Loire Valley Cycle Challenge

Linda Plowright, Chief Executive of Sports Leaders UK, and Carolyn Cant, QA Manager took part in the Extra Mile Challenge cycle relay through France on the 25, 26, 27 September, to raise money for a number of charities including Sports Leaders UK. Here's Linda's Travel Log:

Day 1:
Rouen to Le Mans (c180 miles)

Our starting point is from Rouen just on the south side of a loop of the Seine, where we head south west through Upper & Lower Normandy countryside travelling through the gentle Alps Mancelles in the beautiful Normandie-Maine National Parc finishing at Le Mans, the motor-racing capital of France. Le Mans predates Roman times and is the birthplace of our King Henry II.

• Second leg complete, could smell the cider making in the villages. Team has completed 68 miles so far, sun up and beautiful.
• Linda Plowright - just getting on bike for the last time today!
• First day and 171 miles completed. Carolyn Cant back too. Legs quite weary, but spirits high. Hope the sponsorship is still rolling in. 

Day 2:
Le Mans to Amboise (c180 miles)

We get off to an early 'Le Mans start', aiming to use at least part of the famous 24 hour circuit. The Mulsanne straight, Indianapolis and Arnage corners are all on public roads and we plan to get a real flavour of this famous race track. We then leave the Sarthe and aim for the Loire National Park where we finish the day cycling along the banks of the Loire and the Indre before arriving at Amboise for the night. This small city is dominated by the Chateau D'Amboise, a favourite of French kings, and the origin of the formal French garden. Amboise was also the last home of Leonardo da Vince at the famous Clos Luce.

• Saturday - 05.30 alarm call - beginning to think cyclists are insomniacs! Alex is chatting to French cows at the waiting point - all is well.
• At Le Mans circuit - foggy and cold - cycling!
• Last one in the cycle rotation today, lots of pretty countryside. Esther causing a fashion crisis with other teams - pink leggings!
• Second ride out, through maize fields. Apple orchards and the most wonderful beech forest.
• The team is in great shape, Carolyn Cant's team have passed us. Over half-way already.
• Last session of the day - riding through golden maize fields.

Day 3:
Circular route of the Loire Valley (c160 miles)

Breaking with tradition we are trialling a two-night stop at the same hotel. Relax longer - no rush to pack your bags in the morning and more leisure time in the evening to enjoy some of Vouvray (only 10kms from Amboise), before settling down to the celebratory end-of-challenge Gala Dinner. Today we go in search of the famous Loire Chateaux including Montrichard, Chenonceaux, Chaumont and Chambord.

• First one off again, joined the elite pack by accident! In the centre of the pack you can either cause mayhem or keep up.
• Carolyn Cant feeling she may have celebrated finishing day 2 a little too enthusiastically - but last day.
• Both looking for Chateaux in the Loire Valley - over 300 I'm told. 160 miles until the finish.
• 51 miles under tyres. Team competing for most exuberant cheer-leaders! Getting various reactions, from embarrassed half smiles to hysterics.
• Only 90 miles to go - hope the travel log has inspired sponsors.
• The end is in sight - 40 miles to go. Beautiful birch and beech forests.
• Trying to plot the celebration cafe where all bikes come off together.

http://www.extra-mile.org.uk/

September 2009