Kidney Research UK

Mike Nichols & friends take a long ride

Cycling around the lanes and pleasant villages of the Nene Valley is a very different proposition to pedalling, against a head wind, along the beautiful but comparatively steep and winding roads of Southern France.

When I first agreed to accompany my brother and some friends, on this cycle journey from Nîmes to Carcassonne, it seemed to be so far in the future that the thought did not worry me too much. Plenty of time to train and all that………!

However, as time ran out, I began to wonder. Had I trained enough? Would my troublesome left knee hold out? At the age of 66 should I know better? It was with some trepidation then that I boarded the early morning flight from East Midlands to Nîmes. Five of us, more used to collecting our pensions than hurtling round the French countryside, must have looked somewhat out of place amongst the other passengers. Most of whom had cases or briefcases instead of a bicycle and saddlebag!

Leaving behind inclement weather we were to be fortunate in having mainly blue skies whilst not too hot. The plan was to cycle for roughly 50 to 60 miles each day over eight days whilst enjoying all the benefits of a comfortable hotel each night.

We began our journey in Nîmes and ended at Carcassonne passing through Sommières, St Bauzille-de-Montel, St. Martin-de-Londres, Gignac, Clermont l’Hérault, Bédarieux, Olargues, Mazamet and Castres. Mountainous country and whilst not particularly steep, the roads were long drawn out climbs and we were faced mostly with head winds! The stop overs were most welcome as was the French food and liquid refreshment! Well, local custom dictated a two hour lunch and a siesta.

Apart from three punctures our cycles had no mechanical problems and we all finished the trip well, in good shape and quite keen to give it another go, although a certain part of my anatomy might raise some objection!

I would like to express my thanks to my family and my long suffering wife for their support and a special thank you to all those who have made donations to the charity.

Even after the event it is not too late for anyone else who would want to support me and it's really easy - you can donate online by credit or debit card at the following address:

http://www.justgiving.com/MikeNichols

All donations are secure and sent electronically to Kidney Research UK. If you are a UK taxpayer, Justgiving will automatically reclaim 28% Gift Aid on your behalf, so your donation is worth even more. Please join me in supporting Kidney Research UK and a fabulous cause.

Thank you,

Mike Nichols