Gee Family Tennis & Padel Holidays

28/07/2024

A lovely summers evening in Teddington watching Calum and his teammates play their last tennis match of the season with 4 generations of the family in attendance. Great to see Calum still competing.
To Andy as he approaches retirement, thanks for the memories, to Calum thanks for many past and many more to come.

04/07/2024

A Lovely couple of days meandering up through 🇪🇸and 🇫🇷 before an overnighter with Rich Bakewell and Sophie Dumée Bakewell in Abilly. Then onwards to the Caen to Portsmouth ⛴️ and a rest day in Canford Cliffs. Now heading up to London for 3 days of concerts, a bit of padel and some tennis.

20/06/2024

I’m a tad biased but I don’t think there is a more beautiful place to play padel or clay court tennis in Spain. La Sella Tennis & Padel Gee Family Tennis & Padel Holidays

27/05/2024

My final days cycling was always going to be a celebration, riding with our son Calum around the closed roads of Ford RideLondon 100 mile event, having done it together 10 years earlier.
A very early morning start at 5am, we put the bikes on the car bike rack to drive the short distance up the A3 to our central London Buckingham Palace start. Family would cheer us over the finishing line on Tower Bridge around 6 hrs later, then all back to the house for celebrations.
I’d been looking forward to this day ever since Calum asked me to ride with him many months ago and my whole challenge grew out of this.
A damp morning as we left, we were on the A3 within minutes travelling at 60 mph, when Calum screamed “the bikes” as both our 2 wheeled friends flew off the back of the car and crashed onto the carriageway behind.
We pulled over and ran up the road to see the damage and our initial fears were realized as Calum’s bike handlebars, gearing all looked in a bad way. My own bike didn’t look as bad, some scrapes and torn bar tape seemed to be the first thought. I couldn’t hold back the tears 😭 fortunately there had been no other cars behind us, otherwise it could have been much worse.
A quick change of plan, we’d park closer to the event, go on the underground and walk our bikes to the mechanical support area at the start to see if we could be helped.
Unfortunately they only had limited support to cover punctures and other small items, however there was an Evans cycle superstore 15 mins walk away, open despite it being 8am on a Sunday.
The mechanic checked the bikes, Calum’s bike had a full crack in the front wheel, almost unnoticeable to the naked eye but a potential catastrophe if the wheel was to suffer a full collapse at speed. The mechanic advised us that they didn’t have a replacement in store and tried other outlets with the same outcome. My own bike still looked okay to the naked eye, however I’ll need to get it fully checked when it gets back to Spain in August.
“I’m afraid it’s game over” for your Ride London event!! 🚴😭 was the mechanics diagnosis.
Not the end we would have wanted however, life and family are far more important and precious than taking unnecessary risk.
There’s always a silver lining, I got to spend more time with our beautiful granddaughter Cara and our family and Gemmas family.

Thank you once again for following my journey, especially to everyone who had made a donation to Sarcoma UK or reposted my posts to increase awareness.

The charity donation line will remain open for a few weeks, I’d love to break the target set as it is £1 more than I raised on one of my previous challenges ten years ago.

www.justgiving.com/page/david-gee-paree2london

24/05/2024

France 🇫🇷 it’s been a blast. 💪🚴 3rd day done and dusted , just enjoying a fish and chips supper on board the Poole bound ferry. Lovely ride today from near Caen to Cherbourg passing through many of the towns just about to celebrate the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
Lunch in Sainte Mere Aglise, prominent on 6th June 1944 when US 101 Airborne helped to liberate the town. Also famous for the American paratrooper John Steele who become stuck on tbe Church spire and pretended to be dead for 2 hours before being captured by the Germans. Later to escape, the event was featured in the film the Longest Day.
Now it’s on to the UK for Day 4 tomorrow another tough one from Bournemouth to Fareham. Jonny Stewart and Hayley Stewart taking over the ride support, many thanks to Rich Bakewell for his support in France.

Thanks once again to all those who have donated so far. It really does help the long rides, knowing that so many people are supporting me. Sarcoma UK

www.justgiving.com/page/david-gee-paree2london

22/05/2024

Tough first day, pretty much headwinds from the start, a bit of rain but delighted to have got to destination 1 before the heavy stuff came.
Plenty of time to reflect on how important to all our family this particular Charity fundraiser is. Sarcoma UK. It was lovely to be seen off by Franz and Annemone, from La Sella Tennis & Padel, who arrived at 8.00am with a couple of fresh croissants. A huge thanks to Rich Bakewell for the vehicle support, keeping me fed and hydrated and covering my on and off change of waterproof jackets!!
Tomorrow we go again, Bourth to near Caen.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has donated to date, and for all the good wishes. I’m a few days behind on my personal thank-yous but will get round to it as soon as possible.
If you are able to help in anyway no matter how small please clink on the link below.
David

www.justgiving.com/page/david-gee-paree2london

19/05/2024

Flight to Paris in 48 hrs checked in ✅ last short ride on a borrowed bike ✅ Jelly babies packed ✅😆 French Accommodation on Day 1 notified of arrival time ✅ 🙏 Nivea packed ✅ 🍑 😆😆.
Getting very real now my Grand Depart from the Eiffel Tower on Wednesday heading to London over 4 days. Day 5 a rest day? No chance, The Ride London 100 mile event to finish off.
Thank you so much to everyone who has donated to the Sarcoma UK Charity we are raising funds for, exactly 15 years after Susan successfully beat this little known but deadly soft tissue and bone cancer.
I’ll be updating throughout my ride RideLondon if you can support Team Gee please check out the link below.
Thank you

www.justgiving.com/page/david-gee-paree2london

12/05/2024

Well that’s a wrap!!🚴 Bike handed over to my Chef de Mission Rich Bakewell at a Gite overnighter north of Bordeaux. Next time I see it, I’ll be at the Tour Eiffel on 22nd May when I start my Sarcoma UK Paris to London RideLondon charity challenge. Many thanks once again to everyone who has supported me to date, if you can help in any way. Click on the link below.

www.just giving.com/page/david-gee-paree2london

09/05/2024

Three more training rides this week of 101km, 65km and 124km. My bike heads to France this weekend to be taken to Paris on 21st May by my Chef de Mission and oldest friend Rich Bakewell for the grand depart on 22nd. Next week I’ll use my brother in law Paul Munro s bike for the last few practices. On one of my rides this week, I thought a photographer was taking my picture so I stopped and asked her if she would send me the photo rather than me taking dodgy selfie ones !!😆😆 Very kindly she took and had sent me a mini portfolio once she returned home to Germany. Sarcoma UK RideLondon
Many thanks to everyone who has donated to our cause, if you can help in any way please click on the link below.

www.justgiving/page/david-gee-paree2london

05/05/2024

Took time off the bike training yesterday as we had organized a 24 player Padel Social afternoon to raise both awareness and donations from the Padel Community here at La Sella Tennis & Padel. A fabulous day of Padel, nice food and a glass of wine or two helped generate over €500 towards our fundraiser. Sarcoma UK RideLondon
Thanks to everyone who has donated to my Paris to London ride in 17 days from now. If you are able to support in any way, please check out the link below.

www.justgiving.com/page/david-gee-paree2london.

03/05/2024

The last time Susan & I fundraised for Sarcoma UK we were delighted that both Adam Ant and Cher were able to make it to our party😆😆.Unfortunately neither can make it this year but a huge thanks to all our friends and family who are involved and have donated to our special cause.
If you can help in any way, please follow the link. Thanks again.

www.justgiving.com/page/david-gee-paree2london

14/04/2024

A beautiful day for another ride, trying to get as many hours in the saddle before my Paris to London and Ride London charity challenge. 750km over 5 days is going to be pretty tough, however I hope you’ll agree it’s all for a great cause, especially one so close to our family’s heart. . Sarcoma UK RideLondon
Many thanks to all who have donated to date, if you can help to support those who suffer from this rate but deadly cancer, Susan & I would be most grateful. Please check the link below and share the post.
Many thanks,
David.

www.justgiving.com/page/david-gee-paree2london

01/04/2024

Susan and I first met back in 1976, when we were junior mixed doubles tennis partners at Heswall LTC. LTA - Tennis For Britain. After her Sarcoma cancer diagnosis in 2009 and subsequent right lower arm and wrist bone removal we thought our days of being able to play together on court were over. However since finding Padel we are blessed with being able to pair up and enjoy playing regularly at La Sella Tennis & Padel club. Fifteen years on from the diagnosis, Susan’s three wishes for the future have all been fulfilled, being able to play on a court together is just another wonderful bonus.
Thank you to the many friends who have donated to my Charity ride from Paris to London in May, followed by the RideLondon in aid of Sarcoma UK.
If you can help in any way please click on the link below or share this post.
Happy Easter.

www.just giving.com/page/david-gee-paree2london

17/03/2024

One of the most beautiful places to play padel.

15/03/2024

Many thanks to everyone who has sent me best wishes for my special day. Born in 62 and having seen 62 years, these birthdays do seem to come around quicker every year. A very enjoyable day has been spent padel coaching, relaxing in the sunshine and cooking.
I also set aside a couple of hours to put together some final preparation for what will be my most personal charity challenge in a couple of months time.
2024 is a monumental year for Susan & I and to celebrate this and thank those people who made it all possible I will be getting back on the bike and plan to launch my charity challenge next week.
Watch this space………………

Thank you again for your kind wishes.

04/03/2024

A couple of days in Porto. Football, padel, restaurants and bars.

31/01/2024

Fancy some padel in the sunshine. 🌞 🎾👍🇪🇸 Just get in touch. Vamos.

05/01/2024

Hello 🔵 It's official. Signed at 14.49 It even came on tv.
Mine really turned blue. Don't forget, the new Facebook rule starts tomorrow (aka... new name META) where they can use your photos. Dont forget the deadline is today!!! I do not give Facebook or any company affiliated with Facebook permission to use my past and future photos, information, messages or posts.
With this statement, I inform Facebook that it is strictly forbidden to publish, copy, distribute or take any other action against me based on this profile and/or its contents. The violation of privacy can be punished by law.
NOTICE: Facebook is now a public entity. All members must publish such a note.
Whoever wants can copy and paste this version. Failure to post a statement at least once will be tacitly allowing the use of your photos, as well as information in profile and status posts.

Hold your finger anywhere in this message and copy will pop up. Click the copy button. Then go to your page, create a new message in “What’s on your mind” and put your finger anywhere in the blank field. "Paste" will appear and click Paste.
This will bypass the system....
He who does nothing agrees.

(Better to be safe and post this than be sorry later)

12/12/2023

Driving back to the UK 🇬🇧 for Christmas. Quick stop over for a bite of lunch at Hello Padel Barcelona one year on from the venue of my Padel coaching course. Great to catch up with Mauri Padel Andrini.

12/12/2023

Driving back to the UK for Christmas. Quick stop over at Hello Padel Barcelona for a spot of lunch one year after my padel coaching course. Nice to catch up with Mauri Padel Andrini

10/12/2023

Our last Team Social of 2023, the Christmas Edition!! Great fun, lovely food, mulled wine & mince pies.
Team Emilio running out close winners 1027 points to 989 over team David.

01/12/2023

🎶Padel in the fire 🔥, mind and senses purified.

20/11/2023

Any of my Scottish tennis friends heading to Malaga for the Davis Cup finals. Will see you there if you’re around.

05/07/2023

Great to see West of Scotland padel player Angela McGlynn together with Ayrshires Wendy McClure visiting La Sella for 4 days padel. The ladies joined in a 24 player Social Padel & BBQ event and also enjoyed group coaching, individual lessons and playing matches against local players. Their final session was a play lesson, pairing Up with the coaches for an on court coaching match. Vamos ladies, we look forward to seeing you back soon. 👍🎾💪🇪🇸 If you would like to play padel in the sunshine, in one of Spain’s most beautiful picturesque places, just get in touch.

29/06/2023

Padel Pista Numero tres!! The 3rd padel court will soon be up and running. 👍🎾💪🇪🇸🌞

15/06/2023

A wee trip down to the European Seniors Padel Championships at La Nucia near Benidorm. I think with continued tactical development of my own game here in Spain, I may be in with a shout for a GB Over 60 debut next year. 👍🎾💪🇪🇸

21/05/2023

Another lovely padel social event at La Sella Tennis & Padel, Team David narrowly pipping Team Emilio 618-600. Great padel, some new players joining us, new friendships and a Pulled pork and Asian Slaw BBQ made it another successful event.
Tomorrow the work begins on the new 3rd court, enabling more players to come and join the fun at one of the Costa Blanca’s most beautiful venues. If you would like to come and experience your own padel trip, please get in touch.

17/04/2023

Padel social in one photo. 👍🎾💪🇪🇸🍷

24/03/2023

21/03/2023

It’s great to host new friends.