We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we will assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the Business Car website. However, if you would like to, you can change your cookies at any time
The start point for the best source of fleet information |
Well counter to some thoughts, including the sales director of our own rental management division who ran a sweepstake on whether I would need to show a passport (as I wouldn't even reach Folkestone), I made it in to Paris on Sunday!
Well counter to some thoughts, including the sales director of our own rental management division who ran a sweepstake on whether I would need to show a passport (as I wouldn't even reach Folkestone), I made it in to Paris on Sunday!
I did so along with the other 13 riders of our 14-man Leasedrive Velo team, after covering 250 miles over four days from Parliament Square in London to the Arc de Triomphe. As we entered the Place de la Concorde I raised my arm aloft in a victory salute and the feeling of euphoria as we pedalled up the Champs Elysees had to be seen to be believed.
But best news of all was that the original target set of raising £5000 for Marie Curie Cancer Care had been well and truly smashed. Latest news is that over £13,500 has been raised with still more money coming in. I expect us to be able to donate more than £14,000 so a big 'thank you' to all who supported us.
I won't pretend it was easy and some of the hills were tough going. I didn't like the approach to Brands Hatch on the first day, nor the 'Seven Valleys' on the second day, which formed part of the longest stretch - 75 miles in total.
The weather wasn't bad to us. It didn't rain although we had a strong headwind in France over the three days there. The last day was the hottest and sunniest, despite previous warnings of heavy thundershowers. Like each previous day, we crossed beautiful countryside and passed through pleasant quiet villages before grouping up together after an early lunch break for the group ride in through the suburbs of Paris to the finish. While the rest enjoyed beer, champagne and an evening meal in Montmartre, unfortunately yours truly had to catch the 15.45 Eurostar for an early morning meeting in London.
What had really struck me on the ride was the difference in road surfaces between our two countries. With the exception of a few miles, the road surfaces were silky smooth in France, while we bobbed and bounced in England.
Why can't we enjoy proper smooth road surfaces in this country? And why can't we build road surfaces with proper foundations that can take the weight. Even the minor D roads in France carried heavy trucks but were damage and pothole free.
Either we have poor road engineering or France benefits from extra EU funding. I hate to say it but I believe it is the former, combined with a lack of proper funding.
Anyway, thanks again for everyone's generosity. As I said, the greatest news was the amount raised for Marie Curie Cancer Care. This most worthwhile charity celebrates its 60th anniversary this year and now benefits from an extra £13,500+.
And having covered 250 miles under my own steam I'm going to take a well earned rest for the next two weeks.
BusinessCar magazine ©2019
Business Car Magazine © 2020 | Business Car is part of NS Media Group.
