WE’RE READY FOR THE TOUR DE FRANCE | Amy Cycling Adventures
Source: Amy Cycling Adventures Youtube Channel: WE’RE READY FOR THE TOUR DE FRANCE
Video WE’RE READY FOR THE TOUR DE FRANCE with Amy Cycling Adventures
Video WE’RE READY FOR THE TOUR DE FRANCE with Amy Cycling Adventures YouTube Channel.
WE’RE READY FOR THE TOUR DE FRANCE
Amy Cycling Adventures: The Journey to France
Amy and her partner, Kyle, embraced an exciting adventure starting June 24th, as they prepared for their cycling expedition across France. Their journey was not merely a vacation; it was a test of resilience, planning, and passion for cycling. Documenting the process, they aimed to inspire others while enjoying the scenic beauty of the French landscape.
Packing and Preparations
The day began with anticipation as Amy and Kyle packed their belongings into their car. The excitement was palpable, but so was the anxiety of ensuring that they had everything they needed. A bike rack from their friend Nigel and a plethora of tools added to the mix of items crammed into their vehicle.
Kyle, unfamiliar with the automatic car they were using, hilariously fumbled with the controls at first. Determined not to let this curtail their adventure, everyone rallied to help him get the car ready for the road. Together, they strategised over what tools were essential, while Kyle found himself navigating an unexpected learning curve.
“This is a big car,” Kyle said, amid laughter. “I just don’t want to crash it!"
Together, they filled the last remaining spaces with essentials: food, gear, and their beloved dog, Chester, who was to be dropped off with family. The chaos of packing didn’t diminish their excitement; if anything, it amplified their eagerness to begin what Amy referred to as “the ride of a lifetime.”
The Emotional Goodbye: Leaving Chester Behind
As they dropped Chester with Amy’s parents, a wave of bittersweet emotions washed over her. The couple shared affectionate words about their dog and how they would miss him.
“He’ll be fine with mum and dad,” Amy reassured herself, albeit with a touch of sadness. She regretted not being able to take Chester along, but their cycling plans were not suitable for pets. Instead, a makeshift donkey mascot, affectionately named "Pepe," was put in place as a comfort.
Amy’s spirit was buoyed by the support from family, and when they left to head towards France, anticipation swirled within. She jokingly asked her Instagram followers to suggest a name for her new riding companion, chucking at the creativity that often comes from her followers.
The Journey Begins: Setting Sail for France
The couple made their way towards the ferry at Dover, where they would finally embark on their ride across French terrains. Once they boarded, Kyle treated himself to what he referred to as “the last English coffee for a month”.
Two hours later, as they sailed smoothly across the English Channel, Amy reflected on the scale of their upcoming challenge. “I have a long journey ahead, and the mountains will be tough,” she admitted, a mix of excitement and apprehension in her voice. Yet, each mile brought them closer to their goal.
Disembarking and taking their first ride in France felt surreal. They rolled through scenic routes, watching as the landscape transformed from dull southern English coasts to the charming countryside of Normandy. The road was smooth, and their spirits soared as they realised that they were living the adventure they had been planning for months.
Landing in France: The First Ride
With the sun shining and nice weather on their side, Amy and Kyle set off on their first short ride in France, about 14 miles with a pit stop at a cafe half-way. Kyle was eager to enjoy some of the local cuisine, especially the abundant varieties of cheese.
“Oh, this is better than any coffee shop in the UK!” Kyle exclaimed as he took a sip from his massive cup of coffee, relishing its bold taste. Amy, meanwhile, savoured a chai latte she had found, a flavour she thought she’d miss during their time away.
While enjoying their refreshments, they discussed their goals for the trip. The couple was committed not only to completing their challenge but also to supporting mental health charities—something personal for both of them. Amy mentioned how cycling had played a crucial role in helping her overcome her own struggles: “If I can inspire just one person to seek help or take up cycling, then that’s a huge win.”
The Road to Resilience
As they set pedal to pavement once more, Amy couldn’t shake off the feelings of gratitude intertwined with nervousness. Every mile would be a test of their stamina and mental resilience, but Amy felt prepared as she had meticulously planned for various scenarios, including potential bad weather and equipment issues.
“I think the hardest days will be when I face back-to-back mountain stages,” she shared with Kyle, who nodded in understanding. He offered encouragement, reminding her of how far they had come. They had trained tirelessly, their bond strengthening through shared dedication and mutual support.
With every turn, the countryside unfurled around them, revealing sprawling fields and picturesque towns. As they pedalled along, they laughed, shared stories, and experienced pure joy—reminders of why embarking on this adventure had been worth every moment of planning and packing.
The Countdown Is On
With just one day until Amy’s monumental ride began, the couple arrived at their comfortable B&B. They settled in, preparing to clean their bicycles and review their plans one last time. Tomorrow was the big day.
“I can’t believe it’s finally here,” Amy said, anticipation mixed with a touch of anxiety. It was a pivotal moment—not just for her cycling journey but also for their personal growth as a couple.
In the tranquillity of their surroundings, they both took a deep breath, reminding themselves that they were ready for what lay ahead—both the physical demands of cycling and the emotional journey it represented.
The journey was more than just pedalling through the scenic views of France—it was about embracing the challenges, seeking inspiration, and committing to change, both on and off the bike.
In concluding, Amy Cycling Adventures not only captured the enchanting and tumultuous aspects of preparing for a cycling challenge but also mirrored the essence of adventure itself—a blend of excitement, emotional growth, and connection with oneself and the surroundings. With every pedal stroke, they moved closer not only to their destination but also to greater awareness and compassion for themselves and those around them.
The opinions expressed in this space are the sole responsibility of the YouTube Channel Amy Cycling Adventures and do not necessarily represent the views of CicloNews.