FRENCH PYRENEES SEPTEMBER 2009

Wed 19^th September 2009

The group assembled at Dover and after the usual briefing we caught the train over to Calais. This was a good opportunity for the members of the group to get to know each other and admire each others’ bikes! On arrival at Calais we set off to travel to Orleans via Rouen. In Rouen we had a lunch stop on the Quay whilst taking in the magnificent tall ships gathering.

Bright and early Thursday morning we set off from Orleans to our destination in the Pyrenees. We received a warm welcome from our hosts and after settling into our rooms, we met in the restaurant for a fantastic meal. As ever the welcome we received and the ambience at The Priory is above compare.

Day of leisure today where some of the group explored locally by foot and others went a bit further afield into the surrounding villages where there is some fantastic architecture. Very warm today - 38^o

Woke to blue, cloudless skies - another warm day promised. Today was an optional ride to Andora where we stocked up on inexpensive tobacco, perfurme and petrol.

We really enjoyed the fantastic twists and turns on the National 20 through the mountains.

A leisurely day with a ride out to Pau to look at the street racing circuit and the wonderful local architecture. We had lunch at a pavement cafe in a nice, comfortable 35^o.

A couple of the party went on a pre-arranged fishing trip with our hosts for the day whilst the remainder of the group took advantage of some advanced tuition from Brian on some of the lovely, sweeping roads in the area.

Everyone took advantage of the weather to visit Carcassonne, the medieaval city, ending the day with a trip on the Canal du Midi.

Time to relax – a short ride to Lourdes to visit the shrine, returning for a farewell dinner with our hosts in the ambience of Le Prieure.

Unfortunately today we had to start the return journey. However, we had an enjoyable ride back Orleans. A good night spent in Orleans with everyone relaxed and reviewing the highlights of the trip.

After a good breakfast we took the mid-morning train for departure across to Dover. Everyone said their farewells in Calais and agreed the week had been fantastic. We hope to see them all again next year on one of our tours.