Parting Thoughts...

We're travelling down tonight so this will be my final blog before the event. I just wanted to thank everyone for your comments and support during the two years that I've been blogging my Etape preparation. It really means a lot to know that people are reading & commenting.
I especially want to thank my family - particularly my Mum & Dad - who are taking care of my children while I'm away. I couldn't do it without you. And of course to the children, who put up with mum going off on her bike - I hope one day you will think it's quite cool that mum cycles over mountains.

I have ditched the bike ride this morning. I feel worse - dizzy now - and I'm going back to the nurse again. I'm going to pack up the bike and will aim for a gentle spin to the start village tomorrow evening. I think some warm dry air will do me good. If it were any other ride, I think I would probably give it a miss but I absolutely CAN NOT do that. I don't want this blog to become the story of my 3 years of preparation for Etape! I'm going to be in the starting pen on Monday and I'm going to give it my best shot. I know I've done enough to get round. My goal now is just to finish and to be healthy at the end of it. Previous sportive experience tells me that I can feel a bit rough at the start and that soon gets forgotten once I get going.

To all other Etapists, I wish you the best of luck. If you see me - 6461 - say hello :-)