We caught the 10.45 ferry on Friday morning on a calm and sunny morning. An excellent crossing taking only 50 minutes. We arrived at the harbour at the bottom of the town, with the Hotel Ibis up by the Old Cathedral, quite a stiff climb, but luckily not carrying any baggage on our backs this year.

The Hotel was clean with friendly staff, who all spoke English. Situated across the road from the old walled city, and Cathedral, with the streets lined with restaurants and bars, Sho be Doo, a transvestite bar and the Vole Hole, a gay bar, oh well C’est la Vie !

Anyway back to the cycling. We got going about 2 pm on our way to Le Touquet, for a 45 mile ride. After a few hiccups getting clear of Boulogne, we were soon on the coastal road heading south. A rolling route, with some long climbs, but none to high to worry about. All 21 riders out on route. We picked up a superb cycle path, running alongside the road, 2 metres wide and mainly smooth tarmac. The roads around Etaples and onto Le Touquet were very busy, and we were thankful of the path. A really hot day, and by the time we reached our destination we needed refreshments. We all re grouped on the sea front, before seeking out a Bar for lunch. A terraced bar off the main high street, sitting in the shade drinking cold cokes, and eating Croque Monsuiers. By the time we left it was around 6 in the evening, with a 2 hour return journey to get back to Boulogne.

The group split into 2, with some getting lost around Le Touquet, increasing there mileage by another 3 for the day. D940 a good road back, with only a few small climbs until we reached the outskirts of Boulogne. Three big climbs, with the last back to the Hotel, being the hardest, getting everyone into the lowest gears. A real tough way to finish a ride, especially with the heat bouncing back off the road.

A late meal, sitting down at 9 pm. But not eating until 10.30, still the restaurant did well to fit in 21 people at such short notice.