Day 3 - First Riding Day Boulogne to Arras

Sunday, September 6

Boulogne-sur-mer to Arras (about 75 miles)

We awoke to a blustery day; cloudy with a southwest wind. The temperature was around 50 degrees.

Went down to the quay to a Boulangerie and got a pain ou chocolat and a baguette sandwich with butter ham and cheese. Really good along with the fresh orange juice.

Here we are at the Quai ready to go.

I am with Jim and Susan Sproull from XC06 and XC07

Then to the start at the quay. This is the location of the largest Atlantic fishing fleet in Europe. Off to Arras, and oh my God, the initial hills getting off the coast! Up to 14% several times - each time a slight downhill, then up again. Finally, some giant rollers (similar to Missouri) for 20 miles and then smaller rollers.

At 100 Km a real adventure begins. Going into Arras we get our first taste of a major road into the center of a large town - 1 and ½ trucks wide. A lot of one way streets, but we finally make it. 120.5 K takes 5.5 hours with LOST stops. A great time was had by all, but this is just the beginning of our education.

We saw numerous windmills, but not in large farms. Usually alone or with 3-4 others.

They were working that day. Look just like the ones in the US.

We spend quite a bit of time in the villages looking at the signs to figure out the directions. Often, we go wrong for a short time and have to back track. Overall, though, not too bad for the first day. The roads are generally good, and the people we asked for directions are very friendly. Sandy actually has more trouble in the van because she goes too fast for the twists and turns, signs, and road changes. Lots to asking for her also.

Pig Roast

A small town was having a festival. This is a whole pig with the ears on. It is wrapped in chicken wire which Jim S. says has lots toxic cadnium in it. Everyone was laughing and drinking beer. They were very friendly to us, and loved hearing we were riding across France.

Vive La France!