Closing this blog

As the event is over, I have decided to close this blog. It has served its purpose well but now is in danger of becoming more about things I may or may not do in future. If you want to keep in touch, there is already another blog about the walks me and my brother do every month. It can be found at:
http://gastrowalks.blogspot.com/
Thanks for your support and interest.

More rides on a folder

I'd hate to think I've become a 'folder fanatic'. But some of 'the guys' who took part in the challenge live in the south and so don't get to see the wonderful scenery in the north. Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of nice views in the south, and, as I found on the ride, a number of quite steep hills too. However, there isn't the rawness of the Peak district or the remoteness of places like the Yorkshire dales hence the idea of a ride in t'north.

Due to the limited number of gears on some of the bikes I've picked a relatively easy route from Buxton out to the Derwent reservoirs and returning through Monsal Head and Litton Dale. Let's hope the weather holds!

By the way, riding home the other day (on the road bike) I made the trip in 50:13 seconds. Although the target is inside 50 minutes, I didn't really believe I'd ever make it - the previous record stood at 53:14. Now I'm within a whisker of achieving target - which means it will have to change.

I don't quite understand how I managed to knock 3 minutes off because it didn't feel particularly windy - it was a tail wind, but going home it often is and it wasn't blowing excessively hard like today.

C2C on the Space Monkey?

I've been wondering what to do with the Space Monkey. I seriously considered throwing it in the Seine but it went on the van before I got sight of the river. Then I thought about selling it... but who would buy it? Similar models (albeit without the modifications) sell for about £50 - £100 on ebay. A price that really doesn't do justice to the craftmanship that has gone into this machine (stop laughing!)

I've seen on the Folding Bike Challenge Facebook page that some of the 'Guys' are considering doing either LEJoG (Lands End to John o' Groats to you and me) or something longer in France. Whilst I'd like to join in, there are a couple of things stopping me; time and money. To be more precise a lack of both.

So, I thought what about the Coast to Coast on the Space Monkey in a day? There are several different routes, but mostly about 150 - 180 miles long. I could do that in one hop.... couldn't I?

The advantage of a single day is I wouldn't have to rely on anyone else to help - no support vehicle to worry about; no overnight baggage to carry. I couldn't put panniers on the Monkey anyway, and I'm not even going to start with a rucksack on.

Maybe.... Spring 2010 would be a good time.... Monkey will need a bit more fiddling with; need to sort that rear wheel out and get a front wheel the same size so that I don't have to carry two sets of inner tubes. But that's more money, so maybe I won't bother.

Biggest advantage of a single day is I don't have to plan too far in advance. So, if the weather looks bad - can apply the first rule of cycling in the rain and go another time!

Some thoughts and photos

Can't believe what an easy ride my road bike is. The 'Space Monkey' (thanks Pepe, good name for it) weighs a lot and the gear is not as free rolling as it should be and the difference between the two is quite marked. Having said that, the ride position on the Monkey is very comfortable.

However, as 'the Guys' brought it back from Paris for me, I'm now looking for things to do with it. Clearly, I can't keep it. Any suggestions? If I kept it, I'd probably end up being some folding nerd and spend my time dreaming about the 'perfect folder' or taking pictures of it from odd angles. Or does that only happen to Brompton owners?

Amazing how much those guys pay for their machines too; and then whine about being ripped off because they consider they are over-priced. You could take my option and get a cheaper one....

Anyway, here are a couple of pictures of the trip. There are more on the Folding Bike Challenge Facebook page.

Day 3 & Day 4........

2 days worth to do in 1 because I forgot to do it yesterday, so here goes.......

Friday was a hard day into a strong headwind. All the 'fast' guys were told to take photos to slow them down. My room mate has a video and so I offered to get some video footage of him. I spent the morning pushing ahead then chasing to catch up again. Somehow managed to miss a turning doing that and added bout 5k to the day - not a big deal 4 me but stressed the organisers. No hills to speak of and so everyone completed the 85k stage. Stayed in a French version of Premier Inn and food was basic.

Saturday was the final 85k into Paris. Again a block headwind and was asked to help some of those finding it hard. Then pm some light hills and that final steep climb into Paris. Not many managed to climb that one... I had to use one of the hub unit gears! So not a waste of time at all buying that hub.

Haven't seen the river yet and bike on the van so will think of some other way of disposal. Offered it for sale to several French people but no takers. I will give a better update on Monday eve for those of you brave enough to actually read this drivel...

Day 2........

Long day with plenty of long steady climbs and sweeping descents. Great competition with all the guys on their flashy lightweight machines. Think I'm holding my own and proving the point that the bike is the least important part of the unit - the fitness of the rider is the key.

Anyway, had lunch in a fantastic jardin public (pictures to follow). Has been a gorgeous day and the cyclists tan lines are looking good. Unfortunately a couple of riders had to take to the wagon at lunch time. Also got a front wheel puncture today right after the post lunch rest stop so finished plum last.

Day 1

Full of excitement and hills. Six of us got too carried away in the second session and were ripping the road up - about 22 mph - when a 'fan' waved at us from across the road. A moment of inattention and three of us were sliding down the road. One guy wrecked his bike. Fortunately mine is ok and I have a couple of superficial grazes to show for it. There are some seriously steep hills so far that have reduced many to walking. I've managed to ride them all but have been glad of the modifications.
Currently sat in a pub waiting for the evening meal and then ferry to caen.

Final pre-ride post

This is the last post before the ride. I'm taking the train on Tuesday to London and have made arrangements to 'call in' future updates; which will then be put on the blog for me.

Spent an hour or so yesterday just doing the final tweaks to the bike; fixing the water cage to the handlebar stem, moving the internal gear's lever to a more comfortable position and checking the gear indexing (6th - 7th was jumping a bit yesterday).

Nearly forgot; went for that important haircut yesterday.... well the weight difference could be significant you know. Packing my bag today so all that's left is a final 'thank you' to everyone who contributed and to get on with the actual ride.

Day 2 - Folding Bike to Work Week

Another breakfast. I only had a sausage sandwich and cup of tea again, but they do taste good. Could get used to them, but then I'd have to do even more riding to burn it all off.

I don't know what it is about this folding bike; this was the second day riding to work on it and again it was nice in the morning and then rained hard in the evening. So I got another drenching. This time, no silly detours down canal towpaths - straight home as fast as I could - obeying the second rule of riding in the rain.

Talking of speed, I mapped the ride to work and the computer says 15mph. So that's all right - and just goes to show the extra weight only costs 2 - 3 mph.

I've noticed people react to the folder, and don't to a normal bike. Particularly kids. I had a race this evening against a young lad of about 10. He was on his scooter.... yeah, whupped him!

Only 6 days to go now... sponsor money continues to trickle in. I can't believe how hard it has been to raise £2000. If I hadn't been helped by CREW - and John Tudor in particular - I don't think I'd have made it.

Riding the folder to work

Riding home on the canal towpath was a mistake. For a start, it was raining. You should always ride as fast as you can in the rain. No, not because you don't get as wet but because you get to where you are going quicker and hence don't stay wet as long.

Second, I didn't think of going on the towpath until Mirfield. Its cobbles at Mirfield. As a result, I've discovered riding cobbles is hard work on a small wheeled bike. To add to my woes:

The towpath by the river (the Calder is a 'navigational' system) is very overgrown and it is not possible to ride a folder through heavy - and very wet - undergrowth. I had to walk and therefore broke the second rule of riding in the rain. (the first rule is; don't.)

I found out the hard way that cable ties are too insubstantial to hold a water carrier on the handlebar stem. They break too easily and the whole lot goes tumbling down the road. I'll try a jubilee clip, although I am a bit concerned that the weight might be an issue. (Ha ha.. bike weighs 14.5kg already, I hardly think an extra gramme is going to make any difference!)

Enough of that; today was the first day of the official 'Folding Bike to Work Week' and I went steady and only had a sausage butty and a cup of tea - well, I wasn't sure if Pierre was serious or not. He was, and I really enjoyed my breakfast thanks!

Followed that with lunch with Bob Pidgeon who is also riding and also works in Halifax. Sounds like his concerns are much the same as mine, although from the sounds of it he rides one of these things for pleasure!

I'll just share this with you, then you'll appreciate what you are dealing with here:

I set off for work this morning and thought the bike felt a bit 'draggy'. Like someone was holding the seat and slowing me down. I checked the wheels several times and couldn't find anything wrong. Well, I listened to hear if anything was rubbing, that passes for checking in my book.

Anyway, I couldn't get up any kind of speed and struggled along at 16 mph - only managed 32mph down my one steep descent. But I put it all down to a strong headwind and the different bike. (Descending is 'interesting', by the way)

Anyway, didn't feel any different coming home but when the toolkit fell off, I remembered I had adjusted the brakes on Sunday. So, whilst I was stopped, I thought it would be worth just taking a little look. I'd been riding with the brakes on. Not full on, but enough to create some drag. Doh!

The Route (I think!)

Along with some other changes to the site, I thought I'd best put this route map on whilst I think about it. I'm busy transferring Mrs V's record collection onto her MP4 player thing. So with KC and The Sunshine Band belting out 'Shake, Shake, Shake, Shake your Booty' (yeah, I know, I'm saying nothing) here I go again.

We haven't yet been given the definitive route, but this is what I have put together from the information one of the other riders (David Jones) has unearthed.

What with the lack of enthusiasm from the guys at the British Heart Foundation, this event is feeling a bit 'thrown together'. Should make it more exciting; amateur is what the British do best!.


View Directions to Avenue Gustave Eiffel, 75007 Paris, France (Eiffel Tower) in a larger map

Folding Bike to Work Week

In June we had 'Bike to Work Week', and our employer participated in the free breakfast scheme. I'm hoping the same will happen if I tell them about my 'Folding Bike to Work Week' which starts on Tuesday. (I'm off on the Bank Holiday)

I'm going to be a bit cheeky and ask Pierre - the manager of the restaurant - if he'll sponsor me by giving me 4 free breakfasts. What odds will you give me? I'll position it as a big feed up in preparation for the event which will happen the following week.
EDIT: I asked, and he said yes! Thanks Pierre.

It seemed such a long way off, and now the day is almost here. I think I'd better take the beast back to John just to check the spokes are still OK. Not that I've ridden it that much!

No response from my doctor's surgery despite them being the first people I wrote to. I think I'll do a chaser as its poor form to not get a reply at all. I've also tried to get a mention on the radio a few times but no luck yet.

The Jersey Sponsors

Managed to finalise the jersey design today. I had been hoping for sublimated designs which would have meant I could do a complete design job on the jersey. Unfortunately, these take 4 weeks to produce and delays with confirmation of the money coming through and getting the logos in the right format meant I had to go with just laser printing on a light coloured stock jersey.

Never mind, they look great anyway. Thanks very much to the sponsors Sovereign Healthcare and Bradford Bulls. You'll already have seen the result of the link up with Bulls - £400! Brilliant.

See what you think, pictures on the left. I'll be posting some pics of the real thing with me inside in as soon as they are delivered so keep coming back!

Jerseys produced by a company in Leeds: www.cycle-clothing.co.uk They've been really helpful and the prices are very reasonable. Check them out if you want something similar.

Bradford Bulls vs Catalans collection

I have to admit to some trepidation about this. It is quietly amusing, all this prep for the challenge and if it weren't I wouldn't be doing it. But I'm not sure I'm ready for 10,000+ people to be laughing at me as I ride round Odsal stadium. Still, I quite like rugby league - its a bit more spectator-friendly than rugby union - so will enjoy the game as well.

Don't get me wrong, I quite like watching rugby union too, its just a bit more of a players game than the league version. I mean, more of it happens in the rucks and mauls.... I think I'll stop digging, the hole is just getting bigger.

Will be updating the blog again after the event.... thanks again and again and again to John from CREW for organising it for me. This should be my major sponsorship piece.

Oh, yes. Did I tell you the jerseys are on order? I'm expecting a mock up sometime this week so if I can, I'll post something on the blog so you can see what I'm going to be wearing.


What a game! Bulls slaughtered the French. I think they were over-awed by the thought of crazy English cyclists on fold-up bicycles.... We collected £380.58 - which I've rounded up to £400 on the Justgiving page to make sure the fees are covered - I'm sure we could have topped £500 if I'd had more people helping, but it is still a great result.

Odd, isn't it? One of the half-time organisers said "Surprisingly quick, isn't it?" when I'd finished my two laps of the pitch. I just gave him a lop-sided grin and agreed. But really its all in the legs and lungs. If you haven't got those, you won't be able to make any bike go fast, no matter how little it weighs.

Which reminds me!! I've been meaning to weigh the beast for a while because it feels quite heavy. I finally got 'a round tooit' today and put it on the bathroom scales. (the same ones I weigh myself on, so any inaccuracy is consistent!)

Would you believe 14.5kg? (31.9lb for my American readers or 2 1/4 stone for those too old or idle to learn metric in the UK) For comparison, I weighed my road bike - which was complete with tool kit, spare tube and lights - 11kg (24lb or 1 3/4 stone) I guess if I can lose 3.5kg (7lb or 1/2 stone) before I go, I shouldn't notice any difference. Anyone prepared to sponsor me to do so? Ha ha... I weighed 79kg this morning.

Thankyou Bradford Bulls supporters for your generosity today. I've acheived target. Just the ride itself to do now.

Cannes Film Festival nominee

Here it is then. The next Cannes film festival winner.

It's the result of a full hour of hard work last Sunny Sunday afternoon. Hope you enjoy it.

Pass it on to all your friends, family and anyone else who may be interested - especially if they have any reason to be more likely to donate to the cause. Well, that IS what it is all about, isn't it?

Where am I now?

The test went well although the weather let me down. I was on the road a little late - 5:20am - and rode from Ossett to Flockton and was intending to go to Shelley and then round Kirkburton into Lepton to rejoin the main route at the B6118. But then it started raining, so I cut it a bit short and just went straight on to Grange Moor.

Here's the route if you're interested.



A few things to note:
1. My phone's memory isn't big enough to cope with calculating speed, direction or holding info on altitude. So those elements will always show as 'zero'.
2. If you are following progress, you will have to keep on refreshing the page.


I'm a bit obsessed with this at the moment, and have it switched on practically every time I'm on a bike. I then map the result into the website that the map above comes from - mapmyride.com and it calculates average speed and altitude climbed (and descended) and puts it all into a profile for me.

Good thing is, its getting me out on the bike a lot.

Next thing may be a video.... I've seen Steve's and feel I need one too. Watch this space.

Tracker

For a while now I've been looking for a tracking device so that I can show where I am on the web whilst I'm on this challenge.

Good news is; I've found a free one on the web that tracks the GPS function on my mobile phone. I have also tried Mapmytracks.com but their system doesn't work with my phone (a Nokia 6700 Classic) The application is supplied by InstaMapper.com and was dead easy to set up. I've set my phone to transmit every 2 minutes, so when it is switched on you will be able to see where I am...

I'm testing it on Monday 10th August as I ride to work if any of you are up at 5am....

Contact!

Aha! There are some other people doing this challenge after all. I was beginning to think I might be the only one stupid enough.

The organisers sent an email the other day with details of a 'FaceBook' page one of the participants has set up. (If you are interested: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=75179230840&ref=ts )


Anyway, one of the people doing the event is also running a blog - we're following each others; mad isn't it!?
Steve Unwin, and you can find it at http://thefoldingbikechallenge.blogspot.com/2009/08/first-entry.html

On to more important things: Train times and Jerseys.

1st the jersey. I've asked other participants if they'd like a jersey, the more publicity for the sponsors the better and there is a minimum order and I can't possibly wear them all!

I've got some ideas for a design and will post the results on the blog soon. Well, got to get on with it because there is a 3 week production window and there are only 5 weeks to go!

2nd Train times. The event starts at 7:30 in the morning. The earliest train gets me into Kings X at.... yep; 7:30! I've asked them to wait for me but not heard anything to say they will yet. It could all be about to go wrong!

London to Paris - the fundraising

Bit pleased with myself this weekend. The brass band I'm involved with (Gawthorpe Brass '85) played at Ed Balls' garden party - he's our local MP - this weekend and I asked both Ed Balls and Yvette Cooper to sponsor me. They both agreed, although I was a bit slow - when Ed asked me "how much do people normally give" I said ten pounds. In hindsight I should have said fifty... but Yvette doubled his donation anyway.

Unfortunately, although I have asked, none of our other local politicians have responded. Comments about expenses would be unfair at this point, I think!

I have to say thanks to John Tudor from CREW. He is doing a great job sorting out sponsorship for me. I'm due to visit Bradford Bulls game on 23rd August where I can do a bucket collection. That should really help. He's also hoping to sort out a shirt sponsor. I'm not having much luck, none of the companies I have contacted have responded - although Benecol sent me some vouchers for some of their products.

I've been following Bernie Hollywood's progress on his Lands End to John o' Groats + 3 Peaks challenge. He's been doing really well - miles ahead of schedule. Take a look at his website, it makes what I'm doing look a bit wimpy:

http://www.berniehollywood.com/Bernie_Hollywood/BernieHollywood.com_-_Home.html

London to Paris - the bike

Back to the bike with some more modifications. I rode it down to the station today as I had a meeting in London and wanted to try going on the train with it.

It was a reasonably nice day in Wakefield, so I didn't bother with a coat. But when I got to London it was teeming down with rain and I had to shelter under some trees for a bit in one of the squares. Then, when I set off again, I noticed my bottom was getting rather wet. I looked round and saw a plume of water being thrown up by the rear wheel. Of course, I no longer have a mudguard on.

This evening I have corrected that by making a new mudguard from a mountainbike front mudguard I had lying about in the garage.

The other modification I've made is to drill a small hole in the seat post and threaded a cut down spoke through as a stop that will prevent the gradual sinking of the seat height. (this occurs because the seat post is slightly too slim for the socket and the shim doesn't hold it quite tight enough.) Because I lost the first one on the trip to London, I have chained the new one to the bike! Pictures to follow.

Back to Gloucester tomorrow for another meeting, I will take the bike on the train again to see whether the modifications work. This time, I'll also take a coat!!

London to Paris - The Halifax to Gloucester ride

Don't forget to click on the adverts... I get paid for each click and funds will go to BHF!

Its always the way. Last week it was lovely sunshine; this week its been raining enough to refloat the Ark. Fortunately Thursday morning was only in drizzle.

I rode to Dewbury station to catch a train to Sowerby Bridge and rode to Halifax from there, doing 7 rather than the full 17 miles to work as normal. I was a bit nervous of how I would cope with riding 100+ miles in a day.

This trip was organised by Adam, who works in one of our Gloucester offices. He had managed to persuade one of his colleagues, Lee, to join him and Adam's mother (Jane) had offered to drive a support vehicle.

The Thursday morning in the hills was a bit damp, but only drizzle so not too bad. By early afternoon it had cheered up. Lee was struggling though, having confessed to not riding a bike much. The most he had done was one ride of 40 miles with Adam in Gloucester! So much for my worrying!

Fortunately, Jane was doing a great job with the support vehicle - meeting us about every 10 miles. So we pressed on regardless, trying to limit the pace so that Lee could keep up but inevitably he was riding at his limit all the time. Somewhat surprisingly though, he managed 40 miles through the worst of the hills to Macclesfield before cramp got him and he needed a break in the car.

Adam and I continued on in ever-improving weather through the lanes around Rudyard Lake and up some quite stiff climbs. By this time, the sun was starting to break through and Adam even took off his rain jacket. (I wasn't wearing one - I hate the things and only wear them when its really wet) We covered a further 20 miles or so up hill and down dale until Stoke where, cramp eased, Lee rejoined us for the next 25 miles.

We had intended to call in at the office in Pendeford (just outside Wolverhampton) but time was against us - it was nearing 6pm. So we stopped at a place called Hyde Lea, just south of Stafford, where Lee and Adam put their bikes on the car ready to take them to the hotel.

I looked at the cycle computer and it said 90.5 miles - including my 7 miles in the morning. The hotel we were staying in was about 10 miles away and I was feeling good. I couldn't resist and, despite having picked up a slow puncture, decided to ride the remaining miles to make it a century. So I did.

So we finished the day at about 7pm and went for a wash and a meal. After the meal, I had a puncture to mend before going to bed. I was really pleased as I still felt great despite 100 miles on a mountain bike. (I still don't get why we rode mountain bikes Adam!)

Next morning, having fixed the puncture, we set off again. Lee did really well again riding with us. He must have been hurting by this time as we weren't really hanging around and the terrain is quite 'lumpy'. (Not hilly, understand... those were yesterday)

Sensibly, in my view, Lee took another break after 23 miles, and loaded his bike on the car again. Jane was doing a great job tracking our progress and popping up every now and again so we could fill drinks bottles or just a great excuse to stop.

Adam and I pressed on. The roads were rolling and I was feeling really good so we kept the pace high. Adam suggested 20 mph, and I took this to mean an average of... so we really pushed on. Unfortunately, I think we misunderstood each other but it did get the miles done.

As we rode through Worcester, there were crowds of people lining the streets and on the bridges. Now I know what the end of a stage of the Tour de France must feel like. But, of course, they weren't there for us but for the returning soldiers from Afghanistan.

In Tewkesbury, we took a brief stop to refill the water bottles and Lee joined us again to ride the final 23 miles to Gloucester.

What a reception at the Gloucester office. I was expecting a couple of people out, but no. Loads of people, all cheering; balloons; champagne; photographs. (I nicked some of the biscuits from the tin, by the way. I'd have taken the whole tin but couldn't fit it in my bag)

Jane took me back to Cheltenham Spa station and I caught the (delayed) 15:12 back to Wakefield and rode home.

Total distance 185 miles in 2 days. Really pleased, because there have been no ill effects and I felt great at the end of each day. Things are really looking good and it has encouraged me to get out a bit more.

Next update will be when I have more news on the fundraising front.

London to Paris - Training

I've lost weight! I thought I'd weigh myself yesterday and I normally come in between 80 - 81kg. This time 79.2kg! A bit less to haul between London and Paris. Although this evening I've been a bit of a pig and had 3 slices of pizza BEFORE eating my tea.

Must be the excitement; on Thursday I'm joining a couple of colleagues who work in our Gloucester office on their ride from Halifax to Gloucester. We're doing it on mountain bikes. Who knows why? (I nearly swore then, but my wife has told me off for the swearing earlier on. I hope nobody was offended and I did put *** in place of some of the letters!)

We're doing the 170 miles over two days; Thursday and Friday. My mountain bike has massive knobbly tyres and I've never ridden it more than about 40 miles in one go so I'm just a little nervous. Will be interesting to see how this crock of a body stands up to that and will be a good test for the actual event.

Unless there is some more breaking news, I won't be posting anything else until Saturday. I may have some more pictures of that event for my growing fan base and will post them here.

Oh, by the way, I got my camo shorts from Halfords last year. Thanks for showing an interest.

Don't forget to click on the adverts - especially Wellman and VitaBiotics.

Finally, I'm posting this at 18:05 and not 09:54 - honest Stuart, we can't get access at work!

Just a quick update on a couple of things. The pictures are here from the CREW photo session. John has done a great job.... I'm the good looking one on the bike, supported by the two gorgeous gals; I felt like I'd won something!

I've also managed to get some sponsorship for my shorts. Its from a company who distribute vitamins, mineral and other natural supplements - VitaBiotics. Their website is http://www.vitabiotics.com/ if you want to take a look - and of course support them. I'm going to find someone who can make a panel to stick on my shorts with the company logo on. Thanks to Meghran for sorting it for me.

Just the jersey situation to sort now. I need to get on with it, because the company that prints them has a 5 week lead time!

London to Paris - CREW

Today saw the first ride of any real distance. To work and back - round trip just shy of 35 miles. Although the computer on this bike thinks it was only 13... I need to get that calibrated properly!

Of course, as anticipated, it wasn't all straight forward. Everything was going fine as I shot down Pildacre Brow at close to 40mph but as I went to go up the other side, the three speed shifter popped and threw me back into a big gear. Nearly ripped my quads off hauling it up the hill in a massive gear. So I had to stop at the top and disconnect the three speed hub, which meant the range was a bit limited. Still, it is all flat from there until the final short bump (Salter Hebble Hill) into Halifax.

Going downhill fast is an interesting experience. There's quite a lot of front wheel oscillation at high speed that takes a bit of getting used to. Going up is nearly the same as on a road bike, except I can't lean over the bars quite the same as I would so the technique is slightly different.

I passed one ordinary Joe on his bike in Mirfield, doing (I'm guessing) about 18 mph. He caught me up at the lights and said "F**k me! You can't half shift on that thing lad!" I declined his offer and muttered something about heart, legs and lungs being more important than type of bike. Then the lights changed and I thought I'd better give him a quick start demonstration and didn't see him again.

Lunchtime, I went down to Northbridge Leisure Centre to meet the people at CREW (see previous post) for the picture taking session. They are a really cheerful bunch to say what some of them have been through. John took some pictures - I'll post them on here when I get them (If I can figure out how!)

I've nicked John's CREW t-shirt. Those of you that know me will not be surprised. And you won't be surprised when I'm still wearing it in 10 years time - probably at the spinning classes - either! To be fair, this time I did ask and I didn't realise it was John's until he told me when he said I could have it.

Then rode home. Got a puncture; rear wheel too. As I've already indicated, that tyre is a real b******d to get off and on. Add to that a hot day, and the sweat was dripping off me as I sat in a car park in Dewsbury wrestling with it. This time I managed not to swear at all though, and I think it worked because it only took me ten minutes start to finish to get it fixed. It was an office staple digging in the tyre. I think I won't be riding the bike round the office again.

Finally, if anyone is reading this drivel, perhaps you could help. I'm looking for a sponsor for my cycle clothes. I thought if I offered to wear a jersey with a company name on during training and on the ride, someone might be willing to pay for it. I've looked on a web site and whilst there are companies that make them, the minimum order is about 10 to be cost effective (one-offs cost about 90 quid each!)

I've suggested to BHF and the organisers that we all wear the same and asked if they could help with a corporate sponsor... we'll see. But in the meantime, if you know anyone who may be able to help, let me know.

As you'll see, I've only £667 to go to reach my self-imposed target as I write this. Plenty of time to exceed it though.

London to Paris - the fundraising

At the same time as sorting the bike, I thought I had better get on with a bit of fund-raising. According to the information, I have to raise £1200 to be able to take part. Now, in years past my employer match funded half of any money an employee raised for charity - up to £500. So, I thought, actually I only need to raise £700 - which sounds ever so much easier.

Just to check, I rang up - some of you will know we have been taken over recently. Well, the new brooms think match funding for the nominated charity of the year isn't right, so have stopped doing it. So, I do have to raise the full £1200 myself after all.

As you may know, I emailed everyone on my contacts list and the response was great. Some people have been really generous. Even my daughter, Colette, managed £3.50 - although the note about racing snails is a bit much. I'm not that slow! Just as interesting is who hasn't...

I've tried a few companies too. Yorkshire Building Services were great and gave me £100 - thanks Andy. I wrote to some that I thought might have a connection - Benecol, Kelloggs, Flora and a few others. Oddly enough, I haven't heard back from them - I suppose the recession doesn't help. Neither have I heard back from my doctor, who does such a great job signing my prescription every two months. I really thought they would be interested. Perhaps I need to call and ask personally.

The local paper were very good though, I sent them an email telling them about the trip and they sent a photographer around to take pictures. The result was somewhat less inspiring than the one I did myself for the JustGiving page. See for yourself at http://www.wakefieldexpress.co.uk/ossett-news/Little-wheels-big-heart-.5336904.jp

Taking my own photo was, by the way, something of a trial. I balanced the camera on a wall, set it to timer and then rushed over to the bike, jumped on and tried to sit still until the shutter went. Thank heavens for digital cameras. I'd have wasted loads of film trying to get a decent shot with a film camera. I nearly fell off twice; cut my head or feet out of the picture a dozen times and pulled stupid faces on many others as my balance went just as the shutter went off. You can see the result on my Justgiving page: http://original.justgiving.com/michaelvennard/

Which reminds me; whilst I'm rambling on... my page got shut down for 2 days whilst the JustGiving people did an update. As a result, all my advertising stuff says 'www.justgiving.com/michaelvennard/ and the new address is http://original.justgiving.com/michaelvennard/ Hardly fair, given that for 2 days people couldn't donate. And I'm sure there were hundreds who would have if they could but were put off by the difficulty, don't you? At least £1,000 worth eh?

I don't know if you've noticed, but there are some adverts beside this blog. Well, if you click on them, I get paid. I've no idea how much, but whatever it is will be going to British Heart Foundation... so you may want to try clicking.

I was going to do cream teas at work to celebrate Wimbledon, but I'm a bit busy with other things this week and next will be the end of Wimbledon anyway. Oh well, I'll try and think of something else.

The next blog will be about the training...

But I've already forgotten to tell you about CREW! As well as cycling to work, I go to the gym across the road in Halifax to do spinning every Monday and Wednesday morning. (Do you know what 'spinning' is? Sitting on a stationary bike and pedalling - not peddling, as some of my donors seem to think! - you can adjust the resistance to make it harder. Makes me sweat a lot, which means I must be getting fitter, right?) The lady that takes the class, Yvonne, used to run the cardiac rehabilitation classes for Calderdale Royal. She has been great (thanks, Yvonne) in promoting my ride with people at the spinning classes but also put me in touch with the local CREW group.

CREW stands for Cardiac Rehabilitiation through Exercise and Walking. They organise walks and encourage those who've had a heart event to get into regular exercise. It sounds like they do a great job. Anyway, John Tudor - the Halifax secretary - got in touch and offered me £100 to start and also to help publicise my ride. How could I turn that down?

So on Wednesday 1st July I will be riding my folding bike to work for the first time in order to take it down to the Northbridge Leisure Centre to have yet more photographs taken. Its as well I'm such a good looking chap, eh ladies??!!!

Next post will probably be after that....

London to Paris - the bike

Where were we? Oh yes, I had to pay £99 to register and then raise a minimum of £1200 to take part. So I sent my cheque off and didn't really give it much more thought.

Not long after, I received a pack telling me all about how to go about raising money and the training required. The bike is not perfect, so I subscribed to a Forum on the web (http://www.bikeforums.net/index.php - if you're interested) so that I could ask the people who are really into folding bikes what is best to do.

Some people suggested just changing the front chain ring - the big cog at the front where the pedals are - and make it bigger. But then, someone suggested getting a rear hub that has 3 gears inside it and the ability to put a set of 7 gears on a derailleur as well. That sounded so much better I got straight onto ebay to find one.

A couple of days later, and £10 lighter in the wallet, I had a 3x7 hub which gives me 21 gears when made up. I rushed it round to our local bike shop owner - John - who I know is a wizard wheel builder. And from here on it went a bit pear shaped.

The rim on the existing wheel has 28 holes for the spokes and the hub has 36. Oops. Not to worry though, I asked the guys on the forum and they gave me a link to a supplier and I ordered another rim. A day or so later and the rim arrived and I rushed around to John. Yes, will be a pain but couple of days and the wheel will be ready.

John was as good as his word, and I picked the wheel up later in the week. Of course, he had a few problems because the spokes had to be custom made as they are so short. But, he managed and I'm happy.

Until I got home... the wheel is bigger than the existing one on the bike!! Not by much, but definitely bigger! How can that be? The existing tyre say 16 x 1 & 7/8ths and the rim says 16in. I went back on to the forum to ask....

You think someone would have warned me, wouldn't you? It seems 16in is not necessarily 16in in the folding bike world. Some companies measure to the rim, others to the tyre. Consequently there are two 16in wheel sizes. How mad is that!? As mad as me, by now!

I spent an afternoon fiddling about to see if I could get the new wheel in and the good news is I can. Only now, the brakes no longer fit. The brake blocks now go straight into the spokes instead of rubbing on the rim as they should when I apply them.

Back to John. I think he thinks I'm nuts, but came up with a solution... he suggested welding a piece of metal just above the existing fastening point. Job done, I went back to fit the brakes... guess what? It works! And so do the gears, although the top gear is so stupidly hard to push, my spindly legs won't be able to manage it, except perhaps on a 1 in 5 descent.

So the bike is finally ready... just the money to raise and the training! That's the next Blog....

Phew, that was easy! I've set up this Bog thing to keep anyone who is interested in my ramblings about this Folding Bike Challenge that I am taking part in to raise money for British Heart Foundation.

I suppose I'd better start with the history of how I came to sign up for it and then you'll be up to date. I'll try to keep it up to date as things progress....

In my youth (I'm now 45) I used to cycle a bit... commuting to work, bit of touring and club runs and even dabbled with a bit of racing; although never really amounted to much and it was pretty much limited to time-trials. Anyway, since getting married and having children the cycling has fallen off although the basic interest has really only gone dormant.

Then in 2008, the fuel prices went all silly. My commute to work is just short of 18 miles, and it was costing me a fair bit in diesel so I thought I'd try public transport. Only the train station is about 3 - 4 miles away, which means a bus ride or taking the car anyway. Ok, I'll go to the station on my bike and then get the train. Then I found there is only one direct train between Wakefield and Halifax per hour; but there is another option to get the train to or from Dewsbury and again only one train per hour.

Then, on a trip to London, I saw loads of people on folding bikes. Yes! Eureka moment... get a folding bike and then it won't matter which train I get on the return trip as I'll have it with me.

Straight home and onto ebay and bought a folder for £50. Lovely red colour, single gear and folds up great. Really going to be the business... and then I rode it. Seat was way too low, gear stupidly small so the slightest downhill gradient meant my legs couldn't keep up... I obviously need a bike with gears. (Fortunately this one freewheels!)

The neatest fold seems to be a Brompton. There are LOADS of Bromptons on ebay and they tend to go for around £400+. New ones cost anything from about £800+ I didn't want to pay so much; because this is supposed to be an experiment, remember? After some searching, I found a Brompton copy (a Mission Space Genie) with 5 gears and a taller seat. Another 50 quid later and it was mine.

But then I rode it. Gears were bearable, and a big improvement on the last one, but I wouldn't want to ride it more than the 3 miles to the station. The seat height was still too low, but I solved that as a friend got one made for me. Only the new tube is stainless steel and it weighs almost as much as the rest of the bike! Still, as I don't have to carry the bike far it is now good enough for the ride to the station.

I bought a one month pass - another mistake. The first day, the train was cancelled with no explanation so I had to go to Leeds and then back out again - not hugely inconvenient, except the Leeds to Halifax train is often late/cancelled etc. The next three days were a nightmare of cancelled trains, delayed trains, missed trains....

As I'd bought the pass (£90), I toughed it out for the whole month. It was quite an experience - coaches instead of trains when they were cancelled... I admire you guys who put up with this sort of thing, but I decided I couldn't.

After my summer holiday I thought, 18 miles is not so far. I'll cycle from home to Halifax. That will just be easier. Just on the nice days, you understand. I don't like riding in the rain so when it does, I'll go in the car. Overall, I'll still save.

During August and September I rode on average 3 days per week and at the end of each week my legs were killing me - I still remember being able to average 20mph all day and mentally still can. But my legs can't. The first day took me 1 hour 3 mins to do 17 miles.

Anyway, I'm digressing.... this isn't about my personal battle against the wind.

The folding bike sat in the garage gathering dust and waiting for me to post it back on ebay. Until March; when my employer put a message on the intranet to say there were 20 places reserved for employees on the London to Paris Folding Bike Challenge in September - raising funds for the company's charity of the year The British Heart Foundation.

I thought, why not? I've got a folding bike in the garage and 240 miles doesn't seem too bad over 4 days. Of course, I'd have to sort those gears out... but hey, easy peasy.

So, I applied..... and have to raise at least £1200 to take part; more details to follow.