Jeff Scornovacca's French Bike Tour

Pat's cousin Jeff traveled to France. His bike tour sounded amazing! I wanted to have a place for his story. I'll repost each segment as a separate entry. The titles will begin with FBT: town and date

INTRO:
Jeff writes:
There were about 5000 riders at the start. Thanks to Lynn to driving the 750 miles through the French countryside and providing support for this adventure. The French were welcoming and out in force to cheer us on at all hours in all parts of the country.

Usually there is a 90-hour time limit to finish a 1200K ride. You can however choose an 80-hour time limit and start in the front of 3500 other riders for the privilege. Having tried unsuccessfully to complete 2 Boston-Montreal-Boston rides in 90 hours, the idea that somehow I was going to complete this ride in 80 hours seems a bit, um, strange in hindsight. Most of my cycling buddies from New England however were doing the 80-hour start and via some mix either borne of companionship, peer pressure, arrogance and/or stupidity, I signed up for the 80-hour as well.