Last Walk of 2008

Very arty, can you see the fish?


Leafy glade



One careful owner?




Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Joyeux Noel et Bonnes Fetes

Last Walks of 2008 and First one of 2009

Wed 3 Dec
Joanny
RV L'eglise du Bosc 09h30
10kms
Terrain: Vallonne

Wed 10 Dec
Puylaroque 8km
RV L'Auberge du Vieux Moulin, Route de Caylus a Puylaroque
09h30
Terrain: mix

Apres: L'Auberge du Vieux Moulin
Names to Helen please.


Merry Christmas to you all.............

Happy New Year.........................

Wed 14 janv 2009
Autor de Roc D'Anglars
RV 09h30 Le parking de la Gare, St Antonin Noble-Val
Terrain : Vallonne

05 63 24 23 52
daxlore@wanadoo.fr

Lunch on 10th Dec - Moulin

Sorry to have missed you all on Wed and will be missing you again on Wed next week! If anyone took photos and can take photos on 3 dec please forward to me for uploading onto Blog if you would like.

Last walk of 2008 will soon be here, so please let Helen know if you would like to have lunch at the L'Auberge du vieux Moulin at Puylaroque after the walk.

See you there.

Karen

05 63 24 23 52
daxlore@wanadoo.fr

Another night out at the Ferme Auberge

It was a night like that.......who knows what you got on the table!


Linda and her pussy



Peter and Tilly with Sweety




A dish for four, or was it forty.....a lot of beans!!!

Belmont St Foi 19 nov

Happy walkers ready for the off. A very pretty Hamlet and yet another lovely sunny morning to walk.


Stopping to wash...!



Picturesque pigeonry




Keen to get going....!

Another fine day for walking - we are so lucky....most of the time.

Next walk : Wed 26 nov. Le cirque de Nibouzou (PR1) St Antonin. RV 09:30 depart la place des Tilleuls, Rue de Dr Paul Benet, St Antonin. Au debut raide, la plupart plat en descente jusqu'a St Antonin.
Apres: Le Gazpacho, St Antonin Noble-Val.

Meet 09:30 Place des Tilleuls. Steep ascent to plateay then flat before descent into St Antonin.
After: Le Gazpacho, St Antonin.

Sorry not to be with you on this walk. See you in December.

12 November/novembre

The things we pass on the way



Nice day for it



Man in tights.....mmmmm




Good gathering as always

Nov 19 - Around Mas D'Aspech, Belmont ste-Foi (D17 Puylaroque-Lalbenque 3km) Nice 9km walk. RV 0930 village square, Belmont Ste-Foi

19 nov. Circuit du Mas D'Aspech a Belmont Ste Foi. RV 0930 depart place du village, Belmont Ste Foi

Information for you

12 November/novembre

next walk on Wed 12 nov, Milhars, la Salles des Fetes 09h30, D115 St ANV - Cordes. Lunch at the Segalar. Let Helen know if you are going please.

Well done to those of you who walked this morning - brave..!

12 nov. Milhars, rv 09h30 La Salles des Fetes, D115 St ANV - Cordes. Terrain pas plat, mais pas difficile. Apres : Le Segalar.

Helen 05 63 24 23 52
daxlore@wanadoo.fr

29 octobre Loze

Another lovely "flat" walk from Loze, and yes it is ME in the photo!


Yep - absolutely flat(ish)



Maddie getting to grips with Brae




Gathering of the clan
A superb walk on Wednesday, thankfully the rain stopped and it warmed up a little for a good turn out and a wonderful walk from and back to the pretty village of Loze - good views and yet another great lunch at Chez Dany - what a place.

Next walk on Wed 5 novembre: depart du Cirque de Bone, 09h30 au bout de la vielle route de St Ant. NV a Caussade
Terrain PLAT....!!

Saint Michel de Vax Walk 22 oct

At least it didn't rain


But it was "flat"....!!



Well, some of it.

29 oct L'eglise du Loze (D19 Caylus - St Project) 09h30.

See you there.

Penne 15 octobre

Superb view

It was flat, Helen said it was....!

The gang on the way back DOWN the route...!

Next walk, octobre 22 from Le chemin des rogations, St Michel de Vax. 09h30. l'eglise du St MdVax. See you there

A Superb Walk followed by a great evening

Trying out the Penne walk

Ferme Auberge des Daims

Superb food

James with Sweety - and no, it wasn't on the menu

Martin with one of the many pussycats

About 30 walkers turned out for the evening, and a superb one it was too. Great place - if you can find it - wonderful food and the owners made everyone very welcome. There was a great collection of hats, and plenty room to dance, should the urge grab you. We will be back. I for one will be taking a bigger handbag to fit Sweety (it's a little goat by the way) in..........tres adorable...!!

Anyone wanting to join in for the next "walking outing" on 22 nov, please get in touch with Helen.

Wed 15th oct - Penne 0930am followed by lunch at the Manjocarn.

8 octobre

Good turn out again, lots of dogs, mostly blonde...!
Please get in touch with Helen re lunches coming up for Oct walks.
See you soon.

Evening out on 11th October

From Helen:

"I have booked the Ferme Auberge des Daims et Mersens near St Beauzille (between Campagnac and Gaillac) for 7.30pm on Sat 11th October. The meal will comprise apero, soup, entree, plat, cheese, dessert and coffee for 20 euros. Very good house wine is 5 euros per carafe and the most expensive bottle on the menu is 12 euros.

I suggest that we meet at 7pm on the car park opposite the tunnel in St Antonin and take the fewest number of cars possible to the auberge which is quite isolated. I will have pamphlets giving details of the auberge and its location on Wed 8th October should anyone wish to travel there independently.

I would be most grateful if those who have already indicated interest in joining the group would confirm as much by Wed next (1st Oct) at the latest and anyone wishing to be added to the group would do likewise as I will be confirming our number next Thursday.

Many thanks, and hope to see you there.

Helen 05 63 24 23 52

Nice walk from St Sabine 17 sept

Good views, lovely cows

A good gathering once again

Only slightly uphill.......

October Walking - Les randonnees en octobre

Les Randonnées en octobre

Mercredi 1 octobre Le Bosc (6-7km) sur le plateau. R-v: 9.30, Départ: L'église du Bosc (route de St Antonin à Espinas, première route à gauche). Terrain: plat, pas difficile.

Mercredi 8 octobre Bouysett (8km) sur le plateau. R-v: 9.30am Départ; Le parking du Cirque de Bône, D958 de St Antonin NV à Caussade,première à gauche. Terrain: plat.

Mercredi 15 octobre Autour de Penne (6-7 km) R-v: 9.30 Départ: Le syndicat d'inititive, Penne. Terrain: mélangé, pas difficile.
Après: Le Manjocarn

Mercredi 22 octobre Le Chemin des Rogations, St Michel de Vax. R-v: 9.30, départ: L'église du St Michel de Vax (D115 de St Antonin à Cordes, signé à droit. Terrain: vallonnée mais pas difficile.

Mercredi 29 octobre Loze (6-7 km) R-v: 9.30 départ: L'église du Loze. (D19 Caylus-St Projet). Terrain: mélangé mais pas difficile.
Après: Chez Dany, Saillagol.

Walks in October

Wednesday 1st October Le Bosc (6-7 km) on the plateau. RV. 9.30 am at the Bosc church (first left off the road from St Antonin to Espinas). Terrain: flat, not difficult.

Wednesday 8th October Bouysett (8km) on the plateau. RV: 9.30 at the car park at the Cirque de Bone (first left D958 St Antonin to Caussade). Terrain; flat.

Wednesday 15th October Penne (6-7km) RV: 9.30 at the Tourist office, Penne. Terrain: mixed but not difficult.

Afterwards lunch at Manjocarn.

Wednesday 22nd October Le Chemin des Rogations, St Michel de Vax, (8km) RV:9.30 at the church of St Michel de Vax (Signed right from the D115 from St Antonin to Cordes). Terrain: mixed but not difficult.

Wednesday 29th October Loze (6-7 km) RV: 9.30 at Loze Church (Off the D19 Caylus to St Projet). Terrain, mixed but not difficult.

Afterwards lunch at Chez Dany, Saillagol.

Walking in St Sabine

17 September/septembre
Le sentier de Lou Finot, Causses d'Anglars (6 - 7 km) 0930 depart L'Eglise de St Sabine D19 de St Antonin a Cordes)

See you there, a bientot

Mobile/Portable

Karen 06 33 65 50 71
James 06 21 46 77 43

Another Fine Walk

and what a view

A good gathering

and a happy bunch at that!

Any bread in there?

First One in September

A lovely day and a good turn out

Looking for the dogs

There they are.....having fun

10th September Details

Meet at the Cirque de Bone 09h30
A nice walk around the plateau.
Lunch at the Manjocarn after - give names to Helen please.

See you there.

Autour de Roanne, sur le plateau (8km) RV 09h30
Depart Le parking du Cirque de Bone. D958
Apres, reas a manjocarn 10 Euros

24th Sept lunch booking

Lunch after the walk on Wed 24th September will be at the Cote Pont, St Antonin. 14 euros for entree, plat and dessert inc wine. Bookings now been taken. Please let Helen know numbers asap.

Nearly Christmas and other news

Please can you notify Helen if you wish to eat lunch on the Sept dates below. ALSO, and I know it's only August......let her know if you wish to go along to the Christmas Dinner. Thanks. See you all soon.

Christmas dinner at L'Hirondele. (I've had to do so because he already has bookings).

I need to confirm by the end of September.

The date is Saturday 20th December and the price for the same meal we had last year (ie soup, charcuterie/crudites, roast beef or salmon, cheeses and dessert, inclusive of wine) will be between 25 and 30 euros.

However, as he already has a party booked for that night he can take a maximum of 30. If more than 30 want to go we would have to change the evening to Thursday 18th, or alternatively Saturday lunch time.

Please reply ASAP. Thanks. 05 63 24 23 52


I am also taking bookings for lunch at the Manjocarn (second Wed in September) and maybe Le Cote Pont (Last week of the month) from now on. Again, if people could let me know if they wish to be included as soon as possible I would appreciate it.

A bientot.

Helen

September walking

Our walks will recommence in September, as follows:Wednesday 3rd September Along the Aveyron (6-7km) RV:9.30 from the Place du Pradel (opposite the quincaillerie) St Antonin. Terrain: flat.

Wednesday 10th September Around Roanne on the plateau. (8km) RV: the car park at the Cirque du Bone, left at the end of the old route to Caussade from St Antonin, D958). Terrain: flat.

Wednesday 17th September Lou Finot's path, Causses d'Anglars (6-7 km) RV: 9.30 am from the church at St Sabine (D19 from St Antonin to Cordes). Terrain: flat.

Wednesday24th September Feneyrols (8km) RV:9.30am from the war memorial in front of the chateau, Feneyrols. Terrain:mixed.

Lost Dog

Lorraine Walker from Arnac has lost an elderly chow bitch. It went missing Friday during fireworks and was last seen in the centre of the village on Friday night. Lorraine thinks it may have been taken by someone but it was frightened by the fireworks and could have run off.

Walking in St Sabine

Lovely day for it and a good turn out today.

Espinas Walks - July and August

juillet 2008
Sauf précision contraire, les balades (gratuites) partent le mercredi à 9h précises, devant l’église. Elles conviennent aux familles avec enfants … marcheurs.Prévoir des chaussures adaptées, un chapeau et de la boisson. CHIENS : tenus en laisse et avec un comportement calme ; sinon ils seront refusés.

mercredi 2 : PR1 - La Grésie- Redon – Cantenac –Selgues –route d’Espinas- points de vue - visite du village ;6km
mercredi 9 :PR 3 « les sources de Caudesaygues »par Caudesaygues et Sourretou; 10km ; on peut raccourcir( une voiture à Caudesaygues et une autre à Couderc..
mercredi 16 :sentier d’interprétation du Causse d’Anglars (6km). Rendez-vous au pont sur l’Aveyron, près du panneau indicateur « lou finot » à 9h précises.
mercredi 23 parcours d’observation des insectes animé par 2 spécialistes.ON MARCHERA TRES PEU :on observera et on commentera les insectes (les mares, les fossés, chemin de la Grange,prairie à la Grange, un petit bois (environ 3km). Suivi de : votre pique-nique (lieux variés dans le village) ET après-midi :exposition d’insectes commentée à La Clé Des Champs.
mercredi 30 : causse de Mordagne ; RDV parking du château de Cas à 9h (6km).

nota : repas en commun le 30 ; places limitées ; s ‘inscrire (8 E)

renseignements : 05.63.68.20.19 / 05.63.30.64.72/siespinas@yahoo.fr


IPNS – ne pas jeter sur la voie publique






Août 2008
les balades partent le mercredi à 9h. précises devant l’église d’Espinas ; elles conviennent aux familles avec enfants…marcheurs. Prévoir des chaussures adaptées, un chapeau et de la boisson. CHIENS : acceptés en laisse, avec un comportement calme, sinon ils seront refusés.

1. MERCREDI 6 : Pech du Fournel, Barthe Redonde, église de Selgues rénovée (visite)chemin de la Grange (8 km)
2. mercredi 13 : programme des Amis de la Chapelle de Cas (balade + repas). Informations par l’association
3. mercredi 20 : « à Péchagut » : variante du PR3 vers Pailherols, les Quatre Toits et Caudesaygues (6 à 7 km).
4. mercredi 27 : le Battut, les Gamasses, chemin de Rieussec, remontée vers Le Piboul, le pigeonnier,(PR1) route de St Antonin.(6km).
Nota : repas pris en commun le 27 ; nombre de places limité. S’inscrire à l’avance (8 euros)

Autres animations : 1 -« arts graphiques au village » lundi 4 août à 9h, journée animée par Mme. G. Servant. Pique-nique en commun;à 17h : élection des plus beaux travaux : enfant, adulte (récompenses). Prix : 3 euros reversés à une association.
2 - la Nuit des Etoiles le vendredi 8 août. Programme détaillé à venir.
3 -La Fenaison à l’Ancienne le dimanche 17 août

Tous renseignements : 05.63.68.20.19 ou 05.63.30.64.72 ou siespinas@yahoo.fr

IPNS- ne pas jeter sur la voie publique

Last Walk in June and Picnic

The last walk on Wednesday will be as the list - Lavaurette, and after the walk, around mid-day there will be a picnic. So if you intend to join in, come along with a table/chairs/rug and food, not forgetting the drink of course...!
Let's hope the weather stays nice and that it's a good walk and day.

Have fun! See you all in July for the Espinas Walks, or if not, August, if not, we start again in September.

Enjoy the summer.

Karen

Pink Tea Invitation

PINK TEA


IN AID OF “ODYSSEA” (BREAST CANCER CHARITY)

You are invited to take “Pink Tea” at Pourramond, 82220 Auty, with Linda and Karen on
THURSDAY 3 July 2008 at 2pm
We will be displaying some new clothing from Odyssea (in the hope you will buy) and holding a tombola
So please bring your money…….all in aid of Charity.
http://www.odyssea.info/index.htm


Note: There will be another Pink Tea on 24 July at Chez Sweeting

Lunch on 18th June at Chez Dany

Please don't forget to let Helen know if you are going along to lunch after the walk on Wednesday.

Sorry I won't be with you - off to collect some friends from Toulouse. See you all soon.

Karen

Reminder for lunch next week - 11 June

Hello, good to see lots of you today, I've missed you......

Please let Helen know if you are going to lunch on Wed 11th in Caylus. See you on the walk hopefully.

Karen

Marnaves Walk

Fab Views

Good gathering

Lovely walk

Cycle Ride for Odyssea

I've attached an email from Odyssea in response to Martins after his cycle ride. Well done to him for raising all this money, and for those that still have to pay, please can you send him a cheque (M Feeney, Pourramond, 82220, Auty) so he can get the money off to the Charity.
Thank you all for sponsoring him, and it's my turn next.......but you have till Oct 2008 for that one, but I'm back in the trainers real soon...! Toulouse Marathon watch out.....

Karen


Dear Martin,
Waouh! Congratulations and thanks a lot!
It's so nice!
It's very encouraging to have some people like you and Karen doing wonderfull things against breast cancer!
We need support like that to continue our action with the maximum of energy!
Odyssea is really happy and this money will help to do more self-exam leaflets to distribuate to all the women on our races!
Can we put your great picture on our website?
We will put Karen too if she accept...
Thanks a lot again!
Frédérique
ps: I hope my english is not too bad...
ps: you can't pay online, the best is to send a cheque at ODYSSEA, 21 Passage Larousse, 92 240 Malakoff.
Le 28 mai 08 à 11:32, Martin & Linda Feeney a écrit :
Cher Frederique

J'espere que vous parlez Anglais.

Wednesday 14 May, I cycled to the summit of Mont Ventoux for my friend Karen Sweeting and Odyssea. I have, at the moment, 725 Euros with a little more to arrive. Can I pay this to Odyssea on-line or should I send you a cheque?

I attach a photograph of me arriving at the summit of Mont Ventoux, wearing my Odyssea pink tee-shirt.

Regards

Martin Feeney

18 June walk - extra info "LUNCH again at Chez Dany..!"

After the walk at Loze, 18 June, there will be a lunch for those who wish to go along at Chez Dany.

Meal is aperos, entree, plat principal, fromage, dessert, coffee, digestif, wine 13 euros.

Please let Helen know if you wish to eat on this date. Thanks.

Walks in June and September

Walks in June

Wednesday 4th June Marnaves (D600 from St Antonin to Milhars and Cordes) 7km RV:9.30am from the dustbins just at the exit of the village. Parking opposite the bins. Terrain: mixed
Afterwards: Lunch at Le Segalar.

Wednesday 11th June Caylus (9km) RV: 9.30 am from the car park, up the hill on the right after the Renaissance restaurant. Terrain: mixed
Afterwards lunch at the Renaissance (4 courses inc wine and coffee, 15 euros).

Wednesday 18th June Loze (6 km from Caylus on the D19 to St Projet). RV: 9.30am from the car park opposite Loze church. Terrain: mixed.

Wednesday 25th June St Symphorien (10km) RV 9.30 am at the car park in Lavaurette, opposite the church. (Take the D958 from St Antonin to Caussade and follow the first right after Domaine Audubert signposted Servenac and Lavaurette). Then sharing cars to Sorris. Terrain: mixed.

Afterwards we propose a picnic. Details to be confirmed.

During July and August walks will be organised by the group at Espinas. For information contact Rene and Nadette Curato 05 63 68 20 19

Our walks will recommence in September, as follows:

Wednesday 3rd September Along the Aveyron (6-7km) RV:9.30 from the Place du Pradel (opposite the quincaillerie) St Antonin. Terrain: flat.

Wednesday 10th September Around Roanne on the plateau. (8km) RV: the car park at the Cirque du Bone, left at the end of the old route to Caussade from St Antonin, D958). Terrain: flat.

Wednesday 17th September Lou Finot's path, Causses d'Anglars (6-7 km) RV: 9.30 am from the church at St Sabine (D19 from St Antonin to Cordes). Terrain: flat.

Wednesday24th September Feneyrols (8km) RV:9.30am from the war memorial in front of the chateau, Feneyrols. Terrain:mixed.

Further information: Helen 05 63 24 23 52 Karen: 05 63 67 62 51
daxlore@wanadoo.fr

See also our website: stantoninwalkingclub.blogspot.com

Les Randonnes en juin / sept

Les randonnées en juin

Mercredi le 4 juin Marnaves D600 de St Antonin - Milhars- Cordes (7km) R-v 9.30 Départ: le parking juste à la sortie 'aux poubelles' et en face. Terrain: mélangé.
Après: Le déjeuner au Ségalar.

Mercredi le 11 juin Caylus (9 km) R-v: 9.30am Départ: le parking à gauche après le restaurant 'La Renaissance', la rue principale. Terrain: mélangé.
Après: Le déjeuner à la Renaissance (entrée, plat, fromage, dessert, vin, café, 15 euros).

Mercredi le 18 juin Loze (6km de Caylus, la route D19 Caylus-St Projet) 6km R-v: 9.30am. Départ: le parking sur la place proche de l'église. Terrain:mélangé.

Mercredi le 25 juin St Symphorien (10 km) R-v:9.30 Départ: le parking en face de l'église de Lavaurette ( Prenez la route D958 de St Antonin à Caussade, à droite juste après domaine Audubert,suivez la route à Servenac et Lavaurette) ensuite co-voiturage à
Sorris. Terrain: mélangé.
Après: On propose un pique-nique ensemble en plein air. Les détails être confirmés.

Les randonnées en juillet et en août seront organisées par le groupe d'Espinas. Renseignements: René et Nadette Curato 05 63 68 20 19

Nos randonnées recommenceront en septembre

Mercredi le 3 septembre À côté de l'Aveyron (6-7 km) R-v: 9.30 Départ: La place du Pradel, en face de la quincaillerie St Antonin NV Terrain: plat.

Mercredi le 10 septembre Autour de Roanne, sur le plateau. (8km) R-v 9.30 am Départ: Le parking du Cirque de Bône, à gauche au bout de la vielle route de St Antonin à Caussade (D958)). Terrain: plat

Mercredi le 17 septembre Le sentier de Lou Finot, Causses d'Anglars (6-7km) R-v: 9.30 Départ: L'église de St Sabine (D19 de St Antonin à Cordes). Terrain: plat

Mercredi le 24 septembre Feneyrols (8km) R-v: 9.30 Départ: Le monument aux morts en face du chateau. Terrain: mélangé, pas difficile.

Renseignements: Helen 05 63 24 23 52 Karen: 05 63 67 62 51
email:daxlore@wanadoo.fr

FESTIVAL NATURE D'ESPINAS - Journées Nature de MP et Fête de la Nature

Journées Nature 24-25 mai 2008

Composez votre week-end :

Samedi 24 mai

Matinée

Heure
Activités
Titre
10h30-12h00
Atelier-jeux
Le milieu aquatique expliqué aux enfants par les jeux
10h30-11h30
Conférence-Diaporama
Les aquifères karstiques des causses des gorges de l'Aveyron
11h30-12h30
Conférence-Diaporama
Les araignées du milieu souterrain
10h00-18h00
Exposition
Trois chauve-souris cavernicoles menacées du sud de la France

Après midi

13h30-15h30
Sortie
Le cheminement de l'eau : de la doline à la résurgence
14h00-15h00
Conférence-Diaporama
Les organismes invertébrés des eaux souterraines – un exemple discret de la biodiversité
14h00-17h00
Atelier
Construire soi-même des gîtes à chauve-souris
15h00-16h00
Conférence-Diaporama
Le Pays Midi-Quercy : fief des chauve-souris
16h00-16h30
Court-métrage
Au rythme des chauve-souris
16h00-18h00
Sortie
Les demoiselles des rivières (loutres, ragondins,libellules…)
17h00-17h30
Diaporama
Les beautés de la rivière
18h00-18h30
Court-métrage
Au rythme des chauve-souris
21h00-24h00
Sortie
L'univers sonore des chauves-souris

… Dimanche 25 : voir au dos

Tout renseignement, et inscription aux ateliers (nécessaire) :
Tél. 05.63.68.20.19 ou siespinas@yahoo.fr




Dimanche 25 mai

Matinée


Heure
Activités
Titre

10h00-11h00
Exposition commentée
Insectes de nos régions

10h00-18h00
Exposition
Trois chauve-souris cavernicoles menacées du sud de la France

10h30-11h30
Sortie
En quête de pelotes de l’effraie (granges)

11h00-12h00
Conférence-diaporama
Les papillons des grottes


Après midi


14h00-17h00
Atelier
Le nez dans les pelotes ( identification des proies de l’effraie)

14h00-18h00
Atelier
Construire soi-même des gîtes à chauves-souris

14h00-16h00
Sortie
Découverte des insectes aquatiques et du bord de l'eau

14h00-15h00
Conférence-diaporama
Hérons et autres oiseaux aquatiques de la rivière Aveyron

15h00-16h00
Conférence-diaporama
L'outil CREN pour la gestion des espaces naturels

16h00-16h30
Diaporama
Les beautés de la rivière

16h30-17h00
Court-métrage
Au rythme des chauve-souris (primé en 2007 au festival ornithologique de Ménigoute)


§ Librairie « la Nature par les Livres » : toute la journée (24 et 25)

Toutes les animations sont gratuites et assurées par des scientifiques.

Les ateliers sont particulièrement adaptés aux enfants ( mais aussi les autres événements)

Toutes les activités en salle sont accessibles aux personnes à mobilité réduite.

Possibilité de pique-nique , buvette, en-cas.

Tout renseignement, et inscription aux ateliers (nécessaire) :
Tél. 05.63.68.20.19 ou siespinas@yahoo.fr

Martin in his cycle gear......

Steady girls......

Martin and Davids Big Cycle for Charity

Mont Ventoux - The Giant of Provence

At 9.40 am on Wednesday 14 May 2008, with my cycling partner David Lawson, I commenced the assault on Mont Ventoux. This climb, a favourite with the Tour de France, was a long held dream of David's and he asked me to accompany him. I agreed and decided to do it in aid of the French breast cancer charity, Odyssea, that Karen and Linda do so much fund raising for.

We arrived in Provence on Tuesday evening, later than planned, and only had time to drive up one of the three routes to the summit. This route is accepted as being the most difficult and referred to, in cycling circles, as 'the killer'. The road surface was excellent and as this was the only route we had inspected, we decided to go for it in the morning.

We set off, in warm sunshine, from the village of Saint Colombe, some 18 km and 1,524 m(5,000 ft) from the summit. We made good progress for the first kilometre and then the gradient quite suddenly steepened. We were in a densely wooded part of the route, which was extremely pretty and very quiet. Unfortunately David punctured after a few kilometres but urged me to carry on alone. It was impossible to repair as we only had one support vehicle, ably manned by Julia and Linda, and if I was to carry on I would certainly need support later on. David retired, but completed he climb the following day. I pressed on, catching and ridding with an elderly French rider who was on his fourth ascent of the great mountain. We parted at Chalet Reynard, about 6 km from the top, when I stopped to have a drink with my support team. I started off again whilst the support team had a coffee break at the Chalet Reynard restaurant. I caught and stayed with a Belgium cyclist for the next 5 km. passing the memorial to Tom Simpson who died on Mont Ventoux during a Tour de France. My support team said they were amazed to catch up with me just one kilometre from the summit as they had only stayed a short while at the restaurant. I pressed on and reached the summit in 2 hours 7 minutes. A feeling of immense pride and achievement washed over me and I was presented with a Mont Ventoux cycling top and medal by my excellent support team.

That afternoon, with the help of the Mazan cycle shop, David's tyre was repaired and he decided to try again the following morning. David, sensibly deicide to take the longer but not so steep route and completed the climb in just under 3 hours, in atrocious weather conditions, cold low cloud and a howling wind.

On behalf of Odyssea, I would like to thank all of my sponsors, the current total standing at 562 euros with more to come. Many thanks to those who have already paid, to the others, I will be coming for my money and to anyone else, there is still time for donations.

I attach a picture of the summit of Mont Ventoux, hopefully with more photographs to follow.