One of the lovely views of a tranquil Loire
Jim has now completed 7 days of his Loire Ride for Esme, so far covering a total of 950 km and gaining 5420 m in elevation. He was helped on his way today by Charlie Pasquiers from Domaine FL. Another long day but finished in time to enjoy a glass of Coteaux d'Ancenis from Brigitte and Bernard at Domaine de la Pléiade, generously offered by our hosts Andrew and Aline Trepass at the lovely Loire Séjours B&B in Ancenis.
Yesterday Jim was supported by Michel Mergot, long-time friend and ex-mayor of Epeigné-les-Bois, who cycled from Bourgueil to meet him.
Jim and Michel - not far from the finish
Jim and CRM
We were completely bowled over by the warm reception at Bourgueil, organised by Guillaume Lapaque, Director of Vins de Bourgueil. Many thanks to Guillaume for getting together such a great group of local journalists, winemakers and promoters of Bourgueil and Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil wines. Many thanks to Ludo Ragot for hosting this event at the Café de la Promenade and creating the great convivial atmosphere. And many thanks for the generous donations to the charities Jim has chosen:
Gustave Roussy
https://igr.friendraising.eu/jim.budd
Teenage Cancer Trust
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JimBudd
Thanks, too, to friends Zosh and Malcolm Wall who cheered Jim on at Montlouis and Noelle and Michael Keating for coming along to support and welcome Jim at Bourgueil.
Jim speaking to the assembled throng
Jim and Guillaume Lapaque at the Café de la Promenade
Being quizzed about his super bike
A final pose with dignitaries and ... a glass of Bourgueil
4 comments:
Good luck for your last day of the ride.
This post brought a 'blast from the past'. Zosh and Malcom Wall. We lost touch when they moved from Staffordshire.
Any chance that you have a contact email for them or that you can pass on my email/ blog address? We'd love to catch up. Thanks.
Hi Gaynor. Many thanks. Have forwarded your email.
Great job, Jim. May I remark that most amateur cyclists wear horrible "technical" gear: fluorescent jerseys, ugly pink outfits with outrageous publicity and trade marks and sponsors. You, for one, have opted for a very discrete and elegant "tenue", very much in line with your usual choice of shirts!
Thanks, Jim.
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