La Baule: journey's end for Jim's Loire cancer ride

Carole Macintyre (CRM) @la gare de La Baule 

by the sculpture created by Jimenez Deredia

 

The railway station at La Baule-Escoublac marked the end of my ride down the Loire to raise money for two cancer charities (details below). I may have sat on the saddle for a number of hours every day twiddling the pedals but I couldn't have done it without great and generous support from Carole, my partner and Esme's aunt. 

We stayed in La Baule last night and celebrated with a plateau de fruits de mer accompanied by a bottle of 2013 Château du Cléray Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine Haute Culture at Le Ponton, which has a great view of the bay and the ocean. This morning before heading to Muscadet to visit the Luneau family at Domaine Luneau-Papin, I took a few photos of the impressive bay of La Baule and the port de plaisance at Pornichet.

 The great sweep of the bay of Pornichet and La Baule

(above and below)

 

 Port de plaisance, Pornichet

(above and below)

Many thanks again for all the generous donations received. 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  

     

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

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