06/06/2026
Day 3 –66.66miles The Final Countdown 🚴♂️🗼🇫🇷
With breakfast starting a bit later at the hotel, we managed an extra hour in bed this morning. Unfortunately, I drew the short straw and ended up on the tiny put-me-up bed while Jnr stretched out across a double bed like French royalty. 👑🤦♂️
Jnr then attacked breakfast with the enthusiasm of a man who hadn’t eaten for a week, loading his plate three times.
Before setting off, we made a quick trip to Aldi for ride snacks, water, and a replacement European plug after it mysteriously got left in Dieppe. obviously it was Jnr’s responsibility. I’m sure there’s a rule somewhere that says dads can’t be blamed on cycling trips.
The day quickly settled into a familiar rhythm of riding, snacking, dodging showers, and Jnr disappearing in search of the nearest hedge. We seemed to spend almost as much time off the bikes as on them.
We spent much of the morning searching for coffee, but every village we passed through appeared completely deserted. Honestly, where do all the French go during the day? Do they know we’re coming and hide?
Eventually we caught up with a YMCA cycling group – around 30 riders travelling in luxury with a support bus carrying tea, cakes and probably heated blankets. They very kindly gave us a cup of tea. I was hoping for a cappuccino, but by that stage I’d have accepted tea, coffee or possibly petrol.
The route then treated us to a classic Garmin experience: one minute we were bouncing along a dirt track wondering if we’d accidentally entered a farmer’s field, and the next we were being directed onto a 70km/h road.
From peaceful countryside to potential life insurance claim in a matter of minutes. Excellent route planning, Jnr. 👍
Along the way we repeatedly crossed paths with the YMCA group, proudly overtaking them more than once. I’m sure Jnr had secretly programmed extra miles into the route just to make himself look tougher.
As we reached the outskirts of Paris, we stopped at KFC.
Jnr ordered what can only be described as a family meal:
🍔 Burger and fries
🍗 Chicken strips
🍗 Spicy wings
🥤 Coke
I have absolutely no idea where he puts it all. Meanwhile, I bravely battled through a chicken burger and small fries.
Back on the road, the route took us down a tiny overgrown path full of butterflies. It was beautiful, although I was fairly certain we were the first cyclists to use it since Napoleon.
We finally reached central Paris, where Garmin decided to celebrate by sending us completely the wrong way. After a few choice words and several U-turns, we eventually arrived at our destination – the Eiffel Tower. 🗼
Standing there, we both felt an incredible sense of achievement, mixed with a little sadness that our adventure was almost over.
Then Jnr casually informed me we still had another five miles to ride to the hotel.
I nearly cycled straight into the Seine.
After finally reaching the hotel, we gave the bikes a quick wash, got ourselves cleaned up, and headed out for dinner and some very well-earned beers. 🍻
Three days.
Over 200 miles.
Countless snacks.
A remarkable number of hedge visits.
One missing plug, one missing jacket
And memories that will last a lifetime.
Reaching Paris felt like far more than the end of a bike ride. It was the culmination of months of planning, plenty of laughs, a few challenges, and an unforgettable journey shared between father and son. Standing beneath the Eiffel Tower, tired but proud, was a moment we’ll both remember for years to come.
Thank you all so much for your support, encouragement and donations throughout this challenge. Every message, donation and bit of encouragement helped carry us along the way, and we’re incredibly grateful to have shared this adventure with so many people.
Thanks
Steve & Steve
