Quick Trip Along the Coast
Living relatively near to Newhaven this offers a good option to grab the ferry and pop over to Dieppe for a spin after the 15km ride along the coast from Brighton. My riding partner Cav and I had chosen the Friday night overnight ferry due to leave around 11pm UK time. We had to join the queue along with the cars to check in.
Trying to Sleep
We were due to dock in Dieppe at 5.30am France time so it was time to get wrapped up and see if we could get a few hours sleep. A broken nights sleep but it was warm and quiet enough after the bar had closed for the night.
French Rain
Same situation as the UK, we had to get in the queue with the cars but now it was raining and we wanted to get going as soon as possible. The route would take us through the port and out onto quiet country lanes heading west towards Douvrend.
Plant Pots
There were many small villages we past through with their well kept lawns and churches. We hardly saw any people or vehicles and were able to ride two-a breast chatting pleasantly. Riding via Londinieres, Saint-Martin-au-Bosc to Poix-de-Picardie our first stop and much needed food and drink refill. We were now 80km in.
The Perfect Pain au Chocolat
Surprisingly there wasn't much around but we were lucky enough to find a patisserie that had the best pain au chocolat I've ever tasted! So soft and light I had to take a picture! Both fueled with double delights (we didn't order 2 each, that was what we were given) we continued on the route to find something a little more substantial.
The Rain Abated
Even though the rain had now stopped it was still a little wet and Cav having now changed a couple of punctures was hoping the weather would start to pick up. The roads were smooth and we trucked on through the next 70km taking in Fremontiers, Neurille-les-Loeuilly, Revelles and turning west via a supermarket at Ailly-Sur-Somme.
Saint-Riquier
We knew, from previous rides, that there was a cafe in Saint-Riquier and this was two thirds of the way round at 160km, however due to the puncture issues we were too late to get anything to eat and just stopped for a drink. The view was lovely though.
The Last Stretch
The remaining 80km was less lumpy and we managed to find a well know American outlet to fill our empty stomachs before heading back to Dieppe for the overnight ferry. The weather was now cracking and the cycle paths too match!
Grand Day Out
What a day, some new roads ridden and good company. A relatively cheap way to get some distance in the legs and to explore a different country. Now to get back on the boat and have a little sleep before riding home and going to bed.
The Route
The full route can be viewed here or here