One of the most disconcerting parts of doing Paris-Brest-Paris is the very last thing you do--hand over your brevet card at the finish. For the past three or four days, that card has been perhaps the most precious item in your possession, since it must be completely filled in and returned in order to get credit for finishing. So you keep it with you at all times, making sure it stays dry and safe. Just handing it over to the friendly control worker in San Quentin at the finish is a bit wrenching.
Not to worry, however. A few months later, along with your PBP medal (assuming you finished), your brevet card is returned. Mine came in the mail last week, and here it is in all its glory. The effort needed to get all those stamps and signatures is almost unimaginable.
