It is an amazing place, all cobbled streets and classic buildings. In fact our 40 state-of-the-art bikes look a little out of place against the old brick building opposite the restaurant. We were just talking about the fact there is probably £100,000 of bikes there, as they must all be worth at least a couple of grand.
In relative terms, we have had a lovely day. The 100 km route has been mostly flat through some lovely countryside and we have passed a couple of vineyards. We also followed a river for some time and then went through a man-made forest with trees that were partially submerged. That was a little eerie. We also crossed an old wooden bridge that was spectacular, if a little bumpy. We also rode along a 4 km stretch of ‘Strade Bianche’, the iconic dirt roads of Tuscany, which was great until one of the core riders suffered a puncture about 50 metres from the end and we had to stop while he changed his tyre.
My good friend Tim Davis, owner of Amazon Creek, did the first of three days riding today. Unfortunately he suffered a puncture on his front wheel as we were negotiating a roundabout and had a big fall. There was nothing he could do about it, and luckily he didn’t take anyone else from the big group down with him. Fortunately he suffered nothing more than a few bumps and scratches. I felt sorry for Tim as this was 30 minutes into the ride. I really didn’t expect blood and sweat from him as well as the incredibly generous sponsorship he has raised for me. Of the near £40,000 I have raised so far, Tim and Amazon Creek made an initial £10,000 donation and have at least matched that figure in donations from clients and from the efforts of Tim and the two guys he has brought with him to join us for the next three days.
Tim and I met several years ago when I stayed in one of Amazon Creek’s chalets in Chamonix and we have been back a few times since. I was talking to Tim after he had made the initial donation and he invited me to come and stay at one of the chalets for six days at the end of June. Maybe I spoke without thinking there could be a catch, but it was only when I said I would love to come that Tim mentioned that the first three days would be spent training that I became suspicious. In answer to my inquiry as to what exactly we would be training for, Tim replied: ‘To climb Mont Blanc.’ Although any thoughts of a relaxing holiday had been well and truly crushed, by that point I was already committed.
Last night we had the usual evening meal, but the results of the time trial on Tuesday were revealed. There is a 14 km section that is graded as one of the toughest climbs and I did it in one hour and one minute. I was the fastest of the core riders and it clearly showed I was doing well and trying very hard to do the best I can. And what was my reward? A fine from Lawrence Dallaglio, another shot of an awful tasting drink. We have another time trial section later in Stage 3, and I will be trying my best again, even if it means I have to take another hit.
My partner in crime Lee left today for his Match of the Day commitments and I did miss him. We will be at the hotel in good time to watch the FA Cup final and I will be leading the Chelsea contingent cheering them on against Liverpool. Lee let me borrow his Chelsea shirt which I will be wearing, although I’ll find a way of covering up his name and number. As well as four luxury chalets in Chamonix, Amazon Creek have villas in Corsica and Sete in South West France and two luxury sailing yachts. Details at www.amazoncreek.co.uk/
