IT STARTED WITH A KISS
The Thrills and Spills of a Wet Weekend in France By Rob Harvey

They began the journey in the wet; part of the group assembled on the roadside in OAKHAM.  It was raining sufficiently to be annoying.  Once all assembled, it was off, following Bill through Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and south to Portsmouth.  There had been plans to stop for breakfast but traffic and the weather put paid to that.  So with a brief fuel stop it was onward, eventually arriving at the ferry terminal in ample time. There the group met up with others who had travelled their own route, plenty of time to chat, get a drink and get last minute advice on how to tackle the ferry ramps for the first time crossers (me).  Then it was time to move but not before Dave and George gave those in line a lesson on how to prevent your bike leaning against a shiny Mercedes, fortunately no damage, just wounded pride.  The advice on how to tackle the ramp, was well used.

So there we all were on the car deck, looking at our precious machines being secured to railings, think its time P&O looked at some of the other ferry companies for lessons on bike tie down equipment. Once we were all satisfied that everything was secure it was up to the main deck into the cafe area and secure an area for us. The group settled down, some going to the restaurant for breckies, others taking advantage of the cafe facilities.

Not much can be said about the crossing, it was calm weather, the boat went gently up and down and the water went splish splash against the hull (on the outside). Then came one of those announcements that can't be understood, (do all tannoy operators go on a special course?).  Anyway, as we could see land it was a safe bet that we were to make our way to the lower decks and rejoin our machines.  A quick check, all in order, no damage, then it was the journey of the ramps again.  Once outside, a head count to ensure that everyone was there, our leader for the weekend led us to THE CHATEAU.  Now this place had been given a build up as looking something akin to the Adams Family home on the outside, and I must say that there were similarities, however, inside it is a different matter.  Our hosts Mark and  Fiona couldn't have been more welcoming.  Rooms had been allocated, so without further ado it was time to unpack and freshen up, then downstairs for a cup of tea and await the evening meal.

Now I'm not normally slow on the uptake, however, I completely misread the signs of panic when I offered to go and get a fresh pot of tea from the kitchen which involved going through the dining room.  As I entered, our host was preparing the table and I was quickly ushered out with words of 'I'll bring it."  OK, I thought, they obviously wanted to do the full host thing so I returned to the lounge. Once everyone was assembled we were ushered in, me first.  As I said, I am not normally slow but on entering the room I saw that it had been decked out with balloons, party streamers, etc., all celebrating a 50th birthday, the penny dropped, CLANG!  It was for me!  Many, months previous I had mentioned I wasn't sure if I was going on the trip as it was very close to my birthday and I wasn't sure of my plans.  Well, someone remembered.  To all of you many thanks, especially Anne and Graham.

The champagne flowed, the food was excellent, the company magnificent, I couldn't think of a better place to celebrate my half century.  They even had candles on a couple of flans (of course they didn't warn me that the candles relight after being blown out).

So festivities over, what about the rest of the weekend.  Well, it rained, but only when we got on our bikes.  On Saturday morning people split into individual groups to visit their chosen location. Some headed for BAYEAUX, a large group returned to CHERBOURG and on our host's recommendation visited the Cite de le Mere.  This is a museum dedicated to undersea exploration.  It is housed in an area that used to be the landing point for the train passengers that came across the channel to go on the grand tour. Alongside the museum is a decommissioned French nuclear submarine, a self guided tour is included in the entrance fee.  A fascinating insight into one of these awesome machines.

After the museum it was time for tea and stickies.  We took this in the cafe adjoining, then a decision of where next.  Naturally while we had been inside the sun shone, so it was decided to go west to Cap Loret.  So kit on, bikes reloaded and you guessed it, it started to rain.  Just enough to put us off, so we headed for the Chateau and as we approached out came the sun so with a quick change of plans, we headed west 'cos our host said the weather is always better to the west.  Not this weekend, it got worse, but we pressed on and got to see the seaside (see pictures).  Once the obligatory photo was taken it was time to head for home.  The rain did ease and by the early evening it was warm and dry.

So another splendid meal, no party this time.  Following after dinner drinks and chat it was time to retire ready for another fun packed day 'cos the weather was going to improve, right - wrong!

Sunday dawned, damp but it looked like it was improving so a few of us decided to run down to the old city of DINARD.  It was a good run, damp in places but nothing to worry about.  Once in DINARD the sun came out and we had a pleasant walk around the old parts of the city, a late lunch was taken, then it was time for the run back and yes, you guessed it, it rained and boy did it rain.  Eventually the turn off for the Chateau came into view and we were soon back in the dry discussing the day. Then a wash and brush up ready for the final meal, again another culinary delight.

With an early sailing next day it was soon time to retire.  So, Monday dawned, in fact we were up before it, our host had left the makings for tea and coffee.  So with a caffeine, intake it was once more on the road to the ferry terminal.  We arrived at the check-in in plenty of time and were then entertained for 30 minutes by a couple for whom no record of a return ticket was shown on the computer.  A lesson to us all, there's no point arguing with the controller, no computer entry, no ferry entry, just pay up and sort it out at home. Eventually this dawned on the luckless couple and the queue moved forward. It was then onto the ferry and the ritual of securing the bikes with even less equipment than the journey out. Then up to the lounges, sort out seats then food. Again it was an uneventful crossing. Once back on home soil it was the joy of playing with Portsmouth traffic in the rain, then the run north with friends taking their leave as their chosen route home arrived.

So what else can be said? Well, despite the weather, I think everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves and a special thanks must go to our hosts for whom nothing was too much trouble. An even bigger thank you must go to John and Freda Taylor who organised the whole trip. So there you have it, if you want details of the Chateau then I'm sure John will be only to happy to oblige.

Oh, yes, I suppose you want to know 'what started with a kiss?" Well if my dad hadn't kissed my mum I may have not been around and would have not had the pleasure of a wonderful birthday with true friends.
To mum.