We know where we are

...but we're still lost. We can see on the GPS where we are, but we can't find where we should be on Spen's map. We left the D601 because it looked like a dual carriage-way and we weren't sure we were supposed to be riding on it. So we've stopped at a Carrefour to refill the water bottles.

Spen's been having some soreness in his achilles, otherwise we're all feeling fine. The average speed so far is 14.5 and it's been ok so far.

1/3 of the way and it's only 10:45, as despite Neal and Spencer moaning at me for setting the alarm this morning for 6:30 it did mean we were on our way by 8:00 as we'd planned.

To Laszlo and class 1B from Laszlo's dad.

Hello Laszlo, Miss Barass and friends. Well this is it. We have squeezed ourselves into our lycra cycling gear. We have decided against the massive breakfast we had last time we were in Calais. Instead we are going to a french bakery to get some pain au chocolat. The time is an hour ahead of you here. Today we are cycling from Calais in france to Brugges in belgium. This will be 76 miles assuming we don't get lost. This is a similar distance from Swindon to London. We won't be riding on a motorway though. You can see where we are on the website.

Have a great day and wish us luck. I love you Laszlo and when you are older you can come too.

Neal

No holiday

For those that think this trip is some sort of holiday please note the time of these blog entries!!!

THIS IS IT

So all the planning is over and the talking can stop. Time to man up and get those legs moving. 76 miles today to Bruges. Dead flat today. Bon chance everybody!

From Neal - Food report

I had the following for 15 euros - chef's little bite, which consisted of a small amount of pork rilette, very small bread roll and small salad in a shot glass sized dish. Starter was home made course pate which was quite fragrant with toast, cornichons and more salad. Main was carpaccio of beef, roquefort, walnuts, home made frites and yet more salad. Dessert was red berry crumble with vanilla ice cream. All were very nice and great value. We took pictures of all the food and I'll have to get Adam to post them on the blog for your viewing pleasure.

When we got back to the hotel, Spencer suprised Adam and I with a sight that which should have had a parental warning attached. We have pictures, but know that children will be watching, so won't publish them at this stage. Suffice to say that you would need to be a private member to enjoy it. Underwear and the smallest old school cycling cap ever!!!

Bedtime now, we plan on and early start tomorrow, see you all then.

Tomorrow

I feel considerably less anxious about the next 4 days than I did before the London to Paris ride.

It's weird being in Calais, in the same hotel even. Because my abiding memory of being here was of being completely knackered and being slightly trepidatious about the next day having just ridden close to 100 miles.

Perhaps that s why I feel so relaxed? Being here without being completely knackered? Don't know, but I'm looking forward to tomorrow, and glad that I'm riding lighter than last year (having learned what was necerssary and what wasn't).

See you in the morning!

From Neal - A better night in Calais.

Well here we are in calais after having a much easier trip this time round, missing out those blasted Kent hills. This time we got to see the sea. It felt like a holiday, cycling into the town in bright sunshine. Last time it was so late that it was pitch black and everyone was in their beds.

We are sat outside a restaurant in the town centre having tracked down a proper French restaurant. Will report back on the meal. So far so good though.

I am hoping that we have learnt from our mistakes last year. The panniers should definitely help. This is the calm before the storm.

Report on meal to follow.

At Dover

Swindon to Dover

Well that was considerably easier than our last trip to Dover! Much less hassle at check-in and first on the boat. Had a chat with a friendly chap before we boarded who thought we were cycling around the continent dressed as you see us in the picture flip-flops and all.

Beautiful day today, much nicer than being sat in the office.

I managed to forget my bike bag for the train home, but thankfully that's all (so far anyway!).

Calais is now in sight

Despite my doubts Hannah Hurley has delivered us to Dover as expertly and as quick as the HTC Colombia "train"

We're off!

Admittedly an hour later than planned so it's now a race to Dover. Come on Hannah! Ignore those speed awareness courses you've been sent on!

The Numbers

Here are the numbers for the challenge ahead.

Total distance: 278 miles (assuming we don't get lost)

Average distance per day: 69.5 miles

Calais to Bruges: 76.7 miles

Bruges to Brussels: 63.9 miles

Brussels to Valkenburg: 75.8 miles

Valkenburg to Cologne: 61.7 miles

Hours moaning about the aches, pains, weather etc: 37

Less than a week to go and final preparations are in place. I've now got 950 miles on the bike in the legs this year so pretty ready. The question now is whether the legs get shaved!! Still not sure that even the £100 offered to me is going to tempt me. We'll see.