

We are here!! In 50 hours and 1 solitary very long minute (by Julian)

For those of you consulting the GPS tracker, Andy unfortunately left it in the bus whilst he made repairs to his rear wheel that got punctured on the approach to the Arc de Triomphe! At the last minute we realised time was ticking and the world record was going begging...

...so Andy borrowed a bike and I hightailed it up the Avenue to the Arc to try to be under 50 hours. But we were 1 minute too late. Perhaps if Andy's new bike is here by our next attempt (!!) then we can get in under the 50 hours!

BUT WE STILL TAKE THE WORLD RECORD FOR THE ARCH TO ARC!!! Confirmation was provided by the independent witnesses from the Scout Association at the start and the Arc de Triomphe security guard at the end! GPS will confirm that we covered the entire journey...and some!!

Thank you for all the texts. We retrieved the computer from the car (a long trek!!) and now are enjoying a beer and hot food...so that's enough blogging for now!!

And THANK YOU to Olivier, his wife & Marc Andre for coming out to welcome us to Paris with champagne...never has it tasted so good!

Please do keep visiting for further pictures on our return...and some video of container ships and heroic swimmers (not me...the rest of the team without genetic insulation). Also please, please do contribute to the charities - if nothing else cos otherwise the many and varied pains in every part of our bodies will be in vain.

Now for that beer...

Skyscrapers ahead of us!!!

Will Sue do the last 6.3 miles??? Or will we have to swap to Andy?

Sue is cycling in Paris

Sue is doing the last few kilometres into Paris from Pontoise. We are heading down the Rue de Paris in convoy with her (minibus in front, car behind). Soon we will turn off down to Paris...

...we didn't realise though that there are big hills on the approach. Sue is having to work!

Kevan just passed doing at least 100 mph

...well maybe a slight distortion but he is cruising. We are following closely now to avoid any further detours. But given the route is now "STAY ON THE D927" it isn't too hard.

We are only 40kms away now!!! Texts coming in thick and fast...HI TO THE AUSSIES (Fi & Andy) who are watching us from down under...

Just a few more kms to go - if we don't get lost in Paris

Cycling continues - sometimes in the right direction! (by Julian)

Slowly it rolled around to me again to cycle. This time it was in the daylight on a straight road with no turnoffs! Surely I couldn't get it wrong...and I didn't! Cycled hard despite legs of jelly, swimming rash between, saddle sore bottom and foot that probably has a microfracture...but then for this team, the only response you expect is "stop complaining!".

Alex takes over from me at the top of a long hill. He looks the business in his smart white cycling gear and he shoots off down the hill. In the meantime, we attempt more running repairs to Andy's bike so he can ride down to the Arc de Triomphe with everyone else. He has used up all his inner tubes so we try substituding a different tyre type...after all it only needs to survive briefly.

Mike suggests we check where Alex is on the GPS tracking - which is up and working again. Unfortunately it reveals that he is heading north instead of south. Now that means everyone has gone wrong...we ring Alex and dispatch a "search and retrieve" vehicle. Soon he is back on track but then it is Mike's turn to take over.

Only around 50 miles to Paris!!!

WHERE ARE YOU? They all ask! (by Julian)

It turns out that the SFR 3G network isn't even very good 2G...so we haven't been able to blog since we started the bike ride. And despite a battery change our GPS locator has failed too in sympathy. We hope to get it working in a minute but until then...we are in France.


The night has been "eventful" with running repairs to bikes, a lot of Garmin related detours (Sue went backwards, I went into a wood - involving a rapid downhill bit into the wood and a long uphill bit to get back on track!)

We continued to swap in strict rotation throughout the night - and taking any sleep as and when we could find it (not easy in a jolting minibus). We are now all on our last legs - literally and metaphorically. But we were slightly refreshed to find a BP garage with a shower - which for 2 Euros, we all managed a shower. Bargain!!

Now we are continuing to make slow progress and have just reached Grandvilliers. Andy is on the bike (which means I am up next) and we are around 120km from Paris. Ian is trying to get the minibus started - the key has been defective since we left! So although we have lost a few hours in the woods, we are back on track for Paris - in a sunny July morning in northern France.

Arc De Triomphe here we come!

Cyclist #1 Mike tries to find his way out of Calais

We tried maps. We tried TomTom. But the Bicycle Garmin solved it! A few stressful moments in the cars and we tried to sync ourselves with Mike and we were soon all following SatNavs. Don't be surprised if we turn up in Paris, Texas!

Mike says: "Lovely found the canal and followed it. Quiet and serene very pleasant. The Garmin picked out all the one ways which was great. The temperature though is dropping fast...trousers and long sleeve tops will be required!"

The transition from channel to bikes

Having swum into the beach at Wissant, we return to the boat and 1:15 hours later motor around to Calais Harbour to meet our support crew who have come under the channel by Eurotunnel - a lot easier and a lot quicker!!

We transfer our numerous bags and have a final photo with our Pilot, Lance Oram, and his crew, Chris with our observer Tanya and her daughter Alex. They were truly great all day - a source of energy and humour.

Next we load/unload and make some running repairs. We program the Garmin and get ready with the TomToms to set off. A few false turns and we figure it out. We are off to Guines and then Le Wast. Follow us on the blog.

Swimmer #3 Alex goes for the glory swim

Alex says: "I iced the cake that the team had baked. Kevan told me go up the beach like 007 Daniel Craig so I made love to several boyfriends, murdered some beautiful women and played with my gadgets"

Yup I think Alex has finally cracked. Great last swim. Everyone - including Sarah - joined him for the swim into the beach, although we had to stay behind him and not assist! It wasn't a problem - he was on a high and heading for the rocks - until we pointed out the nice sandy beach!

All seriousness on his last swim, Alex was joined by a small shark. We see this as his alter ego (whilst Mike's was a seagull??). Now to Calais and the bikes

Swimmer #2 Julian has to push across the tides

Julian says: The tide was picking up pace and we were at risk of missing the calm and sands of Wissant bay and heading past Cap Blanc Nez. We had to get over the sand banks and into the shallows. But that meant building on what Andy had achieved and sprinting for an hour. We all cheered him on chanting "kick, pull, kick, pull" and then it was my turn.

Imagine this as my last proper cold water swim, I put everything into it. After 13 hours of running as a team and 13 hours of swimming, we were all shattered but I just went for it. Stroke rate as fast as I could, remembering what Mike at Sevenoaks TriClub told me about my stroke and pulling for France. An hour is a very long time to sprint when you are knackered. But we made it into the shallows and Alex could pull for France

Swimmer #1 Andy returns to the water for his 3rd and critical swim

Andy says: "It was sunny with noticeably warmer water. As you approached coast, water went blue to green. Swam my heart out but was drifting to the left again [he just can't stay away from Belgium]. Wasn't cold when I got out but glad I wasn't doing a fourth swim and won't be doing any cold water swimming for a while.

Swimmer #1 Andy returns to the water for his 3rd and critical swim

Andy says: "It was sunny with noticeably warmer water. As you approached coast, water went blue to green. Swam my heart out but was drifting to the left again [he just can't stay away from Belgium]. Wasn't cold when I got out but glad I wasn't doing a fourth swim and won't be doing any cold water swimming for a while.

Swimmer #6 Sue returns to the water...is this the last time (by Julian)

Sue is succinct and through shrivering teeth manages to say: "LONG. The longest swim of my life." and then it was back to the chicken soup!

Swimmer #5 Kevan swims for France

Difficult to interview Kev since he is snoring away in full thermals on a sunsoaked deck!! But we are now in spitting distance of France

Swimmer #4 Mike seeks odd companionship

Mike says: "It was the first time that I have swum with a young and attractive bird - a buddy swimming seagull. The swim felt good, not much to report - just did my time. Didn't see much sunshine though"

Swimmer #3 Alex works his charms

Alex says: "I decided to swim faster to see if I could get warmer. That definitely doesn't work. I was encouraged by the fact that I could look up every so often and see France. But there was also more weed! But it is better than Mike's new spirit animal - the seagull...which was sitting behind and actually seemed to be overtaking him"

Swimmer #2 Julian is back with something to prove

Julian says: "It was nice and clear. With my goggles working properly, I watched the green grey water flow by, full of small plankton. Then in the depths a large bright light blue jellyfish passed by, probably 10 foot below. The sun came out briefly to add a sparkle to the water. Just in time to see a huge container ship pass by...ever so close. It all helps to pass the time - since counting was beginning to get tedious. Recovery instantaneous. Tooth ache waited for false convidence to rear its ugly head, then struck me down for 30 minutes of agony. Maybe I will give this cold water swimming a miss after we reach France!"

Swimmer #1 andy returns

Andy says: "It was fantastic to see what you were doing. The downside of being able to see was that you could see the jellyfish. There were fairly deep so I avoided touching any and settled into a nice rhythm. Almost enjoyable. But I was very cold at the end. Recovery probably took 45 minutes for the shivering to stop! Just one more to go..." He says hopefully!

Swimmer #6 Sue shows how it is done

Sue says: "I enjoyed the swim better than the first run. The first half was fine but it does then drag! I didn't hear anything for halftime. My recovery was very slow tho' so have new strategy for exiting next time- Gentleman vacate the deck! Everythings coming off so that I can get dry and put on a dry t-shirt. During the swim, was trying to think of song lyrics but couldn't think of any so I recite the Lords Prayer over and over!"

Swimmer #5 Kevan takes over in the "pooll"

Kevan says: “I think because it is calm and relatively warm outside, you think the sea is going to be warm. Then when you dive in you find it is COLD and you lose all your coordination. It takes at least 5 minutes to get your rhythm with your head moving in the right timing with your stroke. You flounder. The waves seem to come at you from the wrong direction and you swallow some water.

Then you settle down but my goggles fogged up so I couldn’t see anyone on the boat and lost track of time. Reached the end of my hour and I didn’t realise. Then there is the usual pain of trying to warm through afterwards. Physically in a muscular sense, it feels okay but I am cold in my core. You tend to look back on last time and remember the highlights. I don’t remember the cold. This time I don’t feel so tired by I do feel the cold – we are all more fatigued having run here.

But won’t achieve the Yellow Bucket award – I haven’t been sick yet!”

Swimmer #4 Mike takes over as your blogger snoozes (by Julian)

Mike says: “It was a little chilly – but that is probably because I was tired. But the swim itself felt very good. Loads of jelly fish about 20 metres below and the water was surprisingly clear. Recovery very slow – an hour and half and still not recovered.”

Swimmer #3: Alex dives in - show off!

Alex says: "I am worried that when I go in for my next swim the supply of gin will have run out by the time that I return. We are already run out of tonic!

It was chilly to start off with - but I was surprised how flat it was and the last 20 minutes I really enjoyed it. Took me a while to realise that I wasn't racing the boat and that I couldn't beat it.

But that second swim seems to be coming around really, REALLY fast!

Finally it has to be a better way of getting to France than taking RyanAir"

Swimmer #2 Julian takes over from Andy pleased that a little light is entering the sky

Julian says: “I attached the red flashing button to my googles and the green stick to my trunks – looks like I am planning to land a small plane rather than go swimming. Although for my swim it is a bit academic since the sun is rising by the time I have finished. The water felt cold – but not as unbearably as in the harbour during training. But the body is tired and struggles more to generate the heat. However I strike out as fast as I can – trying desperately to remember how many I used to count to 15 minutes. Eventually I establish by trial and error that it is about 400 for 15 minutes. By counting I distract my mind and don’t spend every minute looking at my watch – on previous swims, I wasn’t allowed the distraction and it can be if you start looking every 2 minutes.

When I finish, it is straight downstairs – another novelty but the wind is so light that the boat is not rocking too much. I move the bags and make myself a bed…and it is head down for a few hours. My tooth kicks in after about 15 minutes and lasts 30 minutes…it is so, so painful. I am definitely giving up this cold water swimming – soon, very soon!”

Swimmer #1: Andy starts us off in the dark (by Julian)

Contrary to belief fostered by the GPS locator, we are not all at 150 foot on a huge billionaire gin palace - instead was sleeping (!) and then had to find a French 3G signal...but now we are far enough past the separation zone, we are back in touch!

Andy - in strict rotation - took the first swim. It was in the pitch dark starting at 03:06. He had 2 green light sticks - one on his googles and one hanging from his trunks. Quite a sight when he turned to relieve himself on the shore!! But with no heat of the sun, Andy could only enter the cold, dark water and push out for France, creating his own heat as he swam.

Andy says of his first swim: First 4 mins it was hard to get my bearings and get into a rythm. Very pleased to get out now. Felt like I was following the cliffs one second and then seemed to have drifted the other way. Jumping in initially was very disorientating and my feet hit the bottom. When asked about wh so far from the boat Andy said "I swam in straight line its the boat that went off course :-D" the cold water on the legs was refreshing. First time they have felt cool all day."

Th long run for Marble arch to Dover

Can I just say how proud we all were of team Arch yesterday. A perfect plan came together and all your hard work and training paid off. It was great to see you all fit and well, if a little tired in Dover.

I'll be cleaning the bus and in a few hours I'm coming to get you. Hope the Jelly fish are not stinging! Love to All

Mrs Manley

Runner #2: Sue takes over to the water

Sue took over in the dark and ran alongside Kevan for a while (protecting him from the scary things in the dark). "We even picked up some boys on route who joined us for a little jog. Finally we reached the water so now just to make our way to the marina. The sea looks really beautiful and calm - and I could have dived in there and then. But I didn't!"

Runner #1: Kevan returns yet again (by Julian)

Kevin says: "Running in the dark through the country lanes was nice and quiet with still air which was quite refreshing. Couldn't see much around you but very still and quiet with just the little head torch to light the way. It was excellent torch and the run seemed to go quickly. It wasn't as bad as the runs in the heat - still hot but I wasn't totally drenched. Now the legs feel a bit slow but I have a few hours to recover before the swim. Not as bad as I thought it was going to be after the second run."

Runner #6: Mike with miner's lamp heads off into the woods (by Julian)

Mike says: "I enjoyed the run but the articulated lorries kept beeping. It was definitely more than 6 miles. Peaceful but long."

Runner #5: Alex (by Julian)

Alex set off for the twilight shift. He says "Beautiful run through the Kent countryside as the sun went down. One little error in navigation around Bridge meant I missed the scenic ford over the river but arrived on time at the Red Lion to let Mike take over for the night run."

Runner #4: Julian sets new record (by Julian)

Julian says: “Wasn’t looking forward to the second run having dehydrated myself totally on the first. But Jos’ pre-run massage put a bit of life into the old body and when Andy arrived, I stepped into my stride.

The route was all lanes now so I was wearing a florescent strip. The sun was slowly going down behind me, lighting up the countryside around with wonderful hues. Listening to a good Kent band (Keane – Hopes & Fears) whilst running along lanes between sheep on one side and young cornfields on the other, it was easy to see why Kent is the Garden of England.

My run was scheduled for “6 miles” but at 40 minutes, I passed The George…clearly a minor error in the measurements. But I was happy to pass by the others with a cry of “9 miles an hour…9 miles an hour”

Runner #3: Andy returns (by Julian)

Andy says “Nice start at the top of a hill. Very hot still but turned off A2 into a little bit of a breeze. Running through Kent at its best – Oast Houses, apple orchards and a few unexpected hills. Made the next check point bang on the hour”

Runner #2: Sue sets the pace (by Julian)

We had technical difficulties with the Blackberry tracker - battery was flat! Once replaced it took 10 mins (literally!) to start again and another 10 minutes for the GPS to restart. We chased after Sue in a car and found coming out of the Sittingbourne one way. Hence you may have seen Sue "seeming" to move at 30mph!

Sue says: "It was better than the first leg since it was a bit cooler, more shade and I had my music with me (so didn't hear my panting!). I took Julian's advice - just thinking about finishing this run and not what would come in next few hours!"

Runner #1: Kevan returns to the fray (by Julian)

Apologies for the delay in posting...deepest darkest Kent doesn't have 3G (or indeed anything!)

Kevan says: “It was very, very hot. I dried out within about 15 minutes of starting and then my nipples began to get saw so I took my shirt off. Everyone else is running downhill except me. Why?

I should know better by now. I think that I am too old to be doing this. My legs are feeling a little wobbly. But it was good to see my sister and father. Family support is a great boost.”

Final runner #6: Mike completes the round (by Julian)

Mike completes our "round robin" of 6 team members. After Mike, we start again with Kevin. Mike has put us ahead of schedule with a long run.

He says: "I went past the official switch over point, the Star Pub, at 45 minutes and thought would head on to Tescos - every little helps!

Got halfway and thought how can it only be halfway. You have to force yourself to run a bit slower since we have a long way still to go."

Runner #5 Alex (by Julian)

The minibus drivers have remarked that it appears that Kent County Council have chosen this particular week to take up ALL the roads in Kent so we are spending a lot of time in traffic jams and traffic lights. But Alex moved us on through another tough phase.

Alex says: "It was absolutely fine except for the heat, the hills and the running. After I have done my second leg, I am never running again - sticking to cycling and swimming."

I can empathise with that!

Runner #4 Julian looks...well awful (by Julian)

Well I always knew running wasn't my thing...but hills in swealtering heat with no shade. I sweated like...well everything. Luckily a diet coke awaited at the pub when I arrived...and I was so exhausted that I forwent my principles and drank the "other brand"!

Now waiting until my temperature drops somewhere into the normal range - helped by a nice freezer block

Runner #3 Andy remains "cautiously optimistic" (by Julian)

Andy says: "A great start at the far side of shooter hill for the start of the third leg.

There were a few cheeky hills either side of bexleyheath, but the heat really takes it out of you - its got to be at least 25 degrees. Great to get the first run out of the way as it takes away the worry. I finished with the last 5 minutes rising up a hill out of Dartford up to the M25. Took on two litres of liquids in the next hour, and feeling good."

#2 runner Sue does the big hills (by Julian)

...up Shooters Hill - what a climb!

Sue says: "Should have taken water! Nice to have a break stopping for the traffic. No shade - but I only have black stuff to wear! It was just very, very, very hot (and sweaty). It was quite busy so enjoyed people watching. Spent the time thinking about the directions...and whether I was fit enough to be doing this!"

Blimey if she is worried about that then I have a tough hour coming from 2-3pm!!

#1 runner Kevan was faster than the minibus (by Julian)

Sue has left the minibus and is heading off to take over from Kevan. We are way behind stuck in traffic and roadworks. Is this why we had to pay Boris? For the congestion? We would be willing to go without!!

Kevan says "Stay in the shade. It is hot. The Scout Magazine reporter, Ellis, was left behind in Hyde Park at Buckingham Palace. I enjoyed the Changing of the Guard. Only challenge was dogging traffic. Being a Londoner I quite enjoyed it!!"

Just past Sue going well...

Photocalls over...Kevan starts running for Paris (by Julian)

So numerous photocalls later and we all start running together. Kevan has the long stretch to do...down through Hyde Park, past Buckingham Palace, across the river and down past the Elephant & Castle onto the Old Kent Road.

The tracking device is working so we can see Kevan making excellent progress. Faster than we do. First we collide windmirrors with another van in Connaught Place. And now we stopped watching the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace!!

That's London for you...let's see what Paris has to offer...

We're off (to Marble Arch) by Julian

Finally we are off. We have been watching the weather forecasts for 10 days now and they have been slowly getting worse...but throughout Saturday (i.e. tomorrow) has remained a window of calm. It doesn't matter much about the sun (although it is nice to have it on your back) but the wind is a killer...so in the last few weeks we have become experts at the "wind forecasting sites" like www.xcweather.co.uk and www.windfinder.com!!

The decision though was a killer...did we go for Saturday or hang out for a possible good day on Monday/Tuesday. The problem with Saturday was that we had to rearrange all our work schedules (difficult but not impossible - thanks to all our respective firms!). Unfortunately the harder schedule was childcare and entrepreneurial businesses like Liz's Stagecoach. By going on Saturday, we lose one of our key swim supporters - the one with all the experience who doesn't get seasick. This is a huge loss - but as the weather forecast for Tuesday deteriorated, we had one one choice. Go for it!

So we are now sat in London traffic heading for Marble Arch. We have a boat lined up for 2am Saturday morning and the route planned. Watch here for updates each hour!!