Where exactly will we be going?

Check out these possible routes for the L2P ride.

http://www.francobritishcycleplan.org/cycleplan_en.pdf

http://www.cycle-route.com/routes/London_to_Paris-Cycle-Route-607.html

...or we could of course go via Plymouth and take the boat across to Brittany......

This L2P thing....what's it like then? Check out some pickies and video from some who did it earlier this year.....

http://www.londres-paris.com/site/html/home/index.php

At the committee........

.....breaking news from our correspondent, Rich Walton, at the recent Kisima L2P Committee meeting.....

Get on the bus.......
We will be accepting the kind offer of a Routemaster bus to launch the event at Big Ben and possibly to accompany the riders on the leg to Dover. Getting the bus on the boat across to France may be a bit of a challenge so we'll wave goodbye to it as we leave Blighty. It would be lovely to encourage some of our (or anyone's!) children to be the bus to add to the sense of occasion (not that that'll be lacking,surely)

A target to aim for.....
We are planning an event in mid – late Feb 2009 after the half term where we intend doing a 70 mile ride in a day. Any of us who struggle with this will be encouraged to not subscribe to do L2Paris – this event will effectively be a milestone for those planning the L2Paris. We’ll look for people to sign up and give a £100 deposit after this ride.

Get that Santa list updated now!.....

We don't believe that you can do the L2Paris on a mountain bike so will encourage all participants to get a road bike. What better excuse do you need to have to by a shiny new bike:) Many companies nowadays have a salary-sacrifice bike scheme that means you can get a significant discount on a new bike. Check out your company intranet or lobby your FD or 'green champion' if your place doesn't do this yet. You may be able to get one set up in time for the Big Ride.

Team up....

We will have teams of 6 riders and thus have between 2 to 4 teams overall depending on interest. Currently, we have enough interest for 2 full teams of 6.

We will appoint team leaders for each team to ensure that the teams are led and co ordinated. (Just so long as Rich isn't one of those leaders we'll be okay....otherwise we could be off to the Iffle Tower!)

So....where do I sit?

Take a look at the budding athletes....lining up for training this morning

So....now we are all experts....... have a look at the advice given today to the embryonic L2P team from our cycling pro....

• To achieve this distance, a basic level of fitness is required – this refers to ‘consistency’ & a weekly schedule of exercise 3 times a week (minimum)
• Optimal position is ‘in the saddle’ even up hills
• Need to build up hamstrings and any exercise should work on these muscles (ie leg presses, squats etc.)
• Core temperature is crucial – keep muscles warm
• Carbohydrate replacement is crucial – get used to using gels and carbo replacement additives for fluid
• Hydration is critical – minimum of 4-6 litres fluid per day but probably more on the L2P
• Doing 100 miles in a day is like running a marathon – it is a long way even on a bike
• Use vascaline on inner thigh to prevent saddle sore
• The power for cycling comes from hamstrings and lower back
• You are a team and only as strong as the weakest link
• Get bike serviced before you go
• Never wear wet clothing
• Warming up and warming down is critical to dealing with the build up of lactic acid and preventing stiffness the next day – without comprehensive warm downs you will not want to get on the bike the next day
• Complex sugars are great – bananas or supplements

Helpful hints.....

Here's some helpful tips to make us all into Lance Armstrongs. Take a look.....

http://www.roadbikerider.com/free_arts_2.htm#How%20to%20Find%20Time%20for%20Cycling

Eat more pasta

Gearing up for the cycle training tomorrow? Don't forget your plate of pasta tonight to keep you going.

Rich Walton writes......

For those coming to my place on Saturday morning for the ‘expert’ input from our specialist friend be there for about 0930hrs, after the men’s breakfast. I can accommodate bikes down the side passage tucked away nicely ...

This will be the challenge of your life! Think how good you will feel when you see the Ifle Tower [sic] looming up in the distance – what an achievement!

Where's the Ifle Tower?

Answers on a postcard please?
Rich Walton, the guy in charge of the logistics and route planning, believes we are going to end up at the Ifle tower. Any clues to where this is?

Some say it's near Paros, the remote Greek Island in the Aegean. That's quite a cycle ride Rich!

What have we all signed up to eh?

Here it is! The 'official' Kisima London to Paris bike ride - May 2009

So..how is your training going eh?

Have a butchers at this link to inspire our preparation.... http://www.road-bike.co.uk/