Londis and North Downs Way

On the 12th October 2007 three "intrepid explorers" (I quote the Doncaster Star) set off on a journey not for the faint hearted.  Comprising two legs, both as hairy and nobly as Rich's, the trip was to complete an over 200 mile cycle from London to Paris in 24 hours followed by a 135 mile trek over the following three days. 

This somewhat silly challenge was the brainchild of the Lost Penguins during a Sunday evening meeting at Connie's flat in Clapham (Brixton).  Desperate to make the decision that concluded the session before her remixed indi album repeated itself for the forth time, Mike and Rich were elated when the simplicity of cycling to Paris then walking back hit them.

It was always going to be a tall order - cycling 200 miles in a day is okay but you'd want to have a pretty comfortable saddle.  Add 135 mile in three days - roughly 45 miles a day - and the task gets tough for anyone.  Add a late night in Paris with copious amounts of wine and beer during and after the France v England rugby semi final and it's not surprising that all did not go so well...

Londis 2007

Roughly six months planning for this one.  A repeat of the 2006 ride that Mike did with colleagues Jenkin and Prosperino, however this year Lost Penguins were joined and generally helped and spurred on by five friends and a support driver.  From left to right on the photo below we have; Joe Weitz (demonstrating what happened when he told his girlfriend about the trip), Bart Bok (our token dutch mountain bike champion), Mike Prosperino (who has very similar stats to Lance Armstrong apart from age and possibly No. of testies?), Potter (needs no introduction), David Whittaker (who possibly lowered his daily cycling mileage by joining the trip), Mike (finds cycling one of the best uses of the aerodynamic properties of his honker), Dan Jenkin (the all star Ironman once cover boy on 220 magazine and great bloke), and finally Rich (who surprised us all by remembering his bike). 

The vital support car driving was provided Dan Hostein who did an awesome job all the way to the Arc de triumph which he lapped eight times, and when disappointed at the lack of mayhem proceeded to develop it by commendable use of his horn. 

Lined up at Marbel Arch on the 12th Oct at about 5pm conditions couldn't have been much better.  We got to East Grinstead by dusk and pushed on to make the ferry in Newhaven by about 9.30.  All was well. 

Despite our beds being practically inside the engine room of the ship we managed to get at least 90 minutes of sleep after a couple of beers: waking up in sweaty kit with aches and morning shivers was delightful.

The french side is "flat".  That is with the exception of the rolling hills and one biggy designed to cause arguments between fellow riders.  The pre-dawn morning was spent riding up and down the amazing roads.  Before we even contemplated breakfast we'd done about 18 miles (which was lucky as it took another 30 to find breakfast).  The long awaited dawn broke after about 4 or 5 hours of cycling and at about the same time we found a cafe and trippled it's business for the day. 

After breakfast we began picking up the pace.  With the world cup semi final lined up for the evening the desire to push on got bigger.  Connie joined Dan as support and for moments between climbs and bonks there was some pretty cycling being done. 

As Paris came into view it was difficult to celebrate.  Maybe it was the overwhelming need for the toilet, the saddle sore, back ache or exhaustion?  However, as the ride became more urban and included cheerleading, curb jumping and escalators the fun was restored.  We flew the last couple of miles and made mincemeat of the round about around the arch.  Mission accomplished in 21hours!