Day 1 -- American Forces Day

50.2 miles, average speed 14.8, top speed 38.1.

The start of the ride itself was at St Mere Eglis which was the town where the first allied troops landed – paratroopers from 82nd and 101st Airborne (US). To be in the town on the day the anniversary of the event was quite special and the place was buzzing with some old soldiers and quite a few “new soldiers” – individuals who dress up in old uniforms and drive around in old military jeeps. A strange hobby – but it appears popular. The first of our ceremonies took place in the town square with one of the wreaths being paid by a serving member of the 101st – a young man from San Antonio, Texas with a prosthetic leg - an Afghanistan casualty. The ceremonies are good – we have our own “peddling padre” – a current vicar from the midlands who used to be a Greenjacket, a bugler from the Royal Artillery and a piper from the Highland regiment. Controlling us all is the old Regimental Corporal Major (Equivalent to RSM) of the Blues and Royals – to ensure that everything runs smoothly – and we are in the right place at the right time!

We have been joined on this trip by a team of 10 US wounded from Operation Comfort – to add to our own Headley Court team, so there are 8 hand powered (sit down) bikes as well as servicemen with missing limbs. So no complaining about sore legs from the rest of us! The highlight of the day was the afternoon ceremony at the American ceremony above Omaha Beach – if you have not been there it is highly recommended – acre upon acre of gravestones – all immaculately laid out and really quite a beautiful and serene part of the world.

Overnight in the Premiere Classe hotel – a misnomer if ever there was one. 3 to a room and one had to stand up in turn – it worked though and even the non-snorer in the room claimed to have slept well (poor fellow).