Each day I hope to post, as long as I have the energy. The latest days ride will be at the top.
Day 21
Day 20
Early start as we have 5 hour transfer later. .
First the easy bit, thank you all so much for your help and support and donations. The charity has gained just over 5k now and I and they really appreciate it.
Second easy bit is the wildlife. Saw my first ever pine marten doing its thing by the side of the road. A stork flew over as I reached the summit of second largest climb today. Donkeys with some very young ones laying by the side of the road.
The day has been climbing, climbing, climbing in some spectacular countryside that the camera would never do justice to. Zoom in to I picture and you will see the Alps. First mountain climbed before FS1. Crepes the food of choice.
Some climbs so steep it was all I could do to keep the bike moving. For the record Shon Meale I have ridden every metre of every climb and I’m proud of that.
I did have a 10 mile downhill section on beautifully new laid smooth tarmac which was a joy. The second longest descent was on rough, wet( we just had a storm go through) with lots of loose gravel, scary!
I rode a lot of today with Ceri Stone today. I trained with him in Wales before coming out and he wrote a book on how to ride the TDF from his last Le Loop experience. One way he motivates himself on climbs is to pick out something from the person ahead and use that as motivation until he catches them. Today I was useful as the fat ar*e with orange socks. Glad to help him out.
He will tell you the story of me trying to give away snickers bars after he didn’t want any. Bikers and shoppers just refusing as I ran around the car park.
The hard part of today was at the end of the last climb. You might have seen the video clip. As I started to film my hands started shaking, no words would come. As I stopped filming I broke down into tears. Jayne Andrew will tell you how emotionally inept I am, so it was some surprise. Can’t quite believe what I have done after 4 years of trying. Just need to finish it off tomorrow.
Thanks for all your support and comments, I have really appreciated them.
Next stop Paris!!!!
Day 19
Mechanical issues at start meant I was the last to leave this morning. It’s been glorious though. I was just trying to give Amelie some TLC before the start, riding in the rain the last two days. Wanted to lubricate her chain. When it came off and got jammed. We had to remove it completely to get me back and moving. The only hiccup since the start.Mind changed from survival to savouring.
Stunning route through the Jura region. 114 miles and 7000 feet of climbing. Weather was beautiful and it got out hot again. The roads were quieter than yesterday and views were stunning. We are nearly there and everyone is trying to savour each part of the journey as we know the bubble we are in will soon come to an end. FS2 today and sandwich of choice was Jam
The afternoon was hot and headwinds to deal with but we got into a little group and shared the workload. I think I found the only open icecream shop as it is Bastille day and everything was closed.
Wildlife, lots of red kites but favourite which flew alongside me up the final climb for ages was a white admiral butterfly.
Massage in the car park while we waited for the bus. Flying ants everywhere. We now have a 2.5 hour transfer so the evening meal will be late. We have a 5 hour transfer tomorrow night 
We’ve tackled mountains in the Pyrenees, Massif Central, the Alps, and Jura regions. The Vosges and one final big challenge await.
Two to go.
If you haven’t sponsored me yet then the link is here Thanks to everyone who has supported me. I’m so close to the £5000 target I personally had.
Day 18
Early start and it was persistently raining, the type that gets you wet. Made it to FS1. Just stopped raining so fingers crossed for rest of day 
After a very wet start it became a Norfolk Mountains Day. By that I mean only 1000m of climbing but headwind all day.
I am always amazed at how far you can travel in a bike in a day and how the countryside can change. We started in the Alps, rode through lots of gorges and ended up very flat where you will have to zoom in to see the mountains on the horizon. my perceptions have changed as well. A 117 mile ride I’ve just looked at as a recovery ride. To top off a lovely day the restaurant served us four small desserts 
3 stages to go. I’m still riding everyday individually and from one feed stop to the next, but the end does appear to be coming in sight.
Day 17
Sooooooo tired, what a day. Started and finished in thunderstorms. Climbing, climbing and more climbing. My biggest day ever climbing.
Fantastic views during day.
Sleep now, alarm 5.15.
Sorry it’s brief.
Day 16
As the pros start stage 10, which has to be my best ever days riding on a bike, we have reached the time trial stage. Only 22 Km but we had to ride to the start and back from the finish. There was nothing flat about it, I was going for a good time ( believe that at your peril) when I was stopped by Tour 21 group, 2 sets of road sweepers, one group of workmen painting logos in the road and 3 sets of red lights. That is the only reason my time may not compare to the pros. The two climbs both with very steep sections ( over 13%) but what a stunning setting. I made it through the stage safely and I am grateful for that.
Updates on previous days, you are aware that on stage 13 I had stomach issues and struggling to eat and I was immensely proud of the ride that got me to the top of col de Colombier. I could only manage a few mouthfuls of food that evening.
Stage 14 started and stomach issues had escalated and I could not eat breakfast. I rode to first feed stop and couldn’t manage to eat cake, now you know it’s serious. I managed to climb two category 1 mountains before feedstop 2. The Dr wanted me to eat and I could only manage half a biscuit. For that reason, not being able to eat or keep anything in I was advised to stop for the day. If I continued it would have jeopardised the following days so reluctantly, and after a phone call with Jayne, I got in the Broom wagon. It is after all only a bike ride. I have had the full TDF experience.
Over night I still struggled to eat and keep things in. The Dr and Le Loop said I could ride stage 15 as long as I did the lite version. I only started my ride at the actual start of the stage saving me 15 miles and some climbing, and 2/3 of the way I was to take a route which saved another 12 miles and 1000m of climbing. So my lite day was still 85 miles long with 3000m of climbing in temperatures well into the 40’s. I wonder what the definition of lite actually is as that’s a good days riding 
. I actually rode with the Doc for many miles. Towards the end of the day my stomach issues were worrying as medication seemed to have worn off. I was an expert at nipping into the woods, too many times to count. Grateful to make it to the end of the day and was so pleased it was a rest day. Three nights in the same hotel has been perfect.
The rest day and staying In an air conditioned room, being very careful what I ate, has really helped. I managed to eat and keep everything in ( sorry for more detail than you probably need). Today was TT stage and again I managed breakfast and got around the stage ( I was out for about 2 hours in the heat) with no issues. Taking it easy again this afternoon as we have a monster stage tomorrow but hopefully I’m on the mend
I’m looking and taking the positives from the last few days and legs are good, I’m riding strongly up the steep climbs.
Had to post for full disclosure ( couldn’t have Shon Meale accuse me of cheating) as I share the good, I also need to be open about my situation.
Still loving it and feeling very privileged to be here and so thankful for the support I have been getting from Jayne, Neil Shiach and Le Loop team and riders.
Finish on a positive, the coconut icecream was delicious
Onwards to Paris!!!
REST DAY
TDF rest day
Bike cleaned, massaged, still laundry to do but not a bad view from my bed
Day 15
TDF stage 15 taster
Full report on last two days tomorrow on the rest day.
Headline figures for my time here
1293 miles ridden
121,680 feet climbed
I’m taking the positives from that.
Day 14
No internet or Wifi for an update
Day 13
Yesterday I cooked ( here comes the horrible bit, you might want to skip ahead to next paragraph) and last night, through the night and in the morning my body decided it was getting rid of everything and fast 
Call to Dr and his advice and pills arrived at 6.50 just in time to get on the bus. So breakfast was just a piece of plain bread and glass of water. In the past they always said you can’t ride the tour on bread and water so today I tried.
As we picked up our bikes it had just rained and we had our own Goldsworthy inspired art.
I sat at the back of the steadiest group and was towed to FS1, only stopping off at pharmacy to get the necessary and see what French I could remember. This did mean I came in absolutely last, the lantern rouge.
FS 1 was apple cake and I managed to keep this down/in so things started looking up.
Ride was stunning and hot!!!
Sat in again to FS2 again doing the minimum. We came across a bridge that had just been closed, but some sweet talking by Andy got us through. They were preparing the road for the real tour. A long climb up and sling a plateau before a long descent to FS3.
I was still really struggling to eat, so apple tart at 1, jam sandwich at 2 and really couldn’t face FS 3. I knew I wouldn’t manage if I didn’t eat and do forced myself to eat something. Caps were soaked in water to cool us down and garden weed sprayer used to refresh head to toe. Then on to the highlight of the day the Grand Colombier.
The temperature and steepness were brutal from the off. Lots of people had said they would start the climb and turn round when they had enough. Hard to listen to and riding by your bus, but I had come to ride the Tour de France.
Lots of people turning around very early on but I just battled away. Two hours later, and running out of water, I had made it and it was so worth while.
The descent was sketchy, fast, bumpy tarmac and I really tried out those knee pads. I stopped to take some photos on the way down.
Back at the Bus the mountain looms behind the coach, the photo doesn’t do it justice. In my tired state I ask if that is the mountain we have just climbed? The answer confirmed, slight expletive, how have I climbed that???? The body is an amazing thing when you put your mind to it.
Big tea and everything ok so far. Even more climbing tomorrow.
Day 12
When Le loop radio says breakfast from 4am you know it’s going to be a long day.
The route was beautiful which really helped but loads of climbing. We didn’t get back to hotel until 7.45pm a long day. It’s 10.15 now and I’m sitting waiting for massage. Bus leaves at 7 in the morning. Never mentioned we were riding through Beaujolais wine region today.
Anyway to day, scenery spectacular, which really helped with the climbing. It was however hit, very hot. 37c which does not count reflection of heat from tarmac. Despite drinking 2 large bottles between feedstops my insides melted. I had my very own Tom Dumoulin moment, ( look up at the Giro) good job we were riding through a forest at the time. Managing this was challenging but I’ve made it through the day. I’ve drunk lots since I’ve been back and hoping tomorrow will be ok.
Still loving it though 
Day 11
Overcast and windy today and we have been joined by two groups who are doing the mountains and second half loopers. Lots on the road again. My roommate last night had a rough start, the airline managed to lose his bike and kit. We have scrabbled around to sort things for him. Hopefully it will turn up today.
I’ll talk about the frog another time.
We have historic mints from the area today as well as cake. Several have found their way into my pocket for later. If 100 plus miles cake can be a recovery ride, then that is how I’m treating today. Lovely riding by fields of sunflowers, a special flower in our family. Hope rain holds off that is forecast for the afternoon.…
We were so spoilt yesterday, that even though todays views were perfectly pleasant it seemed a day for the Grand loopers to get by.
I rode with some new people to the first stop. They had not ridden in a group before and with a little encouragement and guidance we shared the work into the headwinds. They enjoyed riding as a group. So I was fine to feedstop 1.
I ended up riding on my own between 1 and 2, normally not a problem but I started getting inside my own head. Is that a biggie behind my left knee, will it need treatment, where can I stop for a nature break? All things to avoid getting on with the job in hand. Then Paul catches me up and says I can have his wheel if I can keep up. Wheel or Wee then headwind? I caught up and sat on at about 70 Km. Then the magic happened and my legs came back to life and before long I was taking my turn on the front. 2 mins each, it did not take long before we were reaching FS 2. Paul asked if I had p****d my pants? No and I was not letting my help get away.
After FS 2, 2 riders became 4 and we really shared the workload to lunch. Some of the fastest riding I have managed since arriving.
After FS4 we gently peddled in to Moulin but I have not seen one windmill. 113 miles and over 5000 feet of climbing on a flat day. There are no flat days. The roads were far bumpier today and grippier making it harder work. We truly have been spoilt up until now.
Back by 5 so shower, massage and waiting for evening meal. Early night then as well. New room mate tonight, it’s Gary from Arkansas our room number 007, make of that what you will.
Still 11 stages down, 10 to go, feels a bit if a milestone. Taking one day at a time and riding to one feed station at a time.
Day 10
Beautiful morning and riding from the hotel. The luxury of an 8 am start but straight into climbing. It’s taken 2 hours to ride 20 miles basically all uphill (3650 feet of climbing) and it has been fabulous. The view is spectacular so you get that today rather than cake 
Very different day without my wingman and only full loop riders. Just for Neil Shiach I rode half the first climb with Butch, and then Mark. Not sure I should mention it but legs are feeling great. Trying to ride within my self again so they last the next 6 days.
After that fabulous first stop there was a long descent on fresh tarmac, which would have been great but it had all loose gravel on top still. We met the lorry sweeping the road near the bottom. All but one made it down safely and pride was hurt more than anything for the other.
The day continued with long but fairly gentle climbs ( they would be challenging in Norfolk, my how my perceptions have changed). Long sweeping descents with good visibility and 360 panaranic, picture post card views.
Really good feedstops for me and just for Gary’s sister in Arkansas, who started following the blog last night, you can see he’s eating ok
When the ride was finally finished the the vast majority of people were saying it was their best day on a bike – helped by the weather as well as beautiful sunshine all day. I arrived at the finish with an hour before the bus transfer and was bought an ice cream while being massaged and watching swifts overhead. Does it get any better?
Flattish ( nothing is flat here) stage tomorrow.
Rest Day
So programmed to be up early was awake as usual. More leisurely breakfast and then a walk to the laundrette, I’m living the dream. How many men does it take to work out how to use the machines?
Can you spot which room is mine?
Then wash and clean my bike. Relube the chain. Had a new set of rear brake pads put in, already worn a set out. I can’t keep my hands off the coward levers ( brakes) on the way down. Better safe than sorry
All jobs finished by 1 so walk into town for a big lunch, food is so important. So much so that Larry ordered 3 meals. Then back and watched stage 3 on French TV. They are in a different league, going faster on a gentle uphill than I have managed on a down hill. Still that is their day job.
Tonight’s meal and ride tomorrow will be strange as it is only people riding the whole thing here. So restaurant half empty, only 52 on the roads tomorrow.
I hadn’t realised we are in the same hotel tomorrow so had packed all my clean clothes into my case ready to move again. But we are being bussed back here for tomorrow night where the second half riders join us, those doing 6 days in the mountains, those just doing 3 days in this area. We have been told that this middle week is the hardest we have to ride. Two long climbs before we even make feed stop 1 tomorrow, big breakfast required but bonus is we are starting riding at 8!!!!
Day 9
Mountain day before the rest day. Privilege to ride with my wingman, 38 years in RAF today and 3 days until he retired. His last day on tour as well. At second feed stop and tucking in to Cheese and Jam sandwiches, I’ll eat anything at the moment.
Back into the mountains. 117 miles and over 10 000 feet of climbing again, but it was so different to previous days. An overcast and chill morning that warmed throughout the day. We were either climbing or descending. Visibility was perfect and what views there were. Photos would not do it justice. Today I turned into a touring cyclist again, riding steadily( I was near the back so my shirt was appropriate) and just enjoying those views.
Lots of people asked what I was worried about before I came. The answer was always descending. After a coaching session with Marshall and lots of practice on tour I’m really enjoying this now. It has surprised me. I’m still careful but smooth in the lines and efficient.
The whole day was always about the last climb on the Puy de Dome. From 60 miles away it loomed into view. It gradually became more and more imposing. In fact Neil Shiach commented at one point ‘ this is the first time I don’t want to ride what I can see’ well that’s the jist, it was a shorter sentence with an expletive in.
So from very gentle ish up and down all day to a 10km much steeper climb after 103 miles. Just loved it and laughed every time I saw the peak.
Food tonight has been fabulous and plentiful, looking forward to the rest day but will still go out for a spin to keep my legs moving. I have also booked a double massage session as well, more pain
Day 8
Tough day for me today. Last night’s meal in a conference venue was not a Paul size portion, and this morning they did not have enough food for us. I ended up with a coffee, orange juice and two pieces of bread. Don’t they know I’m a growing lad! So this morning was wet, then it was wet a bit more, then wet, then really really wet. It took 42 miles before my legs decided to play ball and get back to business. So the morning was mainly getting wet from above and from the rooster tails of spray from people’s back wheels. We did ride through some incredibly pretty towns.
From 90 miles the sun came out and it was hot, so hot that at the last feed stop we thought we heard a shotgun. It was the front tyre of a bike propped against the wall.
Today was rolling, lots of ups and downs and very little flat.
At 110 miles I was running low on energy, linked to breakfast issue. I was getting grumpy. In my head I moaned about the food, I got to the 200km and moaned – the pros stop now. My Garmin was playing up, as I was going up a steep gradient it was saying -4,-6% so I was internally moaning about that, but at each summit the views were spectacular and no photograph would do it justice but I took time and enjoyed. My last moan was turning into the road the hotel was on and finding a very steep 12% climb to get up, that improved my mood as well. The body is amazing and you think you are shattered and yet it goes alright we can do this.
Just had a large meal tonight and a massage. It’s a sport massage, we are outside, no candles and the pictures will show what we go through. I can’t tell you how much it helps and Chris and Co are keeping me going
One more mountain stage tomorrow and then a rest day and I’ll be saying goodbye to my wingman. He has been great apart from his snoring!!! It’s a race to sleep first and I lost last night so had to listen, nearly moved my mattress into the hall way
So rain, sun, climbing, heat, good views and a black redstart viewed while riding were all good. Running out of energy can do one, getting the nutrition right is key.
Looking forward to tomorrow’s challenge. I’m all good now, moan over and I know I am very lucky and privileged to be here and I’m making the most of every moment.
Day 7
Well after the early start it was persistently raining we made it to the start point. Just light drizzle at this point. 9.30 start on what the Tour calls a flat day and after what we have ridden it was certainly better, only 3000ft in the 106 miles. First part of morning was through pine forests, imagine a B road through Thetford forest the trees funnelled the wind into us. It was a head or cross headwind all day. For that reason we stayed in a largish group doing through and off. Two lines of riders parallel and one in front of ride feeds over to front of left line and everyone rotated anti-clockwise. This way the work is shared and you do not spend very long in the wind on the front. For those who like this sort of thing I was in zone 1 or 2 all day. So despite being 206 miles it was an easy day, recovery type of ride. The afternoon was still windy but we were riding by vineyards no alcohol was put in my water bottles.
This week I have ridden 799.2 miles and ascended 59776 feet, Everest is 29 000 feet so I’ve scaled it twice!!
Thanks to those who have added to the sponsorship since I have started. Getting very close to what I’m hoping to make. The total is now £4738.
Day 3 We had two people from one of the charities that have been supported. They rode with us. James went from longest ride of 12km to a ride of over 100km. He had bet his younger brother, one punch from him for every Km short of the 100. He is safe!. We heard a talk from James – the youngster who accompanied Christian from the STAR Scheme. To be 16 years old, outside the country for the first time in your life and standing in front of a very large group of middle ages cyclists is quite something. His talk, sharing his very personal and moving story, was nothing short of spectacular. We were blown away by his maturity and grace. If ever we needed to be humbled in the face of adversity, this was it. Somehow those mountains don’t seem quite so insurmountable any more …
Day 6
TDF day 6. Second day in the mountains and surprisingly my legs were ok after yesterday. Typical Pyrenean weather, cold, very low cloud, very cold and wet. The first mountain is renowned for its views but could only see 50 yards in front of me. So all mountains have looked the same to me at the moment. Looking forward to watching TDF on my return so I can see what I might have seen. With such low visibility descending has been sketchy. My glasses cover with water droplets immediately and I can’t see a thing. Took them off , most know I can barely see without them, but it was better than no vision at all. It was also very cold and I was shivering on the descents. So the descent from Tourmalet was 30km ( 18 miles) down hill. Sounds like fun but couldn’t wait for it to be over. 10 miles down and fly goes in my mouth at about 40mph, that was fun! To finish the stage, it was cold, wet and windy we had to ride by our hotel and do another 5 miles, in the rain, up a very steep climb, but I’m here to ride it all and so did it. See the only thing I could see at the top in one of the photos. 2.5 hour transfer tomorrow morning so very early start. Picture of bird for Shon Meale to identify. On top of Tourmalet so I’m still birding
Day 5
Late night post, TDF Day 5, big day and my first ever time in the mountains starting with an HC climb. Categories of climb according to legend are that if a 2CV could go up on top gear it’s a 4, on third gear a 3, and so on and if it couldn’t get up it’s a HC. The last 5km of both big climbs today were at 12 or 13%. Training must be working as no way @ Shon Meale can complain of cheating as apparently according to others I beasted it!
lucky with weather as not too hot and low cloud cover for Km ast 6km on first climb and the descent. Could only see 50 yards in front so took it very easy. Long transfer at the end of the day but means we start from the hotel tomorrow. Going to try and get my beauty sleep now.
Day 4
TDF day 4 completed, no WiFi.
A flat stage over 5000 feet climbing. Rode very easily as huge day tomorrow. Couple of pictures hopefully do you can see how glamorous this is. Food and massage outside and desperately trying to get kit washed and dry. The pros don’t do this do they? Still great fun though although my screaming as physio did his work amused many.
Day 3
TDF day 3 and after 4 years of trying I’ve finally ridden my bike in France. Gorgeous ride around the coast, still lots of climbing. Garmin now tells me I need 60 hours of recovery which is getting better as it’s been 3 days the previous two days. When we arrived in France, the close passes started and the rain began.
Feeling surprisingly ok and got back in time tonight to wash the bike, get things charging, wash kit out and make it in time for dinner. Still need the massage. These 5.15am alarm calls are not my favourite but managed an extra hour sleep in the bus. Waiting to hear what time we have to leave in the morning.
Day 2
TDF Day 2. Again very brief as 10.10 and still not had massage. Another great day, managed to get mixed up with semi pro race, our route and theirs combined and police wouldn’t let us on road. Added extra hour at least. After stage technically finished we had another 7 miles to the hotel. 137 miles plus and over 10000 feet of climbing again. Last climb at 200km was 5 miles long and ended in the clouds and mist. Tarmac is fabulous, think I’ve only seen 3 pot holes over the two days. Really smooth and fast.
Alarm for 5.15 again as we have another 1 hr 15 transfer in the morning. Recovery time is short. Neil the wingman is doing great, time I make on him going uphill, he makes back on the downhills. Loving it and tomorrow I finally after 4 years get to ride the TDF in France !!!
Day 1
TDF day 1.
It will be brief as only just got in my room 10.15pm after massage in the car park. Alarm 5.15 as we have to transfer to start for Day 2. Day 1 ride was hot, 32c, very hilly a new climbing record for me in one day 10800 feet or so, long, we were out 12 hours. Last climb was at 114 miles and it was 1.5 miles at 14% brutal, a challenge but was achieved ( before Shon says anything) and I’ve absolutely loved every minute. Rode with Emily first thing ( hero worship) and Rick whose brother was killed and set this whole Charity up. Cake was eaten, and I’ve just had a cold beer. Bring on day 2, the longest in the tour this year but slightly less climbing than today. Will go into full details on blog when I have time
Starting off with a bang, this punchy stage explores the magnificent hilly countryside around Bilbao. It has 3,300m of climbing and five classified ascents, three of them within the last 45km. Our first hour’s riding takes us straight up into the wooded hills that surround the city, before heading north to the spectacular jagged coastline of the Bay of Biscay. Expect a scenic and windswept ride as we approach Guernica (famous for the 1937 aerial bombardment that inspired Picasso’s painting of the same name). From here we set out on a 35km loop back towards the coast, past the picturesque Laga Beach, and up (vertically) to the village of Nabaniz, before passing through Guernica for a second time. The route back to Bilbao takes us through green countryside, scattered with red-rooved houses. There’s a final steep climb up Pike Bidea (look out for the 15% section), panoramic views of the city on the descent, and a 5% uphill drag to finish your legs off at the end.
The Grand Loop- Paul Andrew 