Final stage is complete. It went from Seaux-Anthony to Paris. The route consisted of 60 miles of urban riding through the suburbs of Paris with the finish in the Champ Elysees. I did not mind the urban riding too much, as we got to see areas of the Paris metropolitan area that a tourist would not normally get to see. It felt like a ride through Vienna and Great Falls, with similar ups and downs.





Along the route, we passed the Flechage guys one last time and this time we stopped to say goodbyes. They are awesome guys that get to travel all of France marking the routes one day ahead to help the caravan and organizers as they set barriers, etc. The placement of their arrows was great for us, as we never had to worry about taking a wrong turn. The guy in front of the paceline just looked for the arrows whenever we got to an intersection.



After circling the suburbs, the route took us closer to Paris and we could start seeing the signs and Eiffel tower nearby. Then we hit the final circuit, going through the tunnel and getting into the cobbles for the laps around the Champ Elysees and Arc de Triumph. The track where they do the final laps is huge. It is 6.5K per lap, it is super wide, at least three car lanes, and it has cobblestones through the entire circuit. It would be wonderful to race this like the pros. What an awesome circuit.









Once we got to our hotel right by the finishing circuit, the team got to congratulate each other and toast the culmination of such a unique adventure. It seems hard to believe that for the past three weeks we have been riding our bikes all around France. We got to see more of France than a typical Frenchman would see in a lifetime.



It has definitely been the trip of a lifetime. Every day has brought its own experiences and emotions that I will treasure forever. I have enjoyed sharing some of the highlights of each day with you all.

Now it is time for me to get back to my regular life in the Northern Virginia area.

I want to thank my wife, for her love, support and patience during this eight month project. I know that my training for this challenge took valuable time away from family events and time together in general. Through all this, she kept her cool and kept things going at home with our 9yr old. I will always remember this.

I also want to thank Alain and Marc Cohen, President and CEO of OPNET, for their understanding and encouragement for me to attempt this endeavor. Their attitude embodies the mantra that at OPNET, anything is possible.

I sign off now. Goodbye.

Alberto.