The Rallye was over but we weren’t done with the rowing just yet. Traditionally, on the Saturday after the Rallye finish the crews take part in a mini-regatta on the River Orb by the clubhouse of the Aviron Club Biterrois (Beziers rowing club). The races are short and sharp, maybe only 400 metres and quite a few mix and match crews are formed specifically for the regatta. The infection in Liz’s hands meant she couldn’t row so Tina joined Georges K’s A.N. Moissac crew, who, obviously impressed by her finish to the Rallye, put her at stroke. Meantime, Cynthia was delighted to be asked to row with the specially commissioned “La bota des femmes internationales” crew.
By now everyone had started swapping shirts and with several crews sporting Black Strokes & Spokes shirts it was a little hard to tell the teams apart. Top marks for style go to the Paris US Metro crew’s with their matching oars and row-suits and their “retro” boat. Everyone raced at least twice and the racing was fast, furious and fun. It was also, with the coxes shouting continuously, rather noisy (the German crews being the loudest). The Stuttgart crews were keen to add some more silverware to their collection, so donning their best row-suits they went hard at it. However, the single scullers Jose and Fred had combined with a couple from Rowing Club de Paris to put together a pretty sharp crew. They comfortably beat Stuttgart Blue in the semi-final and then held off Stuttgart Green in the final. After which everyone readied themselves for a final, huge, lunch and prizegiving.
The aqueduct carrying the Canal du Midi over the River Orb is just after the finish line for the regatta
Cynthia (behind stroke) in La bota des femmes internationales
Tina (wearing a Lyons top), with Georges K behind her in the Association Nautique Moissagaise boat
The stylish Paris US Metro crew head for the start
Luc, as ever, keeps a watchful eye on proceedings
Stuttgart Blue celebrate finishing. Either that or they’re practising their lineout drills. 
Manu and Pascal with Tina
blackstrokesrowingadventure 
We have very much enjoyed following your dialogue and pics of this grande journey each day. Superb effort Terry. Congratulations to all team members on a truly fantastic achievement. You must all feel so exhilarated with your success and the comradery and hospitality you’ve shared with everyone involved along the way.
Safe return to New Zealand
Laurie and Jan