Count Down to Paris Brest Paris
Every 4 years in mid-August, thousands of ultra cyclists travel to Paris for a grueling test of human endurance and cycling ability. Paris Brest Paris, or “PBP” as it is commonly called, is a 1200 km (750 mile) noncompetitive, non-stop ultracycling event. It starts in Paris, travels west to the port city of Brest on the Atlantic Ocean, and returns along the same route.
PBP is not race, although riders seek to improve their personal best times. For many it will be the longest ride of their lives. Riders can stop and rest any time, but the clock is always running. Riders must arrive at the controls by a certain time or be disqualfied. The 90 hour limit ensures that everyone does a lot of night riding and nearly everyone is sleep deprived at some point. Though there are cots at some checkpoints at PBP, they may be filled and only rented for a couple hours to each rider. It is common therefore to see riders sleeping by the side of the road as shown in this photograph. French people living along the route come out to cheer on the riders, even in the middle of the night as this accordian player has done.
Photo courtesy Lois Springsteen and Bill Bryant, Santa Cruz Randonneurs
To qualify for PBP riders must complete a series of 4 ultra rides, called brevets. The 200 km (125 miles), 300 km (185 miles), and 400 km (250 miles) are 1 day events. The 600 km (375 miles) must be completed in under 40 hours. Some riders will ride through the night and may finish in 24 hours. Others may sleep for up to 4 hours at the end of the first day and finish the second day. In this photo, brevet riders Clair Jensen and Lonnie “Epic” Wolff were still riding after midnight when they found this convenience store to take a break and a cup of coffee. 
Despite the grueling nature of these rides, the longest qualifier is only half the distance of PBP. It’s going to take a lot of faith and self confidence to even start a 750 mile ride. Self sufficiency is the hallmark of PBP. Riders are expected to repair their bikes, read a map, and deal with bad weather. Support vehicles are only allowed to meet their party at the controls. Unlike racing where no one would think ill of a cyclist who abandoned due to a mechanical, for an ultra rider it’s almost a mark of disgrace to have a DNF (Did Not Finish) next to their name in the results column. If you’re curious to learn more about PBP or noncompetive cycling, see http://www.rusa.org.