La Squadra

Come celebrate the first day of summer ,harness the power of the sun and a great excuse for a Special Ride !! Summer Solstice.

A Select group of  hard core riders needed with special attributes ,the ability for a mid week pass ,to ride like the wind or in this case worshipping the sun,

and that specail ability of eating food as if your life depended on  it, washed down with Pagan tankards of wine and mead  !!!

And then…… to be able to ride up Surprise climb in a safe and respectable manner admiring the lightest night of the year !

Tips for the night …we will do number 6 while doing number 5 !!!

The details

1. Ride leaves Nonnas 6pm Thursday 21 June
2. Route- Baslow/Chatsworth/Monsal/Bradwell/Hathersage/Home
3. Dinner venue  Elliots Bistro in Hathersage- a special Al Fresco  feast table lined up for us. Sharing Platters to start,main course,homemade cake and espresso. Half a bottle of wine per person. Extra beer and  vino available( They are aware of our drinking ability !)
4. fire dancing and pagan rituals to be confirmed… ??
5. Tell only your best mates..no light weights.
6. Oh and the  price for this extraordinary once in a life time experience…… £25
7. Register you interest to gian@nonnas.co.uk

So, Stages 2 and 3 are complete. And I’m (almost) still in one piece…

However, those of you who have been following me on Twitter @GianBohan may have noticed that I had a brief, yet dramatic, interval just before the weekend. Let me paint you a picture…

Great start to the day on the bike...

So, I’m more than a week into my ride, sporting stars and elite cyclists by my side.

The Italian sun is shining, the morale is high and we set off smiling, ready to tackle one of the more challenging sections of the route.

And all is going swimmingly, then the pace picks up.

We’re travelling downhill at a fair lick (my speedometer reads 70kph) and then we approach a deceptive S-bend…

...not so great off the bike

As I watch the other riders whip round with ease, I find myself overcooking it and exiting the bend slightly differently. I am airborne for a short while before my body dramatically unravels and I hit the bank head first…

Paramedics were on the scene pretty quickly (though not before my so-called team mates had managed to take photos and post them on Twitter!), I was carefully strapped up in a neck brace and stretchered off to hospital where they put me through X-rays.

Whoops...

Amazingly, to everyone’s (and my) disbelief, I hadn’t broken any bones. Just my pride then… and my bike…

My bike needed surgery...

Seriously though, a massive thank you to everyone who looked after me. I was properly shaken up, and my face had seen better days, but I knew I had to get back on the (replacement) bike, however gingerly, and catch up with the rest of the team.

A few paracetemol later, I was back on form and sharing a laugh about it all with the other riders.

Meanwhile, back home, the compassionate folks at the Sheffield Star were quick to pick up on the story (the things I do for a bit of press!), as were the bloggers at Cycle Slam HQ and Wiggle.

Nice souvenir from Lee Dixon!

It wasn’t until a couple of days later that I realised just how lucky I was to be alive. And all I could think about is what we’re all out here for, putting our bodies through hell – some of us more than others!

The past ten days have been inspiring, to say the least. To be part of such a memorable charity effort, riding shoulder to shoulder with sporting names like Lawrence Dallaglio, Andrew Flintoff (who loved the La Squadra kit!), Graeme Le Saux and Lee Dixon, is truly amazing.

But since my wipe-out, I’m now more determined than ever to raise as much money as possible for the three fantastic charities the Slam supports.

Freddie joins La Squadra!

The generosity of donors so far has been unbelievable – I passed my target of £6,000 a couple of days ago, and I really want to keep going!

So much so that I’ve pledged to do the next stage. Yes, I’m carrying on!

That’ll be another four days on the saddle and another chance to up my fundraising target – this time to £10,000 – so please, please keep the donations coming. Every penny counts and your generosity is hugely appreciated.

Please visit my fundraising page here…

Onwards and upwards...

In total, I will have completed three of the five Cycle Slam stages, two more than I initially planned, covering a huge 1,773km (1,102 miles).

My route has taken me through some of Europe’s most beautiful countryside – from Bari in the ‘heel’ of Puglia, and north through the entire length of Italy, along coastal roads and winding mountain tracks, right up to the Swiss border.

Then tomorrow I will set off through the Alps for the next stage, including a brief stint in Germany, before finally reaching the beautiful French city of Épinal. Honestly, I can’t wait! Track my progress here… I’m Rider 205.

Then I have to come home… I have a restaurant to run, y’know!

Left: Me and my new best friend. Right: Refuelling

So I’m one week in – and what a week it’s been.

Pedalling through the best of the Italian countryside, shoulder to shoulder with your sporting heroes, may sound like a jolly… but I can tell you, with utter honesty, that this charity challenge is no walk (or ride) in the park!

Some of my fellow riders...

Sure, the camaraderie has been fantastic – I’m fortunate to be riding with a great bunch of people (some of whom you may find familiar).

And of course, being in Italy, it would be almost rude not to sample the vino along the route… I’ve done my best to make sure no glass is left empty – purely for energy levels, obviously! And they say that what you do off the bike is as important as what you do on it, after all.

But, on the bike… I have already been pushed close to my limits! So far, I’ve encountered soul-destroying 3000m uphill climbs, humid climates, tricky terrains, frequent torrential downpours and a few near falls thanks to manic coastal traffic!

Refuelling...

Yet my spirits remain as high as ever – let’s not forget why I’m doing all this.

I’m adamant to raise as much money as possible for three amazing charities. Visit my VirginMoneyGiving page to donate online and find out more about the challenge.

You can also follow my progress here or via Twitter @GianBohan.

Right, back on the bike…

Ciao.

Ben Swift recently returned from the Sydney World Championships with a clutch of medals. One Gold and Two Silver !

A massive congratulations  from all at Nonnas and La Squadra. Bring on the Olympics , we wish him well.

Well Gents/Ladies what can I say it was truly an epic event.

The La Squadra wingmen and women surpassed themselves  in terms of commitment,support and getting in the true spirit of getting in the saddle.

It started with a fan fare  on the Terrace at Nonnas 2pm Sunday as The Paris -Roubaix was in full swing we started to pedal. The count down clock ticked away, the zealous La Squadra team took up their places. Every hour  on the chalked timetable was filled by a willing  member.

I stepped( pedalled should I say ) into the unknown, the first few hours whizzed by,adrenalin fuelled,well wishers a plenty. The night time revellers kept the hours ticking by with their antics.  Midnight arrives and the streets get quieter, only the hard core supporters remain. The mind games start as the rain starts to gain momentum, the only uncovered  spot on the terrace was my spot but finish how you started is my  motto.

The dark moments step up around three in the morning as a few involuntary chunder moments and burbing break the quiet of the night. My  body saying stop stuffing this food inside me ..I wanna sleep !!!

Lucy and co the guardian angels keep the spirits high  and the time forges on ,the grit of people to get up in the middle of the night and come an ride astounds me, people wanna stay on ,do more, be part of it. People who came to have a look get roped in for a stint and ended up wanting to do more.

The grey wet dawn arrives and a few espressos later from Gian -Franco our superstar Barista who worked through the night for us, and we are reading for the downhill section.

The donation pots get heavier as well wishers dig deep, the twitter system is nearly overloaded with activity, and still the pedals turn. The final few hours gain  momentum as people come back to see if  ”  he really is riding through the night “.

Mrs B joins me for the final two hours ,the first time we have ever rode together ( hope yet she may become a Rosa !).  A guest appearance from Russ Downing straight from his  second placing in the tour of Ardenses, to lead the final few km.

Then its done !

Distance …500km plus !

Calories burnt…lots , if you believe Garmins it said 18000 but I dont believe them.

Photos taken….. plenty Lucy has pictures of every rider we will post soon.

Food consumed…. 6 mini tubs Ambrosia rice pudding, pack of lentils, two nutella sarnies,half bowl of porridge, 2 cups of Barley soup, one choc ice, 10 jellie babies, 3 pkts zipvit energy sweets,one piece chocolate cake, 2 rice crispy buns (courtesy of Sara Rodgers bakery ),one banana,2 mini choc easter eggs

Drinks consumed….750ml of fluid every hour rotated from Zipvit Energy drink, Zero electrolyte tabs, regular cordial and water.   plus 2 cups tea, one tin red bull, 2 cokes ,2 capuccinos ,1 espresso, 6 glasses water, one and half litres of

chocolate  milk.

Comfort breaks .. 7 pees, no deposits. avg time for pit stop 2 mins !

Blisters…a few

To everyone who had a part in this adventure..I salute you, I was so humbled of the support, the encouragement, and the fantastic generosity of everyone….over £1500 pounds raised and still counting. You should all be proud of yourselves.

I salute you..thank you …Gian

For all those of you who have not subscribbed to Rouleur and want to just buy a copy of the award winning cycle porn,

a limited amount of copies will be landing on Nonnas doorstep any day now ..to reserve a copy get in touch..GB

Take a look guys..use the link and sign up for newsletter then you get 10% discount.

(http://apresvelo.com/AP.aspx?ID=1345&EID=10748904)

from down under and not available in the shops !

HotChillee launches The Cape Rouleur in South Africa

Cycling and sporting stars sign-up to inaugural HotChillee South African event

HotChillee, cycling events company behind The London-Paris and The Alpine Challenge announces its inaugural South African event: The Cape Rouleur, a 3-stage sportive that will take place on 4th – 7^th March. As part of the entry to The Cape Rouleur, riders also receive a special entry to South Africa’s Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour, the World’s largest individually timed cycle race.

The first Cape Rouleur is a test event, with limited entries, but it has a number of high-calibre riders participating. These include: cycling legend Stephen Roche who is celebrating the 25^th anniversary of his Triple Crown win; Phil Liggett, the voice of Cycling; professional mountain-biker Karl Platt – tipped to win the Cape Epic later in the month; Max Knox, a South African cycling pro and Joel Stransky, ex-South African Rugby International and World Cup winner.

The Cape Rouleur covers 525 km and 6,475m of climbing. It takes riders through the stunning South African scenery in the Western Cape, passing sites such as Paarl Mountain, the Perdeberg National Reserve and Betty’s Bay. Riders are based out of one of the oldest towns in South Africa, Franschhoek and the heart of gastronomy and wine in the country. As with all HotChillee events, it is organised to bring enthusiasts as close to The Tour de France experience as possible, with motorbike outriders, lead and support vehicles from Vehicle Partner Hertz and constant access to masseurs and mechanics provided by Local Retail Partner, Cycle Lab. The seeded groups will be led by experienced HotChillee Ride Captains.

As part of the entry to The Cape Rouleur, rider’s get an entry to the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour. This gives participants a full week of cycling, comprising the three stages of The Cape Rouleur, a relaxed, social 96 km escorted ride into Cape Town through Durbanville and then the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour the following weekend, ending with finish-line hospitality.

The event has several local charity partners, including Christel House, a charity working to bring children out of poverty, JAG foundation, which offers mentoring, coaching and physical activities to expel drug and alcohol abuse in South Africa and Lumo Hawk, the charity started by Joel Stransky supporting educational efforts in South Africa, such as paying school fees for HIV orphans.

Local sponsors of The Cape Rouleur include Hertz and Cycle Lab and The Western Cape Government is also providing its backing to the event. Other partners include Stephen Roche Cycling Holidays and Training Camps and LeMarq clothing.

Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, Alan Winde, says: “The Cape Rouleur is an exciting new event for the region and we’re giving it our full backing. It will bring a group of influential international cyclists – both professional and enthusiasts – to the gastronomic capital and we look forward to welcoming them. There is no better way to take in the beautiful views of the Western Cape than from the seat of a bicycle.”

Sven Thiele, founder of HotChillee says: “The London-Paris and The Alpine Challenge are both known as the closest an amateur can get to the Tour de France experience. HotChillee events allow enthusiasts to rub shoulders with cycling legends and professionals, in a safe and fun environment. It is HotChillee’s objective to create the same international format in South Africa, using the same formula that appeals to our HotChillee International riders, creating an unforgettable cycling experience.”

Cyclists on the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour: At the start of the climb up Chapman’s Peak with Noordhoek’s Long Beach in the distance

Karl Platt and his Bulls team mate, Stefan Sahm riding with the JAG Foundation JAGRiders kids at the new BMX track in Bonteheuwel in Cape Town.

The Cape Rouleur base: Franschhoek Winelands

More about the event:

Schedule details

Sunday 4th March: Sign On for The Cape Rouleur, Franschhoek

Monday 5th March: Stage 1 of the Cape Rouleur (176 km, 1448m ascent, max gradient 7.9%): Stay in Franschhoek. This stage sees riders pass through the winelands, underneath the Taal Monument in Paarl, past the Fairview and many other wineries. It then passes Paarl Mountain to the west, heading North and over Botma’s Kloof, returning via the Perdeberg National Reserve.

Tuesday 6th March: Stage 2 (144 km, 2513m ascent, max gradient 10.4%): Stay in Franschhoek. This is the biggest day of climbing, heading east over Franschhoek pass, then South to Theewaterskloof dam. The route then heads south over Vilijoen’s pass to Elgin and over the Houhoek pass returning to Villersdrop, the Theewaterskloof dam and back over the Franschhoek pass to the home straight.

Wednesday 7th March: Stage 3 (205 km, 2504m ascent, max gradient 8.8%): Stay in Franschhoek. This is the longest day, from Franschhoek over Helshoogte (“Hellish Hill”) descending into the university town of Stellenbosch and heading south towards Gordon’s Bay. From here, the riders take one of the most scenic coastal roads in the world, passing Betty’s Bay and the penguins. It’s almost certain riders will see a troop of baboons somewhere en-route. The ride then turns inland at Kleinmond, over the Houhoek pass from the other direction returning again via Theewaterskloof dam and back over the Franschhoek pass home.

The day is followed by prizes and a VIP dinner with dignitaries and press people.

Thursday 8th March: Escorted social ride into Cape Town City

Sunday 11th March: Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour