Alan Fox

In for the full version....

Hi Carol,
Great idea...unfortunately I'm in Speyside that weekend for the Glen Moray Sportive (https://www.q-buster.co.uk/glen-moray-sportive-and-bike-rides-2016) and trying to acquire a taste for Scotch.....

2 please

Yet another excellent Jwcc adventure. on the Thursday myself Billy Iain Couttie Paul Leavy Paul McMillan & Mark oneil had a smashing ride through the Sierra Nieves national park. We ended up in the village of El Burro & had a smashing lunch. 61 km and 1181 m of climbing so a good test for Saturday.
On Friday Billy Paul & I decided that on basis we were going to find the race tough any way we should suffer together and a pact was set. Great decision as one of the hardest things about these events is the long time you are actually out there & in our case a bit longer than others. Billy & Paul are devoted to power meter and we cruised up the first climb to the dulcet tones of 220 watts Billy 240 Billy 280 Billy ease back. Down a tad. I joined in with 150 bmp 160 ease back. This tactic was employed all the way to the 133 km station. During this spell Couttie toyed with us. He started at rear joined us for a while got fed up with our metronome chat tootled ahead and then waited for us at top of climbs just to see our grimacing faces. We also had the pleasure of the company of Mark & Paul McMillan for a while but both these mountain goats soon left us to our own pain. However one of the biggest pleasures of this race for me was that after the first the longest and the hardest climb I was able a few kilometres later to join Paul McD Alex James and big Al at the front. This only came about as lead car restricted to a speed of 25 Kms so we were able to catch up on one of the very fast down sections. Their look of incredulity was a picture.Once we hit the next hill they were off and not to be seen till end.
Couttie got fed up with his own company and having waited for us at top of Montecurto joined us in to El Gastro. Now entering El Gastro is were it got a bit tough. I blame Paul Leavy cos he was our time man. Well to be more accurate was the only person to bother himself with the rules.We had slipped off the back of the protected peloton but Paul assured us that the sweeper van was hours behind us and all was well. However the marshals at El Gastro had other ideas and told us we could not continue. Paul was demanding to see Oscar the organiser Couttie turned off his garmin and Billy had the look of what the "f" is going on. Unfortunately and to our shame there was a language barrier and we wasted a lot of energy and time trying to explain that we were continuing. At that point a group of Spanish riders came through and said they were continuing so Paul & I carried on with them and then we both pushed on together. We were a bit low at this point as we had all being going well. We were not caught by other riders but did catch up with groups ahead and stayed ahead of the dreaded sweeper car. Like Couttie it was toying with us but we triumphed for as when we entered a military barracks about 20 km from end(which was part of the route for some reason I still do not understand )we were not court marshalled but met Oscar who told us he would wait for us at end and that we had completed the full race. With that good news Paul proceeded to bonk on the next hill but was saved by a kind Italian rider who gave him a gel( defo contained epo as within 5 mins he was flying)
With 1 km to go the dreaded sweeper car came up behind us. I would not let it pass and blocked the road. Paul was shouting that I would be disqualified but I didn't care as I was finishing before that car & we did. Paul & I got our finishing rock which fittingly was local granite used for headstones
Chapeau to all jwcc riders. Great job. Special thanks to Paul & Billy
For the record Strava says:-
203.3 km 09:38:07
A very friendly event with some magnificent vistas and hot.

Entered The Loop Sportive....
http://www.hivelo.co.uk/index.asp?pageid=645325
Staying at Aultguish Bunkhouse on the Fri night.
Anyone else up for it?

Ginty,
Just catching up...sorry to hear of the incident. Hope you're back on the bike soon.

Entered Uist Sportive.
Heading up to Uig (Skye) for Friday evening ferry. Leaving car on Skye. Two nights at Uist Outdoor Centre. Ferry back to Skye on Sun.
Would like to have stayed longer to do the other islands....but short of hols.....
Company welcome!

North side a step too far....still trying to shed my winter 'coat'......

Well, it seems that our Tom Hill have gone one step further than any of us, not content in just buying a new bike, he's went and "made" him self one ........... class! :-)
 
Fantastic!

Wrote off two wheels and took a tumble with a double puncture after hitting a 'crevasse' on the way into Bishopton from Westferry. Hole was filled with water and cunningly disguised on Thurs night.
Just a note to be cautious. Hole is about 150 yards from the new roundabout as you head into Bishopton. It's just after the dead end lane on the left as you're hitting a good speed (some of you might be!) on the smooth tarmac after the drag.
 
Sorry about late warning...had to wait to use PC at work......
 
 

Thanks to Charlie for organising and Chung for taking the time to share his knowledge.
Bikes have now been moved from the garage to the spare rooms......

I'm in for the Troon run.

I'm in for the Troon run.

Thanks for the good wishes gents.
Lost a fight with a Mondeo between Bishopton and Erskine. However, did manage to remove his wing mirror with my wrist before hitting the road.
Been out for a couple of short spins, but still painful and confidence on the road is low.
Hopefully be out again in a few weeks (....after losing the extra pounds from comfort eating.)
Cheers.

Paris & PBP 2015 starts to slip away as the 600km ride approaches!
Tuesday morning 2nd June
Go to put my cycling glasses on and they brake in half at the bridge. I have a 600 this weekend what do I do.
Well I got to work and got the opticians to send up new frames and I will swap the lenses over. Also encase there no there in time repaired the other ones with glue and a pin, not pretty but they worked.
Thursday 4th June
I get to work and have been watching the weather for the weekend it was not good. The event is cancelled, goodbye Paris.
But
I get a late entry to a Pair of Kirtons 600 starting Poynton at 6.00am on Saturday 6th June just perfect.
Route
 
Saturday 6th June
Poynton – start 06.00hr
It’s cool with a strong westerly breeze. This part of the route is through houses & road junctions to Greenfield - 18 miles 1st control. Card stamped and the climb up to Saddleworth Moor at a height of 492m this is the high point on the ride and the only climb worth a mention. We wiz down and over rolling roads to Asken - 57 miles, food in a subway second breakfast of the day. The roads are flat to Brough we think we are in Belgium with the twists & turn on the flat roads, we even catch up on a local cycling club on their club run who we toe along for a couple of mile. Brough - 94 miles. Lamb burger, chips coffee coke for early lunch its midday.
The next section was hard as it was into the wind the ride over the Humber bridge was good what a view, Robert and I were cycling on sum of the roads we had ridden on in 2005 London Edinburgh London, we reached Gainsborough - 134 miles more food in Morison café to refill the legs. It had been a hard section and it took the next section for my legs to recover even thought it was with a tail wind to Wragby - 158 miles. The next section to Boston was flat we also had the wind partly on our back so we reach Boston - 189 miles at 9.30pm halfway. As you all know the wind drops at sunset normally we were hoping it would for us as we had 109 mile into it, well it did. Corby Glen - 218 miles was reached at 11.35pm this was a sleep stop if you wished but Robert and I decided to push on in the dark to make use of the wind dropping as it would be back at sunrise.
Sunday 7th June
 Donington - 257 miles reached as the sun is coming up, it’s cold as the sky was cloudless another subway breakfast. We set of and pass Donington racing track half way to Stone it get warm and all the night cloths are strip of and packed into the bag, its quit lump on this stretch. Stone - 301 miles. It’s warm in the sun on the way to Prees heath we end up on some of the roads that we road when we were doing the 24hr tt the last one I road was 2003 and the Johnstone wheelers CC won the veteran team for the most miles covered the last two miles to Prees heath was on a very busy road you had to have your wits about you on it, as you had been on the go for quite some time Prees Heath - 327 miles only 46 mile to go this passes quickly we also pass  Jodrell Bank on the way . Poynton - 373 miles is reached at 2.35 on Sunday afternoon in the sun. 32hr 35 minutes for the ride 6 hour of the bike 26 hours 35 minutes riding time and a lot of water and food but I will be going to Paris. See me? See happy?
Monday 8th June
BACK TO WORK
Campbell

MERSE & MOORS 300 18TH APRIL 2015
 
THIS STARTED IN MUSSLEBURGH AT 06.00 & WE HEADED UP THE A7 THEN TURNING ON TO THE B7007 TO INNERLEITHEN – WHICH WAS FIRST CHECK POINT QUICK SNACK AS THE NEXT SECTION WOULD TAKE US TO ELSDON IN ENGLAND VIA CARTER BAR AT 418M SO GOOD VIEW FROM HEAR THEN A NICE DESCENT TO ELSDON FOR SOME BEANS ON TOAST SOUP & TEA THIS WAS 88 MILES IN. THEN FROM THERE IT WAS WEST TO ALNWICK ITS IS A SHORT SECTION OF 23 MILES BUT THERE ARE SEVERAL STEEP & LONG CLIMBS ON THIS STAGE WHICH TOOK IT TOLL ON MY LEGS BUT AFTER SOME FOOD FROM GREGGS IN ALNWICK AND THE ROLLING ROADS UP TO COLDSTREAM SO THE LEGS RECOVER WELL. FROM COLDSTREAM TO DUNBAR  THE ROADS ARE ROLLING TILL YOU GET TO DUNNS & THEN THERE MORE LUMPY GETTING TO DUNBAR AS THE SUN START TO SET. ITS THEN THE DRAG RACE ALONG THE OLD A1 RENUMBERED THE A199 TO MUSSLEBURGH GETTING TO THE FINISH FOR 21.10  . THE RIDE WAS 196 MILES WITH 13700 FT OF CLIMBING SO I WAS PLEASED WITH MY DAY RUN. SECOND PBP QUALIFIER DONE NEXT IS 400KM STARTING FRIDAY 8TH MAY
 
CAMPBELL

Started out with Campell from Symington (nr Biggar) at 08:00 on Sat in high winds and rain. This was the theme for the day, although the lesser spotted sun did make an appearance in the afternoon.
Leg 1 took us Southwest over the Crawick pass to Sanquhar. I did suck wheels for most of this after I struggled on my first 206km Audax a couple of weeks ago. Campbell did take a fair share of the spells at the front.
Leg 2 headed North East to Crawford via the Mennock pass and Scotland's highest village Wanlockhead.
Fuelled by my new energy food (bagels with jam, peanut butter and banana) I was feeling good, until we turned South West into a vicious head wind for a 30km leg 3 to head over the Dalveen pass to Thornhill. This section included the last 15 miles of the Drumlanrig sportive route. For those familiar with this, I was pedalling down the descent in my small chainring at about 12mph at times! Thanks to Campbell for doing more than his fair share at the front of our two up.
Thornhill brought a welcome lunch stop before heading South East through the scenic Ae forest. The waterproofs came off in this leg 4, but the wind was relentless.
Leg 5 was a straight North from Lochmaben to Moffat and a refuel for Campbell in the chippy.
About a hundred miles in the legs at this point and the Devil's Beeftub climb out of Moffat awaiting us for the return to Symington. Climb was brutal. Long, long, long. Kept shifting to lower gears that didn't exist! Campbell spun up with his triple...cause for thought....
Despite the weather, great day on the bike and great company. Completed in around 9 hours in the saddle (I think) with about 130miles on the clock. A welcome bowl of soup with coffee and cake at the end sealed a great day.

Started out with Campell from Symington (nr Biggar) at 08:00 on Sat in high winds and rain. This was the theme for the day, although the lesser spotted sun did make an appearance in the afternoon.
Leg 1 took us Southwest over the Crawick pass to Sanquhar. I did suck wheels for most of this after I struggled on my first 206km Audax a couple of weeks ago. Campbell did take a fair share of the spells at the front.
Leg 2 headed North East to Crawford via the Mennock pass and Scotland's highest village Wanlockhead.
Fuelled by my new energy food (bagels with jam, peanut butter and banana) I was feeling good, until we turned South West into a vicious head wind for a 30km leg 3 to head over the Dalveen pass to Thornhill. This section included the last 15 miles of the Drumlanrig sportive route. For those familiar with this, I was pedalling down the descent in my small chainring at about 12mph at times! Thanks to Campbell for doing more than his fair share at the front of our two up.
Thornhill brought a welcome lunch stop before heading South East through the scenic Ae forest. The waterproofs came off in this leg 4, but the wind was relentless.
Leg 5 was a straight North from Lochmaben to Moffat and a refuel for Campbell in the chippy.
About a hundred miles in the legs at this point and the Devil's Beeftub climb out of Moffat awaiting us for the return to Symington. Climb was brutal. Long, long, long. Kept shifting to lower gears that didn't exist! Campbell spun up with his triple...cause for thought....
Despite the weather, great day on the bike and great company. Completed in around 9 hours in the saddle (I think) with about 130miles on the clock. A welcome bowl of soup with coffee and cake at the end sealed a great day.

Started out with Campell from Symington (nr Biggar) at 08:00 on Sat in high winds and rain. This was the theme for the day, although the lesser spotted sun did make an appearance in the afternoon.
Leg 1 took us Southwest over the Crawick pass to Sanquhar. I did suck wheels for most of this after I struggled on my first 206km Audax a couple of weeks ago. Campbell did take a fair share of the spells at the front.
Leg 2 headed North East to Crawford via the Mennock pass and Scotland's highest village Wanlockhead.
Fuelled by my new energy food (bagels with jam, peanut butter and banana) I was feeling good, until we turned South West into a vicious head wind for a 30km leg 3 to head over the Dalveen pass to Thornhill. This section included the last 15 miles of the Drumlanrig sportive route. For those familiar with this, I was pedalling down the descent in my small chainring at about 12mph at times! Thanks to Campbell for doing more than his fair share at the front of our two up.
Thornhill brought a welcome lunch stop before heading South East through the scenic Ae forest. The waterproofs came off in this leg 4, but the wind was relentless.
Leg 5 was a straight North from Lochmaben to Moffat and a refuel for Campbell in the chippy.
About a hundred miles in the legs at this point and the Devil's Beeftub climb out of Moffat awaiting us for the return to Symington. Climb was brutal. Long, long, long. Kept shifting to lower gears that didn't exist! Campbell spun up with his triple...cause for thought....
Despite the weather, great day on the bike and great company. Completed in around 9 hours in the saddle (I think) with about 130miles on the clock. A welcome bowl of soup with coffee and cake at the end sealed a great day.

Started out with Campell from Symington (nr Biggar) at 08:00 on Sat in high winds and rain. This was the theme for the day, although the lesser spotted sun did make an appearance in the afternoon.
Leg 1 took us Southwest over the Crawick pass to Sanquhar. I did suck wheels for most of this after I struggled on my first 206km Audax a couple of weeks ago. Campbell did take a fair share of the spells at the front.
Leg 2 headed North East to Crawford via the Mennock pass and Scotland's highest village Wanlockhead.
Fuelled by my new energy food (bagels with jam, peanut butter and banana) I was feeling good, until we turned South West into a vicious head wind for a 30km leg 3 to head over the Dalveen pass to Thornhill. This section included the last 15 miles of the Drumlanrig sportive route. For those familiar with this, I was pedalling down the descent in my small chainring at about 12mph at times! Thanks to Campbell for doing more than his fair share at the front of our two up.
Thornhill brought a welcome lunch stop before heading South East through the scenic Ae forest. The waterproofs came off in this leg 4, but the wind was relentless.
Leg 5 was a straight North from Lochmaben to Moffat and a refuel for Campbell in the chippy.
About a hundred miles in the legs at this point and the Devil's Beeftub climb out of Moffat awaiting us for the return to Symington. Climb was brutal. Long, long, long. Kept shifting to lower gears that didn't exist! Campbell spun up with his triple...cause for thought....
Despite the weather, great day on the bike and great company. Completed in around 9 hours in the saddle (I think) with about 130miles on the clock. A welcome bowl of soup with coffee and cake at the end sealed a great day.

Started out with Campell from Symington (nr Biggar) at 08:00 on Sat in high winds and rain. This was the theme for the day, although the lesser spotted sun did make an appearance in the afternoon.
Leg 1 took us Southwest over the Crawick pass to Sanquhar. I did suck wheels for most of this after I struggled on my first 206km Audax a couple of weeks ago. Campbell did take a fair share of the spells at the front.
Leg 2 headed North East to Crawford via the Mennock pass and Scotland's highest village Wanlockhead.
Fuelled by my new energy food (bagels with jam, peanut butter and banana) I was feeling good, until we turned South West into a vicious head wind for a 30km leg 3 to head over the Dalveen pass to Thornhill. This section included the last 15 miles of the Drumlanrig sportive route. For those familiar with this, I was pedalling down the descent in my small chainring at about 12mph at times! Thanks to Campbell for doing more than his fair share at the front of our two up.
Thornhill brought a welcome lunch stop before heading South East through the scenic Ae forest. The waterproofs came off in this leg 4, but the wind was relentless.
Leg 5 was a straight North from Lochmaben to Moffat and a refuel for Campbell in the chippy.
About a hundred miles in the legs at this point and the Devil's Beeftub climb out of Moffat awaiting us for the return to Symington. Climb was brutal. Long, long, long. Kept shifting to lower gears that didn't exist! Campbell spun up with his triple...cause for thought....
Despite the weather, great day on the bike and great company. Completed in around 9 hours in the saddle (I think) with about 130miles on the clock. A welcome bowl of soup with coffee and cake at the end sealed a great day.

I'm in....

See you at 9...

Chung,
Yes...early morning start on the day.
I can get two bikes in the boot if you want a lift.

Just for your information the rides I have entered.
 
Sun 08 Mar 2015 - 208km Forth and Tay from Dalmeny
 
Sat 28 Mar 2015 - 200km More Passes than Mastermind from Symington, Biggar
 
Sat 18 Apr 2015 - 300km Merse and Moors from Musselburgh
 
Fri 08 May 2015 - 400km The Auld Alliance from Corstorphine, Edinburgh
 
Sat 16 May 2015 - 400km The Southern Uplands from Musselburgh
 
Sat 06 Jun 2015 - 600km Mull of Kintyre from Ballachulish
 
Sat 25 Jul 2015 - 408km National 400 from Dingwall
 
 
COPY OF MY LAST PBP REPORT YOU MAY WISH TO JOIN ME THIS YEAR
 
CAMPBELL
 
Paris Brest Paris 16th Report - 2007
 
All
 
Paris Brest Paris 16 running on 20th August proved to be a test of real character and in my case how to push ones body mentally and physically. The Adventure started on Monday Night at 20.15 for me as I was in the second group of Vedettes (the under 80 hour’s group).
 
It was over cast as I stood ready to start in the second group of 500 Vedettes the night was cool and the forecast had been for a wet night but from then on sunshine. The first group of rides are of and we move up to the start line with nerves on my sensibility of doing it with the Vedettes it was to late now the count down was on 5, 4,3,2,1 we slowly move forward and onto the slip road were its all hell for leather then only 1 mile gone and theirs a man on the floor what a start for him. After 25mile it starts to split up as the darkness descends on the riders as we speed throw small villages with the residents of the houses on the street cheering you on. After about 40 miles I am on the road with a French rider and we work together route finding and into the headwind Stage 1 is over as we reach Mortgage au Perche – 87 miles - Tue – early morning(still dark) - Only a feeding station on the way out.
Stage 2 –
I’m in and out in 45 minutes and on my way to Villaines la Juhel 51 miles away it’s a step descent in the dark out of the control to the rolling roads which are lined by fields of sweet corn that protect you from the wind at times this stage is ridden on my own just passing riders that had been dropped by the lead group of riders. The main thing on this road is going through La Hutte were you have to cross a 4 lane main road, not a problem at this time in the night but on the way back could be a different story/ Stage 2 is over as we reach Villaines la Juhel in the Morning before sun rise -138 miles - Tue - First control on the way out. A hearty breakfast soup, bread, pasta & pork, creamed rice pudding.
Stage 3 –
On returning to the bike to start Stage 3 there is some light rain I put on over shoes and my rain coat. I’m of to Fougeres 55 miles. well by the time I got out the village of Villaines la Juhel the rain could not come down any harder the road is a wash and the wind by this time is very noticeable I catch up with the rider from the first night and work with him for a will but its to much for him so I ride of and with about 20 miles from the end of he stage I catch up with a Italian and his wife riding solos and we work all the way to Fougeres and he thanks me on arriving at the control. Fougeres - 193 miles - Tue – Morning.
Stage 4 –
Fougeres to Tinteniac is a short hope of 34 miles with some short steep climbs for the first half I was crawling up some them into the wind and the pouring rain asking the question to my self is this fun? At that point I was addle to get into a large group if Americans that swept me all the way to Tinteniac the road was just a wash with water and people were puncturing on a regular bases dew to the debris on the road, then we dropped into Tinteniac – 227 miles - Tue – afternoon. I could have had a bath at this point and came out drier, my only thought was to get more food and get on the road before I got to cold.
Stage 5 –
Tinteniac to Loudeac 53 miles this section was so wet that the rain that was hitting my face was painful at time I could hardly see were I was going and it was daylight there were some hills some down hill but the rain was the main feature there were riders at the side of the road just staring into space as in disbelief my only thought was I have bout the 2007 shirt and cant weir it unless I finish. Loudeac is reached and the rain has stopped and the roads are drying out. Loudeac – 280 miles - Tue – early evening.
Stage 6 –
Loudeac to Carhaix Plouguer 46 miles This is up and down on dry roads and the wind has dropped so progress is pleasant even start to feel my clothes drying out this is most pleasant there is a short holt on this stage as they have fitted in a secret control then at this point I see the lead group of Vedettes on there return. There it’s a group of 30 flying along the road and are expected to do the whole ride in 42 45 hours with out sleeping. Carhaix Plouguer – 326 miles - Wed – late evening.
Stage 7 –
Carhaix Plouguer to Brest 55 miles On leaving Carhaix the evening is star light and very nice for cycling it was a very pleasant start I have to stop to take of some of the layers of clothing as I am starting to get to hot that’s a first on this ride so fare. Also at this point a bunch of Italian rider pass and I get onto there tail and after a few exchanges of words we settle down for the ride to Bret and the climb up the Roc Trevezl at 350m. You cold see the top dew to the radio mast lights at the top from the start of the climb which is 12 miles worth we all work well into the evening breeze. Once over the Roc it down hill to Brest and over the old bridge of Brest that crosses the bay a sting in the tall is the 300ft climb to the control which is reached in the early hours of Wednesday morning. I have some food and then it’s of to the couchettes for 1 ½ hours sleep as that’s all I could let my self have up at 6.45am and on the road back. Brest – 381 miles - Wed – arriving early morning.
Stage 8 –
Brest to Carhaix Plouguer 53 miles. I start very refreshed after my sleep, first since Sunday nights 10hrs before the start on Monday evening. The sun is up and once out of the town of Bret the long climb up the Roc starts and with a tail wind for the first time since the start the climb is steady and the top is attained with out to much effort then it’s the down hill to Carhaix in glories sunshine this is starting to be dream like its to good to be true, You are also passing riders still going to Brest which gives you a great lift, you give encouragement to the riders that you recognize that still have to go to Brest. There is a short 200ft climb into Carhaix were their was a young boy offering water and chocolate biscuits at the bottom which was gratefully received. As you riding into the control to shouts of bravo as this is the start of the journey home. The sun is scorching and there are riders sunbathing all around. This is were I meet the 90 hr people for the first time. I have to queue for my food only 10 minutes can’t complain. The food is good and I take my time as the next section is rolling terminating in about 5 short step climbs. Carhaix Plouguer – 435 miles - Wed – mid day.
Stage 9 –
Carhaix Plouguer to Loudeac   I leave in good spirits with the sun and the breeze on my back and think this will be nice 46 miles; this will do me just nicely. Well it lasted 30 minutes on the road and it started to cloud over and spit with rain. I was blown into Loudeac wet agene and received by a band plan for all the people heading to Pairs. Loudeac – 481miles -Wed - afternoon
Stage 10 –
Loudeac to Tinteniac this section starts well with a howler of a tail wind and a distance 20 miles in the first hour then it’s into the hills for more climbing it stays dry for this section and I arrive at Tinteniac at dusk more food and then off. Tinteniac – 534miles - Thu – evening
Stage 11-
Tinteniac to Fougeres 34miles of undulating road this should be easy and the Baxter bus was there for a change of cloths. So right out of the control uphill and of I went, well half of this stage I thought I was on yacht at sea riding my bike at 45 degrees as I was hosed down by the squalls of rain that came in one after the other. Fougeres was reached at about 1 in the morning with water running out of me. I eat plenty food at this point as I was going to change and have a sleep on the bus. The bus was only 200meters from the control so was reached quickly but I was still chilled to the bone as with being very wet. On reaching the bus it was a quick change and then of to sleep for another 1 ½ hours. Fougeres – 569miles –Thu.
Stage 12-
Fougeres to Villaines la Juhel 55miles  I set of at 4.30 in the morning and get 1 mile up the road and relies that I have left my rain jacket on the bus, the way the weather has been I have to return to get it and set of in the dark agene this time I pick up a group of 3 of us working together and as luck would have it the wind has turned to the north so we have a cross wind for the rest of the stage arriving in Villaines in a scotch mist and the day light. This village donates its main street for the bike park and has a disc jockey playing music to the town via P.A. system and announces the arrival of all the riders to the village. As it is morning I decide to have breakfast cereal, soup, spaghetti Bolinas creamed rice pudding just what you always have at home and finished of with a large coffee and a mars bar.  Villaines la Juhel - 622 -Thu – Morning
Stage 13-
Villaines la Juhel to Mortgage au Perche 51miles It is not raining when I leave and the rain stays of for this stage and I start to dry out this is also the stage that you go under the 100mile to go to the end 10 miles from the end of the stage this is one of the big way marks on the ride after half way. I see the sign for the La Hutte were you have to cross a 4 lane main road  it turn out to be not a problem the French must have all been for lunch or I timed it perfect. The climb up to Mortgage au Perche start and isn’t as hard as I thought it would be even the last 50 meters of 1:4 to the control, its good to cycle by the people that had to get of and walk this. Only 89 miles to go. Mortagne au Perche -673miles -Thu – afternoon.
Stage 14-
Mortagne au Perche to Dreux 47miles this was a lonely section on a high flat plain into the driving wind and rain I get pick up by a bunch in the last 15 miles and the miles pass by quick and then we drop into Dreux the penultimate control I will be in Paris tonight. Dreux -720mile -Thu -early evening. I purchase a can of beer for the water bottle for preparation for my celebration when I arrive in Saint Quentin en Yvelines.
Stage 15-
Dreux to Saint Quentin en Yvelines. 42miles this section pass so quick it not true the road is strewn with flood debris from a previous rain storm as it is dry for my return I pick up a French rider in the last 25 miles and we end up riding the rest of the way into the finish together as we round the last bend on to the finish straight I congratulate him on is first time on the PBP he also returns and thanks me for my company on the last section and also for being mental for doing it twice.  Saint Quentin en Yvelines -762miles -Fri -12:23 -Finish on time
.
After finishing I go to the food tent and have more beer with 2 English lads that finished just after and then go back to the control to weight on some of the other riders that I now coming in. You would think that after riding 762 mile in 76hr 20min all you would want to do is sleep well it was a hard ride but you’re on a high after finishing. I meet several riders from the London Edinburgh London ride and we compare stories till 6:00 in the morning before I return to my hotel for some breakfast. Then dismantle and pack my bike away. By now it midday and the sun has come out so its of to the supermarket for some beer and I site out in the sun waiting and chatting to the other riders from the Baxter bus come in. There is a celebration dinner were champagne and wine plus food too is served and more stories are exchanged. When I look round the room and compare my self to some of the others riders, I was only tired and stiff no limps or upset stomachs or scars from crashes.
This is a hard ride at best but the weather tested my mental and physically, but I look back and say it was good if it’s easy to attain it’s not worth doing. By the way I went to my bed at 10.30pm or there about.
 
Some statistics
 
Total distance 762miles
Total time taken 76hr 20 min
Average speed for event from start to finish 10miles per hour. Including eating, sleeping and resting.
15 - 3 course meals in 3 days
3 hours sleep
Time of the bike 16hr eating and resting.
30% of the field DNF out of 5300 entrants.
Please excuse the ramblings of a long distance cyclist but this event is one of the best and I now have 2 under my belt in totally different conditions.