Everyone is recovering in the bar. Pauline has booked us into a restaurant for a final night’s celebratory meal. So far we have cycled 184 miles and climbed 8371 feet. The machine says we have used 10,000 kcals too (although I think most of those have been replaced with fruitcake). We’ve done it on a whole variety of bikes: from Jerome’s ancient Raleigh with missing spokes and a split in the frame to hand built models straight from the makers. Richard and Amicia have been cycling on two very nice Invicta bikes from Downlands in Canterbury. My ancient Dawes Galaxy has survived the journey nicely. It’s been all over the UK and Europe in its 25 years. Some have had their enthusiasm for cycling ignited and are now planning further trips, or buying new bikes. The bikes that have made the journey are every bit as assorted as the cyclists themselves.

35 miles done. Beautiful sunny weather. But 4 punctures on one wheel slowed some down. Bodies holding up well.

Sitting outside cafe drinking black coffee. We’ve completed the first fifteen miles in breezy sunshine. The road goes ever on and on over hill after hill. A bit of struggling but everyone fine so far. The countryside is wonderfully French with long views of fields and woods.