nbjtours

English Channel

44 + 9 = 53 miles

2523 ft climbing

Well after being in planning for almost two years we are underway Nigel and Monica arrived in Hadlow in the faithful Rimor camper almost on time and we loaded her up ready for the off.

Just before we left there was a minor panic as I mislaid my wallet with all cards and cash within. Of course it was already safely in the camper.

The Tour this year sees 5 riders for the first 4 days, 4 for the next 4 and three for the final 4. In addition to the Iberian crew of Nick, Chris and myself we have my brother Peter for the first section and Dom Boulle who is not only cycling with us to Le Puy but is then taking part in a 38 km trail run as part of the Grand Trail de St Jacques.

Well after the wallet was retrieved we struck down the A26 to get to the Castle where we were met by a grand reception committee of the Mayor, friends , family and work colleagues. So after hellos, hugs and goodbyes the Mayor waved the Union Jack to send us on our way.

The super hot weather forecasted turned into a cool misty drizzle as we cycled part of the Penshurst access trail and then up to Kings Standing at the top of Ashdown Forest.

We had a quick stop here for an ice cream and coffee

Cycling on through the darkest depths of East Sussex through Barcombe and then through Lewes we then had a good run down the back road to Newhaven. This road is obviously used as a cut through by locals and was quite busy. We therefore cycled in peloton with Nick as usual leading. After a bit we noticed no cars had been passed for quite a while so thought that it had quietened down.

However at this moment Peter at the back said ” Need to find a lay-by if you can” Amazingly round the next corner was a lay-by into which we all peeled off and stopped. Then a massive queue of around 40 cars sped by, that was why it was so quiet!

As we arrived in Newhaven the sun came out so we must now be truly starting the adventure. I am writing this mid channel ( thankfully very calm) with a six mile dark ride to get to the campsite at the other end to complete day one.

I will Update and add photos later as the WiFi is none too strong on board.

After a super smooth crossing we got through customs put out lights on then set off for s short 6 mile ride to the campsite or so we thought.

The trip through town was fine and then leaving Dieppe we picked up the London- Paris avenue verte cycle route.

It was all good fun until we came up to the campsite Taking the prescribed route we ended up by a lake discussing the way to the campsite with a bunch of drunken fishermen Bottom Line was it was not the right way.

Another couple of cyclists who knew the way appeared and said campsite down here We followed them , it was but the backdoor was locked and we were the wrong side of the river So near yet so far

We then had to retrace our route to cross the river and finally find the campsite another mile down the road. As ever Monica was there waiting by the entrance to direct us to the camper where Nigel had all but completed putting up the tents what a way to get out of that job!

Cycling finished just after 11.30 blog 00.48 Day one completed and it’s already day two.