Dieppe Raid 2009 Intrigued by talk of Dieppe when Charles started riding with Sou'westers in 2007, he did not catch on to what it was all about for 2008. Circumstances changed, and he wondered whether it would be suitable for grandson Jack,15, in 2009. Asking around, it seemed that there was no reason why not; he had already been on some Wayfarers' and Beginners' rides.
So, for his Christmas 2008 present, he was told of the trip. Lynda Barrow & Carole Dockett were proposing to go a day earlier and leave a day later than the main CTC party. This meant Charles booking the ferry and the hotel. Sailing straight to Dieppe from Newhaven, booking with Transmarch was no more nerve-wracking than most email shopping. The web-site was out of date, which did not help. An email in halting French to the Hotel de la Plage was easier still, as Isabelle Luc had perfect English when Charles confirmed the credit card.
Jack and Charles were able to cycle through Sussex to the port by 9:30am, staying overnight with helpful relatives, whereas Lynda, Carole, Cliff and Maureen had to run the gauntlet of National Sustainable Rail's cycling policies.
They wondered if they were ever going to make it! All went well, until they went slightly wrong in following Norman Goody’s directions; then, a bus in front of them drove along the wrong side of the road and wrote off an almost-new BMW 4x4 parked at the side – the bang made them all jump. Another wrong turning, seeking directions, and then getting stopped for pavement cycling outside East Croydon Station – and guess what? They missed their train! Then, the Lewes connection was delayed... Frantic phone calls and texts - could Charles have a word with the ferry people?
Jack and Charles were amazed when the 4 suddenly appeared on deck beside us. Much to our surprise the alerted ferry had waited for them – how lucky was that! Their bikes were snatched from their hands by willing staff; seconds later the ramps went up.
So we all settled down to a relaxing voyage in comfy chairs, then going off to lunch in a pleasant cafeteria.
Arriving at Dieppe, we rode straight to the hotel, parking our steeds in the garage, secure at the rear. Tipped off by those in the know we had a room on the third floor overlooking the seafront, reached by a lift. After a lovely bath we all met up for a meal.
Friday we met up with Norman Goody, who was already in France, and gently explored some of the countryside, and superb food in a little village bistro.
Saturday morning saw many of us going to the Dieppe Street Market, while others went cycling. At 5pm we met for the usual very friendly reception, to be welcomed by the Dieppe organising team and Mayor's representatives, followed by eats and drinks.
Sunday 14th June, the day of the Raid, everyone awoke to the sound of rain... Our group of about 17 saw a French first puncture only five minutes from registration; then, on to the first hill, and the sun began to shine. Before 11’s there was a broken spoke, and, a little later, a chain came off; not too bad at all.
The morning was very pleasant cycling, through beautiful French countryside and quaint villages; Raid triathlon runners waved and shouted “Allez, allez, allez!”; “Go, go, go!” we replied.
The promised route marking could have been better, and Terry with the bar-bag map-case made much smoother progress as our leader than did Norman, without. Much needed lunch was at a different, better, venue to past years.
After bread, cake and fruit, we set off for what we thought was the second half. But, no, it was longer, the 100km (60 miles) turned out to be nearly 130km (77 miles), a few sore bots and aching backs at the end, but all very good fun. As we had had more miles than expected to cover in the afternoon, we missed our coffee, but the sensible majority of our group held out for an eventual quick ice cream stop before the final long, long, hill climb.
It was a fantastic week-end as usual with 27 Sou’westers registering and bringing home a team cup – well done, all you Sou’westers. Also, Maureen Gallichan won the top raffle prize, a nice new mountain bike – congratulations Maureen.
They all thoroughly enjoyed Jack's company, who was great to be with and cycled extremely well; he came off his bike during the Raid afternoon with quite a thump, during an uphill breakaway with young Pam, but just bounced straight back up, and got back on – well done, Jack!
Many thanks to the organisers for all the hard work they put in to making the Dieppe Raid the great event it is. We are looking forward to next year already. Charles Barraball and Carole Dockett
Author: Pete
1 Comment:
Pete 02 July 2009 at 05:19 BST
Well done to the wayfarers group who kept together all day as planned it made the day so much more enjoyable
From pete M
For the reassurance of the hawk-eyed among you, the headed notepaper has been amended to reflect the latest approved wording.
