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PBP 2019

Paris - Brest - Paris

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The start - Rambouillet. Sunday August 18th 2019 1730
I'm as ready as I can be. I've put in the preparation miles, the kit and bike are ready, I'm well fed and rested today. I just want to start! It was nice to be next to Fiona Kolbinger in the start pen - but of course I didn't recognise her. But even nicer to see a a few friends at the start - Martin, Phil and Dave. Card checked, they are waving us forward, off we go...
Fougeres.  Monday 0823 - 306 km
It's been a good first night. I didn't find a group that suited my pace so I rode the first section on my on my own but that was fine. I even rode the the second section 'no feet down' for 100 km so have made good progress.  Just had 10 mins kip at a bus stop when I got sleepy and called into the first Tabac I saw this morning - meeting Marcus for coffee! I'm already impressed by the locals support and offering water. It was great to link up with Richard Jennings for lots of this section, I think we'll carry on together for a bit.
St-Nicolas-du-Pelem. Monday 1955 - 490km
It's been a really tough day. My legs have ached, I've felt really tired and the headwind hasn't helped. I'm gutted that it is not going as well as my practice rides and I'm worried that I'll only get worse. I've also been sleepy and although I wanted to get further today, Richard has persuaded me to stop and sleep for a bit. The day is a bit of a blur, I don't remember much of it and I'm finding the countryside monotonous. It's not panning out as I hoped and there's an awful long way to go.
 Brest. Tuesday 0857 - 610 km
Half way and feeling so much better. Seems it was a masterstroke from Richard as we left at 2 A.M.  feeling refreshed and so much better. The control was really busy when we left as was Carhaix which we passed through quickly. It was a cold and foggy night but the ride up the Roc'h kept us warm. Richard pressed on but I was sleepy so stopped for 5 mins kip on a couple of pallets (someone has a photo of this somewhere)  and then stopped for early morning coffee in Sizun - meeting Marcus again! I've also survived a mechanical scare as I bent my Mech Hanger when I left St Nic so didn't have all my gears for this section. But this has been fixed at the control so it's time to head back....
Quedillac. Wednesday 0130 - 843 km
Still going well, it's been a great shift of 350km and nearly 24 hours. I can't believe how much better it has gone, legs are feeling better and stronger, countryside has been lovely and my mood has lifted so much. It's been a great section for support with people clapping us on in most of the villages. A big highlight and boost was being given free coffee and cake at midnight by a French family in Meneac. All they ask is that I send a postcard back to them on my return - to add to their collection from the last 4 PBPs.  Sleepiness is the big challenge but we are going to get a few hours here and leave before dawn.
Villaines-la-Juhel. Wednesday 1645 - 1012 km
What an amazing place! we have just arrived at Villaines where the whole town is out having a party for PBP. Hundreds of people, bands, crowd control and it feels like we are being treated like royalty. It's a wonderful experience and I'm going to take a few minutes to soak up the atmosphere. Progress has been good today. We saw a beautiful dawn as we climbed the hill before Tinteniac and there has been lots of support again. It feels like the end is almost in sight, I'm on track to finish safely within time and still feeling good. One night to go. 
Dreux. Thursday 0413 - 1174km
Nearly there. We pressed on into the evening and the night as it got colder again. We really appreciated a Tabac we found open in the middle of the night as we headed for this final control. Richard has ridden most of the ride with me and has been great company. Our conversation has become somewhat obscure on this last section but great to keep us awake. Dreux is not in a great shape. I've got a bed and plan to sleep for an hour but they have run out of blankets and it is cold inside as well as out. And I need to warm up!
Rambouillet. Thursday 0812 - 1219km
Finished!  We were treated to a beautiful sunrise and the last miles flew pleasantly by. I am delighted to have finished, its been a great experience and wonderful fun. The biggest challenges have been my mood and strength on the Monday, the cold overnight temperatures and just staying awake. But after  Monday the ride improved for me and I've finished in fine form if somewhat sleepy! It had been great to ride with Richard most of the way round and his company had been an enormous help. Also really impressed by the massive teams of volunteers who put on the event and staffed controls for several days where necessary, and the local french people who made it very special for us all.
I'm off for a beer now, I think I've earned it. 
 Twitter  - @RNBragg
Previous Posts
A final practice
The journey to Paris Brest Paris 
A Lap of England   

4 comments

JTodd

Congratulations Richard, on a well-ridden PBP. Your written account is very nice. I scanned your photos looking for myself perhaps in the background, but no. I escaped the cameras. I was in your start group. Thank you for sharing a positive, wonderful PBP experience, one that I hope you'll always treasure. Will you attend in 2023? In 2027 if possible, I would like to go as an observer or volunteer, and see the event from a different perspective -- that of a cheering supporter. Cheers. Joseph. #G180.

June 5, 2022