We were expecting rain today and were not disappointed. A few miles into the ride it started to drizzle, then rain heavier, which it continued to do for the next 30 miles. We were soon all drenched but slogged on with grim determination.
During the rain we got the first of 11 punctures. It seems that the rain had washed dagger-like tiny fragments of Flint across the road. Another problem with the rain was that it caused the Satmap GPS to go on the blink, repeatedly. A very frustrating and slow day when we wanted to make good progress.
At about 20 miles to Paris, NW of Versailles, we split into two groups. Dom, Jon, Esther and Paul found a faster road into Paris while Andy, Jamie, Tom and Alex continued along the planned route through the Parc de St Cloud and Bois de Boulogne.
We all met up under the Eiffel Tower around 8:30, group photos and an enormous sense of achievement.
Off to our hotels for a quick shower, then we got together in a restaurant at 10:30 for a celebratory meal.
This morning is hot and sunny again in Paris and I'm wondering how much it will hurt getting out of bed.
Tom wants to see the Louvre today so a bit of sightseeing then Eurostar home.
Photos to follow.
OK, swing the legs off the bed, feet on the floor, hey, I can still walk!!!
During the rain we got the first of 11 punctures. It seems that the rain had washed dagger-like tiny fragments of Flint across the road. Another problem with the rain was that it caused the Satmap GPS to go on the blink, repeatedly. A very frustrating and slow day when we wanted to make good progress.
At about 20 miles to Paris, NW of Versailles, we split into two groups. Dom, Jon, Esther and Paul found a faster road into Paris while Andy, Jamie, Tom and Alex continued along the planned route through the Parc de St Cloud and Bois de Boulogne.
We all met up under the Eiffel Tower around 8:30, group photos and an enormous sense of achievement.
Off to our hotels for a quick shower, then we got together in a restaurant at 10:30 for a celebratory meal.
This morning is hot and sunny again in Paris and I'm wondering how much it will hurt getting out of bed.
Tom wants to see the Louvre today so a bit of sightseeing then Eurostar home.
Photos to follow.
OK, swing the legs off the bed, feet on the floor, hey, I can still walk!!!
