Days 1 and 2 - Monday/Tuesday

Now that I have internet access:

Day 1 and 2 – Departure and the road to Dieppe
48 miles, average speed 11.2, maximum speed 35 mph.

Assembly on Monday was at HMS Victory dockyard – 299 keen, lean cyclists – and me! In fact what was noticeable is that a large proportion of riders were there to “do their bit” and there were mothers whose sons were serving in the forces, a good number with missing limbs – 2 on sit down bikes, one with peddles and one hand powered and about half a dozen single amputees, a fair few ex military and some who had no connection at all with the military.

HMS Victory was looking spectacular in the summer sun, and the guides did an excellent job showing us around. At full compliment the ships company had 850 men and 5 women. When showing around a group of nuns last week, one of the guides was asked by the Mother Superior what the task of the women was, he had to think quickly, and replied – they were the cooks. The Mother Superior replied – ah, the oldest profession.

The band of he Royal Marines gave a spectacular beating the retreat in front of HMS Victory and the past post was played for the first time. A fine and stirring speech from the Second Sea Lord, and we were off – 2 miles to the ferry port.

As you can imagine, the ferry bar was pretty busy but they did managed to keep us supplied with an ample supply of sleeping juice – before adjourning to our 4 man berths. Too few hours later it was up and about and onto buses at Caen for a 2 hour journey to the start – a small village outside Le Havre.

At the start, we were welcomed by the mayor in his finery and around the graveyard containing 5 commonwealth graves we were given a fine rendition of “God save ze grazious Queen” by the local children. After a bacon sandwich prepared by the amazing “Extreme Catering” in the village car park, and a fine glass of cider royale (like Kir Royals but with cider) it was off.

Who said Northern France was flat! They do have white cliffs, and pretty sea side towns and villages and plenty of “S” bend roads. Lunch stop was to remember the soldiers of the 51st Highland division who fought gallantly against Rommel's 7th Panzer division in 1940 (post Dunkirk) at their cliff top memorial. Our accompanying bandsmen are excellent – a young piper from the Scots Guards, a bugler from the Rifles and a trumpeter from the Gunners. A fine bunch. Also escorting us are two young Household Cavalry NCO’s – to keep us in order. Both fresh back from Afghanistan – interesting to chat to.

The final stop was Dieppe where we commemorated the landings by the Canadians in 1942. Not the finest hour for Allied Operations – but incredible courage – 2 VC’s were won.

As I write this (on Wednesday morning) we are just post an amazing thunderstorm and it is difficult to tell the sea and sky apart. More to follow….