1 Week to go

Today (Saturday) was our last team training session before we set off and sadly Mike Claridge could not join us.  We also had an 8am meeting to finalise outstanding issues regarding the trip.

The training session gave me the opportunity to try out the new cycling shorts and jersey donated by a parishioner and after 64 miles of hills and more hills they have so far passed the test.  It is my first experience of bib shorts and it may take some getting used to.

Today we went via Ley Hill, Berkamstead, the Ashridge Estate, and Little Gadddeston to Bison Hill in Bedfordshire and then to Whipsnade Zoo.  Surprisingly none of us were mistaken for escaped animals and we continued to Ivinghoe Beacon, The Lee, Chesham and then home.  In all 66 miles of some of the most beautiful cycling roads (if you do not mind hills and cars) that anyone could wish to cycle with absolutely stunning views.  It is also so near to us.

The downside is aching knees and a bit of sun burn as evidenced by Mike Carney’s face.

I have said previously how this trip has rekindled my love of cycling.  What it has also provided is the opportunity to visit our local countryside that sometimes when travelling in a car we may miss and appreciate just how beautiful it is.

Our travels through France, Switzerland and Italy including the Alps have something to beat.

Fr Michael

8 Days to go

I mentioned previously the disappointment of having to cancel an order for some cycling clothing as it could not be delivered by the date we set off on the pilgrimage.  I have not had the time to seek out alternatives - when would you believe it - a parishioner turned up at the Priory this morning with a cycling jersey and two pairs of cycling shorts. Whilst it is not the 'Movistar' cycling team apparel I had ordered, I am of course most grateful for this generosity and for the parishioner thinking of me in this way.  It is most needed I assure you.

Whilst your financial generosity is greatly appreciated, and a look at the Just Giving page will show how we are doing, I and the rest of the team are also grateful for the support and best wishes we are receiving.  One response to the parish email announcing the pilgrimage has particularly touched us:

Do not look at the mountain you have to climb

But the steps you are achieving each day

You will achieve it because God will be with you

We will carry this with us particularly going up the Col De St Bernard (though if we get stuck the Cognac around the necks of the St Bernard's dogs will be most welcome) and more immediately it will be with us tomorrow on our final team training stint and the hills (mountains to some of us) that Mike Burton will find for us.

Fr Michael

11 Days to go

Today was a steady day in the life of a Prior and Parish Priest.  I did spend some time on the allotment and greenhouse and need to spend more time there before set off to ensure that any disruption is kept to a minimum in my absence.

I was asked how long it was since I rode a bicycle and although I had a bike with me during the 10 years in Nigeria I rode it maybe twice.  Before that well it has probably been in total some 25 years. 

In addition to improving my fitness this challenge has rekindled my love of cycling and I look to continue the Carmelite tradition of cycling in St Joseph's.  I am sure you will remember Father Ronan on his bike and more recently Father Maurice although I am sure he has some kind of motor on his.

A recent pilgrimage to the Door of St Joseph's in this Year of Mercy by St Aidan's in Little Chalfont was undertaken by car, on foot and a large number on Bicycles.  There is also great cycling interest within our Parish and I have been asked about the possibility of a Parish Cycling Day/Event.  Depending on further interest received it may be something we could think about for September.   However it would not have to clash with Parish Day or the All Ireland Hurling Final (I am a Tipperary Man)

Fr Michael

12 Days to go

Following yesterday's exertions I am pleased to say that I have recovered well.  Hopefully that is an indication of my new found fitness levels - or it could be something to do with Mike Burton's Recovery Drink - a concoction including milk, flavouring, whey and other ingredients that are meant to naturally accelerate the replenishment of chemicals which are lost on a long bike ride. Luckily, last night was not a full moon and I did not turn into a Werewolf or Mr Jeckyll.

We had some disappointing news today that some cycle gear that we were hoping to obtain for an exceptional price would not be with us until the second week of June.  Sadly we had to cancel the order and I was so looking forward to wearing my Movistar Jersey and Shorts but it is not to be.  One positive though is that there is no danger now of people confusing me with Nairo Quintana of the Movistar Team and runner up to Chris Froome in last year's Tour de France.

I take this opportunity to once again thank everyone for the donations of Cycle Gear and Bicycles that helped me to be in the position where I am today and ready to participate in this pilgrimage

13 Days to Go!

Coombe Hill

It was extremely pleasing to receive such a wonderful response to the announcement of the Cycle Ride yesterday. Thank you to everyone.

Following the 11am mass we had a photo shoot so that everyone can put a face to ’Four Mikes on their Bikes'.  Keep an eye on the website for the photos to be revealed.  (See sidebar on right).

After the photoshoot we set off on our penultimate training session as a team.  This time the route chosen by Mike Burton was particularly punishing concentrating on a propensity of hills:

Speen Hill

Chinnor Hill

Kop Hill

Longdown Hill (we went up it)

Lodge Hill (Coombe Hill)

Dunsmore Hill

Chesham Lane (into Chesham)

Stony Lane (Little Chalfont)

Lodge Lane

64 miles in total and some 7 plus hours in the saddle.

Never has a bath at the end of a day been so inviting or so welcome!