Cycle to the Somme

Wow, a proper breakfast! Looking at the weather (steady rain) and the route ahead (lumpy) we were going to need it!  The Hypnos Hotel is to be recommended, but we couldn't linger due to uncertainty over how long it was going to take us to get to Calais, so we were on the road for 9am. The weather was, quite frankly, bloody awful: The road from Hesdin to Desvres is basically a series of hills & valleys. Some of the climbs were long and some were steep. A couple were long and steep! The Granny Ring was routinely employed to keep things spinning, but Adam had to consistently lean on the pedals to add to the pain in his already sore knee. He dug deep a few times and did bloody well considering his non-touring gearing. Good lad!  We were labouring at an average of about 10 mph for the first couple of hours, due entirely to the terrain. It did stop raining and I eventually removed my 'sun' glasses, because it was so dull that I could'nt see much. On another day, it'd ...

I think we both had a restless night. Over exertion & less than comfortable sleeping arrangements (that's camping mats for you) coupled with a couple of noisy owls & an early start from the loud Worksop motorcyclists on the next pitch ("Berra Gerrup n gerronwiit yowth") saw to it. So, today we are going to keep it relatively short & head to Hesdin for a comfortable night in the Hypnos Hotel.   We packed up our gear in fair weather & after croissants for breakfast, headed out of Albert at around 10.30. We had a steady run to Doullens. A bit up hill and down dale, but the wind was moderate & the threatening clouds didn't amount to much fortunately.  After refreshments in Doullens, we turned into a stronger headwind and pushed along the D938/119 as far as Gennes-Invergny. This was however, a lovely route though pretty countryside. Then we turned north on the D124 and faced a series of tough climbs. Not good for Adam's knee, which had become increa...

Mark William Mills died sometime around 6am one hundred years ago today. He was following a creeping barrage from the British lines at Lempire, advancing towards the Knoll, nondescript save for it being a strategic bit of high ground between Tombois & Gillemont Farms. He was one of 25 men killed that morning. The action was classed a success despite the losses, as the Knoll was, temporarily, captured.  Today, Adam & I set off from Albert to visit our Great Grandad at the Knoll to say 'hello'.  We set off in fair conditions with the wind at our backs, but it didn't last long. The squalls started as soon as the terrain began to bite us. Constant hills & valleys, interspersed with us having to negotiate several km of rough (cart) tracks! The Garmin says 'Yes' 😡 The maps soon took over, but we still had to battle the weather, the terrain & a series of closed cafes. Shelter was occasionally sought in the most sacred of places.  It seemed to take an age, ...

After a reasonable nights sleep, despite a recalcitrant air bed, a few sore bits & some heavy rain, I awoke to a 'fanfare' from Adam. We abluted & started getting the tents down when the heavens opened again. Fortunately we were able to get packed up under an adjacent gazebo.  By the time we were away, it was after 10am. Then it was straight to the nearest Boulangerie for breakfast.  The riding today proved to be a little less severe, although the 500m 15%  climb out of Anvin wasn't popular! Passing through Croix en Ternois (I raced there in 93 or 94 I think it was) & after coffee in Frevent,  we were soon into Somme territory  The terrain was now gently rolling & the sun shone occasionally to complement the strong SW wind. We stopped at a McD's in Doullens. Just as well, because France appears to be otherwise shut? About 4pm & nearing Albert, we branched left & I took Adam to the New Foundland war memorial site at Beaumont Hamel. We had ...

Character Building.    I believe that's the best way of describing the weather we woke to this morning. Looking out across the Straits of Dover from our window in the Waterfront Hotel in Deal (good nights sleep, great breakfast, excellent value), it was miserable out there. Perspective buoys you though. I can only imagine what it must have felt like for those soldiers, a century ago,  preparing to disembark for the killing fields of France & Belgium. We ARE going to enjoy our trip! A short drive to Port parking in Dover, then out with the bikes, load up & get on. A mile up the road, Adam binned it. He toppled off at a standstill and it would have been a comical fall had he not cut his leg. Wounded. And that's before we get to the Somme! He's cleaned it up and is ok.  Your ferry awaits Sirs: Getting out of Port de Calais on a bicycle is an utter farce. The lack of signage is obviously a deliberate ploy to confuse Les Rosbifs. Us to are good though, and made li...

And they're off! Picked Adam up from home, around 5.30pm, and hit the motorway for the long haul to Dover. Had quite a good run down, with only a few hold ups, but plenty of entertainment watching the 'creative' driving oft employed by a few moronic motorists. I was actually quite impressed with South Mimms Services - changed a bit since my last visit, about 15 years ago, when I recall it being a right shite hole!  Arrived at the Waterfront Hotel in Deal for 9.30 ish. Looks to be a nice seaside town. Into the room, out of the room, into the pub. Beer. Bed. Got to be up for 7! 

In memory of our Great Grandfather: Mark William Mills Private 59774 Mark William Mills of the 15th Notts & Derby Sherwood Foresters was killed on 19th August 1917 during an assault on The Knoll, near to Tombois Farm, Lempire, France. He was 26 years old. He has no known grave, but is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial near to Albert, France.  He was survived by his wife, Eliza (our Great Grandmother, who we called 'Nanny') & his 14 month old daughter, Margaret (our Grandmother, who we called 'Mamma'). Then living at New Villas, Main St, East Leake.  Andy & Adam Pike.