August 22, 2019
Clairfountaine-en-Yvelines
Beautiful Summer Day
My BFF and travel buddy Sandra decided to the the infamous Paris-Brest-Paris 1200km endurance event for cyclists. It's the oldest long distance cycling event (first one in 1891) in the world and takes place every 4 years. Sandra spent 2+years preparing where she had to qualify to be in the event. It meant doing a 200km, 400km and 600km race within a year. I'm hear in the outskirts of Paris to cheer here on. And I'm happy to say she got it done in 86 hours and 30 minutes and because she completed it before the allocated 90 hours, she got a medal! What a feat!! I'm in such awe of her especially her determination. She truly is a role model for many.
So I arrived on a Saturday before the race. Took a bus to Gare Montparnasse and then the train to Rambouillet where the race starts. Had trouble at the beginning to find the "right" train tracks but then saw a lot (like 100 or so ) cyclists so just followed them. The 35 minute train ride ended up taking about an hour because along the way , we picked up more, more to the point where I thought no more can fit in the train. Getting off the train was also difficult as there was a traffic jam of cyclists all getting off the train. I can't imagine what the residents of Rambouillet were thinking given its the first time the race will start in their town.
Sandra picked me up, we stopped at the grocery store to do some shopping and then got to her B&B in Clairfountaine de Yvelines which is a converted nunnery that is now an "apartment" for artists but just for this week, the rooms are rented to cyclists participating in the race. It was a cold and rainy day, but first thing we had to do was get her bike checked and then get her registered. The whole process unfortunately, took longer than expected, but at least we got it done in 3 hours. We were both freezing when we got back, so we dried our clothes, relaxed a bit and then decided to go to a very nice wine bar in a small town called Dourdan, where we had wonderful wine and a great dinner. We then had an early night as Sandra needed to get as much rest as possible before her start which was at 630pm on Sunday.
The next day, we basically relaxed and Sandra did last minute preparation for the ride. A lot of nervous energy was in the air. We got to the starting sight 3 hours early, as we got a ride from Sandra's friend which worked out so I could drop off my bags and a nearby hotel and catch an uber to Paris. I was planning on spending a few days in Paris playing tourist while Sandra was on the road. Thought it would work better given there were more trains to the main towns she was going to cycle through in the case of emergency, and more convenient for me given I don't have a car.
Then very quickly, on a sunny warm evening , it was time for Sandra to take off. She did very well the first 1/3, then had a bit of tough going due to very strong headwinds, but after a rest, recovered mentally and physically, and then there was no stopping of her and she made it well within the 90 hour limit. And on first try! I got back from Paris to Clairfontaine Wednesday afternoon with food from the infamous Le Grande Epicerie in Paris so that there will be plenty to eat when she got back on Thursday morning. What an accomplishment! We celebrated with Champagne, wine and food when she got back. Today is going to be a super relaxing day with lots of sleep and eating. Sandra is so amazing and inspirational.
The line to get the bikes checked
Bike check and registration done
And a guy photobombs!
Excellent dinner at the wine bar in Dourdan. We had quite a few glasses :))
The tuna mouse appetizer
Baked ham (made an exception) main course. They only have one appetizer and one main course on the menu that changes daily
Getting ready for the ride. Sandra ran into her friend Stacy
Me and Sandra before the race.
And there she goes!
Finished at 86 hours and 30 minutes!!
Recovery food for the day
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