My, How Time Flies

It seems like yesterday (almost) that we rolled back into Saint Quentin after completing Paris-Brest-Paris on our fixed-gear bicycle. We had high hopes of posting entries from the course, hopes that were dashed on the rocks of rain, fatigue, and a stunning lack of internet access in the French countryside. We did take a lot of photos, however, which are available here. In case you're interested, you can also find photos of our PBP bicycle here (scroll down to see our green Quickbeam). The photo that appears with this posting is of us (Eric) sleeping on the floor at Carhaix on the return leg. We found the PBP poster laying around, and it worked perfectly to keep the cold breezes off while we snoozed. Total sleep for the 83 hours we rode was about three hours.

Sun!

Just a few hours before the first riders start, and the sun has come
out. Looks like the 80- and 90-hour groups will have dry roads heading
out of town

Check-In

Due to the rain, bike check has been cancelled--the organizers will
check bikes at the starting line(!) Here is a shot of riders from
dozens of nations checking in at the gymnasium.

Rain!

We woke up to rain this morning (Sunday). Forecast is looking damp.

Bikes, Bikes and More Bikes

The bike room is *really* full!

Guess where?

Friday, August 17--Peter and I went to Paris to check out a famous
local landmark ...

First thing: Build the bike

Drop PDF your luggage, then it's time to build the bike

Bikes!

The bike room at the Campanile is filling up!

Paris at Night

Photo from last night. Eiffel Tower in the distance.

Second Wave

4 pm Friday, local time, and the second wave of US cyclists has
arrived. Here at the Campanile, the already full bike room is getting
*really* full. The weather has been good all day today, and many
riders took the opportunity to get out of town for a spin in the
country. Others headed for Paris or for the many local stores for bike
parts, food, etc. More training opportunities tomorrow, then bike
check Sunday.

--Eric Norris
Sent from my iPhone

Paris!

Here's a photo from Notre Dame. More to come.

Paris!

We have arrived at the hotel--1:45 pm local time, 4:45 am California
time. Niles arrive soon, then we assemble them downstairs, get some
dinner, and then sleep :-)