Day 6

Lovely morning ride bashing out 80 km by half 11. There was topless riding and Dave started a water fight with a spit gone wrong. Greg was actually ready before someone for the first time today and Jake lost his horn and his temper with his bike. Tom realised that vents in his new shorts were the best option, so took a pair of scissors to them and is now in danger of exposing himself at every opportunity. We've reached the bottom of the Alps on schedule and team moral is at an all time high. Aaron's bum hurts. We've done 113km and tonight we're camping in someones garden in Amberieu-en-Bugey with free beer included. French people have been very nice, with loads of drivers giving us waves and beeps of encouragement. 

Day 5

Biggest thunderstorm ever right above the barn last night. But today we got to do 10km down hill! Rich got a €5 donation in the supermarket but he also had to buy a €95 wheel as he broke 3 spokes. Chalon is not the nicest of places - no Wotton-Under-Edge - but we're in a campsite by the river. We cycled 66 miles today. Dave lost all ability in his thumb earlier which is bad timing as we've finally got the privacy of a shower.*

*Disclaimer for all parents.. these messages are copied straight from the boys text messages! 

Day 4

After a few slightly illegal manoeuvres we made great progress doing 50 miles this morning with no crashes but the heat took its toll after lunch as we couldn't sit in the sun let alone cycle. We finished the day in a nice barn 20 miles south of Avallon which is lucky because there's meant to be a thunderstorm tonight. We are now the smelliest lads in France. Going to be another tough day tomorrow. 

Photos courtesy of Tom's Dad

Day 3... and the boys have showered!

Last night Tom used his local lingo to find us a nice barn to sleep in. Woke up pretty late but managed to catch up, doing 50 miles before lunch. The weather was really good and we met Toms dad for dinner. The whole of France laughed at Jakes hair again. Rich crashed (as per usual) but nothing serious. Gee has cut a hole in his shorts to air the cut on his bum and we've all washed for the first time! We've made it to Joigny and cycled 242 miles so far. Much love from us all

Day 2

Last night was an incredibly wet sleep and in the morning our campsite had turned into a mud bath. After we got going there were a few minor tumbles from Greg, Kit and Chris but no major injuries, just a couple of bruises. Only one puncture today along with a hell of a lot of rain. We are just south of Étampes and have a big day tomorrow so it's time for an early night! 

First day on the bikes... and lots of punctures!

After suffering 4 punctures in the glassy roads of le Havre it was safe to say spirits were low. However after walking across the Pont de Normandie we finally managed to get some miles out the way and everyone, bikes included, were riding well. Consequently, we have made it to our destination just south of Evreux. We have found a secluded camping spot, just off the N154, and have finished dinner. Hope everyone is well! 

England to Croatia Charity Cycle 2012: Planning

Welcome to our blog for our cycle from England to Croatia 2012. We will be keeping this blog updated every two to three days. We are currently map planning so we better carry on.....