Day 23 July 14th. Versailles to Paris. A bitter, sweet moment.

Versailles to Paris.

Goodbye Autobus!

The riding was virtually over but it gave Nick and Matt one last opportunity to ride with the Autobus Eccosse. This smooth cycling machine eased its way through the open roads to Versailles but once nearer the capital, the traffic and a few minor category climbs disrupted the smooth organisation of the “bus” and riders finished the route in smaller groups. In front of the Eifel tower riders dismounted to pop corks from fizzy wine.
 

The ride was over, it was a bitter, sweet moment. A time to say goodbye to new friends, with whom the riders had become quite close, this soured the sense of elation generated by completion of a massive task. Just over 2 weeks ago it might have seemed that cycling the whole route without motorised support, walking or some form of injury seemed impossible. Today we will party and tomorrow and we escape from the bubble of the Tour de Force with a rude return to reality.

Artistic shot (courtesy of Mr B Irving)