Now that the Tour de France 2014 route has been announced, we were wondering if there was any interest in an Alpine Vinghoe Velos trip in July that included a couple of opportunities to see the Tour up close on its home turf. The itinerary would be something like –

• Fly or drive to Bourg d’Oisans (near Grenoble, France) on the 16th July.
• Stay in a local B&B for 5 nights (this one has availability and is run by a lovely couple who are cyclists with a great knowledge of the local area – http://www.bourgdoisansbandb.com )
• Spend leisurely days riding up some of the classic mountain climbs (Alpe d’Huez, Col du Galibier, Col de la Croix de Fer)
• See the Tour climb the Col du Lautaret
• Return home on 21st

It has to be said that this definitely isn’t a trip that will suit everyone. There isn’t much in the way of flat stuff to cycle on. But for those that are prepared to ride up the mountains (none of which are any steeper than what we ride in the Chilterns – they just go on … and on … ), they will be rewarded with some amazing views, thrilling descents and the very smug feeling that they have conquered some of the best cols in France.

To give an idea of costs, the B&B is around €300 each for 5 nights (4 evening meals are included in that price but we would have the option of eating in town instead for a reduced rate). We would have travel costs on top which will vary depending on if we fly or drive. Easyjet will be cheap if we get in there as soon as the flights are released and they will accept bikes in a box at £25 each way. If we fly there is also a cost to transfer from Airport to Bourg.

Due to the announcement of the Tour route, the accommodation places will fill up very quickly so if you are interested we will need to know in the next few days. The commitment at this early stage would be a deposit of €50 each for the B&B. If you fancy giving this a go, please click on over to our Alpine Adventure page and send us your details together with any questions you might have.

After an early start on Monday, the finely tuned athletes of the Vinghoe Velos finally landed in Normandy, clearly flagging from our arduous journey. We sought refreshment in a harbour side restaurant in Cherbourg, here we made careful calorie counted selections from the menu along with the necessary levels of local isotonic beer to maintain our bodies in peak condition, before we checked into our hotel about a mile or so away. Upon arrival at the hotel, we were all in awe of Pete’s command of the French language, as was the the very polite French receptionist, who after 15 minutes of Pete’s pigeon French nonsense, finally said – in perfect English “so what exactly do you wan’t Mr Thompson?”

Once in the hotel we re-grouped in the bar to discuss tactic’s, who would lead the Peloton on the first day?
Then we set off to a local restaurant ‘Buffalo Grill’, after more food and ‘one or two more beers’, we retired back to the hotel. After some more beer, the hotel reception explained that they had now run out of beer (surely our commitment to achieving the peak of physical perfection could now not be brought into question). A truly magnificent effort by the whole team! Graham slurred some outstanding frontier gibberish and Dave Mander done some very impressive cheer leading moves, with only the aid of some balloons, we put this down to sheer exhaustion after really ‘pushing the envelope’.
Tuesday, stage 1 of the tour, the main Peloton left Cherbourg and proceeded around the North East coast of the Peninsula, past the Normandy beaches and on to Carentan. Again the whole team excelled themselves, exceeding all expectations, thankfully the local restaurants had just enough beer to ensure adequate levels of re-hydration we’re restored. Tomorrow we brace ourselves for stage 2, 82 Km further south to Vire.

So following on from lots of queries about getting a Vinghoe Velos cycling kit, much research has been done, in real terms if we are to progress it we will need a minimum order of 10 of each item and once an order is placed it will take c. 6 weeks for delivery.

At this stage could people please indicate whether they would be SERIOUSLY interested in purchasing a Vinghoe Velos cycling jersey, with short sleeves and 3/4 length zip.  With the help of oour sponsors we intend to have the price of these, fashion leading, jerseys to less than £35 per jersey and should anyone know of anyone that would like their company name displayed by a group of ‘athletes’ all approaches are welcome.  If like me there are people who like the ‘mankini’ feel and would like some bib shorts please also let us know.  The intention will be to make the jersey design compatible with black shorts anyhow

To move this forward ASAP, please send your expressions of interest to admin@ivinghoevelos.org.uk.

Great rides yesterday thanks guys!

Great turn out on Sunday with 12 ‘velos’ out and thanks to the Robin Hood for the excellent organisation and a fun ride, it was also reported that one of the team completed the 15 mile circuit in a fanstastic 38 minutes, anyone owning up?  Thanks also to the Tring Lions for marshalling the ride who helped to make it a ROARING success! 

Well done also to Rich Parsons for completing his Waddesdon 100 mile challenge in just over 6 hours!

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

The usual Sunday rides will be going out but in addition please be aware for your diaries:

SATURDAY 9TH OCTOBER

Dave Bembridge has provisionally arranged for Sam from MBRS UK Ltd our local mobile bike mechanic to give basic mechanics training at the Rose and Crown.  This is a 2 hour session 10-12 and then 1-3 the cost of this session is a very reasonable £15 per person.  Sam is highly recommended by a number of the group, including Andrew, and his credentials are well noted on his website.  For those wanting to take part please either speak to Dave or send your interest through this site by Sunday 26th September.

SUNDAY 10th OCTOBER

Charity rides out of Aldbury along similar lines to last Sunday timings may differ slightly from our normal Sunday start and further details will follow next week

Good luck to Hannah Beezer ( a true cyclist unlike her ‘baby’ brother?) returning for her final year at Sheffield Uni!

GALLERY START UP! (A free pint courtesy of the Rose & Crown for the best alternative caption!)

Last weekend saw several members of the Vinghoe Velos take on their supreme challenges with many gaining honours for their efforts.  These included a number of successes at the highly prestigious Ivinghoe Flower and Vegetable Show held on Saturday.  Amongst the honours there was First places for,  Angela Hollands, Lucy Ashton, the Beezers (they can fight over who were the true winners!) and several second and third places with the Hetherington Cherry Tomatoes getting a second place! 

Steeped in their ‘glory’ Jose and Andrew headed off to Bath to take on the Wessex 100 (miles!) on Sunday.  Whoever says the Salisbury Plain is flat wants to think again!  Facing continual head winds (how can that be possible when you are doing a circular ride?!) and a severely undulating route sadly Andrew was forced to retire in a ‘messy heap’ after 75 miles whilst Jose went on to complete the ride, a tremendous effort!!

This weekend sees the Vinghoe Velos joining the Robin Hood Charity Ride in Tring on Sunday leaving the R&C as usual at 10:00 on Sunday, Dave Bembridge will be leading out a short ride on Saturday.   Final details for both of these rides will be published on Thursday.

Welcome to what we hope will be the first of many newsletters for your new cycling club. This news letter will keep you informed on where the velos have been as well as letting you know about up and coming events. If there are any items you’d like to see us publish then please get in contact.

And so to the news……………..

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