We did 60 kms before lunch and then had a hill to finish the day, not just a hill, a mountain! Monkey mountain. Its a 3km stretch of climbing hair pin bends up a mountain – it was bloody tough but managed to make it to the top – this was partly because the mountain is swarming with unfriendly monkeys that want to pinch your water bottles.

Getting to the top has to be one of my most rewarding achievements and I cried all the way down with relief! Absolutely loved it and after today’s route know I can do anything. Camping again tonight in the mountains. Curry again….

Yesterday was tough, we all pushed it too much finishing 3rd for the day but was shaking all over by the end. Went to a school and handed out uniforms, pens and books. I sat with the kids and they thought my name was money either that or they just wanted me to give them some, wishful thinking.

We have experienced more boisterous kids, I have been slapped twice but we have taken to slamming on the breaks and running for them and they run off scared.

Scenery is unbelievable! The colours are fantastic. Its easy from here, 60km tomorrow and 40km on the last day.

Already filled one memory card so be prepared for the slideshow!

Despite the set backs, Phil ploughed through, starting at the “Esplanade du Château de Vincennes” and finishing at the same point, with a brilliant time of 1 hour 46 minutes.
With our Account Manager Maddie currently taking part in the Big Cycle Challenge in India, we have been provided with inspiration for us all to get involved in the bigger picture.

Well done Phil!

Maddie, whose mother lives in South Street in Caistor, was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma in January last year, has undergone chemotherapy and radiotherapy at St Thomas’ Hospital in London and now wants to raise money to support the charity.

This is her first report from the Challenge…

I’m sat in a sandy valley having lunch on day 2. Lunch is curry and white carbs. I have eaten curry twice a day since I have been here so that’s 7 in total to date. Still not eating meat though.

Yesterday we covered off 62kms. We didn’t set off until 11am so it was unbelievably hot. The day was split in to 4 sections. By the 2nd section I was flagging. My chain came off so had to wait for the guys to come and fix it (we have a team of 20 marshals that go up and down on bikes to monitor us).

Then I got a bit of heat stroke so had some anti sickness treatment from the doc and cycled at the back for a while. We realised we were heading directly through a huge religious festival so a police escort had to arrange to take us though.

You wouldn’t belive the roads! Camels, horses, cows, bikes, mototbikes, tuk tuks, buses and tractors were all on the road scurrying around – it was quite terrifying and very hot.

I got stung by a hornet, first time I have been stung in my life! Everytime we go through villages all the kids run to the road and shout good morning to us and wave , the braver ones ask for money. We saw a dead boar being eaten by dogs. Got to camp at sunset. Slept in a tent with an en suite ( a western toilet dumped in the corner, not plumbed in and a tray with bucket of water for a shower)

Up and out of the road for 7.30. We went through a really dodgy town where we had to go in groups as the kids are known to cause trouble with us but again we had a police escort so it was okay. Done 57 kms already today, HILLS, lots of HILLs. We have 92 kms in total to do and then tonight we are staying in the palace. YESSSSS

My legs, arms, neck and bum ache…

If you would like to support Maddie in her challenge please visit www.justgiving.com/Madeleine-George or by contacting the Lymphoma Association fund-raising team on 01296 619419.

More Maddie updates coming soon…

Maddie, who works in London, said: “After experiencing first hand the difference a charity like this can make to a young person who is newly diagnosed with cancer, I felt like I wanted to do something to help others.”

Training hard for the challenge, Maddie hopes to raise £3,200 for the charity.

She said: “Until now I haven’t been on a bike in five years so it was a challenge in itself but I am really enjoying the training and luckily have good friends who are doing it with me to motivate me.

“I get tired and have had a few ups and downs but I am excited about taking part in the challenge although rather nervous.”

Supporting the work of four special cancer charities, the second Big Cycle Challenge is raising funds for Children with Leukaemia, Lymphoma Association, Marie Curie Cancer Care and Ovarian Cancer Action.

The challenge is to cycle through Rajasthan and it starts with a visit to the Taj Mahal before setting off on a spectacular journey through rural India.

Maddie and her four friends start the Cycle Challenge on March 6 and although the required money has been raised, Maddie says if anyone would like to donate to the charities please contact the charity.

If you would like to support Maddie in her challenge please visit www.justgiving.com/Madeleine-George or by contacting the Lymphoma Association fund-raising team on 01296 619419.