Last day of Jim's Loire ride for Esme

 Jim ready to start the last day with Charly Pasquiers

Jim made it to his goal – the railway station at La Baule, around 5.15pm today, as you can tell from the station clock below. A tremendous achievement – inspired by Esme.

A last-minute discovery that the ferry no longer exists meant that Jim and Charly had to cross the Pont de La Nazaire – an extra hill! 

Jim has now completed a total distance of 1078 km and an elevation gain of 6300 m for the whole trip. He was relieved that it was the last day as the final section was – straight into the wind.

Jim has so far raised €915 plus €350 off-line for Gustave Roussy and £1152.50 plus pledges of £80 for Teenage Cancer Trust.
If you haven't yet had a chance to contribute to Jim's efforts, the links are:

Fondation Gustave Roussy 
https://igr.friendraising.eu/jim.budd
Teenage Cancer Trust 
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JimBudd

Every €5 or £5 makes a difference!

 

Jim at the finish in front of the station at La Baule on the edge of the Atlantic, proudly wearing his Teenage Cancer Trust cycling jersey

Jim and Charly in jubilant mood at La Baule

A tough day 2 for Monsieur Loire

Jim still smiling - just after crossing the Loire for the final time today

A tough day for Monsieur Loire - 152 kilometres and an elevation rise of 2115m. And he is supposed to be going downstream! The area around Les Gorges de La Loire is pretty lumpy, whether you follow the left or the right bank. Tomorrow morning he sets off for Nevers. Although long, this stage should be a bit easier.

Day 1 cracked, but not the rider!

Early morning - low cloud and high winds

The view from our bedroom window this morning was most uninviting! Low cloud and blowing a gale. But Jim was not to be deterred! He disappeared into the mist up the hill towards La Source de La Loire.

 Jim at the start, looking rather anxious

By the time I caught up with him at La Source it was already raining. But he bravely took off his rain jacket to show off his Teenage Cancer Trust cycle jersey. After the foul start to the day, the weather gradually improved and by the time I saw Jim again, in the Gorges de La Loire (me cycling in the opposite direction from the end of the stage) it was warm and sunny. A complete contrast!

 Looking back at the clouds in the Ardèche mountains

 View of the Loire in rather better weather conditions

So day 1 to Retournac has been cracked relatively easily. Far from being cracked, Jim is in great form! All set for the next stage to Renaison tomorrow. The Ferme Equestre Les Revers is a lovely place to stay - comfortable and a beautiful and tranquil location above Retournac. Only downside was the 6km uphill grind to get here from the bridge over the Loire. But definitely worth it!

Here are the stages. If anyone is nearby, come and cheer him on!

Day 1 (Wed 17 Sept):  Gerbier de Jonc to Retournac (done!), staying at Ferme Equestre Les Revers
Day 2 (Thur 18 Sept):  Retournac to Renaison, staying at Hotel le Central
Day 3 (Fri 19 Sept): Renaison to Nevers, staying at Hotel de Clèves
Day 4 (Sat 20 Sept): Nevers to Chavignol (via Pouilly, the half-way point!), staying at Hotel Monts Damnées
Day 5 (Sun 21 Sept): Chavignol to Beaugency, staying at Hotel La Licorne
Day 6 (Mon 22 Sept): Beaugency to Bourgueil, staying at Café de la Promenade
Day 7 (Tues 23 Sept): Bourgueil to Ancenis, staying at Loire-Sejours
Day 8 (Wed 24 Sept): Ancenis to La Baule, staying at Hotel La Cloiserie

See the previous blog to find out how you can support Jim's efforts to raise funds for two cancer charities.

Monsieur Loire fait La Loire!

Yes! Jim Budd, Monsieur Loire himself, is about to embark on a huge challenge - cycling from the source of the Loire to the Atlantic. Starting tomorrow in the Ardèche, just below Le Mont Gerbier de Jonc, he will be covering about 1000 kilometres. And he is doing this to raise funds for two very worthwhile charities in memory of my niece, Esme Morris Macintyre, who died last year at the tender age or eighteen.

We've arrived at the nearest auberge, the Auberge de Bachasson, just 800m from Mont Gerbier de Jonc, to start this challenge.

Jim contemplating his route in the Auberge de Bachasson

As his supporter and partner, I'd like to make a special appeal to all of you who have followed Jim's Loire over the years and freely benefited from his intimate knowledge and understanding of the Loire and its wines. If each of you donated just €5, or even €10, he would easily surpass his target.

So, please, choose one of the charities, log on to Jim's page and give just a small amount.

For Teenage Cancer Trust in the UK:

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JimBudd

For Fondation Gustave Roussy in France:
https://igr.friendraising.eu/jim.budd

With anticipated thanks (and many thanks to those who have already contributed),

CRM