Talbots Law are very proud to have been a sponsor for Cycling For Humanity. The group took on the 360-mile bike ride from Shepherd’s Bush, London, to the Eiffel Tower, including our very own Perminder Devgun, Director and Chartered Legal Executive.
Cycling For Humanity is a global charity using cycling as a means to raise awareness and funds for various humanitarian causes.
“Our charity is dedicated to supporting underprivileged individuals, not only in the UK but across the globe. Since our first bike ride in 1988, we’ve been inspired to make a difference through the power of cycling. Every year, we challenge our riders with exciting new routes and unique experiences, turning every journey into an opportunity to change lives.”
Perminder made sure we didn’t miss out on any of the fun, sending us regular photos and updates along the way. After safely arriving in Paris on 20th July, he shared with us a diary of the previous 4 days which captured all of the excitement and hard work.
Day 1: And, they’re off!
We were up at 3am with the aim to be on the road at 4am. However, with the beautful weather and sightseeing along the way, it took us a couple of hours to really get going — better late than never! Getting out of London at 6am, I finally got the chance to open up my new bike, which I got courtesy of the Cycle to Work Scheme via Talbots.
As we were almost into the countryside, I had a head-on collision with a bus. Battered and bruised (slightly overstating for sympathy) I powered on, trying to find a new wheel for my bike. Sadly, because it was specialised, I was unable to get a replacement, so I spent the rest of the journey using bikes from other riders as they picked up injuries. I needed to carry on flying the flag for Talbots – quite literally!
As we got closer to Dover, I ended up running with my bike to the ferry port because of the unrideable damage. I managed to get to France by the skin of my teeth!
Everyone was shattered, but I was so glad to have still be able to cycle the route using other bikes. I’m really working hard for all of the donations and support.
We ended day 1 in Calais, having a few well-earned drinks to prepare us for the next day.
Day 2: French Villages and Friendly Faces
It was another early start, waking up at 3.30am ready for the day ahead. There were a lot of tired, aching riders today. I could really feel yesterday’s bruises on my back, but I powered on!
We had breakfast together before setting off for the day. Luckily, a couple of riders were unable to participate today, so I got to use their bike while mine remained out of action for the foreseeable.
It was an excellent days riding, stopping off at two war memorials to pay our respects.
No new injuries today, although the bruising has definitely set in. Hopefully, nothing that a bit of rest and some medicine can’t fix. I was thrilled to have been able to complete the full day on the bike.
Day 3: Hills, Heat and High Spirits
I absolutely loved the ride today! I was relieved of my role as safety rider at the back of the group, so I got to power ahead on the hills. Some of the team were really feeling it today, the heat was intense – 28 degrees – so they took to the minibus for some of the journey.
I’ve been tracking my journey on a cycling app! So far, we’ve done an incredible 285 miles, doing 89 miles today. We rode for over 7 hours today, and now we’re on the final stretch. I can’t wait for tomorrow!
Day 4: The Final Push to Paris
Our final day! We rode into Paris, stopping first at the Arc de Triomphe before heading over to the Eiffel Tower.
Paris was extremely busy with traffic, and it took us a while to get through to the historic sites. We arrived around lunch time and were surprised by a guest appearance from well-known YouTuber iShowSpeed, who has over 42 million followers. It was surreal to see him jamming along with our dhol player, Rohan!
We headed off to the Sikh Temple in Paris to receive blessings and thanks for our safe arrival. The award ceremony took place there before we headed off for a night of celebrations — a team dinner at a lovely restaurant, followed by partying into the night before flying home the next day.
We’re extremely proud to have been able to support Perminder and the rest of the Cycling for Humanity team on their latest mission to raise money for a fantastic cause. We look forward to hearing all about their next adventure.