18th July: Depart UCD - Cycle to Gorey – 103kms

Day 1: The cycle began on the Southside of the city heading along the coast through the picturesque suburbs of Dun Laoghaire, Dalkey and Killiney. We then headed inland to Enniskerry and enjoyed the fine scenery of Wicklow as well as the hilliest part of the journey! The route then followed the coast road to Gorey.

'Very strong headwinds. It was quite a difficult day.'

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19th July: Cycle from Gorey to Rosslare – 75kms

Day 2: After breakfast we cycled along the coast through Courtown and Blackwater as well as the heritage town of Wexford. Then on to Rosslare ferry port for the 3.30p.m. overnight Irish Ferries crossing to Cherbourg.

'Very wet day. All soaked. Boat trip was calm and (surprisingly) no-one was ill. I'm still in the lead group. Some may drop back a group today as muscles are starting to feel sore.'

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20th July: Cycle from Cherbourg to Bayeux – 108kms

Day 3: We arrived at the French port of Cherbourg at 11am. We left the town using quiet roads and crossing through numerous small villages and past the beaches made famous by the Normandy landings in WWII before we arrived in the preserved medieval town of Bayeux.

'Greetings from Utah Beach. Great weather! Still with the Paris Group. They don't hang around....'

'Arrived in Bayeux after a tough 108km through undulating countryside in 30 degrees heat. I've decided to slip down to the 2nd fastest group as today felt I was holding up the elites. Will see more now. It's hard to take in much when travelling at 35km p/h on flat.'

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21st July: Cycle from Bayeux to Evreux – 168kms

Day 4: Today’s cycle was the longest and most challenging of the route. Further on the medieval town of Bernay awaits. Built around its abbey, it was once an important religious centre. Our final destination was the town of Evreux, home of one of the largest and finest cathedrals in France.

'Completed 175km today in 9 hours. Torrential rain for 4 of them. Really difficult, as we all got soaked ;-( Reached Evreux in lovely sunshine :-) Only 1 more days cycling left! 

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22nd July: Cycle from Evreux to Paris – 105kms

Day 5 (Our final day): Our last day of cycling saw us continue past fields of growing sunflowers and onwards to the outskirts of Paris. We then made our way past the Palace of Versailles and through three separate parks to avail of quiet roads and cycle paths to arrive at the Eiffel Tower.

'Nous arrivons a le tour eiffel :-) Great celebrations now and later!'

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Well done Syd, from all the team in Cara Vets!