Further musing on 'Le Parcours Mystere'

We started out from Caen not knowing how hard this ride might be with permenant blue skies and a gentle easterly breeze to cool us as we sped along. From Maldwyn the 'tour virigin' to Martin who suffered both 'La grippe' and was delayed by 'un greve' (something about anaesthetists on the line in Paris Monpanasse) we were all confident we get to Grignols by Monday evening.

The sun continued to shine and it got a little hotter each day, the hills continued to roll and the countryside was a real highlight.

We met many friendly & helpful french people along the way aswell as the odd surly waitress and agressive petrolhead as at home. Keith in particular enjoyed charming the beautiful ladies, of which there were many,both French and English. It must be the relaxed way of life that brings out the elegant charms and the 'joie de vivre'.

The accomodation in the F1's was as expected 'Functional,clean and when you could find them at the back of the Z.I. constantly consistent. The Hotel de la Gare in Thouars was a real highlight..a family welcome, wonderful tapas and rose wine exotic ladies(!)asking us for a light on the terrace,trapped in the showers but best of all beautifully clean and dry kit delivered in the morning after unprompted offers by our wonderfiul hostess the night before.

Back to the cycling, long days in the saddle with relentless climbs followed by adrenaline fuel descents- one region was even known as 'little Switzerland'- lead us ever onwards to our ultimate Goal -Clyde and Sylvies charming place dans la foret in Grignols,Dordogne. The relief and self congraulatory glow that came over us as we transversed a rough forest track for one last time will remain 'un souvenir' for always.

Sylvie, notre hotesse charmant et gentil, then provided us with the best meal of the week, a real treat of pork loin cooked in milk on 'le casserole' with fine wine from 'Le Ventoux' (how appropriate) with a night under the stars on a spectacularly clear night awaiting Peter and I.

A memorable end to a memorable week.

Felicitations a tous de nous

A bientot

Shawn