Minds were beginning to turn to the finish line. The promise
of a fairly flat day, and a cool and cloudy start to the day, meant we were
expecting an easy ride into Perpignan. Of course, such things are like a
mirage.
Humidity, a nasty crosswind, and some busy roads turned much of this day
into a demoralising slog. The journey into Perpignan gave our first view of the
mediterranean sea, which symbolised the beauty of completing the crossing from
north to south in France.
We took a diversion to Ste Marie La Mer, a seaside village
to the west of Perpignan, and dropped in on former UEL lecturer Max O’Neill,
who now lives there. He plied us with Desperado Beer and some beautifully woven
anecdotes, and packed us on our way for the final 10 miles of the ride to Stade
Gilbert Brutus!
The tequila seemed to make those miles a little easier – and we
turned out wheels to the home of the Catalans Dragons, where we were met by
Paul Jenkins and his lovely wife Marie – less than a year after he completed a
similar (but slightly longer!) ride from Warrington. The champagne tasted
great. The ride is complete! We all made it!!
Chapeau, boys and girls.
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