The weather forecast for Dieppe on June 24 wasn't good - sadly it was accurate with rain of varying intensity for about 90% of the time. Most of the Sou'Westers rode the 100k course, initially heading south eastwards. We soon found the road marking was perfect - you could have dispensed with the route card and/or map - but wisest not to ! Having started about 0830 there was little traffic about, and , being in France, drivers saw you and gave generous clearances. Despite rain-spattered specs it was still possible to see and appreciate the beautiful countryside we were passing through, undulating, but not on a Surrey scale. Eventually we arrived at Les Grandes Ventes for coffee, where some of us had had a gite holiday a few years ago. We now headed north to Freulleville where we joined the Avenue Verte (green route, a former railway line, now well maintained for use by walkers and cyclists), leading to lunch break at St Aubin -le-Cauf.
The afternoon route started in a north easterly direction to St Nicholas-d'Aliermont and made an anti-clockwise loop, keeping to quiet roads with an occasional but not too demanding off road stretch. We didn't find any refreshments but it wasn't a problem . The rain eased off later in the ride and we arrived at the finish in Dieppe in good time and virtually dry. The route card and road marking were perfect - I didn't hear of any problems. The traditional ceremony followed and we were awarded a cup for the largest club entry, also one for the largest club mileage. Eric Ashford received his usual award for the 'Least Young Gentleman' in his class.
The event was rounded off with a splendid dinner at the Windsor Hotel on the first floor with a wonderful view of the beach and the setting sun - a perfect way to end the day.
Terry
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