The end of the ride

I looked tentatively (!) out of the yurt in the hope that the wind had blown itself out but unfortunately the bowing poplar trees told a different story. The wind had increased in strength. I set off towards Marans alongside the Sarthe making good progress as the forest provided some shelter. The first sign showing the distance to La Rochele spurred me on.

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There was no cover at all for the next stretch by the canal and on a dead flat road I couldn’t go above 8mph! The crops, maize and wheat, had been flattened. The wind didn’t stop a dozen buzzards wheeling round just above a tractor cutting hay as they sensed an easy opportunity of  catching a fleeing mouse or two.

Lunch in the busy old inland port of Marans over, I headed south on the final leg to La Rochelle. I made good progress on the well surfaced track with the wind now blowing me sideways. I had arranged to meet Ros in a bar by the harbour which we had frequented when on holiday last year. However, after 640 km I thought a photo by the actual finish would be a good idea.

I kept following the signs but the last one I found pointed left at a roundabout. I could see the tourist office not far away so went in to ask where the finish is. The young man unhelpfully told me it was in Normandy! When I said I had come from there he consulted with his colleagues. After a little discussion and much Gallic shrugging it was declared that I had reached the end of La Vélo Francette, producing a spontaneous round of applause from the staff.

It was time to meet Ros, who has helped me so much to complete the ride….

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15 thoughts on “The end of the ride”

  1. I only provided a few drinks and words of encouragement when I could catch you. An amazing achievement considering the past 2 years. What next? x

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  2. Phew! Fantastic. What a relief too. Well done Jon. And some of the finest supporting ever seen on the Velo Francette Ros!
    Atb, Alan.

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  4. Hi Jon. Brilliant achievement. Well done. Enjoy your holiday now. Same to you Ros. You make a great team. X

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    1. Thanks Steve and Fee, it’s your turn soon! Apart from feeling exhausted I am a lot stronger and fitter than when I started. Don’t think I’ll cycle home though! See you soon, J&R

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  6. Well Jon what an achievement. We have enjoyed following your entertaining blogg. As Ros says “What’snext?”
    Bob and Maureen xx

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  8. So as to not loose any of the benefit of all that training and the trip itself – fancy playing left wing for the United next season? Would have to be gratis of course – we have no money! Fantastic achievement – Jude and I much enjoyed the blog. Here’s to the magnificence of Dowrick males, everywhere.

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