Ride through France, to the UK
So after the ‘test ride’ to France last weekend, this time we saddle up the bags and take off on the still relatively ‘new to us’ bikes for the big hop ~1200kms to the UK…via the whole of France and over on the Dieppe to Newhaven ferry.
Day 1 Barcelona - Toulouse (357 kms). Fabulous day and great riding over the Pyrenees..pretty much the same way that we went the previous weekend when we went to Roquefeuil. Welcomed by friends Jane and Antoine (and Moka) upon arrival at Toulouse where we had a great evening, good eats, company and sleep!!
Day 2 Toulouse - Valencay ( 466kms). We just picked a random place about 450kms up the road really for the 2nd stop. Upon arrival at Valencay, about 5pm, very hot and tired, we pulled over outside what we thought was a ‘chambre d’hote / b &b’. It didn’t seem open so Andrew disappeared around the back of the house to check it out.
Just as he disappeared from sight, a car pulled over to me - a nice French man inside asked me if I was looking for a room for the night!!!!??? …to which I responded a cautious “Yes” ….and had I found one yet??? to which I responded a cautious “No”??? It was funny at the time!
It turned out that the chambre d’hote house that we were outside was his ..and he happened to be driving back and saw us checking it out. Lol!!! Phew!! So all ended well - indeed exceptionally well as his wife also then gave us beers (hurray!!), made us a lovely dinner and introduced to the Valencay rose wine (which is really good!). So after a full and very hot day riding, we just relaxed on the terrace….absolutely perfect and very funny sometimes how things turn out with no planning at all (says the ex professional Planner!)
Day 3 Valencay - Dieppe (357kms). With the ferry booked for a couple of days later, we decided that we would just head straight to Dieppe on day 3 and then spend that night, all of day 4 and a 2nd night in Dieppe before our ferry reservation, so that we could have a full rest day in Dieppe. Turned out to be a great plan. Great weather, a regroup and relax after all the riding - very enjoyable.
Dieppe - Newhaven ferry
The final leg - the Seven Seas ferry. Incredibly cheap (45 pounds person & bike one way). 4 hour crossing in perfect conditions. We left a wet Dieppe and arrived to a sunny Newhaven - Go figure! A 3 hour ride later we arrived at Weymouth to stay with friends of Andrew’s, where we were welcomed with cold beverages followed by a hearty pub dinner.