Four days, 300 miles, 124 cyclists, 8 water stops, plenty of energy drinks and £13,000 for charity raised so far, and the London to Paris Charity Challenge was complete. Drenched in glorious sunshine and with enough lycra to fit a small army of aerobics instructors, riders from all over country battled though the rolling French hills to reach the Eiffel Tower. Anyone who said that the North of France was flat, has most certainly not cycled the region for four days, but the spirit of those who took part far outweighed the impact of a few minor undulations. After a total of 242 miles in the first three days, and a seemingly short 58 miles on day four, muscles and joints were unsurprisingly feeling the strain and yet, all the pain and agony quickly drifted away, as a sea of blue riders cycled their way up the Champs Elysee and around the Arc de Triumph in convoy. The reception of those enjoying the weather on the sidewalks made the event very special indeed and created an electric atmosphere which on arrival at the Eiffel tower made the months of training and fund raising clearly worth the effort. This was a challenge equal to that of the London Marathon and was an experience which will last long in my memory. Most of all it was a privilege to have taken part and to have had the opportunity to raise money for both the North Devon Hospice and Breakthrough Breast Cancer. My sincere thanks go to all those who kindly sponsored this challenge, and I am sure your donations will go a long way in helping those who need them.