Just after half past eleven Derk crosses the border and is immediately interviewed by Omroep Zeeland (the same day broadcasted, good item!). Everything takes longer than expected and since we have to catch the boat, Derk steps into the ambulance to cover some kilometres fast.In Vlissingen Derk is welcomed by fellow rowingbikers. Together with Ronald Florijn, Jaap Kramers, Wim, Beb en Angelique he covers the last bit to Kamperland.
Bram Moens of M5 Recumbents joins the club in Middelburg, but unfortunately gets a flat tyre. He stays behind to fix the problem and in some way he manages to catch up 10 kilometres further on. Probably a combination of very fast changing a tube and even faster racing to catch up with the group.
At restaurant "Bestevaer" of Roompot Zeeland Vakanties, de main sponsor of the Rowingbiketour de France, a large group of relatives, friends and others are waiting for the final arrival of Derk and the others. Several big newspapers and other media are present and immediately start asking there questions.After all this everybody has a good time on the terrace of the restaurant. Stories of the last three weeks are told. Three heavy, busy weeks, which were nevertheless marvellous and went by extremely fast.
And here end three fascinating weeks. Filled with hard cols, spectacular descents, nice weather, a lot of fun, hard work, a lot of sweat, many kilometres, good food, too little sleep and rowing through astounding landscapes.
But lets relax for a while first after this huge performance of Derk and crew. If Derk is finally satisfied with this achievement remains to be seen. He keeps on talking about the "Raamrace", a 4800 kilometre race from San Francisco to New York in ten days. Surely he's not seriously considering to...