Aug 21 - 10 minutes

i'm leaving in 10 minutes or so, heading over to the start. That will get me there before 8pm so I won't have to queue up too long. I see from the PBP website that over 3000 riders are on their way already. A reminder, either google paris brest paris and find the main website and insert tracking number 7181 or follow this link:

http://www.paris-brest-paris.org/pbp2011/index2.php?lang=en&cat=randonnee&page=suivi_participants

As soon as I cross the starting line, sometime after 9pm local, 3pm EDT, my frame number should show up. I've already checked some riders who were leaving earlier and sure enough, it works. The chip on a strap on my ankle will register as I cross the mat at Controls, including the start.

We're both feeling much better. We had lunch in Versailles, getting away from the Novotel ... what a relief. I am still getting some stomach cramps but am hopeful that will die down. It's hot outside, 31C. That's the good news. It will be cooler and wet for much of the four days of the ride, if I'm to believe the weather forecast.

Hamid and Shab are already out there somewhere, having dinner in STQ, I believe. He's going to meet me at the start. That could be difficult, I don't know. When we head out it will already be dark, time for lights.

Onward.