ALL BACK SAFE AND SOUND.

Just a quick posting to let everyone know that we all got back to Poole from France just after midday today. All riders safe and sound.

Within the next few days I will post some additional photographs from the trip.

TIME FOR LUNCH.

I didnt make a posting last night because there was not much to report. We had thunder and lightning and heavy rain during the night and it continued most of the day. We decided to stay at the site an extra night and didnt venture out until about 1500hrs. We found a very nice establishment for a meal last night and a good meal was enjoyed by all. Today we awoke to a dry day and broke camp and were on the road by 1007hrs. Todays route took us through some very hilly country and we seemed to be going up more than we were going down. The route brought us back to the coast at a place called Breteville which is just 4 miles outside of Cherbourg and means that we are well situated to catch the ferry back to the UK tomorrow morning.

A BAD START.

Today did not start to well. When I checked the bike first thing i found that the rear tyre had a puncture. Close examination revealed that the rear tube had exploded and blown a 12 inch hole in the tube and even pushed the tyre off the rim at that point. This must have happened yesterday when we walked into the town and the bike was left in the tent - it was very hot- lesson to learn! Then John found that he had a broken spoke and with a fully loaded bike it needed to be repaired. Peter then decide to check his tyre pressures and while pumping up his tyres managed to pull off the valve. Another lesson to learn! When we did finally set off it was to Bayeux to find a bike shop to get the wheel repaired on Johns bike and buy some more inner tubes. Within 10mins the mechanic had us back on the road again. Later on in the day we had problems with finding a campsite so we are back at Cataran. We have now altered our route for the next couple of days. Drops of rain whilst putting the tents up and we are unsure of the forecast. The photo shows the inner tube from my rear wheel and the gaping hole where it had blown. No puncture repair kit needed here.!

HE SAID HE WANTED TO CYCLE.

Dave ( The broom) Vaughan had said that he wanted to cycle through Normandy. This is what he spent some of today doing and it certainly was not cycling. Today was a rest day- time to reflect and rest up for a while. Time for a few chores - time to look around Arromanches - museum - D-day cinema - ice creams- pancakes - bike adjustment and planning the onward journey. The hill we swooped down into the town on has to be climbed back up tomorrow morning in order to continue our ride. This prospect is viewed in various degrees ranging from happy anticipation to unhappy dread depending on which of the team members you talk to!

SUN STILL SHINING.

Although the day started misty by 10.00hrs the sun had broken through and it was obvious that it was going to be another hot day. Before we left the campsite Mike took a photo of Dave- John and myself sporting the bandanas ve purchased yesterday. The stars and stripes for Dave and John and the skull and crossbones for me. Today we visited the American cemetry at Omaha beach. We are now camping at Arromanches and we are planning to stay here for two nights with a rest day tomorrow.

Another great day cycling,

Still moving along the Normandy coast. Went to Utah beach today and St Marie Eglaisse and are now camped at a campsite in Cataran. The site is situated next to a canal. The owners managed to produce a meal for us this evening and we had a hilarious time listening to Johns tales and stories. John assures up they were all true! Today was a first for Chris and Dave as we cycled 42 miles - the furthest they have managed in one day - and this fully loaded with panniers etc . A lot of sea mist today but when the sun broke through it was very warm.

Arrival in France.

Arrived in France at 1015 this morning. Weather looking good. Easy days cycling of just 33miles today along the Normandy coast.