24 out 24 in, London to Paris in four days (From Harrow Times)

24 out 24 in, London to Paris in four days

3:16pm Thursday 28th May 2009 in Kisima News By Tristan Kirk

Through driving rain, strong wind, steep hills and scorching sunshine, the London to Paris ride finished on Tuesday afternoon.

Twenty four riders started early on Saturday morning full of hope and trepidation, and everyone finished four days later under the Eiffel Tower.

Day four was one of the toughest, with the weather conditions turning on us and the onset of heavy rain and windy.

Despite promises from unnamed members of the group that "it is not that far", and "it's all pretty flat", we faced some of the steepest hills so far.

As always, I had started the day optimistic that the weather would change and I was wearing my summer gear - no waterproofs.

Whereas the day before that had seemed like an inspired choice, it's fair to say I was not so lucky this time around.

After a few hours in driving rain, I was soaked to the skin and verging on the miserable.

But as has happened throughout this ride, the team pulled together, urging each other towards the finish line and supporting those struggling in the tough conditions.

After a stop for lunch in a little village which seemed to have never seen so many people before, we set off on the final leg into Paris.

Now, I could say it was all plain sailing from then on but there was a touch of the Gravesend as we rode round the same Paris road system more than a few times.

But eventually, and triumphantly, the Eiffel Tower came into view and we were able to ride as a group along the Champs Elysee, cheered on by jolly French people and family and friends who had made the trip to see us finish.

Richard Walton led the celebration on the lawn underneath the tower, popping the champagne cork and handing out medals to the riders and support drivers who had travelled more than 300 miles in aid of the Kisima charity.

Personally, I feel I have grown as a cyclist, from a distinctly mediocre beginning into a man who feels comfortable with the idea of cycling miles up and down hills with no problem. (OK, maybe a few problems, but that is to be expected)

And towards the end, I was even feeling like I wasn't going to fall off anymore.

Admittedly I did cycle into a central reservation on the approach to Paris, but that doesn't really count. If anything the central reservation pulled out too fast and there was very little I could do.

What a trip, what a great way to spend four days, and what a great cause to have had the privilege to support.

More than £30,000 has been raised, all going to the charity in northern Kenya and all helping children get an education and make better lives for themselves.

Thank you to all those who supported myself and the London2Paris team, if you have not done so yet, it's not too late, just click on the link opposite and you can donate money.