tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57192053476963521792024-03-13T01:56:42.315+00:00London to Paris 2008 Bike RideCycle to Paris some 300 miles over 4 days. Cycling London to Paris 23-27th of July 2008. Training, progress, thoughts and fundraising for Action Medical Research.Skippy Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027245019873699997noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719205347696352179.post-54472924912326203792008-04-16T20:36:00.002+01:002008-04-16T20:46:06.110+01:00London to Paris 2008 FundraisingRiding from London to Paris I didn't think was going to be too taxing, but the fundraising for Action Medical Research was going to be a chore and as a consequence I've been putting it off. With only a month to go before half the minimum funds had to raised I decided to get started. Firstly I established an online sponsorship page on Action Medical Research's website, that was easy - I then crafted an email to all my work colleagues who I've worked with over the past 10 years. To my amazement the number of people I've worked with was quite astonishing. Within 3 days after my email I raised £600; amazing. The generosity of people choked me. More money to raise but at least I've made a good start.Skippy Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027245019873699997noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719205347696352179.post-59956329960328524422008-01-20T11:37:00.000+00:002008-01-20T11:51:03.450+00:00London to Paris 2008 Calpe training camp cont.London to Paris training camp in Calpe so far has been fantastic. Only a 2 and half hour flight from a wet and cold London to 20 degrees C and wonderful sun! Of late, I of have been focussing on base training with long runs under a 150 bpm however, last night I really felt the difference of the additional 10C on my heart rate. Went out for a liesurely, 12K run and keeping my heart rate below 150 bpm had me slow down significantly. Interestingly, was it the flight or the heat or even the terrain, as at home I run predominately around the flat coast line between Sandwich and Deal. However, this morning's run I felt much better and 16 K in 1 hr 15 min, I was able to complete with an average heart rate of 150 bpm. So last night I'll but down to may be the heat and the flight. Alterantively within 12 hours I've been able to physiologically adapt to the weather, possibly a mixture of the two. Off to check out the mountains now.Skippy Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027245019873699997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719205347696352179.post-86970579378938838942008-01-18T10:08:00.000+00:002008-01-18T10:41:30.000+00:00London to Paris 2008: Training Camp?Cycling London to Paris over the 3-4 days covering some 300 miles I don't think is going to be a problem. However, I'm participating in a number of triathlons around the time the bike ride and this has become a concern to me, as one of my major goals this year is to complete the London Triathlon within 2 hours and 20 mins.<br /><br />Currently, I'm in my base training stage and running at least 5 days a week with mileage around 40 miles/week. Cycling, I'm on my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Tacx</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">iMagic</span> which I love; the DVDs are great I enjoy are the Alpine Classics, Mount <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Ventoux</span> and for Christmas I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">received</span> the E<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">rgo</span> Video DVD of Roth, Germany triathlon cycle route following the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Rabobank</span> team around the course. The Roth DVD is pretty tough and I struggle to keep up with the wattage particularly on the hills, but a great work out.<br /><br />In attempt to escape the UK wet and cold winter, we have decided to visit Dominique's mum in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Calpe</span> Spain; a great place for a winter's training camp and I've planned a number of runs, may attempt to swim in the sea however, this time unfortunately I'm not taking my bike. A p<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">ity</span> as there are some great climbs around the area of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Calpe</span>. In fact Quickstep often use <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Calpe</span> as a base for their winter training sessions. There is a great loop which includes a Cat 1 climb and tons of hairpins and mountain views which are breath taking (see map).<br /><br /><iframe src="http://js.mapmyfitness.com/embed/blogview.html?r=fa9d30c1ce139db324dd43883f0f1ad0&u=m&t=run" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="700"><a href="http://www.mapmyrun.com/ride/spain/calpe/301105269"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Calpe</span></a><br/><a href="http://www.mapmyrun.com/find-ride/spain/calpe">Find more Bike Rides in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Calpe</span>, Spain</a></iframe><br /><br />Looking forward to 20<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">oC</span> and running and may be a dip in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Calpe</span> and more importantly Dominique's mum looking after us.Skippy Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027245019873699997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719205347696352179.post-45053740466506553112008-01-16T10:18:00.000+00:002008-01-16T12:17:24.081+00:00London to Paris 2008 : May try this more competitive race next yearAs I've been looking at different London to Paris races/events that people participate; I contemplated to doing this London to Paris (<a href="http://http://www.londres-paris.com/site/html/home/index.php">London to Paris Cycle Tour 2008</a>) cycle event however, I chickened-out thinking that I would be dropped off the back before the peloton reached the outskirts of London. Secondly, I'm keen to be in Paris when the Tour de France arrive. It was this event the <a href="http://www.londres-paris.com/site/html/home/index.php">London-Paris Cycle Tour</a> that inspired me to do such an event.<br /><br />The London-Paris Cycle Tour attracts riders from all over the world, indeed, last years winner was a follow Aussie. The event sounds great and is known for its friendly, sociable atmosphere, hard riding and great spirit! The London-Paris Cycle Tour is advertised as an unique 3 day “Tour de France” style endurance event for amateur and cyclosportive riders. It is a "professional event for amateurs" and is the closest an amateur will feel like a "pro" having full support, rolling road closures and covering 600km in three days.<div><br /></div><div>Pretty exciting however something I may consider doing next year, let's see how I go this summer as June and July is getting busy and I am concerned how I'm going to feel physically come early August. June it all starts with the Blenheim Sprint Tri, a mate at work wants to get all our families together to go up to Northampton to do the <a href="http://www.justracinguk.com/event.asp?EID=8">Beaver Tri</a> (2k swim, 80k, bike and 20 k run) in July, then I'm riding London to Paris finishing end of July then the next weekend I'm doing the London Tri were my target is 2:20 min. <br /></div>Skippy Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027245019873699997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719205347696352179.post-43244837512410137092008-01-04T12:46:00.000+00:002008-01-04T22:13:58.780+00:00London to Paris: Now these guys are amazing or just plan stupidOver the past few weeks I've been looking at different ways to travel from London to Paris, of course there is the obvious modes of transport, planes, trains, automobiles, ferries and even some of rowed (see earlier post). However, I have came across a feat of pure endurance. I come across a book during the summer of 2007 describing the Arch to Arc by Steve Haywood and was gob-smacked, I just sat back in amazement, but then quickly continued on with my day. However, as you dig deeper into the feat of athletic endurance, this individual race is astounding. The the London to Paris Triathlon or <a href="http://www.enduroman.com/archtoarc.html">Arch to Arc </a>(ie Marble Arch, London to the Arc de Triomphe, Paris) has to be one of the world's toughest endurance races and consequently few people have completed it. The race consists of a 87 mile run from London's Marble Arch to Dover, followed by a swim, 21 miles, across the English channel and finally bike 180 miles, from Calais to the Arc de Triomphe. A Run, swim, bike triathlon totalling some 288 miles from London to Paris.<br /><br />Let's break this down: 1. Run 87 miles, that's equivalent to running more than 3 consecutive marathons. 2. Following the ultra-marathon you lather yourself up in lard to prevent hypothermia or alternative you can wear a wetsuit however, official Channel swim crossings are not recorded if a wetsuit is employed. Then you jump in the English Channel, wetsuit or not and attempt to swim across to Calais; that's 21 miles of swimming that's equivalent to swimming the Ironman swim distance of 2.4 miles 8.75 times or 1344 laps of a 25 m pool, but added obstacle being in open water swimming across the busiest shipping lanes in the world against at times relentless tides. Following this feat, which by the way has only been completed less than 1000 times since the first recorded successful unassisted swim across the Dover Strait by Captain Matthew Webb in 1875 who took 21 hrs and 45 min. Since then the fastest recorded swim was by Petar Stoychev on 24 August 2007 who completed the crossing in an amazing 6 hrs 57 min (what a time!!). Once you have removed the lard which was preventing hypothermia you have a chance to regain for land legs, allow blood to return to head then you commence the third and final leg of the race cycling from Calais to Paris some 180 miles equivalent to only 1.6 Ironman bike leg.<br /><br />According the <a href="http://www.enduroman.com/archtoarc.html">Enduroman website</a>, only 5 men have attempted the triathlon with 4 of them completing; Eddie Ette in the World Record time of 81 hrs 5 min, And Mouncey, Julian Crabtree and Steve Haywood. Seven further people have booked their places to attempt this amazing endurance event over the coming 18 months. All the best to those contemplating this astounding feat of endurance however, the question that most people must be asking is why and I'll explore this in a future post.Skippy Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027245019873699997noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719205347696352179.post-11648361119182110742007-12-31T15:53:00.000+00:002008-01-04T22:13:15.330+00:00Plans for 2008: Happy New YearOver the past month or so I've been pencilling in my event calendar for 2008; it's shaping up to be an fun year. As Steve Runner mentions in <a href="http://www.steverunner.com/PodCasts/Fdip121.mp3">Episode 121</a> of his podcast <a href="http://www.steverunner.com/">Phedippidations</a>: Life is short but long enough! Make the most of it. <div>10 Feb<a href="http://www.dealtri.co.uk/race.php?raceid=1"> Dover Half Marathon </a></div><div>17 Feb <a href="http://www.ashford-runners.org.uk/">Ashford 10km</a></div><div>23 Mar <a href="http://www.dealtri.co.uk/race.php?raceid=2">Spring Aquathon</a></div><div>17 May <a href="http://www.canterbury-half-marathon.org.uk/">Canterbury Half Marathon</a></div><div>24 May <a href="http://www.dealtri.co.uk/race.php?raceid=6&Submit=Go">Fun Tri</a></div><div>25 May <a href="http://www.action.org.uk/get_involved/castleride.php">Castle Ride 100k</a></div><div>31 May <a href="http://www.dealtri.co.uk/race.php?raceid=87&Submit=Go">Fowlmead Duathalon</a></div><div>7-8 June <a href="http://www.thelondontriathlon.com/">Blenheim Triathlon</a></div><div>19 July <a href="http://www.dealtri.co.uk/race.php?raceid=39&Submit=Go">Deal Open Water Swim</a></div><div>22-27 July <a href="http://www.action.org.uk/get_involved/london_paris.php">London-Paris Ride</a></div><div>9-10 Aug <a href="http://www.thelondontriathlon.com/">London Triathlon</a></div><div>21 Sep <a href="http://www.racenewforest.co.uk/08_new_forest_middle_distance_triathlon_home.htm">New Forest Middle Distance Triathlon</a></div><div>28 Sep <a href="http://www.folkestonerotary.org/HalfMara07.asp">Folkestone Half Marathon</a></div><div>28 Sep<a href="http://www.worldwidehalf.com/cgi-bin/wwhalf/home"> 3rd Annual Phedippidations Worldwide Half Marathon</a></div><div>2 Nov <a href="http://www.worldwidehalf.com/cgi-bin/wwhalf/home">Deal 5 Miler</a></div><div>15 Nov <a href="http://www.humanrace.co.uk/buster/index.html">Ballbuster Duathalon</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Looking forward to a fun year.</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy new year to all!!</div><div></div>Skippy Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027245019873699997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719205347696352179.post-49393427747614385082007-12-30T23:25:00.000+00:002008-01-04T22:15:03.534+00:00London to Paris ? Why not run Sydney to Melbourne UltramarathonI grew up in Melbourne, Australia and in 1983 a local shopping centre <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Westfield</span> sponsored an annual Ultra Marathon from Sydney to Melbourne, claimed to be the World's Greatest Running Race, some 860 km -1060 km depending upon the year. Over two hundred people started the race in the nine years that it was held. Only fifty two percent of them finished the run! Runners from all around the world attempted the race. The concept grew out of a planned Match race between Ultra Running Greats, George <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Perdon</span> and Tony Rafferty with $10 000 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">prize money</span>. The inaugural race held in 1983 was won by an unknown 61 year old man called Cliff Young, who use to train in gumboots around his potato and sheep farm in Victoria. Rumour has it he trained by running around his farm rounding up his sheep (no wonder people question Australians about sheep).<br /><br />Cliff ran the race at a slow loping pace and trailed the leaders for most of the course, but by denying himself sleep and running while the others slept he slowly gained on them and eventually won by a large margin. Before running the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Westfield</span> Sydney to Melbourne Ultra Marathon race he told the press that he would run for two to three days straight rounding up all of the sheep. He claimed that during the race he imagined himself rounding up his sheep and trying to outrun the storms.<br />Cliff become a household name following his tortoise and the hare like feat and people came from miles to see him and the other runners shuffling along the Sydney to Melbourne running course and indeed following post race tours of the country. I lived relatively close to the finish and recall seeing Cliff and other racers finishing.<br />Cliff died at the age of 81 in 2003.<br />The race was held 9 times from 1983 -1992 other winners in the nine years were Geoff <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Molloy</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Yiannis</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Kouros</span> (who won an amazing 5 times and indeed there was talk about <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">handicapping</span> him in an attempt to make the race competitive), <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Dusan</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Mravlje</span> and Bryan Smith.<br /><br />The modern day <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Pheidippides</span>; <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Yiannis</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Kouros</span> (Greek born Australian) aka the Running God once held and in some cases still does every men's world record from 100 to 1,000 miles and from 1 day to 10 days. Fittingly in 1991, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Yiannis</span> starred as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Pheidippides</span> in the movie A Hero's Journey about the history of marathon running.Skippy Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027245019873699997noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719205347696352179.post-72207886137924578272007-12-30T20:50:00.000+00:002008-01-04T22:16:27.019+00:00London to Paris: horses for courses (some row it!)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqtQTmxFY2Y_bnSRMxsnrZ_P9EsasllYQlIE7K30mU9HvbfA1GK-SHyg64W-Ava10uOL559DnNpFaa2QJoHEStA-vsCXW8_GIqwOKHnBQ0qgSavmSNQoEY7jJ371tzzhVSaxTF_gh7ig/s1600-h/route.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5149899998347986034" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqtQTmxFY2Y_bnSRMxsnrZ_P9EsasllYQlIE7K30mU9HvbfA1GK-SHyg64W-Ava10uOL559DnNpFaa2QJoHEStA-vsCXW8_GIqwOKHnBQ0qgSavmSNQoEY7jJ371tzzhVSaxTF_gh7ig/s200/route.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />London to Paris on a bike over 4 days riding some 300 miles got me thinking of the different ways you could travel from London to Paris. <div>As the crow flies it is about 200 miles from London to Paris. Flying to Paris from Gatwick would only take about 1 hour but it always takes longer and then you need to travel from the centre of London to Gatwick to Charles de Gaulle then find transport from the airport to the centre of Paris all adds time so that 45 min flight because 3 to 4 hour journey. The Eurostar can do the trip in about 2.5 hours, faster if the British rail system supported the fast trains appropriately, how frustrating it is traveling back from Paris on the Eurostar, you are hurtling along through the French country side towards Calais only to slow down as you enter the tunnel then travel at a snails pace to London. </div><div>You can drive to Paris from London and according to Google maps it's a 289 mile journey taking 5 hours and 43 mins now here's a challenge for Top Gear, race public transport ie tube from the National Gallery to another tube another to get on the Gatwick Express, book yourself in at the airport go through security get on your flight, fly to Paris go through passports collect your luggage, get the train into Paris versus driving; it could be a close call assuming the car got out of London with minimal delay and the French baggage handlers were on strike.</div><div></div><div>I came across an interesting race from London to Paris, now these guys are crazy, they row from London along the Thames out into the Thames estuary, they row the boat out around south east Kent past Dover then they cross the English Channel (somehow avoiding the traffic of the shipping lanes) they navigate their way up the Seine to Paris. Looking briefly at the website <a href="http://london2parisrowing.com/home/">London2parisrowing.com</a> teams of 10 rotate over the duration of the event. It looks like there are 6 oarsman and a cox (pretty easy job sitting back looking at the view yelling at the crew to get a move we only have 300 more miles to row come on chaps, hey watch out for that oil tanker). The other interesting snippet from their website is the event is a race from London to Paris which started in 1990 with the Met Police crew being the first to row non stop however, since then only 4 crews have completed the race (some race). Apparently they are still taking entries from interested parties if you wish to have a go however, it looks like history is against you finishing. Good luck I wish you all the best watch out for those tankers.</div><div></div><div></div>Skippy Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027245019873699997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719205347696352179.post-84698177515083926792007-12-29T16:19:00.001+00:002007-12-30T15:06:19.397+00:00Numerous organized London to Paris cycle rides in 2008<a href="http://www.action.org.uk/logos/amr_logo_colour.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.action.org.uk/logos/amr_logo_colour.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />London to Paris organized cycle rides for 2008 there is plenty of choice, different routes covered and variety of charities to support. To my knowledge all are carried out for charity with a minimum amount to be raised in the order of £1000 depending on the charity. The charities are varied from children to raising funds to help identify potential treatments or cures for an array of illnesses for example from asthma, MS to cancers.<br /><br />Examples of organisations that are offering London to Paris rides are <a href="http://www.skylineoverseas.co.uk/Lon2Paris">http://www.skylineoverseas.co.uk/Lon2Paris</a> , <a href="http://www.ndcschallenges.org.uk/charity">http://www.NDCSchallenges.org.uk/charity</a> , <a href="http://www.doitforcharity.com/london2paris">http://www.doitforcharity.com/london2paris</a>, <a href="http://www.discoveradventure.com/web/nav/75/page/London+to+Paris+Open+Challenge/">http://www.discoveradventure.com/web/nav/75/page/London+to+Paris+Open+Challenge/</a> , <a href="http://www.charitychallenge.com/expedition_details.jsp?id=864">http://www.charitychallenge.com/expedition_details.jsp?id=864</a> , <a href="http://www.lupusuk.com/cycleride.asp">http://www.lupusuk.com/cycleride.asp</a> , <a href="http://www.kch.nhs.uk/fundraising/events/overseas/london-paris">http://www.kch.nhs.uk/fundraising/events/overseas/london-paris</a>, <a href="http://www.getkidsgoing.com/london_to_paris.html">http://www.getkidsgoing.com/london_to_paris.html</a>, <a href="http://www.rethink.org/get_involved/fundraise/challenge_events/london_to_paris_cycl.html">http://www.rethink.org/get_involved/fundraise/challenge_events/london_to_paris_cycl.html</a>, <a href="http://www.ms-research.org.uk/about_us/fundraising_events/overseas_fundraising/london_paris_cycle.htm">http://www.ms-research.org.uk/about_us/fundraising_events/overseas_fundraising/london_paris_cycle.htm</a><br /><a href="http://www.msresearch.org.uk/about_us/fundraising_events/overseas_fundraising/london_paris_cycle.htm">http://www.msresearch.org.uk/about_us/fundraising_events/overseas_fundraising/london_paris_cycle.htm</a>, <a href="http://www.mssociety.org.uk/go.rm?id=20283:1">http://www.mssociety.org.uk/go.rm?id=20283:1</a>, <a href="http://www.jtsma.org.uk/london_paris_cycle_jun2008.html">http://www.jtsma.org.uk/london_paris_cycle_jun2008.html</a><br /><br />I'm riding and more importantly raising funds for Action Medical Research <a href="http://www.action.org.uk/">http://www.action.org.uk/</a>. I'm a research scientist and every day I'm looking to identify potential treatments to cure or at least improve quality of life. However, the ability for me to make an impact on people's health is a long term process, many years of research. However, the work of Action Medical Research has a more <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">immediate</span> impact than my day to day job helping for example supplying appropriate equipment to support premature babies through fundraising effects peoples life's in the relative short term. Action Medical Research played a crucial role in developing the polio vaccine in the UK, ultrasound scanning in pregnancy, hip replacement surgery and more. Touching Tiny Lives is the charity's major campaign to help sick and vulnerable babies. Action Medical Research aim to raise £3 million for vital new research to help prevent premature birth and life-threatening pregnancy complications and to develop better treatments for babies who require special care. Being a father of 4 healthy girls I couldn't <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">contemplate</span> the heart <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">wrenching</span> feeling of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">helpless</span> if one of my daughters was ill during pregnancy or shortly after birth.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Therefore</span> as a father and research <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">scientist</span> I'll be raising funds for Action Medical Research. Supporting their work Touching Tiny Lives I feel that I can help provide medical solutions indirectly for an almost an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">immediate</span> impact through my fundraising compared to the long term efforts of my research, which may indeed never succeed.Skippy Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027245019873699997noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719205347696352179.post-88581156142825648162007-12-27T16:44:00.000+00:002007-12-27T16:47:11.752+00:00London to Paris 2008 Day 4Another flat day of riding only some 250 m ascent over circa 100 km however entering Paris the day before the tour arrives will be great!<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><iframe src="http://js.mapmyfitness.com/embed/blogview.html?r=3c28eb0d3bebe91c3dfa20b36172d1a8&u=m&t=run" height="700px" width="100%" frameborder="0"><a href="http://www.mapmyrun.com/ride/france/paris/735350685">Beauvais to Paris Day 4 L2P</a><br/><a href="http://www.mapmyrun.com/find-ride/france/paris">Find more Bike Rides in Paris, France</a></iframe>Skippy Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027245019873699997noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719205347696352179.post-32457628409249744182007-12-21T14:21:00.000+00:002007-12-21T14:25:43.870+00:00London to Paris 2008 Day 3 RouteDay 3 of the London to Paris 2008 bike ride Abbeville to Beauvais some 100 km of a pretty flat track estimating only 330 m of climbing. The organises of the cycle ride will not disclose the route until closer to the start of the trip. Consequently, I've estimated the likely route see below.<br /><br /><iframe src="http://js.mapmyfitness.com/embed/blogview.html?r=c82c43423329e6bfc5b265a937a5ebbd&u=m&t=run" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="700"><a href="http://www.mapmyrun.com/ride/france/abbeville-france/420507148">Abbeville to Beauvais L2P Day 3</a><br/><a href="http://www.mapmyrun.com/find-ride/france/abbeville-france">Find more Bike Rides in Abbeville France, France</a></iframe>Skippy Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027245019873699997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719205347696352179.post-25646847698177624272007-12-19T14:14:00.000+00:002007-12-19T14:26:40.346+00:00London to Paris 2008 Day 2 RouteLondon to Paris 2008 cycle ride day 2 route Calais to Abbeville some 100 km. Estimated route is as follows looking forward riding through the French villages on our way to Paris completing the journey the day before the Tour de France arrives; can’t wait.<br /><br /><iframe src="http://js.mapmyfitness.com/embed/blogview.html?r=7bb84ca07f0de39bd30874a7065314dc&u=m&t=run" height="700px" width="100%" frameborder="0"><a href="http://www.mapmyrun.com/ride/france/calais/320688822">Calais to Abbeville Day 2 L2P</a><br/><a href="http://www.mapmyrun.com/find-ride/france/calais">Find more Bike Rides in Calais, France</a></iframe>Skippy Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027245019873699997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719205347696352179.post-13921697568748619482007-12-08T12:34:00.000+00:002008-01-04T22:11:56.882+00:00London to Paris 2008 Route London to DoverThe Action Medical Research Route 1 London to Paris Day 1 London to Dover I have estimated to something like the following:<div>This will be great as I live in Deal and the family can wish me luck as we board the ferry at Dover.<br /><iframe src="http://js.mapmyfitness.com/embed/blogview.html?r=3e566cb0d6345fe7e1307868edb47718&u=m&t=run" height="700px" width="100%" frameborder="0"></iframe><br /></div>Skippy Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027245019873699997noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719205347696352179.post-45778396307149529752007-12-04T14:03:00.000+00:002007-12-05T11:47:58.430+00:00London to Paris 2008 Fundraising and Col Galibier: Get on with it!<a href="http://www.cycling-challenge.com/images/img_0924.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.cycling-challenge.com/images/img_0924.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The bike ride from London to Paris I think will not be too much and I'm really looking forward however, the fundraising that's a different story. Where do I start. I've planned an auction of promises thinking that the auction will provide the majority of the funds. But actually getting started is the more difficult than it seems. I've started a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">brochure</span> of items in an attempt to demonstrate to local business the potential advertising opportunity to my colleagues. I think this should work I just should get on with it rather than <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">procrastinating</span> about it.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Training last night I got on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Tacx</span></span> with the ambition to beat it and get to the summit of the Col <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Galibier</span></span> however, I didn't get on it <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">until</span> 10.30 pm so decided to listen to one episode of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Ironman</span></span> Talk and climb Col <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Telegraphe</span></span> and to the foot of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Galibier</span></span>.</div><div></div><div>Stop delaying and get on with it both re the fundraising as well as getting up the Col <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Galibier</span>. Is the Alpine Classic ride an analogue of the fundraising efforts; or I'm just over reading into it.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Need to get a theme tune re Ally <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">McBeal</span>. Tracey, I don't think Ruby don't take your love to town is appropriate as a theme tune.</div><div></div><div></div><div>Lunch time run 8 km in 35 min.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div>Skippy Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027245019873699997noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719205347696352179.post-52351121586146596842007-12-03T14:54:00.000+00:002007-12-04T14:36:36.584+00:00The list of things to do before I die<a href="http://www.doyletics.com/images/starnite.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.doyletics.com/images/starnite.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I've completed my list and it was fun to write down the things I wish to do before I die. The clock has started. Life's short but long enough.<br /><br />One of my things to do is to paint at Saint Remy and visit the Hospital where Van Gogh attended.<br /><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&rlz=1T4GFRB_enGB242GB242&oe=UTF-8&um=1&q=Saint+Remy+de+Provence&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=nl">http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&rlz=1T4GFRB_enGB242GB242&oe=UTF-8&um=1&q=Saint+Remy+de+Provence&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=nl</a><br /><br />Training was poor over the weekend in fact I completed a big fat 0. Went for a run at lunchtime 8 km in 35 min. Will have a crack out the Tacx tonight if time permits.</div>Skippy Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027245019873699997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719205347696352179.post-21019068210495357942007-11-30T14:02:00.000+00:002007-12-31T15:53:32.960+00:00Life is short but long enoughThings to do before I die.<br /><br />Thanks Reverend Steve.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Phedippidations</span> is one of my favourite <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">podcasts</span> I've been listening to Steve for almost 1 year and half he is great company on long runs an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">aovate</span> to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">podcasting</span> and most of all food for thought.<br /><br />His <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">podast</span> Things to do before you die makes you think; Life is short but long enough.<br /><br />I'm going to encourage people to start writing their list and cross stuff off. Dominique and I start composing ours tonight.<br /><br />Thanks Steve.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Fdip</span>121: Things to do Before You Die<br /><a href="http://www.steverunner.com/PodCasts/Fdip121.mp3">http://www.steverunner.com/PodCasts/Fdip121.mp3</a><br /><br />Training diary easy run 7.5 kSkippy Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027245019873699997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719205347696352179.post-37044170555359648982007-11-30T09:23:00.000+00:002007-11-30T09:25:46.026+00:00The Tacx section of La Marmotte 2007<iframe src="http://js.mapmyfitness.com/embed/blogview.html?r=5e9c7d2f945c71024bc4ff1d28adf7bf&u=e&t=run" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="700"><a href="http://www.mapmyrun.com/ride/france/saint-michel-de-maurienne/913544541">Alpine Classic Tacx</a><br/><a href="http://www.mapmyrun.com/find-ride/france/saint-michel-de-maurienne">Find more Bike Rides in Saint-michel-de-maurienne, France</a></iframe>Skippy Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027245019873699997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719205347696352179.post-14424653771851525702007-11-29T15:11:00.000+00:002007-11-30T15:30:27.383+00:00Simon 0 : Tacx 1<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXGk-a4sL5Uns57M-9lS_hurfV6nmHwtYT2ndRGwGa5TBkKRR4P6f6Rt9vY-hPNd8EpXQOS905jXzuVhhXi6Ow8wXHvza4vRKvqEbICYS8kgsOaoZ_6fsUkciJQvxhV3B_ZOHWHqREuw/s1600-h/Polar.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138282466950010018" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXGk-a4sL5Uns57M-9lS_hurfV6nmHwtYT2ndRGwGa5TBkKRR4P6f6Rt9vY-hPNd8EpXQOS905jXzuVhhXi6Ow8wXHvza4vRKvqEbICYS8kgsOaoZ_6fsUkciJQvxhV3B_ZOHWHqREuw/s320/Polar.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Tried to complete the Alpine Classic 2007 Tacx real life video last night; well at least until the bottom of Alpe d'Huez. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I started at 10.00pm and at 12.40 pm I still wasn't at the peak of Col Galibier (is there a summit?). Great video but tough work. 2 hrs 40 mins of climbing some 32 km buring 2,500 Cals.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I need to start earlier to beat the Tacx, but I we will!</div><div></div><div>I'll have a go tonight; goal to get to the summit. I do enjoy the road graffiti from this years Tour as you climb.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Skippy Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027245019873699997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719205347696352179.post-24417154924919777712007-11-28T11:53:00.000+00:002007-11-28T12:06:49.927+00:00Fundraising efforts startedSo it's real. I need to raise at least £1,100 for Action Medical Research. Work has committed to match my contribution to £150, so there is a start.<br /><br />Training is going ok however, struggling of late to get up in the morning to do a few hours. The cold and the dark don't help. Yesterday's lunch time run was fine my knee is getting better following completeing the Folkestone half marathon. <br /><br />I'll get on the Tacx tonight and try to complete the entire Alpine Classic. The 86 km course includes Col du Télégraphe (1570m) and descends down to the Valloir ski resort then Col du Galibier (2,642m), down the Col du Lautaret (2,000m), the hamlet La Grave and the dam bridge at Lac du Chambon. After the village of Les Clapier there is a long, flat road to Bourg d’Oisans. You finish this epic ride with the tough unrelenting world famous climb of Alpe-d'Huez to the finish at the mountain ski resort of the same name (1,839m). Alpe-d'Huez is amazing 21 hairpin turns takes about 1.15 to do your heart is pumping like made. I don't know how the pros do it. Pantani's record of around 37 minutes; 1.72 m 57 kg drug induced speed helps but still amazing epecially after 3-4 major climbs prior to Alpe d'Huez.Skippy Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027245019873699997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719205347696352179.post-4128233393692729862007-11-27T09:53:00.000+00:002007-11-30T23:50:30.518+00:00I'm doing itSaturday the 24th of November my 38th birthday and what do I get registration for the 2008 London to Paris Charity bike ride for Action Medical Research. 285 miles from London to Paris ending in Paris the day prior to the Tour de France finish. What a present can't wait and looking forward to the training. Next year is looking like a fun one; London to Paris 2008, Blenheim Tri, London Tri, New Forest 1/2 Ironman, a few 1/2 marathons, Elche double Tri (maybe) and a couple of smaller tris completing the year in Thailand with Phuket Tri.<br /><br />What a year to look forward to.Skippy Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027245019873699997noreply@blogger.com0