Paris-Brest-Paris

[Susan Otcenas]

Tomorrow, I leave for France.

On Sunday , I will take on the biggest cycling challenge of my life: Paris-Brest-Paris.

PBP is a 1230km (765 mile) randonee held just once every 4 years. It must be completed in 90 hours or less. To qualify, I had to complete brevets of 200km, 300km, 400km and 600km within specified time limits. For good measure, I also did a 1000km brevet, even though it wasn't required. :D To prepare, I rode 5220 training miles (8400 kilometers) between 1/1 and 7/31.

I think I'm ready. I hope I'm ready. Because ready or not, here I come!

If you'd like to follow me, or any of the other 5220 riders from around the world, you can do so on the PBP website. My rider # 6926.

http://www.paris-brest-paris.org/pbp2011/index2.php?lang=en&cat=accueil&page=edito

[OakLeaf]

Good luck Susan! You will rock it. :D

[Owlie]

Good luck! You'll be awesome. :)

[SadieKate]

Good luck, Susan!

And good luck to Mr. Salsa!

[Biciclista]

good luck!!

[pll]

Best of luck!

I am simply in awe of randonneurs.

[Crankin]

Good luck!

[smilingcat]

wish you the very best!!!

[tulip]

That's a beautiful and mystical part of the world you will be riding through, made even more mystical by your physical and mental efforts, no doubt. Enjoy the trip!

[Velocivixen]

Bon chance! (good luck in French)! I wish you strength and mindfulness. You will do it!

[azfiddle]

Bon chance- have a wonderful trip and I hope all of the TE good wishes will sustain and help carry you through the ride!

[LilBolt]

Have a safe, wonderful journey!

[aka_kim]

Good luck and have an excellent ride! I look forward to following your progress, but know you will rock PBP!

[KnottedYet]

Go, Susan! Whooooo-HOOOOOOO! :D

[MojoGrrl]

Good luck! Take lots of pictures, and if you see a little Italian guy on a champagne-colored bike, and his name is Andrea, say hi to him for me :)

[Grog]

You are amazing Susan! Can't wait to read your story when you return.

[chryss]

Susan - this is just massively impressive and majorly cool. All the best, bonne chance, and get yourself and your bike to that finish line. Above all, enjoy the ride!

[bmccasland]

Bon voyage et bonne chance!

[skywalkerbeth]

Triple wow. Bonne chance et Bon courage!

[susan.wells]

Best wishes!

[Catrin]

Bon Voyage, you rock! Will you be do any Twitter updates?

[Dr.Doo]

Wow! What an awesome feat. Much luck and happy pedaling.

[maillotpois]

Bonne route!!

[Atlas]

Good luck and have fun in France!

[salsabike]

Good luck, Susan!

And good luck to Mr. Salsa!


Thanks, SK! Susan, looking forward to seeing you! I got to sit in the Paris sun today and watch today's arriving riders put their bikes together (glad I'm not riding but glad that you all are).

[Jones]

Wow, good luck and have fun.

[Bike Chick]

That's awesome, Susan! I know you will do great. Good luck.

[redrhodie]

Have fun! I hope you get to eat one of these!

http://www.joyofbaking.com/ParisBrest.html

[jobob]

I got to sit in the Paris sun today and watch today's arriving riders put their bikes together


Now that's the way to experience PBP! ;)

Let us know how the croissants taste ...

[salsabike]

Breakfast plain croissant and chocolate croissant----so far, so GOOD!:D

[maillotpois]

Salsa whatever will you do to pass the time... :rolleyes::cool::D

[GLC1968]

Now that's the way to experience PBP! ;)

Let us know how the croissants taste ...


I was thinking the same thing!

I hope all members of the TE family have a wonderful time in Paris - whether on the bike or off. :)

[Susan Otcenas]

Thanks for the well wishes, everyone!

Jeff & I arrived safely yesterday morning. I put my bike together with only one small mishap (the brake assembly loosened up and I did not have the correct wrench to tighten it. Found a mechanic to help!)

Spent today on a whirlwind tour of Paris. Notre Dame, Sainte-Chappelle, Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower. Wow, I'm pooped!

Tomorrow, I'm joining the Davis Bike Club on a pre-ride of the 1st 25 miles or so of the course, then we'll probably go back into Paris for some more sightseeing.

To answer the Twitter question: no, I wasn't planning on it, but Jeff might post under my account. Maybe. But if not, I'll try to do a writeup afterwards.

[salsabike]

I just met Susan! She is--pardon me---really ADORABLE. She looks great, she's ready to roll. She has dimples! She's wearing a cycling dress and just looks EXCELLENT. A whole bundle of them just left on a sort of pre-ride--the first 20 and last 20 miles of the course.

This is just a sight to behold. Sorry I don't have a picture of it to post, but they will be coming!

[Susan Otcenas]

Here's the photo from my camera of me, Salsa & Mr. Salsa. Salsa, so glad to FINALLY meet you in person! :)

[Susan Otcenas]

A few more pics.

1) The jersey. I have it, now I need to EARN it.
2. Sacrea-Couer Basillica
3. The PBP pre-ride ride.
4) Eifel Tower at night
5) Sainte-Chappelle

[Susan Otcenas]

One more: the bike! Good thing I know how to put it all together again. :-)

[indysteel]

Good luck, Susan! That may be the coolest jersey ever!!!

I so love Paris: thanks for sharing the pictures. The city looks gorgeous as always!

We'll be cheering you on! Can't wait to hear all about it!

[jobob]

Looks like you folks are having good weather - I'm so glad for you!

Pictures from PBP four years ago showed nothing but heavy rain for at least the first couple of days; the bike inspection had to either be moved indoors or cancelled outright, I forget which. It sure looked grim.

Fingers are crossed that the weather keeps behaving this time around (hope I didn't jinx it)

[OakLeaf]

So excited for you! Good luck and have fun!

[Susan Otcenas]

Looks like you folks are having good weather - I'm so glad for you!

Pictures from PBP four years ago showed nothing but heavy rain for at least the first couple of days; the bike inspection had to either be moved indoors or cancelled outright, I forget which. It sure looked grim.

Fingers are crossed that the weather keeps behaving this time around (hope I didn't jinx it)

JINX! ;)

The weather looks like it's going to be pretty shitty. I start around 9m local time. (around 9 hours from now). I'm expecting it to begin raining before dawn, and not quit until Tuesday night or Wednesday morning at the earliest. Chance of rain in 70% tomorrow, all the way to Loudeac with thunder and lightning expected in the late afternoon into the evening. (sounds like fun, huh?) Rain will continue overnight to Tuesday. Brest (the turn around point) should see showers all day Tuesday, and the rain is expected to continue all the way back to my 2nd overnight back in Loudeac. With luck, there will be some overnight clearing Tuesday night. Still some chance of showers, mixed with sun, on Wednesday into Mortagne au Perche, where I plan to rest the 3rd night. However, looks like the sun will finally come out for good on Thursday for the ride back into Paris.

[Susan Otcenas]

My bike is fully fendered, and I will be carrying a FULL contingent of rain gear.

In my trunk bag I have:
GORE Goretex jacket http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodGB_JALPWO.html
Vaude Drop pants (waterproof) http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodVA_05970.html
Bellwether booties
Peal Cyclone Gloves http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodPI_14241010.html
GORE goretex gloves
Ibex glove liners http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodIB_6594.html
(can you tell my hands get cold?? :rolleyes: )
Craft Moving Wing Base layer http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodCR_1900244.html
CEP compression socks http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodCP_WP40.html
Luna leg warmers http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodLU_504.html



At the start, I'm wearing:
Luna jersey: http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodLU_117508.html
Louis Garneau shorts http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodLG_1050369.html (actually, I'm wearing the 2012 bib short version of this, which is not yet out for general release to the public. I have a vendor test sample, and it's every bit as awesome as the short.)
Craft base layer http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodCR_193686.html
Smartwool socks http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodSW_10366.html
Sidi shoes
Mavic Vest - we're required to wear an European EN1150-certified reflective vest. Sadly, there's NOTHING available in women's with this certification, so I had to buy a man's vest and have it tailored to fit my hips to prevent it from riding up to my waist. :mad:

My intent ALL YEAR has been to wear cycling dresses for all of PBP. I've been training in them all summer. But with a lot of rain in the forecast for the 1st two days, I've switched to Luna silk/wool jerseys instead. Better moisture/temperature management in the rain, and less fabric hanging out to absorb all that wetness. However, my drop bags for days 3 & 4 still have dresses in them, so I *will* get to wear some pretty clothes on the last two days. Should help my mood, too. :D

Susan

[jobob]

Aw, crud! :(

At least you're well-prepared. And got a few nice days in beforehand.

[salsabike]

And they know how to ride in the rain. They'll be okay!

[jobob]

Here's a small glimpse of what it's like starting out. Riders head out in groups of 400. Wheeee!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AahNJBsJi_8

I think this might have been the 80 hr start, which is the 'fast' group -- they intend to complete the 1230 km / 765 mi in 80 hrs or less. gahhhh

It's interesting to see the varying amounts of stuff being carried by the riders. The riders will also have drop bags waiting for them at the various controls, so they don't have to carry everything they need (thank goodness). Still, some of these folks look like they're heading out on a century ride, wow.

I suspect the 90 hr folks might, on average, carry more stuff with them. Just a guess.

[jobob]

And they know how to ride in the rain.

Especially the folks from the Pacific Northwest! ;) :D

[bmccasland]

Here's a small glimpse of what it's like starting out. Riders head out in groups of 400. Wheeee!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AahNJBsJi_8

At least the weather looked good for the partis.

[jobob]

This might be Susan's group. Bonne route!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNGTOFl_z3A

ooh, I think I saw my friend Kitty go by up near the front of the group! (oops, maybe not)

Hey, was that Rob Hawks at 1:16, pulled over to say hi to someone??? (He's the RBA for the San Francisco Randonneurs) --> nope, I'm 0 for 3!

[salsabike]

Jo, Seattle has the largest group here and then I think San Francisco is next. Lots of Davis folks too. So I wouldn't be surprised if you saw people you know!

Susan, if she goes by plan, will be rolling in 20 minutes. The SIR folks got there around 5 pm and their wave left at 8 pm. It was getting a little cooler by then and was really gorgeous. Chris loves night riding so this is a good way for him to start.

I love that other people are interested in this! It is SO cool to see this place spilling over with randos from all over the world. Love the different jerseys--Aussies, Welsh, Japanese, Bulgarian...

[blue_angel]

Good luck! I hope to one day do P-B-P myself, but until then I will live vicariously through you!

[tulip]

Brittany is a rainy place; it's been described like Ireland, but I've never been to Ireland so I can't compare. Thanks for the updates, Salsa and Susan.

[salsabike]

Susan and Chris both got to Loudeac tonight around 7 pm (449 km, about 23 straight hours of riding). Not sure what her plans are, but he was going to try to get 3-4 hours sleep and then push on.

[indysteel]

Susan and Chris both got to Loudeac tonight around 7 pm (449 km, about 23 straight hours of riding). Not sure what her plans are, but he was going to try to get 3-4 hours sleep and then push on.

Wow; that's an unbelievable amount of time in the saddle. Good luck to both of them as they push on. How's the weather been?

[salsabike]

Chris said they went through a little rain, not bad. And it's not hot anymore, thankfully. So, so far, okay.

And I should amend the "23 hours" a little to say that that's 23 hours without sleep--they do make some brief stops at the controls--eat, drink, bathroom--although no longer than they have to.

[GLC1968]

That's impressive! 23 hours later and they are 1/3 of the way done (in KM).

[maillotpois]

Wow - good for them! Making good time and planning a solid rest stop. I really hope the rain continues to mostly hold off.

[Owlie]

Good for them! 23 hours with no sleep, I can handle. 23 hours with no sleep and riding a bike, no way!:eek:

[salsabike]

They are still on a similar time scale so far---Chris got to Brest around 11 am, Susan around 11:30 am. I got a text from him saying "Brest--time to rest a little" so my hope is that they're both sleeping right now!

[jobob]

Halfway done, excellent!

[Blueberry]

Salsa -

Please check in - we're hearing a disturbing rumor about a rider, and I (for one) would love to know all TE connected folks are safe....

[salsabike]

They are safe. Everyone that I know/know of personally, they are all safe.

I wasn't going to mention it till it was over. There WAS an American rider killed the first night just outside of Loudeac. They have not released his name, said he was a 58 year old man. From the brief statements it sounds like the rider crossed the center line of the road and was hit by an oncoming truck. It was around 7:30 at night, when they'd all been riding for almost 24 hours. Maximum sleep deprivation time. I have also seen two statements that the rider may be from the DC/Virginia area. But it is really hard to know what is accurate at this point.

I will let you know more when I hear something solid, I promise.

[salsabike]

Chris and Susan have both arrived back in Loudeac.

[jobob]

They are safe. Everyone that I know/know of personally, they are all safe.

I will let you know more when I hear something solid, I promise.

Thanks salsa. I've been scouring the interwebs since yesterday; I assume they're waiting until the next of kin have been notified before a name is released. So sad.

[Blueberry]

Thanks for letting us know they're OK, Salsa. I didn't want to hijack the thread, but was worried about the TE friends riding. Safe travels, everyone.

[salsabike]

They both rode back to Tinteniac overnight, arrived this morning.

[Catrin]

Does this mean they are done?


They both rode back to Tinteniac overnight, arrived this morning.

[OakLeaf]

Does this mean they are done?

Not yet!

Susan checked in at Fougeres just before noon local (6 a.m. USA Eastern), 921 km done. It took her 14:37 to get there from Paris on the out-lap, and I'm guessing she might be going a little slower by now. Go Susan!

http://www.paris-brest-paris.org/pbp2011/index2.php?lang=fr&cat=randonnee&page=suivi_participants (plaque #6926)

[pll]

http://www.paris-brest-paris.org/pbp2011/index2.php?lang=fr&cat=randonnee&page=suivi_participants (plaque #6926)

Hmm. She has changed a lot... :rolleyes: There are pictures (http://www.paris-brest-paris.org/pbp2011/index2.php?lang=fr&cat=randonnee&page=photos_2011) in the web site you provided.
http://www.paris-brest-paris.org/ImagesPBP/dscn_20af57fdf92de31f745a837891a7166dce6f0d5020080405040421_wd-0.jpg

[OakLeaf]

Hah!

The link actually refers to PBP 2007 - but if they didn't update the website properly (on the website for the ride my club put on this summer, despite repeated requests, we never were able to get the web guru to take five minutes to change 2009 to 2011 or even 2010 in about six places), it's likely that the picture is from last year.

Event pictures don't usually go up until a week or so after the event ... but OTOH, maybe that's what 900 km in 62 hours will do to you. :eek:

[pll]

Event pictures don't usually go up until a week or so after the event ... but OTOH, maybe that's what 900 km in 62 hours will do to you. :eek:

I certainly hope that is not the case! I was already impressed that they could post pictures with rider names so fast.

[jobob]

Here's the route they've traveled:

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=http://cycling.ahands.org/pbp2007/PBP.kml&t=h

[Biciclista]

Deana, do you know why Duane Wright abandoned? He seemed to have been doing very well.

[salsabike]

Dunno. The very cute Dan Jensen had digestive stuff going on, and so did some others who may or may not be still rolling.

Chris and Susan are still doing fine.

[maillotpois]

Seriously wanting an update.... I supposed I could go to the website. :rolleyes:

[Grog]

GO SUSAN! She's almost there!!

[salsabike]

She's in! 88 hours and 45 minutes. Yay SUSAN!!!!!!!!!!!

[OakLeaf]

Woohoo Susan! You did it! Now for croissants ... :)

[pll]

Wow! Congratulations. I guess a good meal, a long shower and a lot of sleep might in order?

[Veronica]

Fantastic! Way to rock Susan!

Veronica

[maillotpois]

Awesome!!! And Chris??

[Biciclista]

He finished in very good time too. 86 hours and some minutes

[indysteel]

Congrats to both Susan and Chris. What an accomplishment. I can't wait to hear a detailed report!

[Catrin]

This is all great news, sounds like they both just did an awesome job. Really looking forward to reading all about it :)

[aka_kim]

Awesome! It's been fun following both Chris and Susan, and they are both amazing. Chapeau!

[GLC1968]

According to Jeff (and then later from Susan herself after she was done) there was some serious projectile vomiting going on at the wee hours of the morning. When she left the last control, they were not certain that she'd make it to the finish before the cut-off.

Of course, our little TE biking machine pulled it out and finished with some time to spare. :D

I'm so happy for both her and Chris. Way to go!!

[jobob]

Good grief! Many congratulations to Susan for sticking it out despite such difficulties.

And good job Mr. Salsa!

[Velocivixen]

Way to go Susan and others who finished. I hope she posts soon with all the details. What an experience of a lifetime.

[limewave]

Awesome! Congratulations to all who participated. Looks like a really neat event and what a way to see Paris!

Hope everyone is enjoying some relaxing recovery time and good food.

[Owlie]

Way to go Susan and Mr. Salsa!

[Adventure Girl]

Way to go Susan and others who finished. I hope she posts soon with all the details. What an experience of a lifetime.Don't you think the first thing she would do after finishing 88 hours on the bike would be to post on TE??:p. Wow, this is seriously impressive!!

[jobob]

Don't you think the first thing she would do after finishing 88 hours on the bike would be to post on TE??:p. Wow, this is seriously impressive!!

Heh, order a chocolate croissant and a caffe mocha, and then post to TE! :D ;) :D

[indysteel]

Oh, the things I would indulge in if (a) I were in Paris and (b) had just ridden a bike for 88 hours. I wouldn't stop with a pain au chocolat, that's for sure!!!

Susan, enjoy the fruits (and pastries) of your labor. If anyone deserves it, it's you!!!

[crazycanuck]

:cool: That's just way freakin cool...awesome...Wayyyy cooolio...!!! That's one amazing feat :)

I do want to know..when you've recovered :)...did you come accross any Aussies??? I checked a few of the Perth Audax riders times & :eek: holy sheep...

[smilingcat]

I'm excited for Susan and Chris!! I'm loss for words for their herculean achievement.

I've participated in some endurance events and races but this... This is in a totally different league. Speechless and in total awe.

[Bike Chick]

Awesome!

[ShubieGA]

Congratulations! What an amazing accomplishment!

[Susan Otcenas]

OK, I *do* love you guys, but logging in to the forums did, in fact, take a lower priority to getting some much needed sleep. ;) I wasn't even all that hungry afterwards, surprisingly enough, but man was I pooped! (I had a sandwich when I was done, but dinner ended up being just a veggie salad!)

Gosh, I don't even know how to sum it all up. I will do a ride report, I promise.

Quickly, though... the first two ride segments were amazing.
I rode 450 km (279 miles) to Loudeac in just 21:45. I had buckets of time in the bank (I was ~9 or 10 hours ahead of the control closing time!) and got 4:15 of sleep. Awesome. The ride from Loudeac to Brest and back to Loudeac was extremely hilly, but I covered the 340km (~211 miles) in 19 hours, which I was again very happy about. Still had oodles of time in the bank and took another 3:15 sleep break.

Day 3 was when things started getting tough. I was fine for the first few hours riding, but around 7 or 8 am, I suddenly realized that I'd just had a "micro sleep" moment on my bike. Scared the crap out of me. I ended up taking a 30 minute nap in the next control, which was good for another couple of hours of wakefulness. But by the time the sun went down on the 3rd day, I was *really* starting to struggle. My pace had slowed and my mood had declined. I ended up getting to my next designated sleep stop about 3.5 hours later than planned. Basically, it had taken me 22 hours - and a couple of woe-is-me crying episodes - to go just 310 km (193 miles). That sucks. Still with 4.5 hours in the bank, but I like to LEAVE a control with 2 hrs banked (in case of mechanical). Well, that just wasn't going to happen.

I woke up in INCREDIBLE pain. I could barely move. No exaggeration. Couldn't sit up, couldn't turn over. There wasn't a spot on me that didn't hurt (well, except my hands which were basically numb to the world). I decided to DNF. But Jeff wouldn't let me. I'd given him STRICT instructions to get my *** moving and that he did. But, not before I had the most violent episode of projectile vomiting ever. :eek: Jeff said he'd never seen anything like it. Even as it was happening, I was thinking "wow, that's impressive! Who knew the human stomach held that much stuff??" Clearly, my body had stopped processing what I was putting into it some time before.

Anyway, once I vomited (all over the spectacularly white and shiny bathroom in this lovely hotel.....) I felt much better. Or, at least, my stomach did.

So, somehow, I don't KNOW how, but I rode. The final 87 miles from that control took me 8:45 to cover. There was one interim control I had to stop at 40 miles before the finish, which sucked up 30 minutes, so basically I was puttering along averaging a whopping 11mph. (Well, truth be told, I was going UP the hills at about 4mph and coasting DOWN). But, when all was said and done, I made it to Paris with 1:15 left in the bank. It meant I didn't have to stress the last section, and could try to enjoy the accomplishment.

It's hard to express just how challenging this ride is. It isn't just the distance. It's the hills (38,000 feet!!) and the lack of sleep, and the unfamiliar foods, and the chaos of the controls (so very much NOT like getting in and out of a control in the US) and the epicness of riding in France.

So, here I am 29 hours later. My body has taken quite a beating. My knees (which have never given me trouble) are very very sore. My right shoulder (which I injured falling on railroad track in March) is really uncomfortable, 8-9 of my fingers have some degree of numbness, my butt is sore (though in remarkably good shape thanks to awesome shorts and Lantiseptic. I have no broken skin.), and obviously my quads are completely depleted. My lower back is definitely tweaked too, but it was sore most of the week leading up to the event for reasons having nothing to do with PBP.

Will I do it again? Probably not. It's a checkmark on the bucket list, yes, but jeez louise, it was really really hard. Really hard. I'm not entirely sure doing it again would be worth the damage to my body.

[indysteel]

Wow, Susan. Thanks for taking the time and energy to do a write-up so soon after the ride. The amount of mental and physical will that it took to complete the ride is utterly inspiring. I can't imagine getting back on the bike AFTER projectile vomiting. I'm so thrilled that you get to cross this off your bucket list. I hope your body heals soon. It sounds like a good massage (or two) is in order.

[maillotpois]

Wow. Brutal. I know the full report will be great, and probably a little more rose-colored/positive, but the raw brutality of the summary is simple and straightforward. Reminds me a lot of how a friend described his PBP 2007 (though he has worse weather of course). He didn't go back this year. I know a lot of people do it time and again, but I have a sense I might feel like you, that once would be enough.

I'm so impressed that you toughed it out. You should be SO proud of yourself.

[bmccasland]

Wow Susan, just wow! :eek:

I hope a massage is on order, or two, or three.

Now you're going to enjoy yourself in France right? Drink some good wine, eat some good food, have a pastry and coffee? :)

[jessmarimba]

That's incredible! Hope you're recovering enough to enjoy the food and drink there now :) I also can't imagine getting back on the bike after vomiting...but I guess you probably felt TONS better after your stomach was empty again.

[gnat23]

SUSAN! OMG WOW!

I mean, you're not selling it as a goal to look forward to :), but HOLYSNOT YOU DID IT! YOU ARE AN AMAZON!

Get a massage, stuff your face with pastries, rest up, and THEN let us know what's next on your bucket list!

-- gnat!

[GLC1968]

and THEN let us know what's next on your bucket list!


Pretty sure that would be Ironman. ;) It will probably seem like a piece of cake in comparison to PBP. I mean what - only 17 or less hours in motion? Pffft! :p

Oh and Susan - You ROCK. :)

[Grog]

Congratulations Susan! You are AMAZING. I wish you a prompt and restful recovery. Take it easy.

[Dr.Doo]

Awesome! Congrats on such a fantastic achievement.

[snapdragen]

SUSAN! OMG WOW!

I mean, you're not selling it as a goal to look forward to :), but HOLYSNOT YOU DID IT! YOU ARE AN AMAZON!

Get a massage, stuff your face with pastries, rest up, and THEN let us know what's next on your bucket list!

-- gnat!

^^^ what gnat sez ^^^

:D:D:D

[Susan Otcenas]

5 days post PBP and I got back in the saddle today! I was definitely getting antsy for a ride. Good news is that my hands didn't go numb, my butt didn't hurt and my knees weren't putting up too much of a fuss.

Wasn't a particularly long or difficult ride, but I got out there. And it was stunningly gorgeous (I'm in Chamonix.) thinking of tackling something epic tomorrow.... ;)

[Susan Otcenas]

SUSAN! OMG WOW!

I mean, you're not selling it as a goal to look forward to :), but HOLYSNOT YOU DID IT! YOU ARE AN AMAZON!

Get a massage, stuff your face with pastries, rest up, and THEN let us know what's next on your bucket list!

-- gnat!

I believe in truth in advertising.:p. It's an incredible experience and a fantastic goal to have. I'm not at all sorry I did it. The experience will stay with me for the rest of my life. That said, I'm not planning to come back for an encore. Not unless they move the locale to Chamonix. This place is so scenic that it would be worth the agony. I think.

GLC is right. I've got ironman in my sights for 2012. Probably Canada, but I'm not 100% sold on that yet. Was thinking of rev3 instead. Will decide soon.

Oh, and the face stuffing has commenced with abandon. I'll be needing to drop some pounds when I get home!:eek: this place is dangerous.

[jobob]

Oh, and the face stuffing has commenced with abandon. I'll be needing to drop some pounds when I get home!:eek: this place is dangerous.

Awesome!

You deserve it.

It's not like you'll get this back home.

( And if you need any more excuses, we're here for you. :D )

[Pika]

What an amazing accomplishment! I can't even imagine riding my bike for that many hours day and night!
I hope you get to enjoy Paris now and get some well deserved rest.

[Trekhawk]

Wow!:):)

[spindizzy]

An amazing, epic journey you've had! I am in awe. You've got the mental fortitude and physical strength to accomplish whatever you decide is your next goal. I look forward to that adventure.

[lawnchick22]

Ditto and double ditto to all the other kudos.
Simply amazing, inspiring and just, well, wow.

Great accomplishment and thank you for sharing.

[Norse]

What everyone else said. Absolutely awesome accomplishment. Congrats and enjoy France! Linger if you can!

[Susan Otcenas]

( And if you need any more excuses, we're here for you. :D )


Merci! (she says, as she sits in the square, eating a croissant aux almandes..
.)

[Susan Otcenas]

I climbed alpe d'huez yesterday! :D

[Bike Chick]

I climbed alpe d'huez yesterday! :D

How awesome! And congratulations to you, Susan! You are amazing.

[Norse]

I climbed alpe d'huez yesterday! :D

I believe that entitles you to more croissants! :) Velonews has a nice write-up about PBP: http://velonews.competitor.com/2011/08/news/feature-paris-brest-paris-the-ultimate-event_190550.

[salsabike]

Animal! :D

[GLC1968]

I climbed alpe d'huez yesterday! :D

And she's back, ladies and gentlemen! :D

That is so cool! Did you take time to take photos? I'm so jealous!!

[Susan Otcenas]

Col de la columbiere yesterday. Awesome. Took a run at the col de joux plane today, but was turned back 1/3 of the way up due to a motorcycle race (near as I could tell with my limited french...). May try again tomorrow.

My legs feel surprisingly good. My quads feel awesome, in fact, but my calves are a bit thrashed. I did a hard hike 3-4 days ago and I think I'm still feeling that.

As for the pastries....hmmmm, Jeff and I bought 3 for breakfast this morning and split them. Sigh. Only I could climb thousands of feet everyday and still come home with an expanded waistline. ;)