HIDDEN BRITTANY contd.
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 Leaving Quintin. |
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A
few kilometres later Graham announced that he didn’t get his card stamped
at the Epicerie. I asked him if he had kept his receipt, which he had
so he didn’t worry about going back – he just punctured instead. Not going
so well after lunch I kept going with Les Pryor who also wanted to go
steady for a while. Just as well we did – I punctured a short while later
and with Les’s help had almost finished when the group came along and
we set off together once more. That didn’t last long though. The distance
was taking its toll and I was suffering. Graham wasn’t doing much better
and we were soon left behind at least for the next few climbs of what
seemed to be about 10km in length – each. Eventually we found David Johnston
(our intrepid leader), and a couple of others awaiting us but it being
rather cold now the remainder of the group had continued. Soon I felt
we were probably at the top of the descent back into Morlaix so I finally
donned my Goretex, scarf, hat, earmuffs and anything else I could find
to keep me warm. I didn’t regret it either – it was an incredibly long
and cold descent.
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We regrouped in Morlaix and soon found the dark road out the other side – it wasn’t the same way back as we had arrived. This road went UP. Regrouping again before dropping down I thought Graham was still behind so I slowed up a bit to wait for him. He didn’t appear so I kept going but found myself travelling quite alone along a very long dark road not really having a clue where I was or how far back to Roscoff. I could see no red lights in front and no Graham behind. Perhaps I was at the back after all. I pressed on hoping they would be waiting for me at the next junction. Eventually I could see a red LED in the distance so there was a ray of hope and there was everyone at the top of the rise at a T Junction in Taule. All except Graham. Where was Graham? We should be in Roscoff soon.
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A few minutes later along came Graham - but he hadn’t been struggling - he’d just lost it! At the last re-grouping Graham had decided that he was in front so when we had all gone he waited for us to come along again. Perhaps it isn’t just on PBP one’s mind goes - maybe it’s the curse of Brittany! From there it was (nearly) all down hill back to Roscoff and we made it before Geoff and his restaurant crew with time for two swift beers in the bar. It was a great ride if long and hard and little time for coffee let alone cognac but I’m glad I opted for the PROFS it is a lovely ride and meant I felt fit for the Gospel Pass a week later. Must do the ride in the summer some time. The PROFS team hit the restaurant on board for a very large meal, Martin Read having tipped us off on the help-yourself Hors d’Oeuvres that he had also indulged in the night before. After our meal we found many of the others still enjoying themselves in the bar. The 150km riders had taken a route along the North Coast, which turned out to be a bit of a battle into the wind at times, but everyone seemed to have a great day in France.
Geoff later advised me that he didn’t invite me for my exquisite company but because he wanted me to write an article and organise a similar excursion from Cherbourg. I’ve now fulfilled the former, not so sure about the latter but you never know.
Annemarie
Manley
 Dawn at Milbay Docks. |
Quote
of the ride: "I'm glad I'm alive"- Mike Parker. Groveller of the day: Graham Brodie.. off the back for most of it!
To
find out more about "Hidden Brittany" and other PROFS
events contact Linda
Johnston. 01822-618446 |
