STAGE 8 - La Bollene Vesubie to Cannes

We've made it, what a day! We didn’t have a complete blow-out on Wednesday night (even knowing that we only had a few hours riding until arriving into Cannes) after hearing tales of someone last year who overdid it a little only to come off his bike on the final day. So sensible’ish bed time for us three before waking up to start our journey to the finish line!

It was switchbacks all the way down Turini as we formed one huge red snake of a peloton; taking 30 second turns at the front to ‘pull’ those behind you before dropping to the back again to enjoy the slipstream. We rode down to the coast before stopping for lunch on the edge of Cannes. Setting off again, and now in a very built-up area, the support was incredible and it was very apparent that the French love a peloton. It was fantastic; people coming out of houses and shops to wave hankies shouting “Allez!” and “Bon Courage!”, an older chap on his bike who joined our group and became part of the team for a while before finally, the police escort (motorbikes and cars), who traditionally accompany the large tours into Cannes, led us into the town. Riding two abreast, it was hard not be overcome by emotion (alright, we all had a tear or two in our eye) as their sirens blared and people lined the Croisette to wave and blow whistles.

We’d done it. It feels like the physical and emotional highlight of the year and there’s a real sense of pride at having made it as a group through all of the tough times.

We were all met by the consultant from The Hammersmith Hospital in London who was there especially for the occasion to thank all involved in the ride and in sponsorship and to remind everyone present as to how vital this fundraising is to their fantastic research. It's enabled them to be one of the best research centres in the world and is what it's really all about.

So, that’s it, the conclusion of 6 months training, 6am starts and support/sponsorship from colleagues, friends and family alike. We feel really proud to have been a part of it and despite on several occasions vowing never to go through this again, we’re already wondering about whether or not we might do it just one more time…back to reality now though.

Thanks so much for all the support and sponsorship, see you out of Lycra in London. Love Ben, Ant and Giles xxx

This morning at breakfast, we're happier than we look, just absolutely shattered!

Stage 6 (Vinadio to La Sauze) and 7 (Le Sauze to La Bollene Vesubie)

Hello and sorry for the late update, we are officially wasted and it’s all we can do to finish the day, get a bit of carb-munching in and flake out. But we’ve nearly done it! Officially climbed our last Col yesterday and are today riding into Cannes to see some of you at the finish line with our beers!

Brief update on the last two days; we left you in Vinadio where we celebrated Ant turning 51, the locals tried to pick a fight and we didn’t get enough decent food – which frankly, at this stage, is akin to putting diesel into a Ferrari engine (Giles; Don’t put that in, they already think we are complete tossers!)

Stage 6 on Monday started out nice and hot, straight into a climb up Lombarde (2350m), a beautiful journey back into France along very narrow and pretty paths that must only be used by cyclists, drug smugglers and whoever uses/makes the strange piles of what look like ‘voodoo stone piles’ along the way. The same path opens up on the descent into a beautiful series of s-bends which took us back to the valley floor but by that time the weather had again taken a turn for the worse. The man in charge, Ollie, went ahead to assess the next climb, Col du Bonnet, but decided that with wind speeds of up 26mph at the summit, it was a no-go for any of us. A school bus driver (and keen cyclist) saw our plight, dropped his kids off and came back to pick us all up and drive us over the top and back to Le Sauze. Giles has a bit of a dicky knee but is doing well after slackening the pace a bit and Ant’s moved on to a sardine and cashew nut super-mix in these last critical stages.

Yesterday was a scorcher, 30°. We got in late and exhausted last night after riding from Le Sauze to Le Bollene Vesubie via Col St Martin and Col de Turini (pic of us at the top of Turini!) There were lots of people suffering from heatstroke today and one poor chap (Rogue’s Tom) came off and broke his elbow and has gone off to have it pinned in hospital. Turini is an emotional climb for lots of the riders. It’s where the whole idea for the ride was born and feels pretty momentous as you start the ascent in daylight and it’s dark by the time you reach the summit.

It was every man for themselves in the bedroom last night with Giles a clear winner in the double-bed. Ant and I were in the bunk-beds and I literally touched all 4 sides, completely wedged. So, we’re exhausted but elated today and really looking forward to getting to Cannes. Giles’ knee is just about holding out and we’re all wearing our ‘best socks’, a nice, fresh, clean pair we’ve been saving for the last day.

Thank you so much for all of your messages, they have been really encouraging and it’s been fantastic to be in touch. We’ll try and send some pics later on today from Cannes – last push, it's a scorcher!

Juzza, keep it coming, the weather’s been rough but we’re all brave soliders…Natashka, thanks Darling, we’re looking pretty ripped by now, get the suncream ready!....Becs, get training and see you bikini-clad in Cannes…..Ang, good to hear you’re reading the blog, we’ve put your name down for next year….Thanks for keeping in touch Mama Kate, Josh and Andy O!.....Still missing you Paulo! Cheers Lawrence, Benn and John! See you all soon, we’re nearly there!

Rest Day and Stage 5 - La Grave to Vinadio – 172k

Hi All and thanks for all your support and messages, it really is helping us along and it great to hear from you all.

So, backtracking a bit, we had a well-earned rest day in La Grave on Saturday which was absolutely fantastic. There was a huge BBQ by the river featuring the guitar-playing of Adrian Moat as well as sponsored haircuts and other silliness and the three of us had a much needed massage in the same hotel where Lance Armstrong stayed when he won the Tour de France. I stupidly went out for a biere or two on Sat night (and as a result rode at the back on Sunday) but Ant and Giles had a great nights sleep except for all three of us needing the bathroom at 4am and having to form an orderly queue.

Anyway, we needed the rest/sleep because today (Sunday) was a HUGE day, we rode for 12 hours straight which saw us travel 172km from La Grave in France to Vinadio – a small mountain village in Italy (where we are now, unable to make ourselves understood as is completely Italian speaking, we’re starving and no food is forthcoming as yet). It threatened to rain the whole day and so was cold but really spectacular scenery above the tree-line again as we negotiated Col du Lauteret, Col D’Izoard, Col de Bars and Col de Larche with the wind against us for some of that time. The highlight for me was probably the 25 mile descent from the top of Larche tucking into a peloton for switchbacks all the way. Ant took a wrong turn and so did an extra 6 miles today blaming Giles for not stopping for him when he went for a pee.

Today was also the day that the guest riders turned up (including Ed Fayers from Blink, freelance DOP Barry Wallace, Stuart Robinson from Tomboy Films to name but a few) so a really tough first day for them.

We have officially become machines. We eat our own bodyweight in carbs in the morning, ride, eat our own bodyweight in carbs again at lunch, more riding, then we eat again, sleep get up and eat our own bodyweight and ride.

We’re pretty wasted at the moment but all in really good spirits. Tomorrow we’re tackling Col de la Bonnette, the highest pass in Europe - better get some sleep.

Thanks again for all the support, Ben Ant and Giles xxx

Stage 4 - Valloire to La Grave 115Km

Epic day today guys, epic day. Our legs are ready for food and massage and nothing else. Those of you who’ve got the impression we’re on a wine-tasting holiday – you can forget it!

We woke in Valloir with the cloud sitting like a lid on top of the village (that is better than Wordsworth Ben, ed) It was raining when we set off but nothing compared to the comedy ‘bible’ weather to come as we began the ascent up Galibier (2640m) one of the most famous alp climbs which takes you above the tree-line and into the snow. Pretty soon it was raining so hard that our faces felt like they were being hit with gravel – for a long time. Then came thunder and lightening – the only thing missing was Gandalf’s face laughing at us from the clouds, grim. It was -4° at the top and some of the team were, by that stage, mildly hyperthermic. Ant gave up his climb today to stay at the back and help (shout at) one of the struggling team-members to the summit.

From the top, we descended 12k to a restaurant where, soaked to the skin (and nicely chilled from riding at speed) at least 40 of us huddled around 1 hand-dryer with the bar owner donating his towelling dressing gown to the most deserving cause.

It picked up as we continued our descent into La Grave, situated at the foot of a beautiful valley where the snow-capped peaks are currently bathed in sunlight, check out our pic!

Directeur Sportif, Ollie, decided against the planned team ascent of Alpe d’Huez today (another 30k down the valley) but actually, after warming up a bit later on, Giles and I made a trip there on our own experiencing it’s 21 switchbacks (each named after Tour-de-France winners if you’re interested) by then in much improved conditions. That’s a picture of me on the way back down.

Thank god it’s a rest day tomorrow, we can relax tonight - off to a place called Edelweiss for dinner where I’ve a feeling it could get messy.

Thanks for all of your support - more news from us on Sunday. B,G and Axxxxx

Temperatures of -4, hyperthermia, frostbite, sunburn, chaffing, dehydration, bruises and sleeping with Ant !!!! - just look at what our team are going through for a worthy cause - got to be worth a few quid...

******DONATE TO LEUKA HERE**************
http://www.thefirefliesride.com/donate/
******DONATE TO LEUKA HERE**************

To Juzza:

If I see another slice of salami at breakfast, I might snap - where's the Frosties?!? I'll bring you back a big cold sausage.

To Daff:
Giles has been cuddling sheep, does that count? Thanks for the message Welshboy! Keep em coming - we need the support, it's tough!

To Becs:
Did the Whisky last night. Never drinking again. Until Cannes. Stu turned up last night, we're determined to get you on the ride next year so start training Sister.

To Tory:

I managed to beat Ant back to the room for the first time last night, but only because he got lost in the mist. He's now sleeping in the bath which is OK until you want to take a leak in the middle of the night "Mornin' Ant, don't mind me" usually does the trick tho...

To Jeff:

Giles and I romped up it yesterday after a -4 ascent of Galibier. Have never been so cold on a bike before. Giles had to abandon his bike on the descent before frostbite kicked in. Rest day today, I'm sure you remember how good it feels to spend a whole day out of lycra. 1.05 but we took a wrong turn at the top. Brilliant climb, one of the best.

To Beth G:

Biere, or Chartreuse which is all helping us to sleep like babies!

To Darren:

Thanks Dazz, you're all heart!!

Stage 3 - Bourge St Maurice to Valloire 136km

Hi All!

We’re blogging on behalf of the boys for Day 3 as they didn’t get in until late after a problem with one of the A-roads which involved them taking a detour – an extra 900m uphill. Late last night Ant and Giles finally got to give us the scoop whilst Ben ‘the blog dictator’ took a cold bath for his aching muscles. So, awakening to the now familiar hum of Ant’s razor, they set off at 0800 to conquer ‘The Beast’ - or Col de la Madeline as it is better known. To cut a long story short – it’s a hard grind and very steep at 2000m, they did well. Check out the photo above of the victorious three at the top for proof!

Now, wait for it, Ant was FIRST of all of the fireflies to reach the top and though we all know it’s not about the winning for you boys (?!?) - we’ve got to say ‘WELL DONE ANT!!!!’. He was neck and neck with a young slip of a thing (a 26year old, he would like us to point out) and ‘as a 44 year old man’ he is well chuffed with his achievement. As a result of his amazing ascent, Ant was rewarded with the longest lunch-break; 2.5 hours to enjoy his salmon and chips which he described as “delightful”. And it didn’t stop there, he was first up the other mountain later on – sardine power! Understandably, Giles was not - at the time we spoke to him - particularly looking forward to that night with Ant, particularly as they are sharing two single beds which, at time of writing, would not pull apart for love nor money. [Ant in the background: ‘We’ll be spooning!’] Linda, if you’re reading, Giles and Ben did have a little catch up today and they do sympathise with what you must go through at home.

By 5pm, our boys descended to Valloire at up to 45mph and when we spoke to them they were sore, bruised and aching but on top form otherwise. Giles explained that he had a 3inch saddle mould in his bottom (bit more detail for the blog) which didn’t look to be fading much – not suprising though, he also explained that they’re now climbing the equivalent of half way up Mt Everest each day! See below for their responses to comments. News from the boys re Friday 15th soon.

Click here to watch day 3 of the ride!

To Linda:
I miss you too but I'll be alright tonight as I am sleeping next to Giles.xx

To Natashka:
Thank you for the message- NO this doesn't feel like a holiday! If it was there would be rosé at lunch time. I 'm looking forward to seeing you at the finish line in Cannes.xx

To Neil:
No crying or vomiting yet. But Ant's daily shaving makes me want to cry a little too!

To Tory:
Yeah Ant's legs look like plucked chickens. We have a good diet over here: meat cheese, bread, pasta...but we are all suffering from wind!

To Austen:
Just because you fancy me (Giles) doesn't make me gay. Maybe I do know how to work the camera...

To Paul H:
So sorry you couldn't be here mate - seriously though you would have hated it! Its a lot more hilly than Kent. We are thinking of you and will save you a spot for next year. Thanks for your support.

To Wendy:
Our legs ARE like steel! Regarding your comment about Ant and the sardines.... Let's just say when he is finished in the bathroom it smells like feeding time at the sea life centre!

To Andy B:
Your comment made us laugh! We are interested in knowing the exact elevation of "Col De Faringdon Road."

To Phil Crow:
Thanks mate. You can join us whenever you like, but take it easy on the In-And-Out burgers!

Update from Ben and the boys June 13th 7pm

Hello all, thanks for your support and messages! We’ve made it over 3 cols today in 30° heat, the biggest of those just under 2000m (Rosalind).

We set off from La Clusaz at 9am sharp after another massive breakfast; Salami, Pain aux Chocolat, Cheeses (nice bit of detail for you blog readers) and Ant’s daily staple; a can of sardines out of his massive stash. From that straight into a climb up Col des Aravis. It was hot but the reward was spectacular scenery and a long descent down the back overtaking the cars at up to 48mph. Then it was on to Col des Saises - still riding together for a lovely descent through gorges, waterfalls and roadside vegetable patches. We’re in proper mountain territory now, not an A-road in sight/earshot - beautiful.

20 or so of us had lunch in Beaufort (Chicken Escalope, Pasta, Coca-Cola and Budvar) before we set of for the highest of the day’s Cols, Rosalind. Ant, with his incredibly expensive bike and his special wheels, made pretty short work of it [Ant shouting in the background: IT’S NOT ABOUT THE BIKE BEN] and Giles conquered his first big mountain riding with with ex-Mill’er Alex Thomas. A few people needed looking after through getting dehydrated today but those first to the top welcomed the others with linked hands forming a tunnel for the hot and tired. Then our final descent, a really fast one down to Bourg St Maurice where we are now, back in the hotel, washing our kit for tomorrow. Better sign off as we’re off to dinner and Ant has a lot of shaving to do.

Ben (Ant and Giles)xxx

Click here to watch day 2 of the ride:

Stage 2 - La Clusaz to Bourg St Maurice

The Mill guys were on a high yesterday after completing a 130Km journey to La Clusaz. The team had to detour slightly en route due to a road closure but it didn't stop our lot having a good time and ending the day down the phone to us in fits of laughter.

Today the Fireflies have set off from La Clusaz to to Bourg St. Maruice which will be a slightly shorter ride of 90Km.

Ben and Giles kept us updated this morning with a couple new shots- Ant striped down to the basics followed by Giles and Ben looking (quite attractive, "ed") before they set off for the day.

Click here to watch day 2 of the ride!

**Visit the official Fireflies site to donate to Leuka: http://www.thefirefliesride.com/

Thank you for all your posts!! Here is what the guys had to say in response:

Jess:
“Thanks shrimp, eaten all of your flapjacks, they are magic! Couldn’t do this without them. Can you send more by carrier-pigeon? lol Dad xx”

Wiggins:
“Thanks for the support Wiggs! With your stamina, we reckon you’d fly up these mountains faster than an express chairlift.”

Pat:
“Ant gets his kit off a lot and so photo ops are easy - you’re coming with us next year! Thanks for your sponsorship, The Mill team are hard at work (even though we’re not at work).”

Juzza:
“It’s not cool, it’s 30° and everyone’s sunburnt. Works well with the chaffing I can tell you. Even Giles’ special cream is having to be applied twice a day.”

Robin:
“Thanks Robin, Ant’s razor’s been busy almost 24/7 so I haven’t had a look-in! Can I borrow the Serota next year, when you’ve finally got it out of the case?!? See you in Cannes for a much needed half lager.”

Michael Baulk:
“You are a rotten cheat! We would’ve beaten you downhill! And we bet you didn’t eat as many flapjacks as we have! Can we borrow the Ferrari next year? Best wishes from Bourg St Maurice, Ben , Ant and Giles.”

Update from Ben June 12th at 6:35pm

Hi Everyone

We’re all OK after the first slightly messed-up stage and despite an awful nights sleep together. Giles bagged the king-size bed and Ant took the single leaving me with what can only be described as some kind of child-cot. At least Giles was considerate after that though, Ant talked to himself until about 3am (probably about how brilliant he is) keeping us both awake long after we should’ve been.

Things improved in the morning with a nice big breakfast and we set off from Evian at about 1015. It looked like it was going to rain but held off as we climbed (lots of switchbacks) to Les Gets before a 40mph descent. We got half way to Col de la Colombierre before realising that the pass was closed due to bad weather forcing a re-group/re-route back down and around.

Firefly Ollie made the mistake of mentioning that he hadn’t had a puncture in 5 years – he promptly got one and Giles stopped to help, before his own helmet fell off later on.
All in all a great day, it didn’t rain although it looked like it was going to, there was lots of re-routing and stopping to regroup so a very long day – total of 77miles in 5 hrs.

Tonight, the whole Fireflies team has been invited out by the Meribel ad festival who’ve promised some badly-needed hot-tub action.

Gotta go, need a bath.

Thanks for your support
Ben
x

Click here to watch day 1 of the ride!

Stage 1 - Evian to La Clusaz

Yesterday all 63 Fireflies flew into France from London. From there they traveled to the town of Evian to get a good nights kip in their cosy hotel (see above sent by Ben.)
This morning Giles sent us a photo of them suited, booted and ready to ride 130Km from Evian to La Clusaz. Around 25 support staff will follow the riders- from camera men to physios to ensure the Fireflies are documented and properly looked after each step of the way.


Click here to watch the arrival video!

Good Luck Send Off

Golden Square was host to a party to wish the Fireflies well on their journey Friday evening. We caught up with the boys at the Corona sponsored event to grab a pix of them fresh faced before the grueling journey ahead of them!

Good Luck Guys!

Fireflies Send Off

Welcome

The Mill is proud to announce that their very own Ben Hampshire, Giles Cheetham and Ant Walsham are riding for the Leuka charity- Fireflies.

We caught up with the guys before they headed off and asked them a few questions about themselves and the ride!

What is your cycling nick name?
Ben: I don't have one, but it should be 'Slow Boy'
Ant: It should be 'The Flying Ant'
Giles: (Still thinking about it....)

What is your super cycling snack?
Ben: Figs and homemade flapjacks.
Ant: Marmalade butties
Giles: Dried apricots and homemade flapjacks

What are you least looking forward to about the ride?
Ben: Fear of being left behind. I was the youngest of six kids growing up.
Ant: Sharing a room with Ben and Giles each night.
Giles: Riding up hill.

How are you going to keep yourself entertained on the ride?
Ben: It was singing last year, but I think it will be listening to Ant talk about how brilliant he is this time.
Ant: Telling stories about how brilliant I am to Ben and Giles.
Giles: Riding down hill.

For more information on the Fireflies charity and to donate to Lueka visit: http://www.thefirefliesride.com/

To individually sponsor Ben and Giles go to:
Ben: www.justgiving.com/bb-ride
Giles: http://www.justgiving.com/gilescheetham
Ant: Has been privately sponsored by his clients. (How very uber.)