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The Journey home went pretty much according to plan - picked up the car in Nice at 10.30 on Sunday morning, drove 765 miles to Calais in 10 hours (on the road). Dropped the car off at the ferry terminal, got the ferry to Dover, train to Charing Cross and short ride home (slightly longer for Oli!) for about 3.00pm today.

Managed to get to Reims (where else!) last night in time for a dinner stop in the Cafe de la Paix on Place Erlon. Very good fish, a glass of the local fizz (Taittinger, of course!) and a nice white burgundy - pity that the service has become very Parisian - efficient but no more.

A few hours sleep and back on the road to finish the journey this morning. Not usually a fan of modern cars but the Opel Zafira was a very efficient vehicle - set the cruise control and all I had to do was indicate when changing lanes - Oli ensured that I was supplied with snacks and drinks and kept the A/C under control - great teamwork. Plenty of room in the back for the two bikes - didnt even have to take the front wheels off.

Because of the Eurotunnel problems, the ferry was busy - a large group of aging Rolls enthusiasts returning from a rally on the Rhine - some fabulous motors - and about 8 coach loads of german teenagers on a school trip made for some interesting people watching. Bonus of a head, neck and shoulder massage sitting in a chair in the bar from a friendly young lady while Oli was off shopping. Asked if she would give my legs a rub but no joy!

Seems odd not to be getting up to ride, eat, ride, eat, ride, eat, ride, shower, eat, sleep......... but have to make it to the Headway House tomorrow morning for our reception committee - and perhaps some press photos.

Hope to sort out a recap of the trip and upload the photos tomorrow and post a final entry on the blog to bring it all to a conclusion. Thanks for your comments will try to respond appropriately in due course. I know Jimmy C is upset that I didnt get back in time to buy him a drink this afternoon but I'm sure he'll get over it!