Meet London 2 Paris Rider Andrew Taylor

Written on April 5th, 2023

I have been at Booths for 24 years and work as part of the Estates department, maintaining the various stores and sites. I personally look after the signs and graphics within them as well as some general maintenance work.

What’s your motivation to ride the L2P?


My motivation to ride L2P I guess comes down to 3 things, my Auntie suffers from Leukaemia so being able to help make people live their lives better, that’s more than enough reason alone. A couple of years ago I helped the Tour O’ Booths, as the van support driver—they call me VanDrew!   On the tour, we were given a bit of insight into how this disease changes lives overnight. We heard a very emotional speech by a fundraiser who’d done a number of events to raise money for Cure Leukaemia, when suddenly, his son fell victim to Leukaemia. This is a disease that can affect anyone. Lastly, this is a bit of a personal challenge to myself,  it’s been a long time since I’ve done 4 long days on a bike,  back to back. I want to prove to myself I can still do it.
 

What leg of the tour are you looking forward to?

I’m looking forward to the whole ride but I guess the stages in France are going to be great, with some sun on our backs hopefully.

How are you training for the tour?

My training involves getting out on my bike a few times a week,  with a bit of running mixed in. I’ve never been one for the gym, I enjoy getting out in nature and the fresh air. 

I guess my favourite rides would be on my mountain bike up in the Lake District with a group of lads I have been riding with for many years, great scenery and plenty of banter.

Could you share your favourite training routes? Share your Scenic rides!

As for road cycling, living in the Ribble Valley,  I’m spoilt for routes, sometimes I even venture over the border into Yorkshire. My “go to” route is a 30-mile ride which starts from home in Barrow, dropping down into Whalley, past Blackburn Rovers training facility at Brockhall village before dropping into Ribchester. That’s followed by a steady climb up to Longridge, passing Booths store on Berry Lane before heading out to Chipping. Leaving Chipping on a back Lane heading towards the Inn at Whitewell before cutting off that lane before it starts to climb past the wild boar park and heading up the Roman road towards Browsholme Hall. Then it’s my favourite bit, a steady full gas descent through Bashall Eaves, heading back towards Whalley and then it’s the road back home.

What are you eating and drinking to keep you motivated?

It’s more about what I’m trying to not eat to keep me motivated. As those who know me will vouch for, I eat too much, I’m self-confessed GREEDY, so trying to eat better and lose a few pounds is motivating me, and should help me on the tour.

What’s your “power song” to keep you going?

My song of choice would have to be Generate by the Swedish DJ, Eric Prydz.

What will inspire you when the going gets tough?

My inspiration when it gets tough is the people this fundraising and charity helps. In battling leukaemia, they don’t get the choice to say it’s tough, I give up.
 

What’s your personal or inspirational motto?

My inspirational motto would be, pain is temporary, quitting is forever!

What do you look forward to doing once you complete the London to Paris?
I’ll be looking forward to getting home to see Rachel and Tallulah and putting my feet up for a few nights after work once we have finished. It will also be nice to see how much we raise as a team for Cure Leukaemia once everything is in. 



Read more about the London 2 Paris journey by clicking here

Donate to our team’s fundraising page by clicking here