Tour of Ardenne (click on for music please minimize effects). see more photo,s in Galllery
After a very early ferry crossing , and a very long drive down to Charleville Mezieres, we arrived at the Hotel Relais du Square. A typical older style French Hotel, a bit dated and in need of a refurbish. The rooms were ok apart from the colourful plastic bathroom pods, that would not look out of place on an Austin Powers movie. Still they were clean and ok for the weekend.
Day 1
A circular route out to Sedan and back 29 miles. Getting out of town, not too easy, very busy with Friday afternoon traffic, and unknown one way systems, but the internal sat nav. got us on route within a couple of miles. We were soon out on country roads and a gently rolling route to Sedan. The whole group of 10 staying together all the way. Into Sedan and a coffee stop in a bar just on the river. With Peanut 1st to use the toilet, much to the amusement of the locals, as he explained how he was having trouble with his footing trying to use a hole in the floor urinal, wearing cycling shoes, standing on porcelain.
The return route back was really flat and fast, similar to the D1 route back into Dieppe. With Paul and Dave pulling clear, of a fast moving pack. The 15 miles back, done in about 45 minutes. So a good start for day 1, the route was good, the weather dry clear and fresh.
Evening meal at a restaurant in town , with the usual French, take your time, no rush service, but we were looked after well, with good food, wine and a couple of Kia Royals.
Day 2 
Saturday morning, the dawn of the long ride, a mist laying over the surrounding Ardenne hills, and a chill in the air. Not a good start with (Petit Dejourne) Petit being the correct phrase, with only French bread and jam, croissants and a drink on offer, not the food for a long ride !
Starting our long ride at 10 am, a delayed start due to the fact everyone had to top up there breakfasts at the local bakery.
A crisp morning with a bright blue sky, we headed north out of town towards the river Meuse, within half a mile we were riding alongside the river and out of town. A sharp climb away from the river at the mile marker, then a sharp hairpin drop back down again. Then we found it ! The cyclists dream, a 50 mile new tarmac path, super smooth, no traffic, no pot holes 3m wide with a broken white line down the middle and flat as a pancake. Stunning scenery all the way with the wide still River Meuse meandering through a steeply banked pine forest valley. With the hills over 1000ft high on each side, sometimes we were in the shade, before going back in the sun as we followed the bend in the river. Into an open valley and a paraglide decided to drop in to say hello to us, like a great eagle he followed us along the path, just feet above our heads, before finally soaring away into the hills. Passing villages en route, where the path usually popped up, to cross a bridge to pick up the river the other side. With every turn of the river another stunning view. Into a small section of pine forest as the path deviated away from the river, into the only bit of hill along the entire path, dropping back across a cobbled railway bridge and back down to cross the river over a narrow weir. On to the next sleepy town and a lunch stop by the river
35 miles done, and after a long lunch stop, the group split to allow those who wanted to have a blast, to push on for the next 15 miles, while the rest of us continued at a good pace of 17 mph on the same route, the idea being we would re group when we met the others on their return leg. That worked out fine, but in the end there was only 2k between the groups (rock on girls). Back together again and back along the route again, taking care at the car barriers, where cyclists can pass either side. A long way back home with a few tired people, all of the girls hitting new best distances covered to date. Back to the Hotel 98 miles done by all, but well done to Ali, Karen, Kev. and Paul who done another 2 miles around the town to clock up the 100.
Day 3 
Into the Ardenne forest , Pussemange and Belgium. A day for the hill climbers, with a rumour from the Hotel bar staff that the great Chippolini, had to abandon a tour, on one of our planned climbs. So with some apprehension we headed out of town. Almost climbing within the 1st mile, the group splitting with Dave, Jel, Kev and Paul looking strong. More stunning scenery through the forest, with empty roads, with the tarmac of race track quality. On to Pussemange at 10 miles and into Belgium. The group split here before the heavy climbs started. One group stopping for a tea stop in the town before returning back, while the others continued the next climb of 8 to 10 % for the next 2 miles. Once over the top, a twisting descent back down to Bohan, another lovely village with bars and restaurants along the rivers edge. Along the river valley to Haute Riviere, before tuning left into the big climb of the day at 1300 ft, gradient between 9 and 13% over 3 miles, (Chippo’s graveyard ?) With the usual climbers getting clear with Jel getting the King of the Mountains over Dave, followed by Chris, Kevin, and Paul and Gray. Into a low tuck and the 4 mile drop into Nouvonville, with speeds around 35 mph all the way down, only touching the brakes on some tight bends. We managed to pick up the river path again at Nouzonvile and a sprint finish for the last few miles, with the lead changing all the time, blowing any last reserves of energy to keep the 26 mph going, after a long weekend.
And that was it, we were back at the Hotel, riding complete, time to go home.
Best Bits
The riding, probably the best we have ever done, the routes superb, suitable for all, and challenging for all. The company as always.
Ok bits
The Hotel for the price, friendly staff, and helpful. The town of Charleville.
Not so good
The travel to the Ardenne, very tiring, when you have to cycle as well.
What we would try next time.
A Hotel in the Ardenne Forest area. A coach, instead of driving, maybe leave on a Thursday night so we can ride refreshed on the Friday.
