Paris-Brest-Paris on a Fixed Gear

The pinnacle of the Audax calendar that only comes around every 4 years. I decided to ride my first PBP on a fixed gear (68") because for some daft reason the distance itself didn't seem like enough of a challenge. Maybe I thought this because someone told me France was flat. France is not flat. The ride itself was something like the United Nations of Cycling meets a sportive. With the sheer numbers and a fully signposted route it didn't feel as quirky as a UK Brevet. The hills were relentless and the first day was marked with headwind. I had less than 5 hours sleep over the full 90 hours constantly chasing time cut offs and determined to keep myself in the game. The climbs were all well suited to riding fixed but the long descents were a challenge for me and I would have made better progress with a freewheel. People are very friendly and enthusiastic towards a lady riding solo on a fixed gear and I met so many awesome people along the ride. The most impressive thing about PBP is the community support and the late night roadside coffee parties were unforgettable, something we need on UK brevets! road.cc/content/news/265816-british-cyclist-becomes-third-woman-ever-complete-paris-brest-paris-fixie