Day 1

Four FROGS crammed into a 4 berth cabin on the overnight ferry to Ouistraham. Woken early to persistent operatic warblings that ensured we disembarked on time. We cycled to the beach to dabble our toes in the freezing Channel and to pick up shells to take to the Mediterranean.

Onwards to the historic cafe at Pegasus Bridge for coffee and a croissant. As first visitors at 8.30am, we just pipped dozens of school children to get served. The morning ride of 42 miles was peppered with showers and into a consistent headwind. The Marie Celeste had more inhabitants on show than we saw on our route. Dogs were so unused to passing cyclists, that they spontaneously launched themselves towards us with unnerving speed. Most notable was the Tasmanian Terrier, teeth bared and snarling as it homed into Simon's ankles. A quick burst of adrenalin was all that prevented a permanent clamping of the jaws! We stopped for lunch at Trun as the sun broke through. Croque Madames sorted all but John out, who decided it would be rude not to eat for England! We passed many boulangeries in the morning, but all were closed, so lunch was very welcome when it came. Simon had the first puncture at 52 miles, so John went chasing wild flowers while it was fixed. Twin spires of Sees heralded the end of our first cycling day, and we are now well fed and watered and off to bed.