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Over and out

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Charity

All of us on the Tour de Force were there for different personal reasons. A number were going through tricky relationship issues, job changes, a good old fashioned mid life crisis or were just cycling nut cases. Mine was to take myself out of my comfort zone and to channel the under-utilised competitive spirit I used to apply in the work place in another direction.

The unintended benefit of taking part in such a challenge is not the chance to work through personal issues but rather the chance to do something for others. In this case to raise money for a very worthy cause - The William Wates Memorial Trust.

William was a brother of my friends (Jonny, pink lycra fan; Rick, the goal hanger; and Monty, watt bike champion) who was tragically killed on his year off. Jonny eloquently explained to me how as a family they were determined to turn their tragedy into a positive and so launched the Trust and the Tour de Force challenge.

During the trip various recipients of the charity joined us and as each spoke I was struck by how much one’s environment as a child influences the likely outcome of one’s future. All the underprivileged young people who came (and cycled for a while) were unequivocally grateful for the opportunities afforded to them by the Trust - be it access to take part in Duke of Edinburgh awards, sports they couldn’t dream of trying or arts programmes. I give my children access to all of this and more without even thinking. How lucky we all are.

I have raised £15k for the Trust and have commitments for another £5k. For those who sponsored me and had the dubious pleasure of following my turmoil through this blog, please rest assured the money will be wisely spent and gratefully received. Many, many thanks.

www.virginmoneygiving.com/gavinwhite

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Stato

I know I’m boring but I love numbers and stats (ignore this bit Tommy B). Here are a few from the last 3 weeks that will live with me for a while:

Distance cycled: 3,595km Longest day: 233km Total climb: 47.6km - nearly half way to space Biggest day’s climb: 4,694m Calories consumed: 84,485 Average speed: 22.7 kmh vs pros at 40kmh Fastest speed: 71.9 kmh Fastest 40km: 1:08 hours Cycling time: 158 hours Total pedal strokes: 536,377 Massages: 18 Croissants eaten: >100 Different cycling shirts modelled: 13 Punctures: 0 Hotels: 21 Tears: 2 Hugs from fellow cyclists: >30 Messages of support received: countless

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Celebrations on the Bateaux Mouches

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With Rick, the goal hanger

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What is the point of being alive if you don't at least try to do something remarkable?

John Green

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My 10 favourite people

In no particular order…. 1. Maym 2. Steven Gerrard 3. Mum 4. Tree 5. Tilda 6. Jack 7. Bill 8. Fleur 9. Wigzy 10. Everyone who has sponsored me, helped me, read the blog or sent me messages of support.

You’ll never walk alone!

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It's all over

The final day was as good as I could have hoped. We cruised over flat roads towards Versailles for a quick lunch and group photo before heading to the Eiffel Tower. The pace quickened as the day went on as everyone was desperate to see their loved ones - me more than anyone. As we bounced over the cobbles near the École Militaire I suddenly spotted Bill in the shade under a tree and then Maym and the others. I screeched to a halt and gave and received the biggest hugs I can remember. We then cycled to the Arc de Triomphe and somehow managed to circumnavigate the roundabout with cars flying in from all directions. I used Nobby as my blocking tackler to fend off larger vehicles as we headed back down the Champs-Élysées for one last victory lap and back to the Arc de Triomphe for the finishing line. The race was run and 3,600km of the toughest cycle race on earth complete. I’m not sure how I got into this or how I did it but it is over and I am mighty relieved to be back in one piece.

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Cycling on the cobbles up to the Arc de Triomphe

#gif

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Nice cycling tan

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Fleury

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Jack and Tilda, who almost looks proud

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Back with my Bill

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Just about enough energy to lift my bike up in celebration

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The 40 lifers in front of Versailles

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Versailles