Expedition Report
The primary aim of the two College students was to promote cycling to those of all abilities, especially as one member of the group suffers from dyspraxia which causes co-ordination difficulties. This was to be achieved by cycling 1680km along a route from France to Italy on a tandem bicycle.
Arriving at Roscoff on the ferry on 11th July, the team covered 125km on the first day, and 95km the next day, following the Brest to Nantes canal. The third day resulted in 120km cycled, however the tandem bike sustained some damage whereby one of the gears became bent resulting in the chain coming off, eventually splitting in two. A local commune was able to assist and temporarily repair the chain, but could do nothing about the gear. The next day in Nantes was spent looking for a cycle repair shop, unfortunately this was Bastille Day, and all commercial shops were closed. The students took the opportunity to shower and wash their clothes and join in the day’s celebrations.
A visit to the repair shop the next day revealed that it was not possible to replace the damaged gear. They could however continue to Italy without the gear, and the team adjusted their plans accordingly, also taking into account the delays. Even though 110km, 90km and 115km were covered on the following days. The team now left the town of Montguyon, however as they were coasting downhill at about 40kmph, control of the tandem was lost and both students were thrown onto the road. This prematurely ended the expedition for the team who proceeded to fly home.
