Cycling Through France, April-May 1986: Days 1-3

THE FRENCH TRIP

 APRIL 1986

Tuesday 15.4.

Left London 10.00.  Weather frequent showers – had to return home after faults developed two hours out.

Wednesday 16. 4.

Left London 0.6. 45  similar weather to yesterday with headwind.  Traffic heavy, bike OK.  Sheltered for an hour from heavy rain at Sheffield Park.  Walk up most of the steep hills and finding the going hard at times but taking it as easy as practical.  Reached Newhaven at 14.45, taking eight hours.  Decided not to go on the 18.30 sailing to Dieppe but to hold over to 10.00 sailing tomorrow as it only costs £9. 50 for a day return – against £17.50 single and it would be better to do the crossing in daylight and get through in daylight.  Camped on one of my old sites near Seaford.  The night was cold with some showers but had a fairly good night’s sleep.

Thursday 17. 4.

Cold but sunny morning and managed to dry off my gear before setting off for Newhaven.  Embarked with the bike – no trouble and stayed out on deck for all of the four hours journey.  Sea a bit choppy with plenty of ships in the Channel.

Raining heavily at Dieppe but after an hour set out to Rouen 35miles away.  Slight wind against me and showers.  Traffic bad and very risky.  Very few other cyclists.  Tried to parley vouz with some of the natives but they could not make me out – nor me them.  Flat open country, all hedges gone and very few trees.  Found a camping place under a small pine grove but discovered that I had lost my tent.  Made do for the night with a make shift shelter using my ground sheet.  It was cold and wet all night with birds, probably crows, disturbing me.  Packed up and got on the road early – a touch of my old groin pain.  Reached Rouen at midday and the policed stopped me – taking me the station nearby, they directed me to a camping site, which I did not want.  They did not understand English either.  Tried to buy a tent in Rouen but I could not find a shop selling tents.  On the road to Le Mans now – overcast and drizzle.  Traffic mad a usual.  Wondering if I will ever reach Spain!  I will do my best but without a tent in this wet and cold weather, it is hopeless.  May have to get the train.

Advertisement