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Sat Oct 1st 2016

Northern France - Day One	3*

Leader: Richard Pethybridge	Start Time: 9:00 am	Start Location: St Malo
Description: Day One of France trip.
Riders: David Bridge John Tranter Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Nicole Pethybridge Richard Pethybridge Riders = 6 Weather: Report: After a delicious breakfast on the ferry we disembarked in St Malo at 0815 to be greeted by a glorious sunrise. The route took us past the old walled town before cutting across the peninsular to the coast of Mont St Michel Bay. Smooth roads led us along the coast to our coffee stop near Cherrueix before we began an excellent traffic free transit of part of the Eurovelo 4 route towards Pontorson. Thankfully the bridge that was promised on the Eurovelo website but did not exist on Google Maps was actually there and we were able to cross the river Cousenon and turn north for the coast once more. As the sun came out we were rewarded with fantastic views of the island of Mont St Michel as we followed the excellent cycle path. On arrival at the new causeway that has been constructed to allow the island to become an island again we were pleased to find that access to cyclists had restarted that morning (1 October) and we were able to ride over to the base of the island for a photo opportunity. Turning back inland and then east the roads stayed smooth and pot-hole free as we made our way to lunch at Pontaubault. Suitable refuelled with some excellent galettes we picked up another car-free route along a disused railway up the valley of the l'Oir river. All good things came to an end though, and on returning to the road we encountered the first real hill of the day. 3.5 miles of climbing later we arrived in Reffuvielle and after a period of flat on the top were rewarded with a commensurate descent. No sooner than that was complete and we found ourselves climbing again, this time for 5.5 miles up to Gathemo. Nothing too steep, but a real grind nonetheless for what were now becoming tired legs. Of course the reward was another downhill, and it wasn't then long before we found ourselves on the outskirts of Vire, our destination for the day. This turned out to be a super little town, and although the final climb up to the hotel was the steepest of the day it also meant we could start day 2 with a downhill. We found a really nice local restaurant for dinner, and made significant holes in their stocks of burgers, beer and red wine, all in preparation for the trials of the following day of course.
Distance: 119.25 km (74.10 mi)	Ride Details: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/11385718
Disembarking in St Malo Sunrise in St Malo On the Eurovelo4 route Photo op at Mont St Michel lunch stop near Cherrueix At the bridge over the Cousenon Richard on the bridge over the river Cousenon the delightful 'routes verte' of Brittany Richard and David approaching Mont St Michel CTC Wantage at Mont St Michel Lunch stop in Pontaubault On the climb to Reffuveille overnight accommodation in the fine Normandy town of Vire
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/16897022"
Comment on this ride

Written by : Nicole Pethybridge

Posted on : October 6, 2016 at 7:58 AM

A great days riding. A day of two halves but the contrasts and scenery were really appreciated as were the almost perfect roads and vela routes.

Written by : John Tranter

Posted on : October 6, 2016 at 6:00 PM

Brilliant planning. Definitely a tough second half, but a great day!

Ride Filter

Start Locations: WMP
Wantage Market Place; OMH
Old Mill Hall, Grove

Categories: 1* - Suitable for irregular, social, beginner or family riders, pace will match the slower riders. Not hilly or long. Expect rides up to 3 hours. Gentle exercise.; 2* - Suitable for regular riders who prefer to cover some distance but at a more relaxed pace. Likely to be half-day rides. Solid exercise.; 3* - Suitable for experienced riders, may be hilly, long, quick, or any combination! Likely to be half or full-day rides. Challenging exercise.; 4* - Suitable for athletic riders who can ride safely above the 3* standard. Quick rides for the fit.; More Information