London to Paris with Cure Leukaemia & Ribble

Every June, people from all corners of the UK congregate in Britain's capital ahead of a charity ride in aid of the Cure Leukaemia. London to Paris may just be the most fun these everyday heroes will ever have on two wheels, yet it also serves a more serious purpose, namely raising much-needed funds to aid life-saving research and treatment in the ongoing battle against blood cancer in all its forms. Here we meet some of those self-same heroes who, on June 8th, will hop on their bikes and pedal their way to Paris.

How did Booths come to be involved with the Cure Leukaemia charity? It’s quite a long story which involved a Grocery leadership weekend where Dame Laura Kenny came to guest-speak. She was pregnant with her first child at the time, so her dad, Adrian, came along to do the actual bike-riding. We got on really well and following that weekend he introduced me to his long-time acquaintance, Hayden Groves. Hayden is a Chef, Cure Leukaemia Ambassador, great bike-rider and fundraiser extra-ordinaire, who in turn introduced me to Geoff Thomas’s story. I read Geoff’s book (Riding through the Storm) and was immediately inspired to get involved and support. I’d seen some marketing literature for the Tour21 and after a glass of wine too many one evening, agreed to put my name forward. I’d already checked with my Chairman that he was happy for me to commit the time (I had quite a bit of owing as we’d just spent six months working literally 24/7 through Covid) but also that he was happy for me to utilise Booths’ reach to raise funds. After all, the minimum requirement for entry was £30k per rider! He was, as ever, 100% supportive, and I think, a little bit jealous too. Within days I’d had a call with the charity team, including Geoff, and that was that!! Over the next eight months, Team Booths raised a massive £100k and I think that was the time when it just seemed to become obvious that we were involved for the long term.

Having previously completed the Tour 21 challenge, this ride should be a piece of cake, right? Probably not. Especially given the amount of cake I’ve eaten since Tour21! Back in 2021, I was in the best shape of my life. I carry a few extra kilos now, which any bike rider will know, slows you down. But the parcours for L2P isn’t too hilly, and with around 150 riders and a support team of around 50, it's a very sociable and enjoyable few days. If I fancy a blast, I can go join the fast group, or if I fancy a chat, then one of the other three speed groups will be my home.

What was your outstanding highlight of your Tour 21 experience? There are so many that it's very difficult to choose. Due to the Covid pandemic at the time, we only got the all-clear to travel around a week before we set off – so simply getting to the start was a major highlight. Meeting the rest of the team (17 riders and support crew) was amazing and whilst it may sound twee, they are all now friends for life. We went through so much together. Getting home to my family after the finish was pretty special too – I learned that home and family are hugely important to me. In terms of a bike-riding highlight…it has to be stage 11. Following Cat 3 and Cat 1 climbs, it was then twice up Mont Ventoux. Getting to the top after the first ascent was extremely emotional. It's such an iconic image in the world of cycling. I’d had a few challenges in the first week or so after a bad fall on the second day, so every stretch, every stage and every climb was its own accomplishment during that first fortnight. Getting to the top of Ventoux on a clear, sunny but windy day left me in tears, I don’t mind admitting. It didn’t happen after the second attempt as I don’t think I had a single ounce of energy left to do anything other than hold-on and free-wheel down to Malaucene.

…and how did you feel upon completing the world’s toughest cycling endurance challenge? All sorts of things…. elated obviously! But also physically, mentally and emotionally empty. I was delighted to be back with my family… but overall I felt hugely PROUD. Proud of myself for getting through (it was off-the-scale difficult at times, proud and forever grateful to my family for supporting me and putting up with me taking on the challenge and also proud of so many people that had worked hard, helped out and supported us to raise £100,000 for the charity. NEVER in my wildest dreams did I think we would achieve that.

Describe the Tour 21 in three words… Big. Brutal. Beautiful.

Back to London to Paris, what about this ride excites you most? First and foremost, raising funds and awareness for Cure Leukaemia. For the next two years at least, we at Booths are committed to funding a specialist blood cancer research nursing position at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust through Cure Leukaemia. And this ride is the first major fund-raising event towards that goal. In relation to the ride, I rode the event last year with one of the Tour21 team and really enjoyed the relaxed and sociable atmosphere. This year I’m going back with ten colleagues from Booths, so I’m really looking forward to the camaraderie. It will be brilliant to arrive in Paris as Team Booths!

Give us a quick run through of the bike you will be riding during the event... I'm more than fortunate to be riding a Ribble Ultra SL R, which really is a thing of beauty. It's designed to be super-aero and ultra-fast, and it should suit the parcours really well, which is undulating as opposed to being particularly hilly. I’ve had a few rides on it so far and despite it being built for speed, it's actually surprisingly comfortable and as expected (and promised) very fast. It has certainly helped me to record a good number of PB’s on some of my most popular routes.

Have you embarked on a specific training regime in preparation for L2P? Not hugely different to a normal late winter/early spring regime, with a combination of indoor riding along with a few cold, windy, rainy outdoor ventures. I generally set myself an early season challenge, so that I stay focussed on training and rode the Dales Struggle again in mid-May… 175km and over 3000 metres of ascent – it's a big day out. This year I have spent more time focussing on diet and also on my core strength – which I’ve found has made a huge of difference. But I guess there shouldn’t be any surprise there.

Are you a lifelong cyclist, or is it something you have taken up more recently? I raced BMX as a young lad and then found myself focussing on golf and football through my teenage years. I was a heavy smoker throughout most of my adult life, until the age of 44 that is, when in 2014 the Tour de France Grand Depart came to Harrogate, where I now live. Cycling played a huge part in me finally giving up cigarettes and from the first few km’s around my local lanes, I was instantly hooked. I believe I am now classed as a cycling obsessive, but in a healthy way!

…and finally, where’s your favourite place to ride & do you have a ‘bucket list’ ride? I’m so fortunate to work and live where I do. At work, I’m into the Ribble Valley within 15 minutes and the Trough of Bowland should I decide to venture a bit further afield. From home, I have Wharfedale, Nidderdale and the Vale of York practically on my doorstep – incredibly beautiful places to just get out and escape. I do have a few bucket list rides I would like to tick off – Alpe d’Huez, Galibier and Lacets de Montvernier in the Alpes, and I would also really like to take part in one of the Classics sportives such as the Ronde – but think I’ll leave Roubaix well alone (too many big cobbles).

Mark works in our Mailbox showroom situated in the heart of Birmingham. He forms part of a trio of riders from Ribble who are lucky enough to have been given the opportunity to participate in the London to Paris ride. As part of the Mailbox, Birmingham showroom team, Mark is just one of our friendly and knowledgeable bike experts who guide everyone from beginner to seasoned veteran thorugh the entire bike buying process. Offering advice on everything from componentry selection to gearing and accessory choices to ensure everyone who visits the store receives their perfect bike.

What are your feelings ahead of the departure? Excited, apprehensive, or a bit of both? I'm excited about the start of the big adventure. From what seemed like an age away, originally, is now just a few days away. I can't wait to get started.

What are you looking forward to most? I guess that I'm looking forward to the whole experience. The journey, the scenery, the amazing group of people that we'll be riding with. Oh, and maybe the odd beer after a full day's riding 🙂

And least? Nothing.

How have your family and friends reacted to the new that you are going on such an incredible adventure? Everyone has been excited and is looking forward to this almost as much as I am. They don't have to put in the effort, so I'm not sure if they actually understand just what's involved, but it's all for such a good cause that everyone is very supportive.

Will this be the longest cycle challenge you've ever attempted? I've done longer individual days in the saddle but this will be the longest multi-day event that I've ever done.

How far do you ride in an average week? I generally ride everyday and will do anything from 80-120km a week. Sometimes more.

Have you been riding long? I've been riding for as long as I can remember, and I'm old so that's a long time.

Have you got plenty of miles in the legs in preparation for the ride? I hope so.

What bike will you be riding? My Ribble Endurance SL Disc.

What are your feelings ahead of the big departure? Excited, apprehensive, or a bit of both? Super-excited.

What are you looking forward to most? Meeting new people and taking in the French scenery.

And least? Being tired and coming back home afterwards.

How have your family and friends reacted to the news that you are going on such an incredible adventure? They are proud of me taking on this big challenge. They are very supportive.

Will this be the longest cycle challenge you’ve ever attempted? Yes.

How far do you ride in an average week? Approximately 100km or so.

Have you been riding long? Not really, I'm a relatively recent convert to cycling.

Have you got plenty of miles into the legs in preparation for the ride? I hope so but we'll soon find out!

What bike are you riding? A Ribble CGR AL with Shimano Ultegra.

****Click here to find out more about the Geoff Thomas storyand the limited edition Ultra SL R bike we presented him with in recognition of his fund raising efforts and the millions he has helped raise for the Cure Leukaemia charity that is so close to his heart.