CycleInk Spring 2017

New Reef Rides 11th June 2017

Spring 2017

The Quarterly Magazine of CTC Wessex Cycling in Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch Published Quarterly - Free on line or £2.50 annual subscription for mailed hard copies.

New Start Willet Arms BH21 1RN

Cycle Ink #184

2

Spring 2017

The Quarterly Magazine of CTC Wessex Cycling in Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch My sixth issue, wow how does the time fly. I am still looking for a volunteer to edit just one of the future issues. Please contact me to discuss. Still a lot of comments regarding the national office’s changes but little appetite for local change. I am as always very thankful for all those who have made submissions. A photograph and a few words is enough and in any format. Your editor Mike Walsh

Event Calendar Dates For 2017 8th April

Hard Boiled 300km

Shawn Shore 01202 685014

9th April

Dorset Coast 200km and Coastlet 100km

Peter Loakes 01305 263272

30th April

Porkers 400km

Shawn Shore 01202 685014

7th May

New Forest Excursion 200km

John Ward

7th May

New Forest Spring Century 160km

John Ward

7th May

New Forest Day Out 100km

John Ward

7th May

New Forest Spring Challenge 50km

John Ward

27th May

Brimstone 600km

Shawn Shore 01202 685014

Sept New Forest On and Off Shore 200km 10th Sept New Forest & Isle of Wight Century 160km

John Ward

10th

John Ward

Sept New Forest & Coast 100km 10th Sept New Forest Autumn Challenge 50km

John Ward

10th

8th Oct

Cyclingnewforest @Gmail.com

Cyclingnewforest @Gmail.com

John Ward

Gridiron 100

John Jackson ctcwessexcycling2017 @gmail.com

“CycleInk” is the Newsletter of CTC Wessex Cycling, a Member Group of Cycling UK (Cyclists’ Touring Club). Published quarterly. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the club. The committee meeting is the deadline for contributions.

www.wessexctc.org

our mirror site at

www.bournemouthctc.org

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ctcwessex/

3

Cycle Ink #184

Minute Secretary Profile

By Alan Baker

In this issue it is the turn of the newest Committee member, Alan Baker, Minute Secretary. Alan is a relatively new member of the Group and not well-known amongst longer-standing members, so here he spills the beans on what makes his pedals turn.

I’m 72 years of age and was born and brought up in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, a town famous as the birthplace in 1878 of the Bicycle Touring Club, which soon became the Cyclists Touring Club. I joined the local CTC Section in the autumn of 1957 soon after my 13th birthday and have been hooked on cycling ever since. In my youth I enjoyed club runs, moving-on touring in England and Scotland, hostelling and camping, and time-trialling. The timetrialling performance of which I’m most proud was getting within 30 minutes of competition record at 100 miles in 1962 when still a junior.

I’ve enjoyed a very varied working career, starting as a polymer research chemist, and then spent 14 years as an administrator and research manager at Loughborough University. In the mid 1980s I wanted a radical change and moved back to North Yorkshire to live “the good life” for 12 years in a remote location in the Dales, doing various things including raising free-range hens, making cheese, and working in a residential care home (a glimpse of the future!). During this period I also became a tour leader, initially with CTC and later as an independent operator, organising and leading a total of 58 group tours. My destinations included various parts of southern Spain (44 tours), Corsica (end-to-end), the Venezuelan Andes, and The Gran Sabana (also in Venezuela). I later lived for nearly 15 years in mid-Devon but also spent increasing periods of time each winter in SE Spain, escaping the cold and wet of the English climate.

In 2009 a cycling friend persuaded me to join him riding the Marmotte Sportive in the French Alps, an event named after an alpine rodent. This is a hugely popular semi-competitive event attracting full fields of 900 riders from all over Europe and beyond. The 110 mile route takes in the Cols du Glandon, Telegraphe and Galibier, before finishing at the top of the Alpe d’Huez climb. The event is taken very seriously (too seriously by

Cycle Ink #184

4

some!) and after my first ride I decided to introduce an element of levity by riding with my hair dyed bright pink. As helmet-wearing is compulsory except when climbing the cols, my adornment was not evident until I was on “the Alpe”. This produced a lot of cheering from spectators and photographers and undoubtedly helped lift me to the finish. I rode the event three times and on the final occasion in 2011 as I climbed Alpe d’Huez I had a big smile on my face as I realised I was going to reach the finish line inside the time limit for a gold category medal for my age group, and this moment is captured in the accompanying photograph.

I also rode the Spanish equivalent of the Marmotte, called the Quebrantahuesos, three times. This is the Spanish name for the lammergeyer, and literally translates as “bonebreaker” after the bird’s habit of dropping prey on to rocks from a great height in order to smash open the body! It sounds more impressive to tell friends you are riding The Bonebreaker than The Chipmunk, but the Marmotte is the harder event, except maybe for the best climbers. All good things come to an end, however, and in 2012 I sensed that the thief who comes in the night had paid me a visit, stealing my legs and leaving me a pair belonging to an old fellow. But then another door opened.

I moved to Mockbeggar in 2013 after meeting again the lady who is now my wife. She and I hadn’t seen each other for over 30 years, when she worked for me in Loughborough, but a remarkable turn of events involving a computer hacker enabled me to locate her, and we married in 2014. I made contact with the Group the same year and since then have ridden very occasionally with the Thursday Rouleurs and Potterers. I tried my hand as Minute Secretary to the Committee last August and haven’t resigned yet.

When I’m not pressing the pedals on the bike or the keys on the laptop, I enjoy the rural life, including looking after my wife’s two horses. I have ridden them, but only briefly as I couldn’t find the brake levers. I also seem to spend a lot of time logging to feed our wood burner (a word of warning: NEVER get a wood-burning stove, it’s like having a cuckoo in the nest!).

Post Script: Just a few days after writing the above I began to experience some visual disturbance and loss of field of vision in one eye. I went to the Eye Clinic at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital where a partial retinal detachment was diagnosed. I was told I would lose all sight permanently in the affected eye unless I had a repair operation without delay. I signed the consent form and had the procedure the same day. That was 18 days ago and, although my recovery is not yet complete, I have regained some of the lost vision. It’s a cautionary tale, involving older-age, the benefit of hind-sight (no pun intended), procrastination, and being fortunate to live in the

5

Cycle Ink #184

catchment area of a first-rate Eye Clinic which has its own A and E department and operating theatre. I’ll bore you further on this subject in due course.

By Alan Baker

Club Kit - April

By Mike Walsh

In April Tony Clewes will be placing an order for club kit which is featured on the front cover. CTC Wessex Cycling heavily subsidise the kit making it very good value. The full range can be found via the link below. Do let Tony know of your requirements or if you have any questions. anthony.clewes1@googlemail.com Tel 0773 7750535

By Mike Walsh CTC WESSEX CLOTHING

By Tony Clewes

The Club is still offering kit at heavily subsidised prices. Quality kit at bargain prices! Take a look at the website under For Sale and check out the order form to see what's available.

Go to: www.bournemouthctc.org/clothing.htm to download the sizing chart and order form. Get your order in while the offer is still on !

Cycle Ink

By Mike Walsh

Wessex Cycling’s Newsletter is available by mail for an annual subscription of £2.50. Please contact me by e-mail jmichaelwalsh@aol.com for details of how to subscribe.

By Mike Walsh

Cycle Ink #184

6

By Paul Rush

The Reef Rides 11th June The Reef Rides – Not to be missed!

The Reef Rides take place on the 11th June. Both rides start and finish at the Reef Youth and Community Centre, Colehill Lane, Colehill, Wimborne Dorset BH21 7AB.

There are two rides to choose from the The Half Reef approximately 30miles or the The Reef approximately 60mls. Both rides are predominantly on quiet country lanes heading out towards Cranborne and Tisbury respectively. There will be no organised refreshment stops en-route therefore participants must be self sufficient in that respect.

Entrants can sign in from 08.30hrs and commence at any time. The event will close at 18.00hrs.

Refreshments will be available at the start and finish, all entrants signed in and out on completion will receive a free tea or coffee.

The Reef Rides are free to enter; non CTC members are most welcome. The Half Reef is a pleasant ride, suitable for novices. You may wish to bring a friend and enjoy a good day on the bike.

By Paul Rush

Right to Ride Report - February 2017 By Paul M. Turner Poole Gravel Hill - concern was expressed about several elements but particularly the new link between Gravel Hill and the Crematorium access road; it’s very winding and steep. Further work was being undertaken to try and improve the alignment through the trees. The barriers at the Queen Anne Junction are still temporary but permanent guard-railing will be installed.

To link with the Castleman Trailway, the bridleway from Queen Anne Drive needs to be improved (surface and vegetation).

Links to/through Upton Country Park Dorset CC was planning to extend its Upton cycle network further east along Poole Road. Initially, it will be as far as the new car park (opposite Pony Drive), to provide traffic-free access to the park. Subject to funding, it may be possible to extend the route as far as the main UCP access road, linking up with the wider cycling network. A later stage is planned to improve the existing cycle facilities around the roundabout at Upton Road / Longmeadow Lane. The new shoreline path (currently under construction) will provide a new cycling link around the edge of Holes Bay, to link the cycling route from Holes Bay Road to the Symes Road subway.

Paul

7

Cycle Ink #184

Wimborne Vintage Bicycle Ride

by Jason Falconer

Salutations Dear Reader, you may have seen the first Christchurch Vintage Bicycle Ride Press in September 2016, well I’m pleased to say we are doing it all again.

Heading from the site onto Cowgrove road and taking a break at the Shapwick Hostelry this is June country lane rolling at its best. Around 16 km over a couple of hours and including a celebration ride around the Wimborne one way in a big group-that should be superb! We will be supported by the lovely people in Psycling Wimborne a new shop specialising in vintage and retro rides.

Here’s what I wrote last year, and guess what? If you’re a keen rider- a Beryl or Bradley, you are warmly invited to support by Marshalling the visitors to the whole shebang that is the Dorset Goes Vintage Festival over the weekend of 24,25 June 2017. Now you may have noticed thats midsummer weekend?, well doff of the cap to you, It might be lightweight tweeds we need, whatever the weather we ride.

Do take a look at whats going on and be the first to get involved, Marshals recieve a weekend ticket! Just drop me a line at mf.jason@gmail.com for full info, toodle pip!

Updated Info- Love Vintage? Love Cycling? Love Dorset?

In conjunction with VDub at the Pub Festival and its sister festival, Dorset Goes Vintage (23rd-25th Jun 17), come and enjoy a leisurely bicycle ride through the country roads outside Wimborne Minster wearing your best vintage.

Book now to take part in the inaugural Wimborne Vintage Bicycle Ride on Sat 24th June 2017.

Tickets are £15 per adult (over 16 years), £10 children (under 16 years), and £40 for Family of 2 adults and 2 under 16’s. Price includes the ride, scones and tea, and a Day Entry into the Festival! Camping upgrades available.

Stay the weekend, camp and enjoy the music, dancing, vintage stalls, paddle boarding and canoeing on the River Stour and the VW spirit. You do not need a VW to attend, just your fabulous clothes and a great bike.

All cyclists are entered into the Pedal & Pride Prize competitions, and prizes will be presented for Best Dressed Bicycle, Lady, Gentleman, Child, Best Dressed Group and Best Dressed Hair (both men and women). Let Jason know if you plan to enter a group mf.jason@gmail.com The Ride begins at 2:00 pm at the VDub at the Pub/Dorset Goes Vintage Festival (BH21 1EH). Registration opens early – giving you plenty of time to enjoy the Festival.

Starting from the Festival, cycle through the lovely country roads of Wimborne Minster and enjoy the spirit of a by-gone era. Our 18 km (11 mi) journey will see us stop for a break at The Anchor Pub at Shapwick. Please bring a few sovereigns to purchase a pint or brew and support our local pubs. Then, return to the Festival to enjoy a cup of tea and the music, stalls, vintage cars and food stalls.

You are also cycling for a worthy cause as part of the proceeds will go to the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

Families and the little darlings are most welcome, but please be mindful of the length of the ride.

As we are stiff-upper lip British, the event will go ahead in case of a light drizzle of rain.

So what are you waiting for ladies and gents? Grab your bicycles & canvas tents! Lace up those boots, pass the plus fours and let’s all go on a jolly cycle! Contact Jason at mf.jason@gmail.com for more information or visit

https://www.dorsetgoesvintage.com/

Cycle Ink #184

8

CTC Wessex Cycling Minutes 15th Feb By Paul Rush CTC Wessex Cycling Minutes 15th February 2017 1.

PRESENT:- Paul Rush (Chairman), Michael Walsh (Secretary/Treasurer), John Jackson (Gridiron 100 Organiser), Bob Courtney, Bob Chittenden

2.

APOLOGIES:- Alan Baker (Minute Secretary), Steve Grey (Training Coordinator), Keith Mathews (Welfare/Registrar/Membership/Website), Paul Turner (RtR), Jill Burden, Tony Clewes (Kitmaster).

3.

MINUTES OF LAST MEETING:- The minutes of the committee meeting held on the 16th November 2016 were approved with the exception of item 15 (ii) which states “the CTC group” this should read “a cycling group called the Wayfarers”.

4.

MATTERS ARISING :- None raised.

5.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT:- Paul Rush reported as follows:-

ii)

Tony Clewes (Kitmaster) reported that all orders for kit had been received with the exception of two items which he is chasing for completion. The next order for kit is scheduled for April. Ride organisers are to advise their groups of this deadline. Michael Walsh and Keith Mathews are to highlight this date for summer orders in the Cycle Ink and our web site. Tony has kindly offered to volunteer his presence at the Coast and Coastlet rides, PR will advise him of Peter Loake’s contact details.

iii)

Jill Burden had advised by email that with regret she has resigned from the committee. We thank her for her efforts in the past and hope that she will participate in club events in the future.

iiii)

PR advised that he is planning to be absent from the country from the end of July intermittently until March 2018. Under these circumstances he fully understood if he was required to stand down as chairman. The committee felt it prudent at this stage for PR to remain in post.

Added note:- Any prospective candidates for the post of Chairman and Vice Chairman should make their interest know to MW. iiv) PR tabled an agenda for the Tabs Bikeability conference in Hull on 9th and 10th May and requested some assistance with funding for his attendance. No final costs are known at this stage apart from the registration fee for instructors of £50. The Borough of Poole is sending representation from their management team and was hoping to fund part of the costs for their instructors. MW confirmed agreement in principle as this was a cycling related activity and could be supported for local cycling advancement. PR to advise further when costs are known.

6.

SECRETARY’S REPORT:- nothing to report

7.

TREASURER’S REPORT:- MW reported that the group’s financial position remained healthy.

8.

RIGHT TO RIDE REPORT:- nothing to report as PT is currently out of the country. Should PT’s report arrive in the interim this will be published in the next issue of the Cycle Ink.

9.

GRIDIRON 100 EVENT:- John Jackson (JJ) reported that a successor Daniel had been recruited.

Daniel was considered by JJ and MW to be an excellent candidate to succeed JJ after GI 2017. The committee wish to thank JJ for his dedicated contribution over the years in connection with this event and will leave it in a strong position for the future. JJ advised that the route for this year has been improved and an alternative stopping point en-route has been negotiated with Stanley’s Own scout group in Copythorne. JJ wished to emphasise the contribution made by Dave Langley for his IT work.

Dave’s dedicated and professional input has created a fully automated on-line entry system, without which, the event could not have developed to its present level. JJ reported that the volunteers luncheon this year would be of a buffet style to encourage more social interaction on the day. To encourage younger participation no entry charge would be made for participants less than 18 yrs of age. JJ advised that he was in consultation with CUK who would include this event within their Challenge Ride Series 2017, this would raise the profile of the event by CUK advertising on a national basis. JJ advised that he recognised the importance of maintaining the identity as a CTC Wessex Cycling event and would protect this as far as practical in any publicity material. JJ advised that in order to encourage more female participants, consideration was being given to advertising the event in the new woman’s cycling magazine Casquette.

9

Cycle Ink #184

10. PICNIC 2017:- The need for an organiser was solved after a brief discussion as BC kindly offered to fill the post. BC would be the lead co-ordinator for the event and publicity. MW offered to stay involved purchasing refreshments funded by CTC Wessex Cycling and would contact Jill Burden to enquire if she would continue to serve refreshments on the day. MW offered to contact KM to investigate the feasibility of a Mailchimp promotion for this event.

11. REEF RIDE EVENT:- PR advised that a date of Sunday 11th June had been pencilled in as acceptable with the Reef Centre. The ride would consist of two distances, approximately 30 and 60 miles depending on the entrant’s choice. The Sunday ride organisers have predominantly expressed their support of the event and should therefore adjust the runs lists accordingly. The short ride has been reconnoitred by PR and Ade Hobbs and found to be very pleasant, the longer route recce to follow. The costs relating to the event this year will be underwritten by CTC Wessex Cycling. The Reef Centre has indicated a very competitive rate for the day’s hire of the centre to attract publicity. Cont: Entrants will be given a route sheet for their respective ride and finishers will be offered a free tea or coffee. MW to advertise in the Cycle Ink and to contact KM to investigate the feasibility of a Mailchimp promotion for this event. AB will contact local cycling clubs to encourage their participation.

Added note:-It is proposed that refreshments will be for sale on the day and any volunteers for serving would be appreciated and should make their availability know to AB. 12. RELATIONSHIP WITH CTC NATIONAL OFFICE:- PR tabled a paper in an attempt to crystallize the options and factors should members wish to form a more autonomous club resulting from personal dissatisfaction with the development of CUK/CTC as a charity organisation. MW tabled an additional paper outlining action taken by another group, recently received from Julian James in communication with Dennis Snape. A lengthy discussion ensued over the benefits or otherwise of any proposed change. It was felt that no decision for change should be made unless our membership is in support. To gauge the membership feeling on the issue MW agreed to liaise with KM to set up an email link with a limiting date in order for the committee to receive feedback.

Added note:- Following the meeting JJ raised further issues relating to this matter. PR decided to postpone any action subject to further discussion at committee.

13. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:i) MW suggested that we attempt to reclaim the post codes of members who have not realigned, under item 12 above, from the local clubs that have formed new clubs. This suggestion was accepted therefore MW to discuss with KM the best way to proceed. ii) MW raised the question of a clash of interest with the Reef Ride and the Picnic being in the same month. It was appreciated that although these were different types of events there may be an issue to consider. One thought was to alternate annually these events. A final decision was deferred for further review. iii) MW handed out flyers for distribution relating to an evening talk by Damian and Penny Buckley’s 1225ml 44th wedding anniversary ride from St James Church Boscombe to St James Church Santiago de Compostela. The talk will be given on 24th February at 7.00pm in the East Christchurch Sports and Social Club, Grange Road, Christchurch, BH23 4JD 14. NEXT MEETING:- 7.30pm Wednesday 17th May 2017, Kinson Conservative Club.

Committee meetings at The Conservative Club, Kinson.

Next committee meeting: 17th May 2017 at 19:30 Committee meetings for 2017:16th August, 18th October (AGM) : 15th November Editor Mike Walsh: 17 Grove Gdns, Southbourne Rd, B’mouth BH8 9JQ TEL: (01202) 429985 Email jmichaelwalsh@aol.com

10

Cycle Ink #184

Velo Domestique opened in the middle of January in their new premises at 176180 Seabourne Road (the top end of Southbourne Grove). Velo Domestique is not just a cafe, not just a bike shop, it’s a hub for cyclists in Bournemouth.

Velo Domestique host cycling film screenings , served delicious Boscanova coffee and supper evenings.

Velo Domestique

Our local rider’s wheel building offer

http://www.bombproofwheels.com/

Cycling Provence 2017 If your thoughts are turning towards cycling abroad in 2017, please bear me in mind.

I live in the Vaucluse Department of Provence, 18 miles from the foot of Mont Ventoux. My wife and I own a property which can accommodate up to 10 people www.lagenestiere.com . If you think your members might be interested please feel free to share my contact details with them. Bookings are through airbnb https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/14478072 Best regards and thanks, Richard Spooner richard@lagenestiere.com mobile +33 787 54 25 33

11

Cycle Ink #184

For Sale Turbo Trainer

By Dave Wiseman

Elite Voltare mag Turbo trainer Perfect working order £60.00 or near offer.

Contact Dave Wiseman on 01258 452716 or mobile 07767082481 wiseowls002@gmail.com

CTC Wessex Cycling Minutes 16th Nov By Alan Baker CTC WESSEX CYCLING MINUTES OF COMMITTEE MEETING 16 NOVEMBER 2016 1. PRESENT:- Paul Rush (Chairman); Bob Chittenden; Jim McDonald; Paul Turner (Right to Ride Representative); Mike Walsh (Secretary/Treasurer); and Alan Baker (Minute Secretary).

2. APOLOGIES:- Jill Burden; Steve Gray (Cycle Training Coordinator); John Jackson; Keith Matthews (Welfare Officer/Registrar/Membership Secretary/Website Master).

3. MINUTES OF LAST MEETING:- The Minutes of the Committee Meeting held 17 Aug 2016 were APPROVED. 4. MATTERS ARISING:6(ii) The Chairman reported that following the last Meeting it had been AGREED to award the Sartain Trophy to Jo Gordon for her work over a number of years as Committee Member, including as Minute Secretary; for assisting in the organisation and running of the Gridiron event; and for numerous other voluntary efforts.

13(v) Alan Baker reported that Rob Ward had agreed to take over from Dave Langley as Sunday Rouleurs Coordinator, and that a full programme of rides, with leaders, had been confirmed for the first quarter of 2017.

13(vi) Jim McDonald and Bob Chittenden reported that as Bob had not been able to resume his role as Sunday Potterers Joint Coordinator, Jim was continuing to fill in. Bob expressed his appreciation for the help given by Jim. 5. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT:- Paul Rush reported as follows: (i) that the Potterers and Rouleurs Annual Christmas Lunch was being organised by Dave Langley and Denis Eveleigh and would be held at Bournemouth Sports Centre on Thursday 15 December. (ii) that Tony Clewes had agreed to take over from Ralph Huckle as Kitmaster. It was agreed to encourage Tony to use events such as the Christmas Lunch to market the Group’s range of apparel. (iii) that group classes in Bikeability and Balanceability, as well as 1:1 riding tuition for adults, were to be held in both Bournemouth and Poole in 2017, thus catering for all ages from 4 years upwards. (iv) that efforts were being made to set up classes offering a basic bicycle maintenance course in Bournemouth and/or Poole.

Mike Walsh added that he had been contacted by Gary Cure, a supporter of Hope2cycle, a charitable social enterprise based in Bournemouth, that is seeking applicants for a part-time, paid position requiring bicycle mechanical experience amongst other skills. More information is available at www.hope2cycle.org.uk 6. SECRETARY’S REPORT:- nothing to report.

7. TREASURER’S REPORT:- Mike Walsh reported that the Group’s financial position remained healthy.

8. RIGHT TO RIDE REPORT:- Paul Turner reported on various developments. His report will be published in the next issue of the Newsletter.

Cycle Ink #184

12

9. OUTGOING CTC COUNCILLOR’S REPORT:- Julian James was not present and no report was submitted.

10. APPOINTMENT OF GRIDIRON ORGANISER:- Mike Walsh reported that John Jackson was in discussion with someone about taking over organisation of the Gridiron event, but nothing was confirmed.

11. PICNIC 2017:- Mike Walsh reported that if the Picnic is to go ahead next year an organiser will first have to come forward.

12. REEF COMMUNITY CENTRE AT COLEHILL:- Paul Rush reported that he had been approached by Susan Davies, one of the Trustees of the newly-rebuilt Reef Community Centre in Colehill, inviting us to visit the Centre and to consider using it for Group functions, including the next Committee Meeting on 15 February.

Susan and her husband Norman are active cyclists and members of CTC Wessex. Paul and Alan Baker had subsequently visited the Centre during an Open Morning and had had discussions with three Trustees. A CD of photos illustrating the Centre’s facilities was shown to the Meeting. After discussion it was AGREED not to hold the next Meeting at the Centre but to wait for a potential use to present itself. It was noted that Bournemouth Jubilee Wheelers might be interested in using the Reef Centre in connection with their Reliability Rides, and Mike Walsh undertook to inform Kevin Ridge.

13. RELATIONSHIP WITH CTC NATIONAL OFFICE:- Paul Rush reported that the Committee’s current policy is to take no immediate action to discuss further the Group’s future status unless circumstances change or a Motion is proposed by a member of the Group. However, he was aware that there was a mixture of apathy and confusion in the minds of some Group members. There was a need for clarification of the issues and of the alternative ways forward so as to inform members. For this reason a briefing paper was now put before the Committee, although as there was no impetus from any Group member to reopen discussion the purpose of the briefing paper was simply to inform. It was AGREED to take no further action at present.

14. DATES OF MEETINGS IN 2017:- It was AGREED to hold Committee Meetings on the following Wednesdays at 7.30p.m. at Kinson Conservative Club: 15 February; 17 May; 16 August; and 15 November.

The 2017 AGM will be held at 7.30p.m. on 18 October at the same venue.

15. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:(i) Mike Walsh reported that he had been informed by Damian and Penny Buckley that exchange arrangements between cyclists in St Lô and their counterparts in the Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch areas had broken down because of insufficient support here. There was a lack of willingness to accommodate the French cyclists in English homes. Mike felt that the exchange arrangement should now be considered defunct. It was AGREED not to take any further action. (ii) Mike Walsh circulated a newsletter produced by the CTC Group covering the Isle of Wight. He commented that it includes a lot of campaigning material. (iii) Jim McDonald produced a copy of the CTC Ride Leader Handbook with appendices. He said that CTC encouraged all Ride Leaders to read this material and to attend a Ride Leaders’ Training Course so that they would be aware of, and would adopt, best practice when leading. The material also includes a standard Risk Assessment form with risk criteria which may be used by Ride Leaders for assessing risks. It was AGREED that all Ride Leaders must be aware of the need to adopt best practice and be informed of the existence of the Handbook and appendices, which will be held by Alan Baker.

14. NEXT MEETING:- 7.30 pm Wednesday 15 February 2017, Kinson Conservative Club.

Ride Leader’s Handbook

By Alan Baker

CTC HQ has provided the Group with a copy of its Ride Leader Handbook and appendices.

CTC encourages all Ride Leaders to read this material and to attend a Ride Leaders’ Training Course so that they are aware of, and will adopt, best practice when leading. The material includes a standard Risk Assessment form with potential risk criteria identified which may be used by Ride Leaders for assessing risks.

Any Leader who wishes to read the Handbook and its Appendices should contact Alan Baker by e-mail: alan.baker.0@gmail.com, or phone (01425 476043).

By Alan Baker

13

Cycle Ink #184

Cycle Ink #184

14

CTC WESSEX CYCLING RUNSLIST for Second Quarter 2017 We organise gentle to more demanding rides. Please join one of our groups who ride Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Each group has a different style. Choose the group that suits you best.

The ride attracts cyclists from all disciplines and all abilities you are sure to find someone to ride with, contact Terry Walsh on 01202 247888 for more details. There is no leader and no back up, but generally there is an experienced cyclist in the group. The route is designed for beginners but joined in by all abilities. Start 09:00 at Waitrose Supermarket, Christchurch or just make your own way to the Old Farmhouse Tearooms, Burley for 10:00

RUNSLIST for April 2017 Day Date Sat

Group

01-Apr Sat Morning 60s 01-Apr BUN RUNS 01-Apr Terry's Sat Ride

Sun

Tue Thur

02-Apr 02-Apr 02-Apr 04-Apr 06-Apr 06-Apr

09:00 09:30 09:30 11:00 09:30 9:30

INTERS Sunday Potterers Sunday Dawdlers Green Hut Thursday Rouleurs Thursday Potterers

08-Apr Sat Morning 60s 08-Apr Terry's Sat Ride 08-Apr Audax

Sun

09-Apr Sunday Rouleurs 09-Apr INTERS 09-Apr Sunday Potterers

09-Apr Sunday Dawdlers

Sat

Sandbanks Ferry Lulworth Wimborne Rec. Blandford Cafe 65 Wimborne Rec Blandford 65 Meet for coffee at Alderholt Reading Room Moyles Court Sherfield English Merley Bridge Arne RSPB Tel 01292 557 829 09:30 Merley, Willett Arms Poole Wimborne Recreation Ground 09:00 Waitrose, Christchurch 02:00 Poole

Verwood, Morrisons

Coastlet 100km

13-Apr Thursday Rouleurs

09:30 Sandbanks Ferry

Corfe Castle Courtyard café 01929 481234 Blandford

13-Apr Thursday Potterers

10:00

13-Apr Dorset Dawdlers 15-Apr Sat Morning 60s

09:30 08.30 09:00 09.00

Pamphill west car park "Bring a friend ride" Wimborne Rec Waitrose Christchurch Waitrose, Christchurch Wimborne Rec

09:00 Wimborne Square

16-Apr Sunday Potterers

09:30 Wimborne Rec.

16-Apr Sunday Dawdlers

09:30 Wimborne Rec

Sat

20-Apr Dorset Dawdlers 22-Apr Sat Morning 60s 22-Apr Terry's Sat Ride

Sun

23-Apr Sunday Rouleurs 23-Apr INTERS

Bere Regis Tarrant Gunville Tarrant Gunville

Wareham

Hengistbury Head

Peter Loakes Peter Loakes West Stafford

Milton Abbas

John Hayter

Old Waldour Castle

Ray

Wimborne St Giles

Stuirminster Bere Regis Marshall Golf Club Sturminster Marshall Bloxworth Golf Club 11:00 Meet for coffee at Alderholt Reading Room 08.00 WimborneSquare Blandford Stourton Caundle Rouleurs Spring The Trooper Inn Century 09:30 Hurn Stores Fordingbridge Downton Moot 09:30 Hurn Stores 08.30 Sandbanks Ferry 09:00 Waitrose, Christchurch 09.00 Christchurch Waitrose 09:00 Sandbanks Ferry

23-Apr Sunday Potterers

09:45 Hurn Village Stoes

23-Apr Sunday Dawdlers 23-Apr PHSG GROUP

09:45 Hurn Stores 10:00 Ringwood Underpass

Shawn Shaw Rob Ward Steph

Fordingbridge

Witchampton Tarrant Monkton Lyndhurst ( Mad Hatter ) Old Farmhouse Burley Shaftesbury, Ugly Duck. Tel:07772 327559 Shillingstone

Mike Barrett Michael

Paul Rush Graham D Grahame Bolton Paul

Amesbury Swanage

Owermoigne, Galton Garden Centre. Tel: 01305 852324 Cadnam Alderbury Ringwood Verwood Morrisons Wood Green

09:00 Wareham

20-Apr Thursday Potterers

Leader

09.00 Merley Bridge 09:00 Hurn Stores 09:30 Ferndown, junction of Wimbonre Rd.East & West Moors Rd. 09:30 Ferndown

09-Apr Audax

18-Apr Green Hut 20-Apr Thursday Rouleurs

Tea

Compton Abbas Airfield Old Farmhouse Burley Hard Boiled 300km

Coast 200km

16-Apr Sunday Rouleurs

Lunch

08.30

07:45 Wareham

16-Apr INTERS

Tue Thur

14:00

Coffee

Waitrose Sherfield English Christchurch Wimborne Square Sturminster Newton Waitrose, Old Farmhouse Christchurch Burley Poole Leisure Cycling who meet in Upton House, Upton Country Park at 2 p.m Upton House Poundbury, Engine Room. Tel: 01305 257250

09-Apr Audax

15-Apr Terry's Sat Ride Sun

09:00 09:00

09.00

Sun

Thur

08.30

01-Apr Poole Leisure Cycling 02-Apr Sunday Rouleurs

06-Apr Dorset Dawdlers Sat

Time Start

Paul Rush David S

Basil Fozard Ian

Ringwood Frogham Lulworth Cove.(Main Car Park Cafe) Old Farmhouse Burley Downton, The Borough. Tel: 01725 238083 Arne

West Knighton

Ringwood-Boston Ta Party Ringwood Ornamental Drive

Deer Sanctury, Bolderwood Hill Deer Sanctuary

Keith Hemming Colin

Kimmeridge, Clavells

Mike Barrett Anna/Graha m

Day Date Thur

Group

27-Apr Thursday Rouleurs

27-Apr Thursday Potterers

Sat

27-Apr Dorset Dawdlers 29-Apr Sat Morning 60s 29-Apr Terry's Sat Ride

Sun

30-Apr Sunday Rouleurs 30-Apr INTERS 30-Apr Sunday Potterers

Time Start 09:30 Hurn Stores

09:30 Wimborne Rec 09:30 Wimborne Rec 08.30 Wimborne Recreation Ground 09:00 Waitrose, Christchurch 09:00 Hurn Stores 09:00 Wimborne Square 09:30 Wimborne Rec.

Coffee

Lunch

Tea

Leader

Everton Garden Minstead Centre 01590 642155 Cranborne GC Tel Broad Chalke 01725 517 546 Witchampton Cranborne Sturminster Newton

Denis E

Maggie Ross Joy

Old Farmhouse Burley Lymington, The Buttery. Tel: 01590 672870 Compton Abbas Salisbury Ringwood Blandford, Cafe 65 Sturminster Newton

30-Apr Sunday Dawdlers

09:30 Wimborne Rec

Blandford 65

30-Apr Audax

02:00 Poole

Porkers 400km

Paul Kirk Tris

Sturminster Newton Shawn Shaw

CTC WESSEX CYCLING RUNSLIST for May 2017 Day Date Tue Thur

Group

02-May Green Hut 04-May Thursday Rouleurs

04-May Thursday Potterers

Sat

08.30

06-May Poole Leisure Cycling 07-May Sunday Rouleurs 07-May INTERS

07-May 07-May 07-May 07-May 11-May

Audax Audax Audax Audax Thursday Rouleurs

11-May Thursday Potterers

11-May Dorset Dawdlers 13-May Sat Morning 60s

Tue Wed Thur

08:00 08:00 10:00 10:00 09:30

Lymington Lymington Lymington Lymington Moyles Court

09:30 Sandbanks Ferry 9.30 for 9.40 ferry

09:30 Wimborne Rec.

18-May Thursday Potterers

18-May Dorset Dawdlers

Leader Paul Rush Paul S

Peter Lockwood Tracey

Rempstone Forest

Kimmeridge, Clavell's. Tel: 01929 480701 Lymington, Minstead Wetherspoons 09:30 Merley, Willett Arms Wareham, Harry's West Stafford Car Park Bar 09:30 Merley, Willett Arms Wareham Moreton

14-May Sunday Potterers Sunday Dawdlers Green Hut Committee Thursday Rouleurs

Tea

Anstey

09.00 Sandbanks Ferry 09:00 Hurn Stores

14-May Sunday Rouleurs 14-May INTERS

14-May 16-May 17-May 18-May

Lunch

Waitrose ( Sherfield English Christchurch) 09:00 Wimborne Square Hazelbury Bryan 09:00 Waitrose, Old Farmhouse Christchurch Burley 14:00 Poole Leisure Cycling who meet in Upton House, Upton Country Park at 2 p.m

09:30 Hurn Stores 08.30 Wimborne Recreation Ground 09:00 Waitrose, Christchurch 09.00 Upton House 09:00 Sandbanks Ferry

13-May Terry's Sat Ride Sun

Blandford

09:30 Merley, Willett Arms Wareham

07-May Sunday Dawdlers

Sat

09:30 Wimborne Rec

06-May Sat Morning 60s

07-May Sunday Potterers

Thur

Coffee

11:00 Meet for coffee at Alderholt Reading Room 09:30 Merley Bridge Bovington Matildas Worth Matravers Cafe 01929 405204

04-May Dorset Dawdlers

06-May BUN RUNS 06-May Terry's Sat Ride

Sun

Time Start

New Forest Excursion 200km New Forest Spring Century 160km New Forest Day Out 100km New Forest Spring Challenge 50km Cadnam Garden Lepe Centre 02380812240 Corfe Castle Lulworth Cove Courtyard Tel 01929 481 234 Bashley Hengistbury Head Compton Abbas Airfield Old Farmhouse Burley Arne, RSPB Cafe. Tel: 01929 553360 Lulworth Cove Piddletrenthide

Cranborne Garden Tollard Royal Centre 09:30 Wimborne Rec Cranborne Tollard Royal 11:00 Meet for coffee at Alderholt Reading Room 19:30 Kinson Kinson Con Club 09:30 Wimborne Square Broadchalke Alvediston Valley Stores & Café 01722 780998 09:30 Hurn Stores

09:30 Wimborne Rec

Burley Old Farmhouse Tel 01425 402 218 Blandford 65

Fritham

Winterborne Stickland

Alderholt

TBA Jackie

John John John John

Ward Ward Ward Ward

Grahame Bolton Ray

Lytchett Minister

Rob Ward Geoff

Paul Rush Mike G

Ann Edwards Eric

Day Date Sat

Group

20-May Sat Morning 60s 20-May Terry's Sat Ride

Sun

21-May Sunday Rouleurs 21-May INTERS 21-May Sunday Potterers 21-May Sunday Dawdlers 21-May PHSG GROUP 21-May Audax

28-May Sunday Rouleurs 28-May INTERS 28-May Sunday Dawdlers 29-May Sunday Potterers

Wimborne Square Hurn Village Stores Hurn Stores Downton (Car) Woodley nr Romsey

Sandbanks Ferry

09:00 Waitrose, Christchurch 06:00 Poole 09.00

Wimborne Rec

Lunch

Stourhead Whitsbury Fordingbridge

Leader

Blandford

Keith Hemming Jackie

Robert Damper Robert Damper Cerne Abbas

Circular ride

Bob McIntosh John B

Brockenhurst

Lulworth Cove ( Main Car Park Cafe ) Old Farmhouse Burley Shawn Shore Steve Freshney Tris

Brimstone 600km Compton Abbas Airfield. Tel: 01747 811767

09:00 Sandbanks Ferry

Kimmeridge

Lulworth

09:30 Ferndown

Verwood, Morrisons

Breamore

Verwood Morrisons

Breamore

09:30 Ferndown, junction of Wimborne Rd.East & West Moors Rd.

Tea

Lyndhurst ( Mad hatter ) Old Farmhouse Burley Owermoigne, Galton Garden Centre. Tel: 01305 852324

08.30

27-May Audax

09:00 09:45 09:45 10:00 08:00

Coffee

27-May Sat Morning 60s

27-May Terry's Sat Ride

Sun

Waitrose (Christchurch ) 09:00 Waitrose, Christchurch 09.00 Merley Bridge

25-May Dorset Dawdlers

25-May Thursday Rouleurs

25-May Thursday Potterers

Sat

08.30

Compton Abbas Crow Farm Shop Crow Farm Shop Salisbury Grand National Park2Park 09:00 Woodley nr Romsey Between the Parks 100km 09:30 Sandbanks Ferry West Holme Orchard Tea Rooms 01929 554716 09:30 Wimborne Rec Tarrants and Cranborne Chase 09:30 Hurn Stores Burley

21-May Audax Thur

Time Start

Lytchett Minster

CTC WESSEX CYCLING RUNSLIST for June 2017 Day Date Thur

Group

01-Jun Thursday Rouleurs

01-Jun Thursday Potterers 01-Jun Dorset Dawdlers Sat

03-Jun INTERS 03-Jun Sat Morning 60s 03-Jun BUN RUNS 03-Jun Terry's Sat Ride

Sun

03-Jun Poole Leisure Cycling 04-Jun Sunday Rouleurs

04-Jun Sunday Potterers 04-Jun Sunday Dawdlers Tue

06-Jun Green Hut

Time Start Car Bishops Waltham Assist 9:30 09:30 Merley Bridge

Coffee Alresford

Bovington Matildas Tel 01929 405 204 09:30 Merley, Willett Arms Wareham 08:30 Wimborne Square 08.30 Waitrose ( Christchurch ) 09:00 Wimborne Square

Lunch

Tea

Leader

Froxfield

Denis E

West Stafford

Dave Gracey Alan

Moreton

Weekend Away Street Hostel

Anna/Graha m

Sherfield English

Bowerchalke Market Café 09:00 Waitrose, Old Farmhouse Christchurch Burley 14:00 Poole Leisure Cycling who meet in Upton House, Upton Country Park at 2 p.m

09.00 Christchurch Waitrose

Fordingbridge, Bridges. Tel: 01425 654149 09:30 Merley- Willett Arms West Holme-the Car Park Orchrd Tea Rooms 09:30 Merley, Willett Arms Courtyard Centre 11:00 Meet for coffee at Alderholt Reading Room

Judy Gordon Chaldon Herring Wool Paul Rush

Contact for all groups Telephone: - Terry Walsh 01202 247888 or go to www.wessexctc.org

Day Date Thur

Group

Time Start

08-Jun Thursday Rouleurs

09:30 Merley Bridge

08-Jun Thursday Potterers

08-Jun Dorset Dawdlers

9:50 Moyles Court for 10:00 09:30 Wimborne Rec

Sat

10-Jun Sat Morning 60s

08.30

10-Jun Terry's Sat Ride

09:00

Sun

11-Jun Reef 11-Jun Sunday Rouleurs 11-Jun INTERS

08:30 09.00 09:00

11-Jun Sunday Potterers

TBA

Thur

11-Jun Sunday Dawdlers 15-Jun Thursday Rouleurs

15-Jun Thursday Potterers

Sat

15-Jun Dorset Dawdlers 17-Jun Sat Morning 60s 17-Jun Terry's Sat Ride

Sun

Tue Thur

Sat

Sun

09:00

18-Jun Sunday Dawdlers 20-Jun Green Hut 22-Jun Thursday Rouleurs

09:30 11:00 TBD

22-Jun Thursday Potterers

09:30

22-Jun Dorset Dawdlers

09:30

24-Jun Sat Morning 60s

08.30

Moreton Dovecote Café 01929 463647 Downton the Borough Tel 01725 238 083 Blandford

Lunch

Tea

Leader

Upwey

Ade H

Salisbury

John Hayter

Sturminster Newton

Jeanette

Compton Abbas Airfield Old Farmhouse Burley Reef Rides Sherfield English, Gilberts. Tel: 01794 322566 Downton, Borough West Tytherley Ringwood Cafe Choice of 50km. or 100km. rides finishing with all group tea at Community Centre

Group Ride Sherfield Salisbury English Gilberts 01725 884803 Wimborne Rec Compton Abbas Kings Stag Airfield Hurn Stores Barton-on-Sea Keyhaven Waitrose ( Lyndhurst ( Mad Christchurch ) hatter ) Waitrose, Old Farmhouse Christchurch Burley Sandbanks Ferry East Lulworth, Past and Presents. Tel: 01929 400637 Upton House Dorchester West Bexington West Holme Wimborne Rec. Cranborne Garden Martin Down Centre Wimborne Rec Cranborne Martin Down Meet for coffee at Alderholt Reading Room TBD Summer Soltice Summer solstice Ride Ride Merley Bridge Wareham Harrys Moreton Bar Tel 01747 811 767 Wimborne Rec Verwood Heritage Breamore Centre Sandbanks ferry Lulworth Cove. ( Main Car Park cafe )

Paul Rush Paula Kirk Steph Route sheets provided

John Hayter Lawrence

TBA Geoff

Paul Rush John J Eric Stevens Martin

24-Jun Audax

09:00 Waitrose, Old Farmhouse Christchurch Burley 08:00 Awbridge nr Romsey Hungerford Hurrah 200km

Alan Davies

24-Jun Audax

08:30 Awbridge nr Romsey Hinton Hip Hip 170km

Alan Davies

24-Jun Audax

09:00 Awbridge nr Romsey Hungerford Hooray 100km

Alan Davies

25-Jun Sunday Rouleurs

25-Jun Sunday Potterers

25-Jun Sunday Dawdlers 25-Jun PHSG GROUP 29-Jun Thursday Potterers

29-Jun Thursday Rouleurs

29-Jun Dorset Dawdlers Sat

09:30 09:30 08.30

09.00 09:00 09:30

25-Jun INTERS

Thur

Reef Community Centre Colehill Wimborne TBA The Reef Colehill 09:30 Moyles Court

18-Jun Sunday Rouleurs 18-Jun INTERS 18-Jun Sunday Potterers

24-Jun Terry's Sat Ride

Wimborne Recreation Ground Waitrose, Christchurch Colehill Hurn Stores Hurn Stores

Coffee

01-Jul Poole Leisure Cycling

09.00 Upton House 09:00 Hurn Stores 09:30 Ferndown, junction of Wimborne Rd.East & West Moors Rd. 09:30 Ferndown 10:00 TBD 7:50 Highcliffe Car Park for 8:00 09:30 Wimborne Square

Poundbury, Engine Room. Tel: 01305 25720 East Wellow, Carlo's Middle Wallop Ringwood - Boston Tea Party

Brockenhurst

Ringwood

Brockenhurst

Hythe BeBes Café 10.40 Ferry Southampton Childe Okeford Gold Hill Cafe 09:30 Merley, Willett Arms Poole Quay

Breamore House

Keith Hemming Colin

Titchfield Haven via Hamble Warsash ferry Semley

John Hayter

Shore Road

John B

14:00 Poole Leisure Cycling who meet in Upton House, Upton Country Park at 2 p.m

Mike G

Auxerre in August

By John Bettell

Monday 10th. August. We left West Parley at 4 o’clock in the evening, Marilyn driving and the bike on the rear rack, arriving at the station around 4:30. We said our good-byes and I made my way onto the platform to await the train. The London bound train pulled in at 4:58, which I boarded for Southampton.

At Southampton I changed for the Portsmouth train, stopping at all station along the way, to arrive about 6:30. The Continental Ferry Terminal is only a mile or so, along a cycle path, to the north of the city.

My ferry, Brittany’s “Etrete”, doesn’t leave until 11:15 this evening, so I have time to relax. I like to arrive with time to spare; there have been occasions in the past when that space has been a good buffer. Locking the bike, I went into the Terminal; there is a Costa Coffee shop on the first floor, which served a nice cuppa.

Down stairs I took a seat near a window where I could keep an eye on the bike, don’t want to loose any thing at this stage.

Around 9:30 I went to the check in desk, then waited in the terminal until 10:15. On previous occasions I had gone down to the quayside and found the crew had kept me waiting until everyone else had been loaded. This time I thought I would wait in relative comfort. At 10:30 I made my way down to the quay, here I was loaded, with five other cyclists, almost straight away, no waiting this time.

The various bikes were secured, by the crew, to the bulkhead of Deck 3. We were shown to the stairs to the upper decks. Deck 5 had all the public rooms along with a bar and restaurant, a coffee was my first thought.

My crossing was over night and bed would be a reclining seat. To book a cabin for a single would cost more than the return fare!

I had been allocated Seat 118 in “Seaside Lounge” which sounds grander than it was. There was a fair bit of coming and going by other passengers, but eventually I got off to sleep.

Tuesday 11th. It was about 6 o’clock when I woke and made a move to the washroom, there would be an expected scramble in the next half hour.

Breakfast was being served at 7:00, so I joined the waiting queue. There was plenty of choice, but mine was a couple of packs of individual cereals, a croissant and a coffee. We were called to the car deck for disembarkation and I was off into the port of Le Havre at 8:15.

It was raining, yes August weather and its heavy rain. Fortunately it was only a short distance to the train station and its afforded shelter. I bought a ticket for the 9:05 to Paris, hopefully the rain will stop by then. Knowing how expensive food can be in Paris, I bought a filled baguette from the station shop before boarding my train, so that is lunch taken care of.

This is a modern TER train, entry is level with the platform, none of the 3 or four steps to push the bike up to get on board. Inside the carriage, a rack for five bikes and seats near by.

The journey to Rouen was through mainly agricultural countryside then into the city, by which time the sun had come out from behind the clouds. I have to change trains here, now comes the difficult bit with a bike.

Platforms are accessed by overhead walkways, which are reached by stairs or escalators. On Rouen station they have a goods lift, you just have to know how to use the lift. It’s a case of grabbing a porter or the Controller, he will then get keys and someone will escort you and your bike to the correct platform. All this takes time and the waiting train was held for me, never mind about the hundred or so passengers waiting to go to Paris.

This was a double deck train with a level entry into a vestibule with flights of stairs down and up to the seated areas. My bike and I stay in the vestibule and I keep my head down. The train fills at every station and by the time we reach Vendon its full to bursting point. We pulled into Paris Gare St.Lazare just before midday.

Out on the street the temperature was rising. Minor adjustments to panniers and equipment were made while the GPS found my position. This always take a little while, its an old model GPS and sometimes can’t cope with a distant move. Once locked onto the satellites I put in the destination and moved towards the river. Traffic was heavy, but I use the bus lane, so do taxis and of course busses, so you still have to keep your wits about you. The River Seine is a good marker and I use it to locate my next train station.

I dropped down one of the river access roads and rode along the riverside, soon finding a seat where I could have lunch. Now this is top draw stuff, sitting in the sun watching the river boats plying up and down, with my baguette, plus a little treat of Tarte au Pomme.

Lunch over I’m back on the road, passing all the well known sights, out on the Ile de la Cite, the beautiful buildings of Palais de Justice then the Gothic cathedral of Notre Dame. Further along on my left, the Hotel de Ville. It’s not so far to the turn for the Gare Bercy.

Cycle Ink #184

19

The train station Bercy is in the east of the city and adjacent to Gare de Lyon. My train goes from either station but Bercy is bike friendly with level access to train, that’s a bonus.

My credit cards were blocked for France so they refused to work the station’s automated ticket machine. I will have to phone the bank eventually to get them unlocked, but not now, time was pressing. I joined the snaking queue for the ticket office and with patience got to one of four operatives. He accepted my request for a senior ticket and reminded me to show evidence of my age on the train. I’m never asked these days! With my ticket in hand I now have to find the departure board and the trains allocated platform. This allocation is usually made about twenty minutes before departure.

Fortunately my train, a TER was already waiting, meaning I could board and get myself organised. Panniers, tent and bar bag have to be removed and the bike hung by the front wheel from wall-mounted hooks. Then it’s just a matter of piling the luggage close to the bike and grabbing a nearby seat.

The train left Paris at a fair rate of speed, soon to be nearing 80 mph. Initially it was an urban landscape down to Melun, then came the forest of Fontainbleau. Out of the forest we follow the River Seine and then the Yonne, a very pleasant landscape of open views.

I watched with some concern, just in case I missed my stop. When the train drew into the town of Sens I knew my stop would be next, now to get the bike down and reassembled with luggage.

My station, Joigny, in upper Burgundy, is not wheelchair friendly, nor bike either. Stairs lead down from the platform to an underpass and more stairs back up to street level. As I was negotiating my way down a passenger came and helped carry the bike and then assisted with the panniers. The same guy was waiting at the second flight to help again. I thanked him in my best French, which leaves a lot to be desired. You see people do help old folk!

Out on the street it was very warm, well hot better describes the 30+ degrees and no wind. I am not complaining this weather is what I came for and once you are on the bike its just right. I set the GPS to the campsite location and got under way.

Cycling through the town I crossed the bridge over the River Yonne and continued along the bank-side road to a weir. As I approached the campsite, memories came flooding back; I had stayed there on a walking holiday in 1997.

The guy in the reception booked me in and took fees for two nights; tomorrow I shall have a relaxing day around the town. He showed me to a nice pitch, well shaded by a couple of trees. Once the tent was up and bags unpacked, I took a refreshing shower and changed into more suitable clothes. It was by now 6 o’clock, time to ride out and find dinner in town.

In a previous view of Google Earth Street View I was able to log up some restaurants, now to follow that up. Well the two I had logged were both shut down. This is one of the drawbacks with “Earth”, it s not real time, very often a couple of years have passed.

The town, it seems, had gone through an ethnic change, the bars had a young North African clientele, very similar to some of the areas in the south of France. Families possibly have meals at home around a communal table and don’t eat out. After exploring most of the streets, I gave up and returned to the site. It would have to be packet soup and an Alpen bar, which would have to last me. Tomorrow I will set up an emergency food store. I sent a text to Marilyn to say good night. Got into the sleeping bag and slept fairly well. The day had a wet start, a cloudy bright middle, then clear blue skies and hot to finish. Total 23km.

Wednesday 12th. I got up at 7:30, made my usual breakfast of porridge and some good coffee. There were a few bits to wash through; I have to keep up with it.

At the reception I asked the young English-speaking guy for directions to a supermarket. We chatted about the town and it’s surrounding area.

This area known as the Senonais taking its name from the historic town of Sens, which is some 30km to the north. Here in Joigny we are in the Duchy of Burgundy, Department of Yonne in the Region of Centre, just a little confusing. Joigny is in two parts divided by the River Yonne. Across the 18th century stone bridge the historic old town rises up from the river in terraces with a massive church at the top of the hill.

In town I some how managed to take the wrong side of the river, realising my mistake, I returned to the bridge, where there was a PMU bar, just right for a coffee break. This was one of the many PMU establishments across France where you are sure of good coffee at reasonable prices. The clientele is mainly men, who come to place bets on horse races, which show on a big screen TV. In the cool of the bar I sat enjoying the moment, drinking coffee and people watching.

Out on the street the heat hit me and I was glad to get moving on the bike, this time I got my directions right and found the supermarket.

I bought enough food for dinner that evening and cheese for lunchtime. I drew a blank with a gas refill.

Back in the town a visit to the boulangerie rewarded me with fresh bread and a tarte au pomme, well just a little treat. I found a seat by the river with a nice view, a duck with her brood of three ducklings feeding from riverweed. I’m sorry to say I didn’t share any of my tart. That was a good morning’s jobs completed along with looking around the town, now there was little else left to explore. I had planned to visit Sens but that was 30km distant, too much for such a hot day.

Cycle Ink #184

20

Back on site I did some further washing, knowing it would dry quickly in the heat of the day. I have to keep up with the washing in case there are a number of wet days and I run out of clean gear.

In town again trying to find a gas refill. I had previously noted the Quincaillerie, an Ironmongers, no luck there they only stocked Blue Gaz and didn’t know about the European standard threaded type. In previous years I had always brought a Blue Gaz stove for cooking, last year there were no refills available only the threaded type. In future I shall carry both types.

There was a bar near the town centre with a sign displaying Palthorpes; it would be nice to have a cool lager at 3 o’clock. The barman tried to introduce me to their latest innovation, lager with a twist of lemon, are they going backwards, no thanks. I sat in the cool of the bar writing my notes and enjoying the traditional lager.

Back on site again for the evening and looking forward to dinner. Around 6 o’clock I started preparing the green beans and potatoes.

To save what gas I have, I drew hot water from the plate wash and got the vegetables cooking on the single stove. As soon as the vegetables were cooked, I started the other pot with contents of a can of boeuf bourguignon. I have used these canned meals over the years and found them to be fairly good. A half bottle of red wine had been opened and tried a number of times, seems fine to me. I finished with a nectarine, then coffee to follow. The meal was good and very filling, making up for the inflicted famine of yesterday.

A couple arrived on the pitch next door and placed their tent on the other side of the hedge to me, talk about a herding instinct. She had arrived on an electric bike, he on a hybrid and dragging a trailer. He did every thing, while she, on a mobile, phoned all the relations and friends. He was quite a bit her senior, she only spoke to me once, did I have an airbed pump?

I tried to recharge my Nokia phone but the phone rejected the Power Bank, I shall have to try another method, just thought I could use up the “Pay as you Go” units. I have the Moto phone with me as my main phone, so no real problem. Now for bed and a good night sleep followed. It had been a good dry day with temperatures in the 30’s. Total 15km.

Thursday 13th. I was up and out of bed by 6:30, all the usual and out on the road about 8:15. Let me see what day brings, I am never sure what’s in store each day of a rolling tour.

In town I bought bread and a pain au chocolat, then across the road for a coffee. A nice bar serving a good cup of coffee. I sat eating my bun and enjoying the first coffee of the day. Locals were coming in and greeting me as if I was a regular, all very pleasant.

I left town riding east on the main D943. There were two tasks today, find a gas refill and a campsite. At Laroche St.Cydroine I diverted from the route to find a supermarket. The Leclerc was up a long hill and a long way out of town, they only had Blue Gaz. Across the road a large bricolage (DIY) store, it was the same story there. Back to the main route and in the town an Atac supermarket, the same story again.

Continuing on the D943 through Migennes to Brienon, where I located the campsite, it was closed and permanently. I pressed on to join the D905 to St.Florentin.

Although St.Florentin is still in the Department of the Yonne it stands by the River Armancon and Bourgognone Canal. The town is famous for it soft cheeses.

This was a pleasant town with a chance of an evening meal; they might also have a campsite. I located the port down at the canal and a picnic bench in the shade of some willow trees. This was an ideal spot for a lunch break. The day was more overcast than previous days, but still hitting 29 degrees midday. I lunched on fresh bread and cream cheese with a nectarine to follow.

The canal is one of three that were built to connect the Seine with the River Saone, so making a navigatable route from the English Channel to the Mediterranean. Today there were a few hire boat cruisers making there way along this green and pleasant waterway.

On the other side of my grassy strip the small marina with a mix of pleasure craft. In the background, the town looks down from the hill at this nice spot. But now it was time to look for a campsite.

In town I walked around pushing the bike and exploring the dinner possibilities. There was a two star hotel that could be the answer for dinner. The camping was a large two star site a little way out of the town. I had just got the tent pitched when there was a light rain shower, it didn’t last very long.

Returning to the town, I located the hotel and booked a table for 7 o’clock that evening. Along the way I spotted a hardware store and enquired about gas. The very helpful assistant found a Blue Gaz canister with a Euro thread. The refill was a long cylindrical shape, the type you may use as a hand held blowlamp. Across the road a bar for a late afternoon coffee, now it’s all coming good again.

Back at the campsite I managed to find the guardian who told me, for you it’s a free night, no charge. Now that’s a first for me. Time to take a shower and change to go out. The weather was deteriorating and looked threatening, heavy thunderclouds massing and a strong wind had sprung up. I thought it would be safer to ride into town while it was still fine and dry.

I found a bar for a lager and sat writing my notes. The wind dropped and the thunderclouds hit somewhere else. I rode around to the hotel and locked my bike in their private car park.

21

Cycle Ink #184

At the reception I waited to be seated, a table for one had been laid. I chose saumon fume’ to start, which was very nice and beautifully prepared. For the main course, as I’m in Burgundy, boeuf bourguignon, with this, a half bottle of Epineuil, a local red pinot noir. Well the bourguignon came as a plate of long grain rice with beef in a rich sauce, but this wasn’t a traditional presentation. Never mind it was very good and I did enjoy. The wine, thankfully, helped it along considerably. I missed out the cheese course and moved directly to dessert. This I learned later was mirabelle plums (prunes) a small golden coloured sweet fruit. I had not experienced the explosive effects of this fruit and have avoided it on later occasions. I ordered black coffee, which came with a jug of hot water to blend to my taste. A plate of sweetie bonbons was brought, for me to find a favourite. Quite a moderate bill followed, considering the amount and quality of the meal.

Back on site and bed, nothing disturbed me. It had been another good day with just a brief rain shower late afternoon. Total 50km.

Friday 14th. This morning up at 6:30 and packed. Now it was time to try out the new gas refill, once fitted to the burner I made the stove stable with three tent pegs and a strap to steady. Made porridge, my staple breakfast, keeps my appetite satisfied for the morning. A sudden shower of rain compelled me to complete the packing in the tent.

It was 9 o’clock when I left the camping for town. First job was to buy bread and a pain au chocolat, then across the road to the bar “Fontaine”, they made some good coffee, so I stopped for a second.

The sun was out and the day looked promising, I rode back past the camping to join the D43. The road ran south of the Armancon River leading me through pretty villages of Cheu and Jauges, at Villiers-Vineux there was a lovely church in the village square that had recently been cleaned and renovated. My route now continued on the D43 to Raffey and Vezinnes before arriving at Tonnerre.

It was midday as I rode into the town of Tonnerre, my route wasn’t quite as planned, but it had been slightly shortened. Setting the GPS on a “Go To” and it then brought me to a lane leading to the campsite. The couple at reception said to pitch any where in the central area and come back at 5.o’clock to pay. When the tent was pitched and bags unpacked I made lunch from bread and cheese.

No fruit today, giving the body a break after the mirabelles. My tent has a silly design fault, on opening the door, the flap empties any rain or dew into the sleeping compartment. I intend to over come this with a length of cord.

I found the Achan supermarket just by following signs. I needed some supplies for tonight’s dinner and that length of cord. In town I found a quiet bar near a train station, madame made a good coffee and I was able to sit and write my notes.

Tonnerre is in the wine region of Chablis, but still in the Yonne. The town is in the centre of a busy wine growing area, producing red, white and rose wines that are not Chablis, they come under the Tonnerre and Epineuil appellations. The town lives on a rising main street going up to an old quarter with its 11c Eglise St.Pierre.

On the campsite I secures the cord to the tent flap and ran it over the roof and back under the tent. Now by pulling the cord I can ensure the flap rolls back trapping water in the fold, and later I found it worked. That afternoon I had some preparations for the following day after which I relaxed in the tent listening to music on my phone.

Around 5.o’clock there was a few thunderclaps followed by a shower of rain. The sun returned and I took the break to go and pay the fees. Then off for a shower and wash out some clothes. I had just got back to the tent when the storm broke, there was heavy rain for a quarter of an hour, and then the sun was back again. I remembered it was like this in the mountains during August.

Time was moving along and there was dinner to prepare and cook, but the first job, to get the wine open. It was a half bottle from the supermarket priced at 5€s, it should be good for that price in France. Well for a Burgundy pinot noir it left a little to be desired, maybe better with the food. The can of dinner was lapin, joints of rabbit in a sauce, to which I added some new potatoes. Yes it was OK, but I’ve had better rabbit on previous occasions.

After a trip to the plate wash I dropped off to sleep and was only woken at 11:30 by a text arriving from Marilyn. Since I have been away there had been problems with the broadband. We have tried a number of fixes, but the problem still persists. I expect a new Home Hub router will be required. I was soon back to sleep again, to wake around 3.o’clock to heavy rain. It had been dry most of the day, just the rain of early evening. Total 38km.

Saturday 15th. I woke at 6.o’clock to heavy rain, so back to sleep until nine. It was now just light rain so I got up and made breakfast.

With weather as it is I shall stop over another night, no sense in riding any distance in these conditions. I packed a small bag and rode the short distance into town.

The restaurant of choice, accepted my booking for dinner that evening, so that’s sorted. The bar in town made a very nice coffee, which had been the next on my list. Rain showers replaced the earlier heavy down pours, so to kill time I rode out to the supermarket.

I found it interesting, wandering up and down the isles, looking at equipment and tools that French people use in their everyday lives.

On my way back to the campsite I located the start of tomorrow’s route. This is something I try to do; it does save time at the start of a day. Lunch of bread and soft cheese, with an apple to finish, was taken in the shelter of the tent. After lunch, a quiet time, listening to music that I had previously downloaded to my phone.

Cycle Ink #184

22

During the afternoon I rode into the town for a coffee, but all the bars and shops were closed. It was of course Saturday afternoon and in many towns small shops close through to Tuesday morning. I rode out along the canal towpath to the port, then out of the town to investigate the D905. At least that’s another way I can locate tomorrow’s route.

On entering the campsite I took the opportunity to stop and pay for my second night. Time was moving on so off for a shower and change for dinner. The weather had improved, now cloudy with sun shining through the gaps; at least it’s not raining.

As I walked into the restaurant I had the impression that it mainly catered for coach parties. Never mind I will see what is on offer. I ordered from a menu of a reasonable list of choices. For a starter, a visit to the buffet table. The plates were small, but there was a fairly good choice. On the table, a basket of bread containing just three pieces, which will soon need refilling. The 25cl’s carafe of house red wine was placed and the plates cleared.

The middle-aged couple at the next table had a shopping bag by their feet. I noticed a little head of a Yorkshire terrier kept popping out for a look around. The French do like their small dogs and seem to take them where ever they go.

The waitress arrived with the main course. Well I thought she might have had a fall on the way from the kitchen. To say the plate was a bit of a mess was an understatement. There was a skewer of lamb chunks, onions and sweet peppers, along with cauliflower, courgettes and dauphinoise potatoes, all very difficult to separate. In fairness it was full of good flavours and quite nice. I chose crème brulee for dessert and that was traditional and probably locally produced, also very nice.

Back at the campsite I was soon off to sleep. It had been raining until mid afternoon then dry for the rest of the day. Total 18km.

Sunday 16th. Woke and got up at 7:30, and off site by 9.o’clock. I rode into the town for that first cup of coffee, but first to the boulangerie for bread and a pain au chocolat. The bakers were serving coffee so I was able to find a seat and settle down to a nice cup with my bun. Out on the street an old disabled guy was playing a hurdy-gurdy machine, I haven’t heard one of those for years, all Paris Café.

I took the road past the supermarket and picked up the D905 to Lezennes. The route climbs a very long hill, on a straight road, so there is no mystery to what lies ahead. French hills are on easy gradients and with patience you can ride them. There was an up side in so much as the hill going down was a lot longer. At Lezennes I left the D905 and took the D200, which went on a loop following the river. This was a pleasant country lane to Pacy-sur-Armancon and Argenteuil-sur-Armancon. Not to be confused with the Argenteuil on the Seine, famous for one of Monet’s favourite painting locations. The villages were quite picturesque but the countryside not quite so, in the main, agricultural. Even the sunflowers were a smaller flowered variety, not at all the traditional large flowers of the south.

At Buffon I found a nice bench seat by the canal, just right for my lunch stop. From here it would be only a 4km ride into Montbard, my over night campsite.

I have now crossed into the Cote d’Or, which stretches down to encompass Dijon; this department also has the source of the Seine.

I set off along the towpath and then found the campsite was on the opposite bank. I had to ride into the town to find a bridge, then ride back again to the site. I had stayed on this site the previous year and thought it worth another visit.

Camping Municipal “Les Treilles is a three star site beautifully kept and all the amenities that you might require. The indoor swimming pool on the same complex, gives campers a free access.

At the campsite reception the woman booked me in and spoke impeccable English. I ask if she was from French speaking Canada, she said she had been born in France and had taken an English language degree. I said although I had been coming to France since 1952, I still hadn’t got the hang of the French language. She gave me the wi-fi log in details, which I will try later; it would be good to catch up on Emails. I found a nice pitch and got the tent up, and bags unpacked. Took a shower and did some washing, that was all the mundane sorted. Walking over to the reception area I thought I would try the wi-fi, but was unable to log in, so I took the easy way, just gave up.

In town with a map of restaurants, I looked for somewhere to eat, but drew a blank. Going with experience I looked for the train station and sure enough there was the Hotel du Gare that would do nicely.

The restaurant had gone all bruschetta, that would suit me fine. I found a table and ordered from the menu a Bruschetta Rhiene; an Italian bread with a topping on a wooden board. This came with a dressed green salad. To help every thing along, 25cls carafe of rose wine was added to the order. I quite enjoyed my first bruschetta and will certainly try one again. To complete, a dessert of tarte tatin, this one wasn’t traditional, but very nice anyway.

The Paris TGV had just pulled into the station and was allowing plenty of time for passengers to get on and off, in an unhurried manner.

Back at the campsite I crawled into the sleeping bag and was soon off to sleep.

There was no rain that day but it had been overcast, a cooler day at 16-18 degrees and a cooler night 12 degrees. Total 59km.

23

Cycle Ink #184

Monday 17th. I was up and out of bed by 7:15, made breakfast and was ready to leave just before 9 0 o’clock.

In town the first call to the bakers for bread and a bun, then to the Casino supermarket for French beans and a couple of apples.

With that done, off to the Hotel du Gare for a coffee, by now the sun was breaking through, this could be a better day.

My route left town going NW on the D905 to St.Remy where I joined the D4. This was a beautiful road hugging the contours of the hills with forest on one side and open landscape falling away to my right. I had used this route the previous year, but it was well worth repeating. In Quincy le Vicomte I spent a while looking around this nicely kept village and taking photos. There was a stiff climb out of the village, which went on for some while.

Today I am crossing a couple of major watersheds and a few minor ones; there will be more hills, both up and down. Rains run off these hills down into the valley of the Armancon to the north and the Yonne to the south.

At the village of Santigny I stopped to take more photos. The village had a very large open tank of water for use in case of fire, may be they had experienced a fire previously and found them selves short of water. On the face of it this was a very quiet and pleasant village, but with one big down side. Just on the outskirts the train tracks of the TGV, which raced through breaking the peace and stillness. The French don’t seem to mind the train, especially if the town has a station, although this location was without.

I pressed on along the D957 with some long down hill sections. That made up for the earlier climbs. At the town of Montreal I stopped for lunch, I had stopped there last year and knew there was a bench seat in the square. There was no café or bar open in the main street and I didn’t want to climb a hill to an area where there might have been the like.

With lunch over, I continued SW on the D957 to Sauvigny le Bois. Workmen were repainting the road markings. No traffic lights or stop go boards, just a few cones, which were move along the road as progress was made. Passing through the town I noticed a café and wandered inside. The guy running, what was a general stores come bar, made me a nice cup of coffee. Now it was time for the final push to my over night stop in Avallon.

Avallon is superbly situated high in beautifully country, a town of two parts. The new town with several wide roads and pedestrianised shopping areas, tree lined avenues and squares. While the older part within ramparts is a quiet place. We are now back into the department of the Yonne.

As I rode through the town I made a mental note of possible places to eat. The road to the campsite dropped rapidly on hairpin bends, I shall think twice before returning to the town on a fully loaded bike.

A young guy who had a good command of English manned the campsite reception. He booked me in and said the wi-fi was easy access, just log in with “camping” and it will connect. Well, I shall see later, now it was time to get the tent pitched and the panniers unpacked. With that done I rode the 2km back up the hill into town, easy without a loaded bike.

I made a visit to a small supermarket and bought a pack of cereal bars and a bottle of Cote du Rhone. There were some fairly good options for dining out tomorrow, but tonight I shall cook in.

Back on site I found the TV room and went with a selection of phone chargers. My phone connected straight away and downloaded emails and updated the phone, which had been waiting for a decent signal like this one. I sat writing my notes and waiting for the fast charger to do its work with the phone.

There was washing to be done and a shower for me, with that completed it was time to get dinner. Got the wine open, most important, and made soup. Next to start the green beans. The wine, a Cote du Rhone was very good for a plonk, well it was only 3.99€s a bottle. The beans were ready and the can of veal in mixed vegetables heated. This time I had tried a different brand of canned meal, and it turned out very good, I shall use them again. It was an all round good meal.

After the washing up, the rest of the evening was spent listening to music. Later I crawled into the sleeping bag and slept well.

It had been a cloudy bright day without rain. Total 55km.

Tuesday 18th. Up at 8:30 to start a relaxing day. Made breakfast and did some hand washing. Put up a clothes line from one end of the tent and hung the few bits out, sites don’t like washing lines, but low down I’m sure nobody will mind. At the reception I booked for a further night and collected bread that I had ordered, then packed a small bag and rode into the town.

There was plenty to explore in the many streets, some of which were pedestrianised. I found a pleasant café in the square and sat watching the people going about their daily routines. At the post office I joined a queue of people waiting to be served. I wanted to purchase a prepaid telephone card, to use in phone cabins. When eventually I reached the server she said they didn’t sell them any more, I would have to try the tabac. By that time it was approaching 12.o’clock and all the shops would be closing, so I found a shady tree lined avenue with a bench seat, just right for my picnic lunch.

Cycle Ink #184

24

Back on the campsite the washing wasn’t drying. I started rigging a line from a nearby lampost and was then aware of someone speaking loudly about the English man. I had upset the natives, or more lightly the management. The young guy from reception came up the hill carrying a folded clothes airer. I thanked him and relocated the washing onto the approved equipment. The rest of the afternoon was spent writing my notes and sending emails. I took a shower and changed to go out for dinner in town, I want to make that hill before 6.o’clock.

Le Chapeau Rouge was a nice spot for a pre-dinner drink, the waitress brought me a “Loburg” biere pression (draught) and very good it was. The French lads on an adjacent table were sat for a long time with 25cls glasses just chatting and enjoying the time.

They don’t go for legless. I had previously booked a table at a local hostelry for 7:30.

Down the street at “Le Gourmillon” restaurant I was seated and chose from a 23.50€s menu. For the first course a terrine de chevre frais. Similar to a slice of pate but made with goats cheese and baulked out with possibly a vegetable, what ever it was, it was very nice. The main course magret de canard, braised aux peches. On the plate placed before me, a duck breast carved into slices that had been braised in peaches and glazed. Arranged on the plate a press of vegetables and dauphinoise potatoes. The wine was a carafe of house red and not at all bad. There were some good flavours running through the duck, very nice too. I completed the meal with crème brulee, which had been made in the restaurant kitchen. All together very nice meal and would be hard to find another at that price.

Some care was required on the return ride to the campsite, especially on the 1 in 4 hill. On site it was just a matter of crawling into bed after another good day.

The weather had held all day without rain. Very little distance covered, but very relaxing. Total 19km.

Wednesday 19th. It was a cold night and to crown it all I had to leave my nice warm bed for a call of nature. Oh! For an “on suite”.

I got up about 7:15 and made breakfast, packed and ready to leave. As I passed reception I checked my emails, then off site just after 9.o’clock.

My route today was to cross the grain of the land and come down to the area of the Nivernais Canal & the associated River Yonne.

I joined the D427 running through the Vallee de Cousin. This route was very pretty with beautiful views of the river and the villages along the way. At Givery I joined the D951 to Blannay, then across country on the D206. There were many folds in the landscape.

At Chevroche, a particularly pretty village, I stopped to take photos and take in the views. Villagers had decked the place with floral troughs and baskets, and they had made a feature of the little stream running through the village.

The D21 brought me down into Chatel Censoir, a village with a very nice restaurant. L’Etape des Gourmets does a le menu at lunchtime, which consists of a three-course meal with wine and coffee. I came here last year and went in hoping it would be just as good.

I was seated at a long table, the waitress said there was a cold buffet and a choice of pork or beef for the main course, I chose the beef. The buffet consisted of a selection of cold meats and fish with a very good range of accompaniments. The best part was the full size dinner plates, for your selection. My main course was bavette gratin, a beefsteak cut from flank or skirt in a mushroom sauce, cooked pink and to perfection. This was accompanied with a potato stack and vegetables. There was house red wine included, but I decided to stay with water, safer on the bike midday! The dessert was Poire belle Helene, a sundae glass containing half a poached pear, a scoop of ice cream and topped with chocolate sauce, all very nice too. Coffee was brought and time to sit back and gather myself. As to the bill, a very reasonable 13.20€s (10.00).

I took the towpath as far as Lucy-sur-Yonne then rejoined the D21 to Coulanges. The campsite was one I had visited on a walking holiday in 1996, so memories of it soon came back to me. As the reception was open I booked in and was told I could pitch anywhere; it was a big site with plenty of space to choose from. I found a nice quiet spot away from the main area. Once the tent was pitched and bags unpacked I cycled into the town.

First stop the boulangerie for bread, then to the only open bar in the town for coffee. I stopped in town just long enough to take a few photos before returning to the site.

There were a few items of clothing to be washed; they would soon dry in the warm air. The weather was returning to, what I would call, a more normal temperature for the season. It was time to make a snack for the evening of soup and fresh bread. I poured a glass of wine from the three-day-old bottle, it was still just ok. The evening was spent listening to music. So to bed, another good day with dry weather and good food. Total 53km.

Thursday 20th. It was about 7.o’clock when I got up. While making breakfast I managed to break my glasses, now that would make life a little difficult, especially map reading. I packed and left the site just after 9.o’clock.

In town I bought bread and a bun, then along to the bar for a coffee. Today, I thought I would have lunch at a restaurant in Mailly la Ville, a place I had used before.

25

Cycle Ink #184

Out on the D39 the road had an inclination to climb up to heaven, well that was the impression I was having. Even the village names were a little off putting, Misery, not the sort of place name I would want to live in.

With all of the climbing came wonderful views, the Yonne valley, stretched out below, with the canal and craft glinting in the sunlight.

Once the crest was reached there was a long down hill section into Mailly le Chateau. On entering the village the rain returned as a short shower, so no need to get the wet weather gear on. The chateau is high on a cliff above the village, in a sort of domineering position. Ownership has, I believe, recently changed to a hotel group.

The D39, now better behaved, leaves the village almost without a hill to the sister village of Mailly la Ville, some three kilometres away.

A promise of a lunch dissolved into the depths. I could make the estate agents an offer to buy the restaurant, it was all boarded up and it looked terminal. An alternative lunch venue would have to be sort. I could try that nice restaurant at Cravent.

I crossed the canal and continued north to Pregilbert, where I crossed back over the canal to access Cravant. Then up through the village to the chosen restaurant. A note pinned to the door said, in effect, gone on holiday to recharge my batteries – back in September. Wonderful, sorry I cant wait that long.

I had noted a logis/relay near the canal, so I retraced to check it out. The give away was a very large lorry park adjacent to the restaurant. The place didn’t look very inviting, but I watched the arrival of seasoned lorry drivers making their way in for lunch. I entered directly into the dining room and was shown to a long table, bistro style. The first course was from a fairly well stocked cold buffet, but only small plates. For the main course I chose lapin, which came as a deep fried rear leg of rabbit and chips.

There was bread and a jug of water on the table, which was replenished as required. Well the food was good and filling, but not up to the finesse of yesterday. The guys seated along the table seemed to put away all before them. Dessert was a choice of cheese or tarte au pomme, no contest there, I went for the tart and it was good. I finished with a coffee and sat back taking in the moment. On the end wall a TV, of about 60inch, which was positioned for the majority of diners to view. On the wall behind me, a massive fireplace for winter comfort, in front of me, windows to the street. I asked for the bill, not previously knowing the price, but happy to pay the 16€s asked.

My route that afternoon was to join the old N6, which is now the N606, but still has fast traffic in the form of lorries. The operators not wishing to pay Autoroute toll charges. The N6 was the radial road from Paris to SW France and the main link before the coming of Autoroutes. Some will remember better, forging down the N7 “Route to the Sun”, Paris to SE France and hot golden beaches.

It was only four or five km to the turning for Accolay, my over night stop. Crossing the bridge, which spans both the canal and river, I rode through the village and entered the campsite.

There was a guy cutting the grass, but not part of the reception team. I found a space that I had used on previous visits and got the tent pitched and panniers unpacked.

It was early enough to make a trip to the supermarket, so back on the N606 to Vermenton and up through the town. The Atac supermarket had a good range of non-foods, but nothing in the form of reading glasses. It seems I shall have to wait until I pass through Auxerre.

Back on camping I took a shower, did some washing and wrote up the notes. After that lunch a cup of soup was more than enough to see me through until breakfast.

The evening was bright and sunny, prompting me to take a walk along the towpath into the village. This is another of the failing villages where the baker is the last of the shops. When I was here last year there was a general store, but that too had closed.

There is a train station, some way from the centre, so maybe there are shops there. I completed my little walk by making a circuit back to the site.

Apart from an hour of light rain early that morning it had been another nice day, and now a nice sunny end. Total 44km.

Friday 21st. As far as my schedule I am a day in hand, so I will stay here another night. Today I shall wander into Vermenton and generally relax. This morning I made the last portion of porridge, I will have to find a substitute; don’t want to go without breakfast.

While I was having breakfast the old guy over the fence was loading logs into a wheelbarrow. Last evening he had his winter load dropped at the bottom of the garden, now he will have many trips with his barrow, up a long garden, to his house. When I visit this site I always marvel at the amount of vegetable produce he grows each year.

Leaving site about 9:30 I rode into the village, first to the bakers for bread and a pain au chocolat. I didn’t know of a bar in the village for a coffee, so I will have to wait. I dispatch the bun and strapped the baguette to the rack for lunchtime.

26

Cycle Ink #184

The towpath took me to Vermenton Basin, the town’s port of yesteryear, now a marina for canal boaters. The port was a transport link when this area produced a lot of cereal crops, evidence by large concrete silos dotted about the landscape.

Taking a footbridge over the canal, I followed a path through woods & picked up the main road into Vermenton. It was market day and the place was heaving. I made my way towards the bar at the top of town, passing the many stalls with crowds buying their food and clothing. The bar, normally a quiet place, had tables outside on the road, which had been closed to vehicle traffic. Inside the place was buzzing; long tables had friends meeting friends, all catching up on the week’s news. Finding a relatively quiet corner, I sat. with a cup of coffee, taking in the ambiance of the place & people, just trying to stay out of focus to those around me.

Out on the street I rode over to the Atac Supermarket, here there was another hubbub of sound, some shopping and others chatting. I bought a few supplies for dinner and made my way to the park.

Parc des Iles is an area of small islands interconnected with footbridges. The locals, and a few tourists that know, come with children and picnic baskets to lunch in the shade of the trees, while children paddle or swim in the river.

Here the River Cure has come through some very pretty valleys on its way to the Basin at Vermenton. This river is the source of the top up water for the Vermenton Branch Canal. A poo stick floated from here will join the Nivernais Canal and the River Yonne, then the River Seine through Paris and Rouen to Le Havre and the Manche, the English Channel.

I found a bench seat near the la boule pitches in he park, and lunched on crisp baguette, cheese and an apple.

On the campsite I spent the afternoon lounging and relaxing, tomorrow I shall be on the move again. Dinner that evening was a can of lapin in mustard sauce with pasta and green beans. I had bought a half bottle of Cote du Rhone (2.09€s) and very good it was. I pushed the cork back at half way; I need my legs for tomorrow. The latter part of the evening was spent at one of the picnic benches in the shade of a tree, writing my notes. Another good day, no rain and not many kilometres. Total 11km.

Saturday 22nd. Today I had planned to ride to Sens (80km) so I left site around 8.o’clock. Taking the main road, my route took me through Cravant and onto Vincelles. I thought I might be able to get a breakfast at the Central Bar, but it was closed, could be holidays or permanent. As the boulangerie was open, I bought bread and two buns!

From Vincelles I took the towpath until I reached La Cour Barrier, then across the canal onto a path, one that was little known to me. This path brought me to a large village of Champs-sur-Yonne. In the square I found a café that was just about to open, that would do nicely for the long awaited cup of coffee. There was a lunch menu posted, but it was far too early for me.

In Auxerre, I had another fruitless trip to an Atac, no reading glasses on their displays. I knew of a large branch of Leclerc in the town, after the many isles, a display stand came into view. Now I shall have two lenses to read the map with, I shall probably still loose my way.

Leaving the city NW on the D89, I headed for Aillant-sur-Tholon. Here I crossed the little River Tholon where I found a seat with some shade by the river, an ideal spot for lunch. I didn’t stop long as the town of Sens was my goal.

With lunch over, I picked up the D145 to the village of Senan, then continuing north on the D955, through Paroy to Joigny.

By now it was 3.o’clock and I thought enough is enough. The D89 had cut across the shoulder of the landscape, making many hills. The valley road would have been flatter, but that’s our old friend N6, many heavy lorries, fumes and not at all pleasant.

So here I am back again at the camping site where it all started a fortnight ago. I got the tent pitched and panniers unpacked, then rode out to check tomorrows route.

Starting to cook the evening meal, I pushed a tent peg into the ground to support the stove. The peg went easily into the ground finding a nest of ants. There was no time to waste, a quick removal of all the tent pegs and dragging the tent to a new position, safely away from the marching ants. Now to continue with the cooking, a can of canard (duck) and green beans. Everything, in the way of supplies, is running out now, I have promised myself a good meal in Paris. It had been a hot day with mainly southerly winds. Total 75km.

Sunday 23rd. Out of bed and up around 7.o’clock. Off site by 8:20 I rode into the town. I had planned to breakfast at a café on the main street, but the café was closed on Sunday. The Casino supermarket was open, where I bought a couple of apples.

Across the road I bought bread and a bun, coffee will have to wait.

Joining the D606 for a short distance, before taking the D3, which took me over a range of hills. I could see on the horizon, behind me, a storm and it was catching up with me. At Saint Julien du Sault it did just that and came on strong. I made a dash for a bus shelter to wait out the storm. On looking around, I spotted a supermarket, just off the main road.

Inside the atmosphere was warm and dry, now a café would be good. Many of the large supermarkets have a restaurant or snack bar, but not this one. While I was there I thought it would be prudent to buy supplies for the evening meal, just in case there was no other opportunity.

27

Cycle Ink #184

Out on the street the rain had eased, but as soon as I got under way the rain returned, time to cape up and continue on the D3.

On reaching the town of Villeneuve sur Yonne, a town that appeared to be on a structural decline. The massive church on the main street was clad in plastic sheeting. I found a PMU bar at the end of the street, removed my wet weather gear and went inside. It was a hive of activity with mainly local men arriving for a drink and placing bets. The big screen was showing the races as they happened. The barman served a nice coffee; so good I stopped for another.

I joined the D606 (N6), much quieter on a Sunday, for the last push to Sens, riding in heavy rain and wind. The route brought me into Sens on the road where the municipal campsite was located, just as I had seen it on Google Earth Street View.

The reception was closed, but the site was open to walkers and cyclists, just duck under the barrier. I found a spot near an open sided barn, ideal for eating outside of the tent. Once the tent was pitched and bags unpacked, I investigated the barn. A purpose built shelter for campers, fitted out with bench seats and long tables. Just right for my picnic lunch. The rain had stopped and life on the site was returning to normal.

I made my way into town and found the train station, bought a ticket for the next day to Paris and noted the departure time. I logged the route back to the site on the GPS, don’t want to get lost in the morning and miss the train. There was a restaurant opposite the campsite, but on investigation, it didn’t open on a Sunday evening.

In town I found a bar open in the square, and went for a coffee. While I was sat there enjoying the moment, a cyclist on the next table came over for a chat. He was from the Netherlands, the hilly bit near the Belgium boarder. He had cycled from home down to Marseilles and back to here having completed 200km. Although he was using B&B and small hotels he had loads of gear on the bike. As a language teacher he taught French, German, Spanish and English to Dutch children. Here I am, unable to converse in any foreign tongue.

Reception at the site had opened, so I paid the fees and then took a shower. With the restaurants all closed it was a good thing I had bought supplies for an evening meal, now I need to prepare what I have. The barn was ideal for a place to cook and eat in.

There was the last of the packet soup with left over bread, which made a good hot start. For the main course, a can of boeuf bourguignon and half a bottle of Cote du Rhone. There was a jar of crème brulee to finish, all very nice and filling. That was just right to wrap up a wet day, the sun did show in the afternoon, and it was warm enough. Total 50km.

Monday 24th. It was about 6.o’clock when the rain started, well that was when it woke me. At seven it was time to make a move.

I packed up most of the gear within the tent, before taking the panniers to the barn. While I was loading the bike, a branch, heavy with rain, tore off a tree and glanced off the roof of a camper van. One of the occupants, a woman, came out to see the damage. I told her it was only a glancing blow, fortunately. The bike was loaded, the next job was to take the tent down, for two minds I would leave it there with it’s stupid design fault. This tent is designed to pitch as one, that’s quick to pitch, but rolling up a wet tent with the sleeping compartment inside is not ideal. I rolled up the tent and strapped it to the pannier rack, when it stops raining I will lay it out to dry. This was the last night of camping on this tour.

As I left the site the rain was on the break, and by the time I reached town it had stopped. My first call, the bakers and then to the bar in the square. It was a different scene today, the bar was run by a young woman who had more interest in lighting up a cigarette than making a coffee for me. Out on the square, stallholders were setting up a market and the place was just coming alive.

Arriving at the station, I was about an hour early, to kill time I went to the station buffet. There it couldn’t be more different, a pleasant couple served a good cup of coffee. I sat writing my notes and watching the time pass. Now with twenty minutes to departure, I made my way onto the station concourse. My train was leaving from Platform 2, that means taking the bike down the stairs to the underpass and then back up again. I don’t know how the disabled manage; I have seen elderly people struggling up stairs with large suitcases.

There were two trains to Paris, one to Gare de Lyon, stopping everywhere along the way. The other was mine and going to Gare Bercy with limited stops. I boarded and found a space where I could park the bike being careful not to block too much of the access. It was journey of about an hour and I had to stand, there was nowhere to secure the bike. It was an uneventful journey, apart from the lady inspector who said this ticket is for tomorrow, but don’t worry!

In Paris it was showery rain and very blustery. I set the GPS for the Youth Hostel, Yves Robert, which is located in the NNE of Paris near the Gare de Nord. I had the foresight to book a night’s accommodation, so just to find it would be a bonus.

I followed the route now in heavy rain and winds until I came to a small square and gardens. The rain eased just long enough for me to eat a sandwich and get a drink. The weather returned to rain and wind so I took shelter in a shop doorway. My GPS was giving some strange directions and on checking the map I found it had picked up tomorrows route and was trying to take me to Gare Saint Lazare. I found the “Mark” for the hostel and entered that on a “Go To” now things were more logical.

Cycle Ink #184

28

I was about a kilometre away from the hostel when I got a rear wheel puncture, to be expected in heavy rain when the street rubbish is washed to the side of the road. There was nothing for it, but remove the panniers, tent and bar bag, upend the bike and fit a new tube. I will repair the old one in more favourable conditions at the hostel.

The guy at the hostel welcomed me and locked the bike in their secure storage; I took with me just a bag of over night gear and clothes to change into. My room on the first floor was bright and clean with an on-suite shower and washbasin. There were two sets of bunk beds, a Japanese guy had taken the one on the right hand side, and so I took the lower opposite. He said he had been in America learning English language; I didn’t like to say that’s not really English!

This is a fairly new hostel built in an area of regeneration. The windows of this room look out over a regenerated site, now a park that separates from the International Gare de Nord. This is a train spotter’s paradise, not that you are disturbed by the action.

This is the terminus of Eurostar and the German Ice Train, just two of many operators. The hostel is eco friendly and claims to produce more power that it uses, which is shown on a digital display outside for all to see.

I took a shower and changed into town clothes to check out local restaurants for an evening meal. The weather was still heavy rain so I sat in the lounge area and wrote my notes until about 7.o’clock. By then the rain had eased, so I walked out into the local streets. People were a lively mix of ethnic groups, all out on the town enjoying the break from the rain. I found a restaurant on the main drag and went in to check out the food situation. The veal dish I chose was off, so I tried the entrecote steak and chips, with a glass of Ventoux red, to help it along. They were both very good so I ordered the crème brulee and a coffee. A good meal all round and now to return to the hostel. I made it back without getting a soaking so that was another bonus.

The evening was still young so I sat in the lounge writing my notes. There was a lot going on around me with a good cross section of visitors to the capital all chatting and on line to friends. I went up to the room about 9:30 and found it was difficult to sleep at first; the steak was still trying to make my legs go round. Eventually I drifted off and had a good nights sleep. The day had been windy and wet for the most part but there had been some bright spots between. Total 17km.

Tuesday 25th. I got up around 6:45 and all the usual, then down for breakfast. The over night fee, about 28€s, includes a continental breakfast. They had put out a good buffet of orange juice, cornflakes, yoghurt, bread, croissants and jams. There was a choice of good coffee and tea. I ate a good fill, to last me through the morning and most of the afternoon.

Out on the Paris streets I set the GPS for Gare St Lazare, situated NW of the famous “Opera” house. The GPS was giving a lot of false readings, mainly due to the tall buildings. I spotted a sign for the Opera and was soon back on track.

The train station has a passenger lift, making access easy with the bike, and I was soon onto the concourse and into the ticket office. There was one of those snaking queues, but it didn’t take long before my turn came up. I tried to obtain a discounted ticket, but the guy wasn’t having any of it. He did put me on a through train to Le Havre so that was a bonus. The train was due for departure at 10:50, it was, now, just after 9.o’clock.

There is an area of the station, which is a shopping concourse on two or three levels. There was a piano on the concourse, supplied for the public to play if they so desired. A guy was playing some of the tunes from musical shows. I took up a seat nearby and found it all very pleasant for about half an hour. The guy picked up his brief case and walked off, probably catching his train to work.

The departure board displayed my train departing from Platform 21. I walked the platform for some ten carriages, and then decided to put the bike in the next carriage, but against the unused door. It was then I realised I had not put my ticket in the dreaded yellow composter machine, French rail are very hot on date stamping, to stop tickets being used again. I left the bike, and ran the ten carriages back to the concourse to the yellow machine then back to the bike. The holiday’s keeps you fit, sometimes not in the way you want. A few minutes later the train pulled out and I was on my way.

The journey to Rouen was uneventful, until the train pulled in and the platform was now on my bike side. I had to move the bike and panniers each time the train made a stop, fortunately not too often. It started raining as we came into Yvetot station, just a couple of stops before the terminal.

It was 12:56 when the train pulled in at Le Havre. A nice young lady helped the old fellow to get his bike off the train; you see people do help the aged! The station kiosk had another of those ham and salad filled baguettes, so good. I sat in the waiting room to eat the snack as the rain was back again. The woman in the kiosk made me a good cup of coffee and there were a few seats at a bar counter. It was now about 2.o’clock and ferry check in is 16:15, so I had some time to kill.

I checked in at the ferry and moved down to the quayside. There were a few motorcyclists but no other cyclists, just me. The crew called the bikers and myself down the slip to board at 16:45.

29

Cycle Ink #184

My first thought, once on board, was to make my way to the restaurant. The plat de jour was jambon, rice and ratatouille, which was very good and 25cls of Cote du Rhone helped. It was a noisy, crowded crossing but otherwise uneventful.

We docked and cleared customs by 21:15, then a bike ride to the train station. My train departed about 22:00 and was nearly empty until reaching the Fratton stop, where the train filled with football supporters. We pulled into Southampton about 23:00, now to find the lift to the bridge link. All went well until I found the lift down to the required platform was out of service. The panniers had to be removed and carried down two long flights of stairs, then to climb back up again to bring the bike down. A train for Bournemouth arrived about 23:30.

Arrival at Bournemouth was a quarter past midnight where Marilyn was waiting to drive me home.

The holiday was very good, a few wet periods but mainly dry, with hot or at least warm weather.

The experiment to use restaurants for main meals turned out to be a little patchy. The main reasons were the closure due to failed or a holiday for the owners.

Next time I shall take both types of gas stoves and use what ever refills are available.

The tent will come in for revamping to enable the easy separation of inner and fly.

Auxerre in August 2015 FROM Mon 10th. Ferndown Mon 10th. Bournemouth station Mon 10th. Southampton station Mon 10th. Portsmouth station Mon 10th. Ferry Port Mon 10th. Portsmouth Ferry Port Tues 11th Midnight Tues 11th Le Havre Port Tues 11th Le Havre gare Tues 11th Rouen gae Tues 11th Paris gare St Lazare Tues 11th Gare Bercy Tues 11th Gare Joigny Wed 12th Joigny Thur 13th Joigny Fri 14th St Florentin Sat 15th Tonnerre Sun 16th Tonnerre Mon 17th Montbard Tues 18th Avallon Wed 19th Avallon Thur 20th Coulanges-s-Yonne Fri 21st Accolay Sat 22nd Accolay Sun 23rd Joigny Mon 24th Sens Mon 24th Gare Sens Mon 24th Paris gare Bercy Tues 25th Paris Yves Robert IYHA Tues 25th Paris gare St Lazare Tues 25th Rouen gare Tues 25th Gare Le Havre Tues 25th Ferry Port Tues 25th Check in Tues 25th Le Havre ferry Tues 25th Portsmouth Port Tues 25th Portsmouth station Tues 25th Southampton station Wed 26th Bournemouth station

Cycle Ink #184

TO Bournemouth station Southampton station Portsmouth station Portsmouth Ferry Port Ferry check in Midnight Le Havre Port Le Havre gare Rouen gare Paris gare St Lazare Gare Bercy Gare Joigny Joigny camping Joigny camping St Florentin Tonnerre Tonnerre Montbard Avallon Avallon Coulanges-s-Yonne Accolay Accolay Joigny Sens Gare Sens Paris gare Bercy Paris Yves Robert IYHA Paris gare St Lazare Rouen gare Gare Le Havre Le Havre Ferry port Check in Le Havre ferry Portsmouth Ferry Port Portsmouth station Southampton station Bournemouth station Ferndown Total km Total miles

30

km 0

By John Bettell DEPART

ARRIVE

17:05 18:05

17:53 Booked 19:00

20:30 23:15 0:00

22:15 0:00 Booked 8:00

9:11 10:59

10:09 12:10

14:38

15:50

3

4

14 5 15 50 38 18 59 55 19 53 44 11 75 50 5 0 12 8 0 0 4 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 545 338.66

Free night

9:46

11:36 Booked

N48.53.21.0 E02.21.45.5

10:20 12:50

11:48 14:03

15:45 16:15 17:15

16:15 17:15 21:15 Booked

21:59 23:30

23:07 Booked 0:15

Auxerre in August

Cycle Ink #184

31

SALES - RENTALS

- REPAIRS

>> Over 600 Bikes In Stock. >> MTB | Hybrid | Road | Electric | BMX | Kids. >> 0% Finance Available *Details on Request. >> Open 7 Days a Week. >> Cycle Retailer 20+ Years. >> Cyclescheme.co.uk Approved.

Phone: 01202 315855 88-90 Charminster RD Bournemouth BH88US www.onyerbike.co.uk | www.onyerskates.co.uk

Cycle Ink #184

32