Rides in France

We left Taunton at about 7pm on Monday 21st May and left the car at Poole. The huge Cruise Ferry left at 11.45 and slowly crossed the Channel to berth at Cherbourg at 6.30 am. We cycled through the lovely and desterted Normandy lanes to Barfleur, on the East Coast, from where William the Conqueror set sail, and enjoyed coffee by the harbourside at 10 am.

Heading South we stopped an hour later for a beer and a sandwich before heading to Valongnes for lunch. With 60 miles on the clock, and the sun making the day really hot, our lunch break extended to two and a half hours! Back on the road we took a long loop westwards to call at a cider and calvados distillery before climbing the hill overlooking Cherbourg to stop at Decathlon.

A final sweep down to the Harbour, and we boarded the ferry back, reaching Poole at 10.15. Riders were dropped off at their homes after a hour and threequarter drive back.

This is more a social ride than training, and members of the group can drop out and arrange to meet up again later, or even to follow their own routes in France. On the 21st May ride, we covered 93 miles, and were in the saddle for a bit less than 6 hours. Two members of the group split off to follow their own routes, and met up with the group later in the ride.

Three more of these trips are planned but they need booking by 8th June. The cost is £10 per return trip, plus £5 for the bike. If you miss the booking date, you will still be able to join our groups, but the fare will be £55 each person and you will have to book yourself in with Brittany Ferries. We travel to Poole in members' cars, and split the petrol costs.

Please contact Michael Dennis on 01823 490499 to book your place. All abilities of rider will enjoy the opportunity to ride in France, and non-members are welcome.