So we’ve arrived now at St Omer after a long 88 mile hilly day. Of course, it being Friday 13th, we were a little anxious and looking outside the window this morning we had reason to be. It was pouring with rain. Within about ten miles of leaving the city, our group had two problems with chains and one puncture.  Robin found it easy to blow up the new tyre thinking it was the two policemen who threatened him with a massive fine last night. And other problems encountered during the day included a broken spoke and a daughter with a broken arm ( so not linked to the cycling but to the group).

It was a long day but the catering crew did us proud and served up smoked salmon canapés and roast chicken for lunch from the roadside van -impressive.

The rain cleared and we found ourselves cycling through some lovely rolling countryside – and the number of British cemeteries we passed were very moving.

It was great to arrive back close to the coast and Britain is now in sight. For many of us we are getting to the end of a very long journey but it has been really quite spectacular to look back at everyone’s achievements over the past two/three weeks. More of that tomorrow.

This evening we’ve enjoyed a final celebration of the ride and tomorrow we head to Dunqueque to catch the ferry home and from there to Canterbury with a Harley escort, led by Andrew Nason, hopefully sailing through the Christchurch Gate around 4.15pm. All welcome.  On Sunday we do the very last leg, heading to the Olympic Stadium via the HQ of the Kent Air Ambulance in Marden.

On a final note, Mark Nugent (AKA the Dark Lord) showed us all up today by cycling from St Quentin to Calais – getting there before most of us got to St Omer to ensure he gets to his daughter’s award at her speech day tomorrow. Well done Mark. And farewell to Alistair who is currently en route to Lille ready to be in London tomorrow for his briefing as a voluntary GP for the Olympics. We are very proud of you.

40 miles tomorrow….time for bed.