Over the rude winter months, a few of us had been plotting: What about a quick flit over the Channel for a change of scenery? So, come the Friday after Easter, five of us (John, Camille, Paul, Inez and myself) assembled at Charing X. A peaceful train to Dover, a short twitch to the port, and soon we were on board, ready for lunch. The International Food Court beckoned. Well what should we have expected? Very soon, time to disembark and off to Escalles, following the coast road via Sangatte and trying to go the correct way round roundabouts. Most of us were carrying rucsacs, and I could definitely feel the effect on handling - a rather unpleasant skitterish feeling. along with the noticeable added weight on my rear suspension. The sudden steep & curving drop to the village would have been more fun if I had not been worried my wardrobe would arrive before me.Great hotel - friendly greeting from Madame, garage for the bikes, everything sorted speedily. I’m sure it helped that all of us made the effort to always talk to the locals in their language - they may have sniggered afterwards at our attempts, but we got constant smiles and welcomes everywhere.
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