ianmac62
Guru
- Location
- Northampton
Thanks to all of the recce party! I've enjoyed all your descriptions. Really looking forward to it all.
The Fridays tour - Normandy 15th-22nd June
- Thread starter dellzeqq
- Start date
Page may contain affiliate links. Please see terms for details.
mmmmartin
Random geezer
Thank you for providing me with a perfect excuse for a few days of the most excellent riding. As a contrast I rode a hilly 100k audax today in Sussex and Kent during which I often encountered some "tarmac" that was far worse than anything we encountered in Normandy and was hooted at by a white BMW for having the temerity for actually being on the road and even met a car driver who complained my front light was too bright. This on a sunny day. After Normandy I wonder why I ride in England at all. One hesitates to offer a guarantee of satisfaction but you will, I think, enjoy Normandy. A lot. And then some.
StuAff
Silencing his legs regularly
- Location
- Portsmouth
Now done and up on RWGPS (bikehike wouldn't do the last turn for some reason) http://ridewithgps.com/routes/2570349Thanks Gordon. I'll do a version of that with bikehike and/or RWGPS some time.
Haven't forgotten about the Saturday morning ride from Pompey btw. Will aim to keep the hill to a minimum
SaLQ83
Active Member
...... if the start is effortless what happens in the finish?....
StuAff
Silencing his legs regularly
- Location
- Portsmouth
You work on justifying a new username (Leoqueenofthemountains)
Agent Hilda
The Babe
If you think it was easy going to Normandy with 3 old gits + Mice you can think again. All I can say is that you should be grateful that I was there to keep and eye on things and check that standards weren't slipping. It was a tough job let me tell you.
As you all know I am a lover of Railway Stations/Airports/Ferries and Ports so the outward journey was fun if a little sick making due to the swell (this is a mariners term btw). How great was it to see Mark (the Neil Gaiman of Brix) waiting for us with a hatch back to carry our luggage to the Chateau so we didn't have to be burdened with back packs and panniers. My he has a strong handshake!
We handed over our luggage and then DZ then made us cycle up some effing massive hills from the port to our place of residence stopping briefly on the way to get snacks and then Mmmartin took us cross country and The Rube got all muddy - bloody annoying. Plus there were some fairly scary sights including a house with little model gnomes and a horse and carriage and probs French Serial Killing types lurking about in the gloom.
Plus we discovered that The Rube had got bust in Belgium and I couldn't use my little gear
Still it wasnt raining. And I was able to tootle along at the back, muttering, without anyone really noticing.
When we arrived at the Chateau I quickly realised why The Peasants had risen up and smashed the Aristos! Frankly it was just showing off having that many windows and a big long drive plus stables outbuildings stuffed animals printed wallpaper and cast iron roll topped baths.
On the subject of baths, our hosts reckon you could fit in two people and have some fun. Let me make it clear we weren't in Normandy for any fun btw and particularly that kind of fun. Oh no! We were there to work our routes and find out places for you to eat steak frites and drink cider.
Luckily for me I had The Boss to keep me warm the first night because it was absolutely bloody freezing sitting in the kitchen as we hadn't worked out you should eat in the dining room and not the wine cellar nor had we made Mmmmartin fix the heating yet, and let me tell you this, I am never going anywhere without him! He is the best boy scout ever!!. Plus our bed collapsed and in the morning we discovered it was resting on books. Clearly I had done something bad in my past life (certainly not this one as you all know I am an effing Angel sent from heaven and never cause any trouble).
If you think you are going to come to Normandy and get thin you can think again. No wonder all the French Mesdames are grumpy, all the food is made with butter and cream and they can't eat any of it.
Talking of Mesdames, there is one in the boulangerie with flour on her arms that you should stay away from. I'm saying no more but Gordon and Simon went up there every morning even when we still had stuff left over from yesterday.
So, we did lots of rides along lots of lovely lanes and saw white and brown cows (lots), some little lambs, 2 deer and heard lots of birds. We looked at hedgerows, beaches, war memorials, closed shops and restaurants and spooky old Norman churches. We ate fairly well considering it wasn't Italian. We were alternately freezing cold, soaking wet and boiling hot, so thats normal then.
Simon and Gordon made us cycle up and down roads twice quite a lot. Mice & Mmartin became quite an item going off and doing the super market run and thinking of marvellous suppers for us.
We didn't watch any television at all.
Those Fashionistas amongst you note that you will need 3 sets of cycling gear (one on, one in the wash, one drying) plus one classy outfit with woolly to wear at night. Think shabby aristo/farmer/electrician/Juliette Binnoche and you will be alright. I reckon silk t dress and cashmere cardigan with leggings and trainers would do (but I do travel light). Heels would be downright dangerous btw
Oh and I didn't once see John Paul Belmondo which was tres disappointing, but the mechanics in the bike shop are pretty spiffy and they say 'enchantee' when they squeeze your hand.
Simon asked me for some tips. I will say this only once . . .
1. Remember the French like to do a wee in public so don't be surprised when you go to the Ladies to be greeted by a man who is holding his penis with his other hand. This is perfectly normal.
2. Everything smells slightly of Camembert and manure.
3. The electricians know everything and don't worry are perfectly safe drivers after a bottle of the local cider and a pint of wine.
4. DZ likes an early start and is in charge. Of everything.
5. Communal living is pretty bloody annoying so don't expect anyone to a) clear the table b)lay the table c) save a bit of milk for you d) wash your bike e) fix anything f) put your washing on g) take your washing out h) make your bed i) get you tea in the morning
6. Gordon is God of Maps but watch out he is super bloody fit for an old buzzard so don't try chasing him up anything
7. A drop of Calvados after making an ascent on the 40 inch gear works wonders
8. If you are lucky ask Mice to make her smoked salmon starter which was delish
9. Its probably best if you remember that everyone can hear everything in all the rooms as the insulation isn't so clever
10. Watch your head!!!!!!!! (note scars on top of Gordon and Dells)
I'm off to bed now given that i have picked up a sore throat All Upping on the Burnham on Crouch Ride - honestly its no wonder I am grumpy!
A demain as they say in Normandy (oh and um . . . it is a bit hilly)
Agent H
As you all know I am a lover of Railway Stations/Airports/Ferries and Ports so the outward journey was fun if a little sick making due to the swell (this is a mariners term btw). How great was it to see Mark (the Neil Gaiman of Brix) waiting for us with a hatch back to carry our luggage to the Chateau so we didn't have to be burdened with back packs and panniers. My he has a strong handshake!
We handed over our luggage and then DZ then made us cycle up some effing massive hills from the port to our place of residence stopping briefly on the way to get snacks and then Mmmartin took us cross country and The Rube got all muddy - bloody annoying. Plus there were some fairly scary sights including a house with little model gnomes and a horse and carriage and probs French Serial Killing types lurking about in the gloom.
Plus we discovered that The Rube had got bust in Belgium and I couldn't use my little gear
Still it wasnt raining. And I was able to tootle along at the back, muttering, without anyone really noticing.
When we arrived at the Chateau I quickly realised why The Peasants had risen up and smashed the Aristos! Frankly it was just showing off having that many windows and a big long drive plus stables outbuildings stuffed animals printed wallpaper and cast iron roll topped baths.
On the subject of baths, our hosts reckon you could fit in two people and have some fun. Let me make it clear we weren't in Normandy for any fun btw and particularly that kind of fun. Oh no! We were there to work our routes and find out places for you to eat steak frites and drink cider.
Luckily for me I had The Boss to keep me warm the first night because it was absolutely bloody freezing sitting in the kitchen as we hadn't worked out you should eat in the dining room and not the wine cellar nor had we made Mmmmartin fix the heating yet, and let me tell you this, I am never going anywhere without him! He is the best boy scout ever!!. Plus our bed collapsed and in the morning we discovered it was resting on books. Clearly I had done something bad in my past life (certainly not this one as you all know I am an effing Angel sent from heaven and never cause any trouble).
If you think you are going to come to Normandy and get thin you can think again. No wonder all the French Mesdames are grumpy, all the food is made with butter and cream and they can't eat any of it.
Talking of Mesdames, there is one in the boulangerie with flour on her arms that you should stay away from. I'm saying no more but Gordon and Simon went up there every morning even when we still had stuff left over from yesterday.
So, we did lots of rides along lots of lovely lanes and saw white and brown cows (lots), some little lambs, 2 deer and heard lots of birds. We looked at hedgerows, beaches, war memorials, closed shops and restaurants and spooky old Norman churches. We ate fairly well considering it wasn't Italian. We were alternately freezing cold, soaking wet and boiling hot, so thats normal then.
Simon and Gordon made us cycle up and down roads twice quite a lot. Mice & Mmartin became quite an item going off and doing the super market run and thinking of marvellous suppers for us.
We didn't watch any television at all.
Those Fashionistas amongst you note that you will need 3 sets of cycling gear (one on, one in the wash, one drying) plus one classy outfit with woolly to wear at night. Think shabby aristo/farmer/electrician/Juliette Binnoche and you will be alright. I reckon silk t dress and cashmere cardigan with leggings and trainers would do (but I do travel light). Heels would be downright dangerous btw
Oh and I didn't once see John Paul Belmondo which was tres disappointing, but the mechanics in the bike shop are pretty spiffy and they say 'enchantee' when they squeeze your hand.
Simon asked me for some tips. I will say this only once . . .
1. Remember the French like to do a wee in public so don't be surprised when you go to the Ladies to be greeted by a man who is holding his penis with his other hand. This is perfectly normal.
2. Everything smells slightly of Camembert and manure.
3. The electricians know everything and don't worry are perfectly safe drivers after a bottle of the local cider and a pint of wine.
4. DZ likes an early start and is in charge. Of everything.
5. Communal living is pretty bloody annoying so don't expect anyone to a) clear the table b)lay the table c) save a bit of milk for you d) wash your bike e) fix anything f) put your washing on g) take your washing out h) make your bed i) get you tea in the morning
6. Gordon is God of Maps but watch out he is super bloody fit for an old buzzard so don't try chasing him up anything
7. A drop of Calvados after making an ascent on the 40 inch gear works wonders
8. If you are lucky ask Mice to make her smoked salmon starter which was delish
9. Its probably best if you remember that everyone can hear everything in all the rooms as the insulation isn't so clever
10. Watch your head!!!!!!!! (note scars on top of Gordon and Dells)
I'm off to bed now given that i have picked up a sore throat All Upping on the Burnham on Crouch Ride - honestly its no wonder I am grumpy!
A demain as they say in Normandy (oh and um . . . it is a bit hilly)
Agent H
StuAff
Silencing his legs regularly
- Location
- Portsmouth
Yes, that Mice would have led you up the garden path if you weren't careful
I'm thinking that very thing..........in fact we've just had Ms. Binoche around to fix the central heating thermostat........
StuAff
Silencing his legs regularly
- Location
- Portsmouth
BTW, the Chateau has a new improved website at http://www.chateaulemontepinguet.com (as to why they haven't taken the old one down, pass...).
mmmmartin
Random geezer
Thanks, very helpful advice. I'll leave the heels at home.
In other news, peeps might like to bring along a mesh laundry bag to put their clothes in for washing so their gloves/socks/smalls etc do not become mixed up with those of others. I found this to be quite useful. You can get them on eBay for a few quid. I reckon the washing machines will be going on every night.
Also, it would be good if peeps could please try to bring a few washing machine tablets so there will be enough for each machine for each night of the week. Otherwise you'll be wearing smelly kit. Or bringing masses of clothing. Or carrying back from the supermarket a huge box of washing powder on your bike.
And bringing some dishwasher tablets would also be good.
Similar threads
England : West Sussex
Vineyards Tour and Tastings - 21 september 2024