Day 3 Gisors to Paris

69.5 miles cycled, 3,553 ft climbed, 1,756 calories burned (roughly depending on size of *unit), 6,329 calories consumed (roughly depending on size of *unit).

*Unit = cyclist + cycle

On the last day of the challenge we cycled from Gisors to Paris.

After a very satisfying breakfast, (Richard tucked into 4 croissants and 1 pain au chocolate), we got rolling at 9:30am.

The team were happy…the sun was shining and the end was near! There were beautiful sights along the way.

Chateau Saint Cyr

Triel sur Seine

However the route was hilly from the start and this day proved to be as tough as day 1 in terms of elevation.

The trip was starting to take it toll on the group…

Forest Saint Germain

As we neared Paris the team were quiet and it seemed difficult to get motivated…a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower seemed a long way off and we’d missed Simon at the last planned stop on the outskirts of Paris.

The last few miles were difficult ones…comprising of busy traffic and cycle paths shared with hundreds of tourists. We were all looking out for each other.

Finally as we turned a corner…there is was…the sight we had all been waiting for! The Eiffel Tower in full glory!

Eiffel Tower

After another very long day and 7 hours and 16 minutes in the saddle, we finally arrived in Paris at the Eiffel Tower at 7pm. We had made it! Day 3… #inthebag

Cycling down the Champs Elysees

Champs Elysees

 With the challenge completed it was time to relax and let our hair down on the Champs Elysees!

Day 2 Dieppe to Gisors

72 miles cycled, 2,444 ft climbed 1,731 calories burned (roughly depending on size of *unit), 4,309 calories consumed (roughly depending on size of *unit).

*Unit = cyclist + cycle

The ferry docked at 4am (French time) and luckily the weather was dry and warm at 16 degrees celsius for that time of day.

Dieppe 4am

Finally the sun rose to give us light

The team covered a very challenging 35 miles before lunch...the first 20 miles were all done before sunrise and in the dark. Luckily this section was along a flat cycle path, which was in good condition and some of the team had amazing front lights on their bikes, which helped to light the way. 

Le petit déjeuner a Forges Les Eaux

By breakfast time there was 

much need for sugar and caffeine to help lift the mood and energy of all the cyclists! Simon found a lovely street cafe and bakery to replenish the riders and we got on our way after a coffee and croissant and a good rub of ibuprofen gel and freeze spay! 

It wasn't long before we were stopping for food again! 

Lunch!

The 2nd part of the ride was hilly, and although the sun was shining down on us, the team were fatigued and our progress was slower. The mood was like the hills...up and down! But we could always rely on Simon meet us with good humour and some much needed energy drinks, snacks and flapjack!!!

Simon was always near by!

Once we settled into the ride we were able to appreciate the beautiful architecture of the French buildings and the rolling countryside. Nick took care of all the riders making sure we were all doing ok...some were more needy than others!

And finally after a very long day and 7 hours and 14 minutes in the saddle, we arrived in Gisors! Day 2...#inthebag!

Chateau de Gisor

We all went to bed very very tired!