Wednesday 7 July 2010
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!
Monday 5 July 2010
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.
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.
Sunday 4 July 2010
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...
...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...
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!
...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
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!!!
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!!!
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