Second Update
-
Calais to Charleville
Day
6 Friday 28/07/06, Dover to Calais
I updated my
internet sites quite a bit last night, as I managed to pick up free
wireless from some poor sod! Had a relatively late lay in until 07.00
and after a shower went down for yet another cooked breakfast. The eat
anything and everything cyclists diet is in full swing now! I could
feel my legs and hands aching, but it was basically a cycle free day so
no worries. After stuffing my face, I went down to the ferry terminal,
and after a bit of a wait, cycled onto the ferry. With the bike stowed
below (i left my kit on it, but took the handlebar bag with my cash
etc), I made my way straight to the food court. Since breakfast, I'd
only had one snack, so it was time to eat again. I settled for a two
course lunch, which i piled on the plate myself to make a pyramid that
the Egyptians would have been proud of! After eating, it was time for a
snooze, so I found myself a nice comfy sofa, and fell asleep for the
duration of the voyage. And people think this travelling lark is hard!
When i woke up, we had one minute until we docked
so I went down to the car dock and got my bike ready. Anyway, i am now
in France!
It took a few minutes to get
used to the signpost system, but I soon cycled into Calais town centre,
and after asking at the tourist information where the campsite was, i
easily found it, and got a pitch for the night. Did some hand washing,
bought a map and another meal. Have to remember... Stay on the right!!
Day
7, Calais - Lillers, Sat 29/07/06
I was feeling
quite strong today, so I put in another big days ride, and made it to
Lillers, which is just 12km short of Bethune. This means that I am two
days ahead of my France schedule. Most of the cycle ride was along the
N43, which i would say is the equivilant of an English A road, but no
where near as busy. Cycling on the right is not proving to be a problem
so far, especially now I've got used to the roadsigns. It's not that
they are radically different to the UK signs, just that they are so
subtly different as to catch you out every now and again. Much of the
ride was over rolling countryside, and was quite picturesque. I stopped
off at a Boulangerie for a cake and a drink 30kms in to the ride. As i
neared Lillers, I picked up signs for the Municipal campground, and
followed them in, where I paid 4E for the night. That's more like it!
better than those thieving bastards in Islip who took 15 quid! After i
set up camp, i got some supplies in for the following day, just in case
everything was closed on the Sunday. The weather was not as hot or
humid as it had been back in England, and it felt quite pleasant to
finish a ride and not be bathed in sweat!
Day 8,
Lillers - Sauchy Lestree, Sunday 30/07/06
Another
good days ride. Quite hilly at times, but enjoyable. I managed to get a
chocolate eclair from a boulangerie on the way, so yey for me! Saw my
first war memorials today, just outside of a village called Souchez. It
was a commonwealth War Cemetery marking the dead of Vimy Ridge.  I
saw
line after line of graves as i rode up a hill, and my heart just kind
of went. There were just so many. the last two generations in Europe
have been fortunate in that we haven't had to be part of a war on that
large a scale, and long may it stay that way. I checked the name
register, and there was a Private Briggs from the Royal highlanders
listed. I wonder if he was some distant relative? But then, we're all
related, really. I carried on towards Cambrai, but stopped a few km's
short at a village called Sauchy Lestree for the night.
Day
9, Sauchy Lestree - Le Nouvion en Thierache, Monday 31/07/06
A
shorter days ride today. The weather was a little rainy, but not too
bad, although the hills were starting to wear me down. It was another
low spending day, (which means i'm due a splurge soon!), and the
campsite only cost 3E for the night. Sweet. I set up camp, and cycled
into the town for supplies, only go be hampered by that great french
tradition... The two hour lunch break. All the shops, including the
supermarkets, were closed from 12-2. Incredible effort. When i got back
to the tent, the person in the pitch opposite me was playing the most
amazing selection of organ recital music known to man. So far,
everybody I've met has been really nice, and i'd like to think that my
French is improving a little bit.
Day 10, Le
Nouvion en Thierache - ???
The
days weather was not so good today, but it did mean that i could wear
my wet weather gear rather than just carry it around with me on the
bike. There's not a lot to report on the days cycling, other than wind,
rain and hills. At some point, between Signy le Petit and before
Charleville i saw a sign saying Motel. It's 39E a night, inclusive of
an evening meal and breakfast, so it seemed the wise move!
Day 11, Middle of nowhere to Charleville Wed
02/08/06
It was a really easy ride into Charleville, and i
followed
the signposts to the campground. I have had a bit of a wander around
the town, bought a map for the next stage in France and am battling
with a French keyboard, which is not a qwerty one. Why do the French
have to be different?
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