PBP - Abandonee

Just a quick note to let folks know about our ride. I'm very disapointed that we did not complete PBP 2007 but am very happy that we gave it a go. This years ride had the worst weather in the past 40 years. We are not the fastest riders to start with and throwing in the bad weather on the first night of the ride really slowed us down. I also had some sickness the first day out which also slowed us down. By the time we reached Tiniac we were just at the time cut off and in need of sleep. We caught some zzzz's and caught the train back from Rennes in the morning. We did about 400 km including the ride to Rennes so still got in a very challenging ride. I would like to attempt this ride again in 2011. The abandonment rate on the ride was 30% this year its normally 12%.



More information about our ride - it was an experience to remember. Paris Brest Paris is a one of a kind type of ride. Some of the highlights of our ride. The townfolk directing us around traffic circles so we wouldn't go down. Meeting many Randonneurs from around the world, our hotel was also the base of Rando Brazil - both Bob and I came home with Brazil Jerseys and a few Seattle Jerseys went to Brazil. Waiting in line at the start with Jack from San Francisco - what a wack job he is but he kept us relaxed and laughing. What do you expect from a guy that sends this out as his post PBP picture.
I also met Machka - Charlene from Canada who I knew from the list serves for several years - I think we would make good riding companions on one of these stupid rides because we covered about the same territory in the same amount of time. She completed PBP in 2003 - but alas this year the weather blew her and her friend from Down Under out of Contention also. Charlene's PBP report can be found at her website.