"After a night of settling down to tackle Moules and the red medicine, we settled for an early night at Hotel Normandie. As we were sharing a room (the only night I should add thank heavens) the nasal passages of my soul mate for these 2 weeks purred like a lion throughout the night.

We awoke with a spring in our step (albeit a little tired from lack of sleep) and consumed our croissants eagerly and hit the road to attack Northern France.

We passed through many villages that saw the bloodiest of battles during the invasion by the Allies on this hallowed ground. We both quickly wished that we had studied harder at school trying to remember each village and the suffering it endured during that pivotal moment of the War. We felt like two soldiers gainly attacking the road but our only enemy was the never ending hunger you feel on a Bike!

BIG MAC FINDS HIS LOCAL HOME VILLAGE TWINNED

Anyway we were soon cruising happily on our trusty steeds enjoying flat open countryside and fair weather. Lunch was enjoyed at the sweet Town of Aunay-Sur-Odon and we were brim with confidence.

That confidence was soon to be broken as we climbed the most horrible hill straight after lunch which took the wind out of the sails. Our path took us to the north of Caen and then heading south to Vitre. I think we had temporarily forgotten that Northern France does have some good undulation.

Suddenly the hours in the saddle seemed to be ending (not a moment too soon) and Vitre approached. We had made it safe and sound...oops too soon...MacDonald (clearly tiring) came crashing to earth in the Town Square in front of many bemused locals as bike and body kissed the cobbled floor. Shaken but not stirred the Englishman is made of strong material (mostly lycra at this point).

Tonight will be most enjoyable savouring Vitre Foie Gras and the local Bowling Alley I feel”.

Justin

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