Normandie June 08

Normandie June 08 (We Will Remember them)

Leading some of the Three Shires Group from Sheffield down to Portsmouth, John and the group left Barlborough around 2pm, the M1 was it's normal state these days with accidents and road works all the way down to Junction 15A. It's here where we picked up a few extra HOC members and were joined by Paul & Lisa who managed to catch us up, once refreshed we set off for the next leg down to Chievely for some food and a fuel top up. Once back on the road we made good time to Portsmouth with an unexpected stop when Sue's Hornet run out of fuel at the top of the hill before Portsmouth, but luck was on our side the reserve tank switched on, we fired it back up and made it to Tesco's to fuel up fully for the crossing. At the port we were fully joined by the 19 HOC Members and 14 bikes, we had all made it there safe and were chatting excitedly about the days to come until it was time to board the 'Norman Spirit'
Once on the ferry the plans were to meet up in the Mucky Duck Pub for refreshments, and no-one let us down after a small alcoholic drink most of is booked our Club Class seats, BUT Sue the smart one of us all brought a support neck support thou her use of it left us all puzzled!!!		A few hours into the crossing we all decided sleep was needed, John & Richard from experience hogged the seats in the pub whilst the rest of us tried our hardest to sleep on the club seats/floor....we all awoke in the early hours of Saturday morning to see the weather in France was little cloudy with a hint of rain in the air but was nice and warm good biking weather. All of the group too excited to worry about the weather just looking forward to some good riding!
We docked right on time at 0800 local time at La Harve, and once re-grouped John lead the way to Honfleur with Paul & Lisa marking the rear we arrived there at around 0900 and headed straight to John's favourite cafe for Croquet Monsieur's or Madam's. (What a treat!!)			We stayed around Honfleur for hour to walk off the breakfast and enjoy the shops, market and scenery that was around even watched the fish come up for something to eat now and then in the harbour. We then set off for out 1st call, 'Pegasus Bridge'
	When we arrived at the Pegasus bridge we headed over the bridge to the Cafe for some drinks, then the heavens opened, just for a few minutes, but what a down pour it was. (Saying that it was the only rain we would get for the rest of the trip), with weather improving day by day. Must have been Nog's good luck brought on by taking his umbrella out! Gavin with a few others visited the Pegasus Museum, whilst the rest of use had a chat whilst walking around the river side taking in the scenery.

John was planning to call off before heading to Arromanches, but the were all so tired we call the day and headed for our B & B's , we stopped on the hill top overlooking Arromanches. (Just up where the 360 cinema is) This is where John pointed out a few things of interest to us, and the areas where the bikes and accommodation were. What Beautiful vantage point it was...you just couldn't imaging 60+ yrs ago the troops landing here, apart from the floating bridge parts that are still seen today.
We then Departed from the Hill top into Arromanches and to the B&B's Paul had booked for us. I'll say at this point the accommodation was very good and the owners where very friendly and accommodating and I would Highly recommend them again to anyone going to Arromanches.	Jacques owner of the Arroplace has been very helpful in finding extra accommodation for the few last minute changes and his B&B is of a high standard and you can't get much closer to the sea. Has free internet access for those that feel the need and private parking to the side.	Chez Mounie was the other B&B booked with 5 beds in the loft in 2 rooms, along with 2 extra room we booked. Alan had regular chats with the owner Jacques over a morning coffee. Again I'd advice booking with these again just a small walk to the beach.
We all had breakfast as a group at the Normandy Beach who is just around the corner from Chez Mounie. It's owned by Adrian and his family, who are very friendly and nothing was ever to much trouble. a beautiful B&B who are booked up a good 15 months ahead so book early. With a breakfast fit for a biker kept use all going to tea time. We had a BBQ the last night with a fridge full of beer at hand, Gerard being a vegetarian, thought that he would be eating a lot of salad that night but no!! they had cooked him his own vegetarian meal. If that doesn't say how much we where made welcome by both Jacques and Adrian then I can't say it any better. Thank You for making the trip an enjoyable one		Both Jacques and Adrian (Left)	Feeding Time at the Zoo ?
Once we are all unpacked and showered we headed off to one of the local restaurants for something to eat. On the whole the meal was enjoyed by all only with one or two meals being returned due to uncooked for there tastes. As you can see Alan was really enjoying his Muscles. For those of you that have been to a Three Shires event you will know the story behind the Cream egg's, but for those of you that haven't think!!!! How do you eat yours ???		A Three Shires Special Cadbury's Cream Egg
After the meal we all headed to the local pub to finish off the evening thou many stopped up long past there normal bedtime enjoying the local company. With Breakfast planned for around 0900, before heading to out on today's ride which was to Le Mont-St-Michel. Which would take us through some lovely small villages,, long winding roads with only a quick hop onto a motorway for last part. Neil and Gavin having seen the Mont before headed off to see the American Cemetery and a few other local historical sites. The trip was always going to be a packed trip without seeing many of the things Normandy had to offer. This trip after all was a taster to see what travelling aboard on bikes was like, as many of us this was the first time aboard on bikes.	Le Mont-St-Michel
You could see the Mont miles before getting to it which just built the oh there it is again feeling. It's a wonderful thing to look around with many stairs and gift shops, restaurants around the outer walls. You could hear the monks praying inside as you walked closer to the main building. Nog and Liz went inside the main building whilst the rest of us relaxed had something to eat before heading a slow ride back to Arromanches. On the way back our ride took us through some small towns who where having a festival and we stopped at San-lo for a rest and enjoy one of the festivals.	Local making us Welcome
	We stopped for about an hour or so then headed back to our accommodation and had our evening meals. Some in the restaurant we had a meal in the night before others tried a new one, whilst Paul and Lisa had what turned out to be a lovely pizza sat on the sea wall watching the tide roll in and out. We all then gathered in the local pub to finish the day off.		Chris Enjoying a Lager
The start of day 3 was breakfast as normal follow by a run to where the paratrooper landed on the church spire after getting shot in the leg. He pretended to be dead and was rescued by the French. We stopped off on route in a small town and some of us enjoyed a sticky pastry before heading to the church.
We had a look around the town and picked up the odd bike sticker etc before heading to one of the Gun Batteries the German's Built which formed the 'Great Atlantic Wall' We had a short film to watch before heading through some of the underground tunnels with our guide stopping to point out fact etc along the way.
We all had something to eat before splitting up little with Nog & Liz with Paul & Lisa shooting of to see the tapestry. Unfortunately you are unable to take pictures of the tapestry itself as it damages the cloth, so it will just have to be on your list to do before you die. (Word of advice make sure your machine can pause before leaving the desk or you will be on number 36 before you have left position 10).
Whilst the main group had a tour of some more local war sites. Even Stopping at the World Peace Statue on the way back to take this amazing picture. (thanks Pete & Kate)
Once back Adrian the owner of Normandy Beach put on a great BBQ for us and the guests he had staying at his B&B. He even supplied the beer thou the morning after we returned with some beer to refill his fridge thou he stated that was unnecessary. The really are a great hosts and family, with nothing being to much trouble. Jacques even offered to drive 3 of the members back to there accommodation as they could only host 3 of the late comers for 2 night but arranged accommodation just 4km away for the last night. So again I'd like to thank them for making the trip a great one and advice you all to at least consult with them before booking your trip to Normandy some time soon I hope.		Adrian's own tank & he does Hot Air Ballooning also (A Very Busy Man)	The hosts even kept smiling when there chicken dinner got eaten by some hungry bikers (Sorry on behalf of us all)
The Final Day we chilled out in Arromanches till around noon visiting the 360 cinema and taking a last few photos, before heading to Honfleur for a coffee on route to Le Harve for the ferry by around 1530. So much happened on this trip I could go on for days, so instead of reading about it why not tag along next time or even go see it for yourself!!!!			Boy's Will Be Boy's
	To Sum up the Trip ??? Great Company, Great Weather, Great Location mix that up with Great Roads, says it all Really