As you can see from the attached photo Team Lend Lease (L-R Tom MacKellar, Stephen Charnock, Brendan Moylan, Phil Ransom & Scott Mosely) finished and the ride to Paris and can only describe this unique experience as spectacular.  We had rolling road closures to ensure we enjoyed an unimpeded journey in, which skirted around the Arc de Triomphe and finished under theEiffelTower.  We  had an all Aussie team with Tom flying in from Sydney especially for the ride.

A number of my mates made disparaging comments on my sponsorship page about the condition that my behind would be in at the conclusion of the ride.  Whilst this is a totally horrific thought for you all to imagine, they were absolutely right.  Next time I'll be better prepared.  On the day we finished I felt relatively good, over the next week or so my body deteriorated to levels only closely matched by my Kakoda trail walk.  I'm only starting to feel good again now, hence the delay in getting this email out to you.

Tragically one of the riders passed away on the night we finished in Paris as a result of an accident encountered on the second day.  Andy D'Agata was riding for team CSC and is survived by a wife and children.  Our thoughts are with Karen and her family.  Having my family at the finish line made Andy’s family’s loss all the more poignant.

The ride was fantastically organised and I'm hopeful of participating again next year, next time though I’m optimistic my preparation will not be marred by a broken collar bone.  I’d like to be stronger so that I’m able to stick with the bunch on the ascents.  In truth I think this will only be possible if I lose another 10 kg’s (I don’t want to accept just yet that it’s a lack of ticker)

A big thank you to all of you who supported me and donated to charities it's greatly appreciated.  With your support I raised over £1,500 and through corporate sponsorship team Lend Lease raised over £9,500.  A fantastic result for the charities I’m sure you’ll agree.

Thanks again and stay safe!

Phil