So the final day, a short 60.8 mile ride to the Eiffel Tower on the banks of the Seine. If only we knew! The day started well, the celebrations of our African Cousins the previous night (mistaken by some as celebrations because Campey was in town) were forgotten. As were the reports of rainy weather at the start. We started off in bright sunshine.

Cycling together we stopped after 10 miles very fast riding at a typical French Village café. The proprieteress supplied a big plate of cakes gratuit (we had started to use our schoolboy French by now and were understood by all – so much so they all courteously replied in English!).

After the brief stop we continued to make good time. Some stopped with Rick at 25 miles as it was the last chance to have one of our traditional stops but the group quickly came back together when lunch came calling.

We got our technology expert Brad to sort out some ideas for lunch. He spotted a French Golf Club nearby and it was an inspired move! We arrived and were welcomed onto the Members Large Sun Terrace with open arms. A fabulous meal ensued and contrary to the previous lunch stops some beer was drunk, but it must be said just a few as Paris and its congestion was beckoning.

After filling ourselves we continued on, getting a little separated, three groups of two riders each as we got within 15 miles of Paris. It was difficult for Rick to follow at this stage in the support vehicle as were using Paris cycle tracks. And then it happened at 13 miles our first accident, an attempted bunny hop over a kerb onto a cycle path saw Simon hit the ground hard, road rash on arms, legs and back made worse by a hard blow to his collarbone. Dazed he continued but the group were concerned and it showed. But hey ho only 13 miles left and the Tower calling.

And then the heavens opened. Not just rain but the biggest hailstorm many of us had seen in years. Not hailing for long but enough to get us wet and wash road debris on to the road surface. And that’s when the first of three punctures hit the group. Along with the accident it added two hours onto what should have been an early finish and time for celebration. Wet and bedraggled we forced our way on, past the tourist and historical sites of this famous capital and in the distance we saw the Eiffel Tower. Re-energised we raced on and stopped just under the Tower. It was an idyllic mix of elation, pain, pride and a little sadness that it was all over.

Six Guys and a Directeur Sportive/Driver had set off for Paris the previous Sunday. As we left down Hengate in Beverley none of us realised what an adventure and experience this whole thing could be. Each person has taken their own individual bits from the ride but what has been shown is that a team can be formed from individual parts. A bond of sharing amongst six people that will form the basis of a special friendship for life. One that will be remembered for its endurance, the fun and banter, the challenge and the achievement. 

Well done boys (all seven of us), well done families and friends for your support and well done to all those riders who arrived in Paris, no longer Team 100% Me but the “B2Pers”. Now where else starts with a “P” and can we take the next 24 months to get Rick back as DS Driver?

NOTE A night and day of celebrations was held on Saturday the 20^thand Sunday 21^stJuly in Paris. This will be the subject of a separate final Blog but will need to be heavily censored as it may upset OAPs, small children and those of a nervous disposition!