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!!!
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!
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!
Saturday, 3 July 2010
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!"
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.
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
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
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!
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