2, routes on offer for Saturday, a 55 miler and an 85 miler. Meeting for lunch at Montruiel-sur-Mer.

The 85 mile route starting out at 9.30 am, and heading north to Ambleteuse, quite a cool start, with a gentle breeze blowing in from the sea along the coastal road. Turning inland towards Embry at 15 miles, the sun was up and with the coastal breeze gone, it was starting to warm up. The pace picked up with Jel, Pete and James pulling the group along. Some really long sweeping downhill stretches and tree lined roads, on the way to Desvres at 28 miles. A stop in the town to top up water bottles and a bite to eat. We were now on the same route as the 55 mile group and following the river valley mainly downhill to Montruiel. Some really fast roads, apart from the road surface. which really spoilt the ride. Not smooth as we usually expect in France, but heavily stoned, sprayed and chipped tarmac ! Really hard on the arms and back and 15 miles of it. It was midday by now and the heat was making the going difficult, most people already on there 4^th bottle of drink.

Montruiel came up quickly, 42 miles done, with a steep cobbled climb up to the town square, where the 55 mile group, were already having lunch. We took over the two bars in the town, and kept in the shade, for a good 90 minute lunch stop. I think the idea of another 43 miles in 27 c of heat, made it hard to get going again.

The shorter distance group, decided to change the return route, mainly because of the poor road surface, and go via Le Touquet back to Boulogne, increasing the distance, but a lot easier on the legs.

Meanwhile heading out along the Canche valley to Beurainville, we managed to ride as a pack for the first time, keeping in pairs and working the front, we kept an average of 20 mph for a good few miles, taking us up to 50 miles. Turning north again and back into some climbs and the biggest of the day so far a 600 ft steady climb, with no escape from the sun, burning on the backs of our heads. With everyone running dry again, a stop at a local garage was needed, where we managed to clear the fridge, of all the drinks they had. Heading back from here, our luck must have turned bad. Steve lost his phone with all his cash, so a few went back to find it, luckily John had spotted it on the road and picked it up. This had split the group up, we caught up with Kev P. who had a puncture, and then tried to work to get back to the others. It was a really long climb back up to Desvres, distance up to about 72 miles by now. Looking up the road, there were cyclists dotted all over the place, all having there own personal battles with the heat and distance.

Into Hell, the last 10 miles back to Boulogne, a roller coaster ride, climb, drop, climb, drop etc, etc --- who planned this route ! To cap it all a 500 ft climb over a mile to take us back to Boulogne. Looking for the Cathedral our landmark for home. Seeing the road dropping again our hearts sunk, in case of another climb, but it was not to be we were home! 86 miles done. Special mentions for today, Peter, Steve. C, Steve N. Paul Fisher, Jel, James, Kev P. Dave all worked hard. Colin, Ian, John, kept with it all day. Chris for sticking with Kevin B.

All in group 2, I wasn’t there but I know the conditions were the same for us all, there aint no such thing as an easy ride.

Hard Core mens award goes to:- Kevin Butcher, 86 miles virgin rider, and completed it !! Well done Kevin.

Hard Core ladies award goes to :- Rachel Smith, 3 days of riding 47, 55 and 30, all over any distance she has ever ridden in the past. Well done Rachel