Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Day 3 (#BBBR12)
What a day...
Up at stupid o clock and couldn't really stomach brekkie so had a gel and an oat bar.
So we were off into a chilly Amiens morning. Trundling past the waterside was a pleasant opener, but soon we were climbing the chalk downs to get to Thiepval for one of the key ceremonies of the week.
As we rose the air got colder and damper until we were enveloped in fog. At one cemetery we had the option to admire the views from the tower, but...
On and through more mist making an odd visual effect on my glasses. The water stop! Refuelling on bits and pieces and really my breakfast.
I was staggered to be asked to lay a wreath at Thiepval. Because of the family connections (more next week) I accepted as it briskly.
Now I had to get to Thiepval on time. The next few miles were a mixed bag of emotions and hills. Sweeping past Albert we curved just past Fricourt, and then turned northish when suddenly I noticed a Bernafay Wood cemetery. Having no time to spare I had to miss out on paying my respects to Great Great Uncle Arthur George Bryant.
Losing time to trickier hills Thiepval finally hove into view in the now strong sun. But my legs were fading fast. Eventually, after a couple of tired pauses I arrived with time to spare.
Lunch first and then a conversation with Sean on the process.
A colour party of us carrying 3 flags (I was proud to be on the Union Flag) led the BBBR12 to the monument. We were sharing wreaths between 3, but I'd written my GG Uncles' names on. With me was a man whose brother had died (of natural causes) whilst serving. Embarassed to have the focus. I handed him the wreath to lay, he was military and it seemed more appropriate.
First the local Mairie's mother welcomed us with the padre translating. Her mother lost an arm, leg and eye to British bombing in Amiens, but she bore no grudges. Then the pedalling General spoke movingly. Then we laid the wreaths. This civilian bogged up by turning back.... Instead if walking backwards.
The bagpipes and last post inside Thiepval are stunning.
An emotional break.
Late away after mass in the memorial the afternoon was hard and very warm. It was tough, but after a great guided tour of the Arras tunnels it was hotel (cobble cycling is fun), dinner, phone calls, bed.
Up at stupid o clock and couldn't really stomach brekkie so had a gel and an oat bar.
So we were off into a chilly Amiens morning. Trundling past the waterside was a pleasant opener, but soon we were climbing the chalk downs to get to Thiepval for one of the key ceremonies of the week.
As we rose the air got colder and damper until we were enveloped in fog. At one cemetery we had the option to admire the views from the tower, but...
On and through more mist making an odd visual effect on my glasses. The water stop! Refuelling on bits and pieces and really my breakfast.
I was staggered to be asked to lay a wreath at Thiepval. Because of the family connections (more next week) I accepted as it briskly.
Now I had to get to Thiepval on time. The next few miles were a mixed bag of emotions and hills. Sweeping past Albert we curved just past Fricourt, and then turned northish when suddenly I noticed a Bernafay Wood cemetery. Having no time to spare I had to miss out on paying my respects to Great Great Uncle Arthur George Bryant.
Losing time to trickier hills Thiepval finally hove into view in the now strong sun. But my legs were fading fast. Eventually, after a couple of tired pauses I arrived with time to spare.
Lunch first and then a conversation with Sean on the process.
A colour party of us carrying 3 flags (I was proud to be on the Union Flag) led the BBBR12 to the monument. We were sharing wreaths between 3, but I'd written my GG Uncles' names on. With me was a man whose brother had died (of natural causes) whilst serving. Embarassed to have the focus. I handed him the wreath to lay, he was military and it seemed more appropriate.
First the local Mairie's mother welcomed us with the padre translating. Her mother lost an arm, leg and eye to British bombing in Amiens, but she bore no grudges. Then the pedalling General spoke movingly. Then we laid the wreaths. This civilian bogged up by turning back.... Instead if walking backwards.
The bagpipes and last post inside Thiepval are stunning.
An emotional break.
Late away after mass in the memorial the afternoon was hard and very warm. It was tough, but after a great guided tour of the Arras tunnels it was hotel (cobble cycling is fun), dinner, phone calls, bed.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Day 2 #BBBR11
Firstly I forgot something from yesterday.
Dropping into Pourville I passed a speed camera with speed and smiley/sad face. There was no one around and no vehicles I got :-( - I was doing 72kph!!!!
Today:
A ridiculously early breakfast at which I could barely eat. Partly edgy partly too early.
Off outside before 8 (7uk time) and off.
The first hour saw a MASSIVE hill as we left Dieppe. I remeber litle except a long hill, trees, and a few atopa on the way, but i cycled it all. The heroes on the hand bikes and the rickshaw made it so.
A few hills, and 28 miles or so and lunch. After another bugger of a hill.
At Grand Court cemetery we learned of a Halifax crew of 7 who'd flown from Leconfield (now Normandy Barracks) where the only red telephone box in Kingston upon Hull's white telephone franchise. A story is there, but later.
Also were 6 lads from the Norfolk Regiment left behind in WWII who died and were buried by locals. This was part of the losses that meant the Norfolks were no longer a local regiment by war's end.
The afternoon was a more fen like ride with modest undulations leading to Amiens. A nice hotel. Dinner. A stroll round town and a beer. Time for bed.
Highs:
Making a ceremony on time (I'm slow!)
Dry day
Giving new information to a Battlefield Tour Guide.
Making it.
More friends made
Singing Prof loudly whilst riding!
A bugler and a bag piper helping us up a hill
The s#1t who moved the arrows
Amiens cathedral
The prospect of Thiepval tomorrow
Bed
Dropping into Pourville I passed a speed camera with speed and smiley/sad face. There was no one around and no vehicles I got :-( - I was doing 72kph!!!!
Today:
A ridiculously early breakfast at which I could barely eat. Partly edgy partly too early.
Off outside before 8 (7uk time) and off.
The first hour saw a MASSIVE hill as we left Dieppe. I remeber litle except a long hill, trees, and a few atopa on the way, but i cycled it all. The heroes on the hand bikes and the rickshaw made it so.
A few hills, and 28 miles or so and lunch. After another bugger of a hill.
At Grand Court cemetery we learned of a Halifax crew of 7 who'd flown from Leconfield (now Normandy Barracks) where the only red telephone box in Kingston upon Hull's white telephone franchise. A story is there, but later.
Also were 6 lads from the Norfolk Regiment left behind in WWII who died and were buried by locals. This was part of the losses that meant the Norfolks were no longer a local regiment by war's end.
The afternoon was a more fen like ride with modest undulations leading to Amiens. A nice hotel. Dinner. A stroll round town and a beer. Time for bed.
Highs:
Making a ceremony on time (I'm slow!)
Dry day
Giving new information to a Battlefield Tour Guide.
Making it.
More friends made
Singing Prof loudly whilst riding!
A bugler and a bag piper helping us up a hill
The s#1t who moved the arrows
Amiens cathedral
The prospect of Thiepval tomorrow
Bed
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