Advancedbiker in Normandy - The Training begins - Day One Friday 9th May 2014

After a good nights sleep and hearty breakfast, time for some training, but first to the petrol station to fill and then organise the days training.

The group consisted of 10 riders, which included 4 trainers and 6 clients.  So I arranged for small groups of three to start off with, with a ratio of one trainer to two clients.
This gave me the flexibility to use 'Tail End Charlie' Bob as an extra pairs of eyes.

The day started a bit overcast and yes the rains came down as we headed out of Bayeaux along the D6 and eventually onto Balleroy for meeting with a rider we met up with a couple of years ago - Ron Young

Ron used to own a bed and breakfast and contacted me to arrange a meet as he wanted to have another ride out with us......

We were on time, so was a heavy down pour, but great to meet up as he had volunteered to take us on a route for our first tea stop at Balleroy, at Les Roches de Ham from there. 

So Ron became our temporary leader as the weather improved and he roads started to dry out.

The first tea stop - Fantastic location overlooking the valley with the Vire river below - Closed....

Plan B - Head for a cup of Tetley tea at Villedieu Les Poeles before heading off to find one of our favourite roads the D999 to Brecey and the D911 to Sourdeval.
So I lead off with my group and we had a great controlled progressive run along the D999, stopping at Brecey for a debrief and change of lead rider.  All captured on video, by at least four video motorcycles.  Footage will appear on Youtube soon......

Video Motorcycle Andy Griffiths

We usually stop in Villedieu Les Poeles for dinner, buyt Ron through his connections and knowledge of the area suggested we make the dinner time stop at Sourdeval.  A place called Zone Creative......

I booked us in using Facebook, and it was a great find.  Freshly made sandwiches or soup, which some of us followed up with Clotted cream scones.....

The weather had picked up and we were able to use the out door terrace area........

Suitably refreshed, it was on to the D911 again out towards Tinchebray, before heading north tworads the coast and the final tea stop of the day at Aunay Sur Odon.  We said our farewells to Ron who headed back home, leaving us to head towards Arromaches.  We had a little time in hand so we headed for Longres Battery to do a little bit of World War Two site seeing.

A great day, bit damp to start with, but the weather picked up and we all got back.......

Looking forward to Saturday and the planned visit to find a Tiger Tank, and then onto Pegasus Bridge for Coffee.......