Part Deux - French Trip 'Day Quatre'

Ready For The Final Leg!

Bearing in mind the excesses of the night before, we were all in pretty good shape for the final leg back to Cherbourg.  The first part of the route was sort of exhilarating and boring at the same time.  We were 'steaming' along with a slight tail wind at over 20 mph, with minimum effort.

The Colonel had suggested that we stop for coffee aft
er about 25 miles - this was easier said than done as we passed through one 'one horse town' after another - not finding a cafe until nearer 40 miles.  Tongues hanging out we 'crashed' a small 'open all hours' type 'joint' and demanded loads of coffee.

Run Down Environment But The Best Hot Drinks Of The Trip!

The kindly old sole did her best but was clearly struggling to accommodate us.  She didn't have any cakes but didn't object to us buying some over the road at the patisserie and eating them with our coffee. Tom showed his respects for all her hard work by spilling his over the table. Everyone seemed very happy when I arrived with the big box of assorted cakes I had carefully chosen - in fact I had walked into the patisserie and said 'I'll take all of them!'.

Refueled and keen to finish the ride we set off for the final 'chunk'.

The remainder of the ride was quite hilly and we decided we need another stop before the ferry.  We found a field and 'pooled' our resources - Ivan's contribution was a whole Camembert and two french sticks - not sure were he had secreted those!

Somewhere In France There Is A Field That Will Be Forever England!

Being Strava 'victims' we ignored the sign on the fast, straight road saying 'Cherbourg 8 km' and found the most circumlocutory route possible - including negotiating a really steep hill and MOD territory.

Arriving back at the terminal we decided we didn't really have time to check out a nice local restaurant, so made do with the bar.  Never have I felt such bitter disappointment as when the sausage and chips I ordered turned out to be frankfurters!!

Sitting calmly on deck, with a nice cup of tea, I had time to reflect  on the whole trip and decided it had been quite magical. The laughs, the camaraderie, the p*ss taking, the cycling, the sights and even the culture - all added up to a great trip.  I was surprised by the Bayeaux tapestry, in awe of the beauty of Omaha beach and seduced by the peace and tranquility of the Normandy Roads - can't wait to go back.  Additionally, I would like to thank Steve for the transport and organisation, and Mal D for the transport and for teaching me to ride 'hands free' (although It will be a long time before I can 'top' the 33 mph 'hands free' I clocked him doing on a downhill section!)

Peter Buss