Day 3

It's been a lovely days' cycling along the shores of the beautiful Lake Constance, and then up a few hills. We're now I'm Germany, I think. We've covered 135km today; in glorious weather. The Argent contingent are well, the Metropolitan / GE people are a cracking bunch. Sachin went for a swim in the Lake in Jim's bikini to raise a bit more for charity. DM out.

The climb!

I'll keep this very short: suffice to say Day 2 is over and we're in Bregenz. More importantly, the big climb over the Alberg Pass is over. It was tough, and it went on for ages... but it's done. We all made it up and over. We met the vans at the top for a very welcome cup of tea. More later. DM

End of Day 1

We're in Landeck, at the end of day 1. It's been a good day. We've covered 117.5km, and were joined for the ride by two chaps from GE, Christian and Rhinehart (I think) who largely guided us to Landeck.

This morning was spectacular - traffic free cycling in valleys between towering snow-capped peaks. The weather was overcast, but dry - the temperature almost perfect for biking! We stopped in Innsbruck for a coffee in buoyant mood. After coffee we pushed on, and I think we covered a total of 55k or so before lunch at a local cafe (which took ages).

After lunch, the riding was less fun. The weather worsened (light rain) and we were cycling into a fierce headwind. This bit was the hardest bit of the day for me - crosswind/headwind, busier roads, and a tough pace. Thankfully it didn't last too long; the wind dropped and the roads widened.

We spent much of the afternoon following the mighty River Inns, which is huge. The rain continued, but only lightly; nothing compared to recent downpours in the UK. We arrived here at 5:30pm, having somehow missed our final rendezvous with the van / bus.

All the Argent people are doing well - Jim is a bit of a speed demon (despite wearing a pink bra and knickers over his cycling kit (a condition of some sponsorship) and despite having a minor crash) and Jo and Clare seem to be cycling happily. Will is driving the van admirably (let's not mention the fine).

I'm quite tired, but otherwise don't feel too bad. It'll be interesting to see how I feel in the morning! The big question for dinner tonight is whether we attempt the pass tomorrow. It will largely depend on whether the road is open, of course, as there is apparently a chance of snow tonight at altitude.we shall see.

It's been a good first day. Tomorrow could be pretty tough. Wish us all luck! DM

First morning

A beautiful first morning. Lovely cycling through stunning scenery. Long may it continue! Not sure how long the rain will hold off, but it was at least nice to start in the dry.

Jenbach!

We've arrived! Jenbach is a beautiful mountain town, and it's currently fantastically warm. It was really quite odd arriving in 30' heat in Munich after the freezing temperatures of London. It's not set to last, but it made a nice change. The bikes are still en route, but should be here by 9ish. After that, it's a bite to eat then hopefully an early night ahead of a big first day tomorrow...

Departure day!

Well, by now the bikes will be well on their way to Jenbach. We fly out to meet them (via Munich) in a few hours.

Bikes ready to go! And a kayak, oddly.



It would be very  wrong it say I'm ready, but that said I don't think I ever would be. I'll be glad to get going, certainly.

I have a nasty cold, which is remarkably unfortunate in terms of timing, but such is the way of things.

It's odd to think that this time next we'll be on day 7 of 9. I really can't think about that sort of thing just now - only the first 20 miles of Saturday. Nothing else is relevant at this point.

It's going to be great. I'm going to miss everyone at home; particularly our 1 year old, but it's only for a week. The cycling will be superb (he says, again, desperately trying to convince himself), and we're raising a lot of cash for charity - if you'd like to donate, there is still time. Do so here: http://www.justgiving.com/teams/PinkPanther/ - huge thanks to all of you that have donated already.

Well, wish us luck. It's going to be quite a trip.

DM

Ps. Late message from van driver Will, asking me to take CDs ask continental radio is rubbish. I've packed Bon Jovi - Greatest Hits, and Queen - Greatest HIts. What more could you want?

Final Training Ride

Final training ride today, with my good friend Tom. Tom is a much more experienced cyclist than I am, and even occassionally goes riding with a cycling club. He mentions his cycling club occassionally race up hills. I have no desire to join this cycling club.

Anyway; it was a great ride. Hard work, yes, but I think that was the idea. Tom described it as a 'gradient ride'. Basically there were a lot of hills. Still, for the first time in ages, it didn't pour with rain as we were cycling (it was overcast) and the new and improved bike (armoured tyres, shorter stem) felt good (albeit in need of a service).

I'm not too sure where we went, but wherever it was, there was a disappointing lack of a tea and cake shop. We went fairly close to Chartwell, Hever Castle and numerous golf courses. The way back took us over Ide Hill (long, steep), Sunbridge Hill (very steep. I found this one the most difficult of the three) and past the Crystal Palace radio mast (a long climb right at the end of the route). All in all, it was reassuring. The hills were tough, but I got up them. The bike felt good. I was tired by the time we got home (after 102km) but that isn't really a surprise.

Austria still scares me, but I'm really quite eager to crack on with it now. I think it will scare me less once I start.

Time to the Pink Panther ride: Less than a week!

Confidence: Improving.

Weight: No idea. Suffice to say that my suits are all now quite a bit looser than the were.