Paris Brest Paris done

[vorsprung]

Back in the UK again after PBP. What fun!

In case you haven't come across it, PBP is a 1200km road ride somewhat like an over long sportive crossed with a touring holiday of northern France.

Here's a couple of blog entries about my experiences

PBP: the Fast Bits
PBP: Random Photos

 

[marathon marke]

Congratulations! I had considered this event back in the mid '80s when I was doing the RAAM qualifier and some brevets.

I have a question about the bikes. I had always thought that fenders are a requirement in this event, but in your pictures I believe I saw one or two bikes without them. Have they changed the rules?

Thanks, and again...GREAT JOB!!!

 

[vorsprung]

Congratulations! I had considered this event back in the mid '80s when I was doing the RAAM qualifier and some brevets.

I have a question about the bikes. I had always thought that fenders are a requirement in this event, but in your pictures I believe I saw one or two bikes without them. Have they changed the rules?

Thanks, and again...GREAT JOB!!!

There hasn't been a mudguard requirement for several editions. My bike didn't have mudguards, I opted for 28mm tyres instead of 25mm + mudguards. It only rained once for a an hour or so for me, and dried out quick. The 84h group who start later got hammered with 17h of rain however....

If you get the chance ( fit enough, can afford it, can get the time off work, family commitments suit etc etc etc ) then I do recommend PBP. It's an amazing experience, all the people in the countryside are supporting you

 

[cprior]

I was following the internet news all week (almost!) long. Amazing feat!
There was this guy with a turn-of-the-century-style "velociped", and the gal with the flower-5speed -- UNBELEAVABLE!

Mad props to all of you! I pressed "F5" on the webpage with the "checkpoint-list". When the first hundred had reached Paris again there were some 2.5 thousand still at Brest. As I put myself in that category, if ever at all, I marvelled at your spirit and endurance!

Please, all PBP-participants, keep writing about your preparation brevets and the race! I will certainly spend many, many hours in the next four years devouring your online publishings!

 

[cprior]

btw, this was my favourite pic (plus caption) during the five days of online-stalking the crazy bunch of you!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/loudeac-pbp2011/6069318251/