The Dieppe Raid - a beginner's view

New Wayfarers may have heard talk of the Dieppe Raid and wondered what it is. I was in that position last year, so here are a few details to tempt you to come along.

The Dieppe Raid is an annual cycle outing, named after the WW2 commando raid. Last year nearly 20 Wayfarers and SW London DA cyclists took part, together with perhaps 150 other Brits. It's organised by the french Dieppe cycling club who lay on a variety of rides: 30, 50, 90 and 130km from memory, which vary each year.

It's not a race - it's more like a Wednesday ride, only in the lovely Normandy countryside with French coffee stops, a picnic lunch provided, and an end-of-ride ceremony at which countless prizes are awarded for almost everything you can think of. It seems the French cyclists go round much quicker, or earlier, than the Brits, so we didn't see much of them, but their preparations were evident from the well marked route. The hills are no bigger than we encounter at home but seem steadier climbs. The ride is followed by an (optional) dinner in one of the seafront hotels.

As well as the ride it's a very sociable outing over a weekend in June (this year its June 24^th).

Here are several blog entries from last year: (Mark), (Pete & Lisa), (prizes!), (Tony's photos), (Ray), (Brian).

There are different approaches to travel and accommodation. The basics are:

- Register on the (UK) info and registration website, using the club/team name “Souwesters”.

- Ride (or drive) down to Newhaven – about 40 miles from Dorking?

- Stay in Newhaven (B&B or Telscombe Youth Hostel), or nearby Lewes (B&B) with more eating options

- Newhaven to Dieppe by ferry the next day (4 hrs)

- Many options to stay in Dieppe: camping, various hotels but many stay in the Hotel de la Plage. Some extend the weekend and stay nearby for a week's cycling.

Everybody's welcome and I would encourage anyone to give it a try. The more the merrier – and there is a prize (of course) for the largest 'team' entering...

Simon