The 2 Davids Cycle to Paris for the Ride for Hope 2024

To celebrate the 50 years of Northampton Hope Centre (a charity supporting the homeless and issues relating to hardship).  The two Davids (Smith & Sparrow) decided to be amongst the 50 cyclist riding between Northampton and Paris over the 4 days from 3rd - 6th to try and raise a total of £50,000 for the charity.

Below is David Smiths daily reports

Day 1 Thursday -“Some photos from Day 1 . All went really well as weather was with us all day.  88 miles done  .....Northampton to Richmond leg completed.  3 more days to go. David and I were interviewed this afternoon about 3.30 pm’ish on 3 Counties Radio (Listen at https://youtu.be/aKUGHBLWNf8)

Day 2  Friday - "started at 7.45am with a ride through Richmond Park and then onto Tilley's Teashop for a brunch. Numerous punctures along the way. However, the weather was brilliant again and we made it to Portsmouth safe and sound about 4.30pm. Another great day in the saddle and the sponsorship total is creeping ever closer to the target of £50k. Awaiting trip down to the ferry ⛴️ at Portsmouth and an overnight sail to Caen with disembarking about 5am ready for our 3rd day."

Day 3 Saturday - "We started at 6am disembarking from the ferry this morning.  A short cycle ride to Caen port for a French style breakfast before setting off at approx 8.15am,

Weather was dry and sunny but very cold for the first couple of hours before arriving in Liseux for a coffee stop. The local junior scout group were out selling their calendars for 2025 to raise funds for their troop. After a brief exchange and a photo shoot we were on our way again. The wind picked up during the day which made the cycling a struggle.  However,  we finally made it to our overnight stop late afternoon for a well deserved rest and reviving evening meal ay a local French restaurant.  3 days completed and 240 miles. 1 day and 92 miles to go!!".

Day 4 Sunday - "We started out at about 8am on a very overcast and cold Sunday morning.  Progress was initially good . Then the rain came down . We battled on but at a slower than expected pace and arrived safely at our prearranged lunch. Then the fun started with numerous punctures and other mechanical issues. We finally arrived happy but exhausted at the Eiffel Tower about 7pm at night

Now leaving our hotel for a well earned evening meal. A big thank you to all our sponsors."

It is not too late to support the Davids.  

Visit David Sparrow's Just Giving Page at