Thankyou for answering my comment, glad you are safe and have so much respect for everybody who participated, incredible achievement. Loving these debrief stories.
Another great video! "Story Time with George" was a bonus! Loved the short time I spent in France. The people were wonderful and inviting. The only rude people I saw were the other Americans of the USS Forristal's Carrier Group I was with. Short greeting and a smile goes a LONG way!
Many thanks George for the tips and for the anecdote. I've cycled Calais - Pyrenees a few times over the years and I always make an effort to use my terrible schoolboy French (I'm British) at every opportunity. I think these attempts are generally appreciated (although I do recall a certain bar-full of good-old-boys who couldn't contain their mirth when I asked to use their 'salle de bain', one even going to the trouble of miming scrubbing his back) and often result in a reply in English. Anyway, I'm greatly enjoying your channel, thanks again.
I’m glad it worked for you. I think my ability to fuel myself properly is one of my biggest strengths. I haven’t bonked in many many years. I see riders at aid stations or on the road completely broken or puking on the side of the road all the time and I feel perfect
Nice job. Sounds like the weather was nice, not even that cold apparently. Any gear issues? After riding with the lightweight bags do you think they'll last a decent amount of time? Also how was your support setup? It seems like while the people were great the stops needed some more organization, especially if PBP is trying to be a world class event. And I'm guessing the drop backside of the shorts really wasn't tested.
Great questions Peter. I think the bags are sturdy enough to do enough events and get your money’s worth. The weather was just a little nippy at night. If you keep moving you’ll be fine. I think sleeping under the stars would have been chilly and wet with dew. PBP IS a world class event and the only one of its kind. The thing is it’s not a place to go and race it while only using the contrôles. You need your own private support crew for that. Nope I didn’t need to drop the tail in 3 days 😬
Les gens des services de restauration sont des professionnels et doivent être traités et accueillis avec respect. This same lesson applies at a SoCal taco truck or a McDonald's anywhere in the world. These people are feeding you. A smile and a brief friendly greeting should not have to be taught as a cultural lesson anywhere. Even (maybe especially) when it's not always reciprocated. Smile and greet always, it lowers your cortisol and puts sunshine into the world! Congrats on the ride, what an adventure! Liberté, égalité fraternité à tout le monde !
Congratulations for all your videos from Britanny, near Carhaix where I live, just near the track of PBP. I finished this PBP 2023 in 88 hours. The last 200 kms have been difficult for me. I think that my steel bike was too heavy loaded (20 kg). For the next long ride I'll try to bring less stuff. What was the weight of your loaded bike ?
Inspiring comments, enjoyed the series. What do you think about the velomobiles participating in PBP? Having participated in one myself last August I wondered what the big roadie crowd would think of us, passing us so often on the uphill and later being passed at high speeds on the downhills. Curious to hear your thoughts.
I think it’s awesome to have the velomobiles at that event. I was a tandem captain for over a decade. Same kind of thing fast solo riders would pass us on the uphills and then we would blow past them on the flats and downhills. We were a light and strong tandem team of 260 lbs on a sub 28 lbs tandem. We could outclimb most male riders on the brevet and double century circuit only really fast riders could stay ahead of us on a climb. Thanks for watching please consider subscribing
Great video, especially the anecdote. His response was a little ‘terse’, but I suppose they don’t like their menu books getting damaged! I suspect he was an older gentleman? Probably a lifelong waiter, they can be the grumpiest ones…. Keep the videos coming!
You’ve alluded to having carried too much stuff on your bike and what some of those were. That said, what did you not have with you that you wish you had taken on the bike?
Hi George, Yes, your bike was quite heavy but as you said, you never know what can happen on a 1200km race. Better to have some extra gears than to travel from Us and stop at the first control. Temperatures were nice and hot this year , 4 years ago it was 5deg at night, so who knows? I see you experienced the rudeness of a waiter,. It can happen...not specific to you, this guy must act like this with everybody 😅 It was fun and unexpected to meet you and Lori at the finish line and guide you to the station. 'I know who you are but you don't know me' that's exactly what I thought when I met you😄 It was like meeting an old friend as we watch the chanel except you don't know us. I hope I didn't"t bother you too much as you were both exhausted after the race. See you in 4 years, Your local source😉
Ya, how did you communicate in the pack , not knowing what language or nationality a given group would respond to, ? The greatest ambassetrisse (a la gauche !)
Everyone has a frame plate on their bike. You could see their name and their country’s flag. Most spoke some English. I speak Spanish fluently. I spoke Italian as a child. So that gave me a few people to talk to 😂
Its not just Americans who can fall foul of the French culture. I’m from Ireland and had the same experience myself. I don’t take it personally, I just laugh.
Thanks George, love hearing about your adventure with PBP. I was watching someone else's you tube video and the whole time he complained about was not being fast enough, losing the first group and having to be in the second group. He ended up quitting about 3/4 of the way. I wonder why he even bothered doing it. Anyone doing the ride should know the situation, what it will be like at Controls, water, crowds, etc. I ended up turning him off, not what I want to see.
Yes that is the Matt Page video I was referring to in the first video. He was whining because people with support were getting in and out of controls faster than him. Well he should have had support. You don’t race PBP you ride it for the experience. I had an amazing time sucks for him that he could readjust his attitude and enjoy PBP for the experience. Oh well 😂
Your description of his behaviour sounds about right, most of their niceness is just a facade which falls apart easily and they turn nasty on a whim. Was that the only joint in your area and were you desperate to eat there? I'd tell the "C U On Tuesday" to do one and go elsewhere.
Based on timing and proximity to the start it seemed like a convenient place to eat before the start. A few places we went to weren’t serving food yet. Keep in mind it was Sunday.
CONGRATULATIONS GEORGE !!! I wish I did it with but I probably wouldn’t be able to keep with you ! 👍👍👍
Then that gives you more time to enjoy the scenery 😂
sure fun watching you video and you experience's thanks be waiting for the other ones
Thank You for watching Ervin! I have so many more thoughts and videos on PBP coming. Please subscribe and hit that notification 🔔
Thankyou for answering my comment, glad you are safe and have so much respect for everybody who participated, incredible achievement. Loving these debrief stories.
You’re Welcome please keep watching and keep the questions . Cheers
George! Was nice meeting you on the road heading towards Brest!
You too!
Another great video! "Story Time with George" was a bonus! Loved the short time I spent in France. The people were wonderful and inviting. The only rude people I saw were the other Americans of the USS Forristal's Carrier Group I was with. Short greeting and a smile goes a LONG way!
I used to be one of those US Marines coming off ship and coming on sure as a 20 something. Life teaches us a lot of things over time doesn’t it?
It sure does! :D@@SeeYouUpTheRoad
Many thanks George for the tips and for the anecdote. I've cycled Calais - Pyrenees a few times over the years and I always make an effort to use my terrible schoolboy French (I'm British) at every opportunity. I think these attempts are generally appreciated (although I do recall a certain bar-full of good-old-boys who couldn't contain their mirth when I asked to use their 'salle de bain', one even going to the trouble of miming scrubbing his back) and often result in a reply in English.
Anyway, I'm greatly enjoying your channel, thanks again.
Thanks for watching. Please share my videos.
Rule # 1. Learn the rules. That was a good tip on not eating too much, I did that today by happenstance and it worked really well.
I’m glad it worked for you. I think my ability to fuel myself properly is one of my biggest strengths. I haven’t bonked in many many years. I see riders at aid stations or on the road completely broken or puking on the side of the road all the time and I feel perfect
Nice job. Sounds like the weather was nice, not even that cold apparently. Any gear issues? After riding with the lightweight bags do you think they'll last a decent amount of time? Also how was your support setup? It seems like while the people were great the stops needed some more organization, especially if PBP is trying to be a world class event. And I'm guessing the drop backside of the shorts really wasn't tested.
Great questions Peter. I think the bags are sturdy enough to do enough events and get your money’s worth. The weather was just a little nippy at night. If you keep moving you’ll be fine. I think sleeping under the stars would have been chilly and wet with dew. PBP IS a world class event and the only one of its kind. The thing is it’s not a place to go and race it while only using the contrôles. You need your own private support crew for that. Nope I didn’t need to drop the tail in 3 days 😬
Les gens des services de restauration sont des professionnels et doivent être traités et accueillis avec respect. This same lesson applies at a SoCal taco truck or a McDonald's anywhere in the world. These people are feeding you. A smile and a brief friendly greeting should not have to be taught as a cultural lesson anywhere. Even (maybe especially) when it's not always reciprocated. Smile and greet always, it lowers your cortisol and puts sunshine into the world! Congrats on the ride, what an adventure! Liberté, égalité fraternité à tout le monde !
You’re right you shouldn’t have to tell people to be polite and smile but people need to be reminded sometimes 😊
Congratulations for all your videos from Britanny, near Carhaix where I live, just near the track of PBP. I finished this PBP 2023 in 88 hours. The last 200 kms have been difficult for me. I think that my steel bike was too heavy loaded (20 kg). For the next long ride I'll try to bring less stuff. What was the weight of your loaded bike ?
You live in a beautiful part of the world very hilly but beautiful 🤩 my bike with all gear was 15 kg
Inspiring comments, enjoyed the series. What do you think about the velomobiles participating in PBP?
Having participated in one myself last August I wondered what the big roadie crowd would think of us, passing us so often on the uphill and later being passed at high speeds on the downhills. Curious to hear your thoughts.
I think it’s awesome to have the velomobiles at that event. I was a tandem captain for over a decade. Same kind of thing fast solo riders would pass us on the uphills and then we would blow past them on the flats and downhills. We were a light and strong tandem team of 260 lbs on a sub 28 lbs tandem. We could outclimb most male riders on the brevet and double century circuit only really fast riders could stay ahead of us on a climb.
Thanks for watching please consider subscribing
@@SeeYouUpTheRoaddone
@@rhein228 Thank You I appreciate your subscription!
Bon soir mon amie, Quel type de pilules avez-vous pris, de la caféine? merci
I can’t remember if the pills I took had caffeine in them. I will have to look
Great video, especially the anecdote.
His response was a little ‘terse’, but I suppose they don’t like their menu books getting damaged!
I suspect he was an older gentleman? Probably a lifelong waiter, they can be the grumpiest ones….
Keep the videos coming!
He was actually early 40s
👍
Thank You Matt!
You’ve alluded to having carried too much stuff on your bike and what some of those were. That said, what did you not have with you that you wish you had taken on the bike?
Hi George,
Yes, your bike was quite heavy but as you said, you never know what can happen on a 1200km race. Better to have some extra gears than to travel from Us and stop at the first control. Temperatures were nice and hot this year , 4 years ago it was 5deg at night, so who knows?
I see you experienced the rudeness of a waiter,. It can happen...not specific to you, this guy must act like this with everybody 😅
It was fun and unexpected to meet you and Lori at the finish line and guide you to the station. 'I know who you are but you don't know me' that's exactly what I thought when I met you😄 It was like meeting an old friend as we watch the chanel except you don't know us. I hope I didn't"t bother you too much as you were both exhausted after the race.
See you in 4 years,
Your local source😉
Ya, how did you communicate in the pack , not knowing what language or nationality a given group would respond to, ?
The greatest ambassetrisse
(a la gauche !)
Everyone has a frame plate on their bike. You could see their name and their country’s flag. Most spoke some English. I speak Spanish fluently. I spoke Italian as a child. So that gave me a few people to talk to 😂
Its not just Americans who can fall foul of the French culture. I’m from Ireland and had the same experience myself. I don’t take it personally, I just laugh.
Thanks for watching! I want to ride Ireland 🇮🇪!
Thanks George, love hearing about your adventure with PBP. I was watching someone else's you tube video and the whole time he complained about was not being fast enough, losing the first group and having to be in the second group. He ended up quitting about 3/4 of the way. I wonder why he even bothered doing it. Anyone doing the ride should know the situation, what it will be like at Controls, water, crowds, etc. I ended up turning him off, not what I want to see.
Yes that is the Matt Page video I was referring to in the first video. He was whining because people with support were getting in and out of controls faster than him. Well he should have had support. You don’t race PBP you ride it for the experience. I had an amazing time sucks for him that he could readjust his attitude and enjoy PBP for the experience. Oh well 😂
Your description of his behaviour sounds about right, most of their niceness is just a facade which falls apart easily and they turn nasty on a whim. Was that the only joint in your area and were you desperate to eat there? I'd tell the "C U On Tuesday" to do one and go elsewhere.
Based on timing and proximity to the start it seemed like a convenient place to eat before the start. A few places we went to weren’t serving food yet. Keep in mind it was Sunday.