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The cyclists gather before the start

Cycling 150 miles over three days in the blazing heat is an arduous task but 50 people, including the editor and managing director of The Argus, were willing to take on the challenge of the Brighton to Paris bike ride, raising money for The Argus Appeal. Ruth Lumley reports.

High jinks and high spirits were all part of the adventure as a team of cyclists set off from Brighton on a threeday trip to Paris, raising more than £40,000 for charity.

Editor of The Argus Michael Beard and managing director Martyn Willis joined doctors, dentists and staff from Legal and General - the sponsors of The Argus Appeal in its 50th year - and cycled to Newhaven where they caught the ferry to Dieppe and continued their journey.

The first day in France took the team from Dieppe to Gournay-en-Bray and included 25 miles of off-road cycling along the Avenue Verte which runs along a Normandy valley.

Four stewards led the team on their journey and the cyclists stopped at three checkpoints for refreshment each day.

Mr Beard, who wrote a blog about his journey for The Argus, said: "It was an incredible and extremely satisfying experience. I am sure everyone really enjoyed themselves and they can feel proud that they helped to raise so much money.

"I would recommend the ride to anyone, whether you are a serious cyclist or not. If I can do it so can just about anyone else."

On Friday, the team cycled 53 miles to Chantilly through the Picardy region of France, completing the second leg of the journey.

Arriving in Paris was a thrill

The team reached their destination on Saturday, cycling 42 miles through minor country roads and a canal path, passing through the suburbs and into the heart of Paris.

Mr Willis said: "What I discovered in the four days of the cycle ride to Paris was the multitude of reasons that my fellow riders had for taking up the challenge.

"Some did it for the challenge, some for the camaraderie and fun, some for very personal and tragic reasons and others because of the sheer joy of knowing they were taking part in something that was helping to fund such a good cause, the Argus Appeal."

Alan McCarthy, the chief executive of Brighton and Hove City Council, also took part. He said: "The Argus Appeal bike ride exceeded all my expectations and was a thoroughly enjoyable event.

"The fact that it raised £40,000 for the charity is tremendous and makes the achievement even more extraordinary.

"I would very much like to thank the many people that sponsored me, especially NCP and Graham Nicholas who were particularly generous in their support, as every last penny will be going to charity.

"It is great to think so much money will be going to those in real need and that all the hard work was so worthwhile."

The Argus Appeal co-ordinator Elsa Gillio was part of the support team who looked after the cyclists while experienced cyclist and deputy pre-press manager Howie Blanks organised the route after going on a practice run.

Mr Blanks said: "Morale was good. There were 50 complete strangers who all got to know each other well and spurred each other on."

Dentist Colin Gerard, 44, of Overhill Drive, Brighton, decided to take on the challenge with three of his colleagues. He said: "I have done the London to Brighton bike ride a few times and raised money for the British Heart Foundation but I have never done an event which lasted more than one day.

"It was brilliant. I did quite a lot of training and was cycling to work and back in Peacehaven most days which is about 20 miles so that got me into the swing of things."

10:41am Tuesday 7th August 2007

Celebrating in Brighton after the challenge

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