Jim's Loire charity ride: stop@Domaine FL with Charlie

 Jim with Charles Eric Pasquiers, general manager of Domaine FL

@FL's new winery (above and below)  

On the last two days of my cycle trip down the Loire from its source in the Ardèche I was joined by Charles Eric 'Charlie' Pasquiers. Charlie had been a track rider and, like me, has recently got back into cycling. At the end of May 2014 he completed the Bordeaux-Paris ride – 618 kilometres. On our way from Bourgueil to Ancenis (Tuesday 23rd September) covering 143 kilometres we did a slight diversion to visit Domaine FL's new winery, which is on top of the ridge at Rochefort-sur-Loire, and involved quite a steep climb up out of the small town. It was FL's first day of picking – they started with Savennières.  

Remarkably Charlie covered the entire 143 kilometres eating nothing after his early breakfast of coffee and croissant in a café in Bourgueil. He lasted the day on water!

Many thanks again for all the generous donations received, which has now pushed the total to the two charities to over the equivalent of £3200. 

Fortunately there's still time to donate.  Here's where:
Gustave Roussy  https://igr.friendraising.eu/jim.budd 

Teenage Cancer Trust  http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JimBudd   

Only one day to go!

 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