Day 9 - La Chapelle St Mesmin to Paris

Planned Mileage: 77.12 miles
Actual Mileage: 93.86 miles
Temperature: 16.5C
Top Speed: 38.48 mph
Start Time: 08:00am
End Time: 16:32pm
Total Saddle Time: 8hr 32mins

It was going to be a very slow today for the ride into Paris, simply because of the sheer number of traffic lights we would have to go through, so everyone was very punctual and for the first time on this trip we started on time.

The weather was wet, with a few spots of rain the air so the team donned their wet weather clothing and set off for Paris. As mentioned yesterday, there was one additional member with the cyclists today - Michel Dormoy, who works in the Paris office joined the team to ride into Paris. The local knowledge would come in very handy indeed.

Getting out of the Orleans area to head to Paris proved tricky for the cyclists - it was difficult to do without having to go down some of the busy dual carriageway's and as a result they lost the lead vehicles for a while. We also had the first mechanical issue of the day - Anthony had his first puncture of the trip. This was closely followed by Rik also suffering the same fate.

The team then had to cycle down some long dual carriageway's, and the rain was getting very heavy and there were a few hailstones thrown in for good measure. As visibility was down to virtually zero, we had no choice but to direct them onto some safer, less busy roads.

This led us to a place that seemed very apt indeed:

They even had his age right! However, I do have to report that we have a very different Phil on our hands today and someone else has taken up the mantle.

As a result of this unplanned diversion, we had to navigate roads in the pouring rain, some of which resembled rivers due to the amount of surface water. One of the roads we wanted to go down was blocked off by a group of gypsies and their caravans, so yet another alternative had to be found. This led to a few wrong turns, which caused Rik to spit his dummy out and have a mini tantrum. Karma paid him a visit almost immediately and gave him yet another puncture!

 

A lunch break was required to allow the team to refuel and agree on the final few miles into Paris. Once the route was decided, I led them into the city centre. It is then, that the benefit of having someone with local knowledge really paid off. Michel took the lead and cycled the team around some of the sites of Paris including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Arc de Triumphe and cycling up the Champs d'Elysee. Gavin and Anthony cycled two laps of the Arc de Triumphe roundabout and struggled to get off.

Unfortunately, due to the traffic and the team wanting photo stops at every opportunity, I was not able to follow them around. Instead I located the hotel and then went to the airport to pick up some of the riders partners who were coming out to join the lads on their rest day.

Once I got back from the airport, the team were sat in the bar enjoying a well deserved beer and thanking Michel for giving them an experience they will never forget. Michel - you are a star!

The team then got themselves ready to go for a meal nearby the hotel. Half of us went to a French restaurant, and the other half went to an Italian. Whilst in the french restaurant, now for those that know me please sit down, I ate a snail!! Cannot see what the fuss is all about - pointless things.

Also, a shout out to Doreen (Dave's Mum), who sent well wishes to the team and said she was thoroughly enjoying the blog. Well Doreen, I can report that your son is making the team laugh a lot and he has been learning some Polish words - I am sure he will pass them on.

Finally, Rik, myself, Luke & Spike found a local bar to relax with our partners and reflect on the day - we also learnt that Luke's better half, Katherine, had done all of his washing whilst back at the hotel as his Mum was not here to do it for him. You are a disgrace young man!