It’s great to be back home after my cycling adventure. As most of you are aware, I participated in the London to Paris Cycle Challenge organized by the U Foundation, UK from 1st June to 4th June. I am delighted that I could successfully finish the over 500 kms long London to Paris Cycling Challenge at the age of 57 years. In all only four Indians, all from Hyderabad viz., myself, my two children Deekshita & Dharmin apart from Srinivas Simhadri participated in this grueling challenge ride through steep mountains, dense forests and picturesque countryside of UK and France. My wife Sujata was also part of the ride as volunteer and infact won the best volunteer award. What made this tough ride a pleasure was the thought that we were doing it to support the cause of education to the under privileged children.
I have taken to cycling after a gap of 40 years basically to combat diabetes which struck me last year. Gradually cycling became my new found passion and stress buster in addition to dramatically containing the diabetic effects. It is gratifying that dear neighbors from Whisper Valley also started joining the regular Sunday morning rides and our cycling group’s strength has gone upto about 15 now.
I attach below the day wise activity brief of the ride, just to let you know how it went off each day. The third day night, I could not sleep for two reasons: the first being my son Dharmin was considerably injured that afternoon when he had a bad fall while sliding down a steep mountain & I was in two minds whether to continue or be with Dharmin. On the other hand after completing about 400 kms of cycling by then, we were only 100 kms away from our destination. However I continued and rode together along with Deekshi most of the time that day. Once we reached Paris, it was a memorable time riding on the main thorough fares of downtown Paris and reaching the finishing point viz, Eiffel Tower to the cheers and applause of both Parisians & tourists there.
But the greater memorable moment was when we reached home around 10 pm on 7th June and were received with Champagne and flowers at Whisper Valley entrance by all our dear neighbors. I would cherish this for a long, long time to come.
Daily activity brief:
“Day 1 - 1st June: London Paris Cycle Challenge flagged off @ 7 am on 1st June in London. Covered a gruelling 145 km distance to Dover port through mountains with steep climbs & thick forest roads along with Srinivas Simhadri. Crossed English Channel on Ferry & rode down to hotel in Calais town in France. My children Deekshita & Dharmin also participated.
Day 2- June 2nd: Very picturesque ride spanning another 140 kms on the second day, savoring the beauty of French countryscape. Though there were numerous steep climbs, the scenic charm outweighed it. Inspired by infectious enthusiasm, my children Deeskhita & Dharmin did about 80 kms today despite no practice. Enroute, Mayor of Roquetoire joined us for lunch & hosted champagne.
Day 3 - June 3rd: Third day was quite eventful. Left Arras @ 8 am & rode towards Compeigne. France is the most cyclist friendly nation with people in towns & villages enroute waving at us & greeting us. Today is a very hot day in France but the amazing countryscape is perfect antidote. Finished about 400 kms end of day 3. Just 100 kms left to raise our flag @ Eiffel Tower on 4th June.
Day 4 - 4th June: We did it. Left Compeigne @ 8 am & headed towards Paris. It's a hot day again. After reaching Paris, rode together on main thoroughfares in downtown & finally reached Eiffel Tower @ 3 Pm. It's gratifying to note people applauding & waiving at us all over particularly as we were reaching Eiffel Tower. While me & Srinivas did the ride fully, Dharmin & Deekshi did about half the distance. Most participants tumbled atleast once during the ride but Dharmin's was a bigger fall y'day. He'd be alright soon.”
The question before us is what next? One thing for sure, I have decided to do one challenge every year. I feel that is the best way to feel as well as stay younger. Further along with U foundation, we are planning to organize a similar ride in India probably coming December/ January.
Trillion Thanks for all your support and good wishes which contributed enormously to our successfully finishing the above challenge.
Lastly, the organizers viz., The U Foundation, UK have done a great job & ensured that every detail is meticulously planned & executed. A big thanks to them. I strongly recommend their future rides.
I give below the link of the album where some of the pics of the above event have been posted.
Pictures shot by us
and Pictures & video shot by Ted Cottrell, participant and photographer: http://web.me.com/tedcottrell/Teds_Albums/London_to_Paris_2011.html
With best regards,
D V MANOHAR
Just Ride~~
:) Wow!!
ReplyDeleteIt is really glad to know it congrats
ReplyDelete:) Awesome!!
ReplyDeleteSounds really exciting! Wonderful description and all of it for a noble cause too! Keep going :-)
ReplyDelete