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Sun Oct 2nd 2016

France Trip - Day Two	3*

Leader: Richard Pethybridge	Start Time: 9:00 am	Start Location: Vire
Description: Day two of France trip.
Riders: David Bridge John Tranter Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Nicole Pethybridge Richard Pethybridge Riders = 6 Weather: Report: An 0815 breakfast was perhaps a little early by preference, but it did mean we were underway by just about 0900 and en route back to the coast. Although the day started with a downhill, as expected, unlike day one all the climbing was due to take place in the first 60km of day two. Sure enough it turned out to be a roller-coaster of a morning, with plenty of grindy uphills followed by some delightfully swoopy downhills. The tailwind of the day before had turned into a slight headwind, but the sun was out and we were able to enjoy a glorious autumn morning on some very quiet roads. We decided to head to Caen for lunch without a coffee stop, which turned out to be an excellent decision. We found a great cafe and Eggs Benedict, burger and salad proved to be the most popular choices, washed down with excellent local beer and come quality java and gateaux combinations. Never has the CTC acronym (coffee, tea and cakes) been more appropriate. The last 15km were dead flat along the Caen canal. The highlight was a brief stop at Pegasus Bridge where the group was "treated" to a quick military history lesson by the resident "expert". More glorious sunshine greeted us on our triumphant arrival at the ferry port in Ouistreham, with a whole 45 minutes to spare. Planning perfection Embarkation was easy and we were delighted to meet up onboard with Steve and Lorna Swanton who were returning from their own cycling escapades in France. Overall this was a challenging but immensely rewarding weekend of riding and culinary indulgence, with superb company and a really interesting and fun route. I certainly hope to run it again next year, when maybe a few more intrepid souls will join this year's pioneers.
Distance: 77.80 km (48.34 mi)	Ride Details: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/11385720
John Tranter enjoying the climb to Montchauvet Richard amongst the corn fields of Normandy Karen amongst the corn fields of Normandy David amongst the corn fields of Normandy Jon amongst the corn fields of Normandy Nicole amongst the corn fields of Normandy Caen lunch stop At Pegasus Bridge Along the Caen Canal John and Jon at the Cafe Gondree Another Pegasus Bridge photo Proof the sun did shine Waiting for the ferry at Ouistreham Onto the Portsmouth ferry
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/16897030"
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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