Sat 24th JULY L2P Day 4 Chartres to Paris 56 miles

We were slightly disappointe to hear of a 0630 alarm call today - but relieved that this was to allow a staggered start so thet we 134 could meet up with the other 400 riders from the other 4 routes! That said we decided to get up for breaky at 0730 & got underway about 0815...
Conditions were perfect....in fact better than perfect...cycling just doesn't get better than this! Slight breeze from the left with long gentle roads with a great surface we sped along 'prairie' type country as we shot through Coltainville & Gallardon at a great speed - a small group with young (Dr) Jonathon in his 'Cavendish" HTC kit, Andy(Bianci-man), Andrew, Luke & myself powering along passing small groups who had set out earlier.
Soon we were through Rambouillet and sweeping down some majestic hills to the water stop in some woods. Soon re-fuelled we carried on and stopped en-masses in Lapierre(?) for a coffee in delightful surroundings and sunshine!
On to lunch we all carefully dodged the tricky tramlines set at an angle to trap unwary cyclists.
Here we regrouped & re 'carbed' on fine local beer ready for the run into town.
From now on the countryside was left behind us and the stop-start pattern for the rest of the day began. Unfortunately after gorgeous weather, dark clouds loomed and as we passed the Palace of Versaille the heavens opened, and I mean opened - so we cowered on bus shelters & under trees until the rain subsided a bit, then stoically carried on.
The run in was a tricky slippy dangerous technical ride but we all took care & safely arrived at XXX to re-group and wait for the time to rendezvous with the rest of the AMR cyclists!

STOPPING THE ARC We all grouped together then -moved out en masse under the arc de triomphe stopping the trqffic Great cheers qnd horn blowing ensued with arm waves qnd other celebratory gestures!!!! Then under police escort the 500 riders 2-300 yds long peleton paraded through to the Eiffel tower with great cheers and waves passing through red lights as we enjoyed our achievement!!!
Then more pictures and bubbly before going on to our Hotel Pullman. Our room at the front with views of the Eiffel Tower only 200yds away!
Later a celebratory meal with the photographers pictures beamed up onto a huge screen.
Thanks were given and we all applauded when we were told about the estimated amount raised (800,000+!!!) and some info on where the money will be spent...
After dinner we appreciated the atmosphere of a floodlit Tower at around midnight with plenty of people still about. Met an Aussie who was happy that barring a fall Cadel Evans (surely hes Welsh!!!) will win the Tour tomorrow.......we ll be watching in the crowd.
So off to bed with stiff legs , and we all have that strange shuffling gait!