We pack the bikes for the last time in the hotels underground car park and push the bikes up the ramp into sunshine and a clear blue sky. Sods law!

It is a short ride to the ferry terminal and once through check-in we wait in the queue to be loaded onto the ferry. We get chatting to another couple of cyclists, probably only in their 30’s. He has the right idea. He is on a road bike with minimal luggage and she has the panniers and all the camping gear – (Sue adds – what a heroine!!) Even so her panniers are not bulging or split (Sue adds- but they are bigger and of better quality than mine i.e no zips only clips) Clearly my compatriot is treated so much better with me carrying all the tools, spares and picnic items etc.

We stand on deck, in the sunshine and watch Cancale, St Malo, Dinard and the french coast disappear as we set sail. We can see the line of the coastal route we cycled yesterday, where there were so many pretty villages, beaches and traditional cottages. It is a 9 hour trip on the ferry and at 11:00 French time we decide to find somewhere for a coffee. Thus is a good time to catch up on the blog.

The compatriot (Susan) has taken control of the blog at this point with a few reflectipns on this years adventure. This trip has been very different from our journey, south to north, last year. But it has been equally as enjoyable and we are already planning a return to France next year on a different route. Despite various blips such as the rain, head wind, broken spokes, punctures, deviations and detours over fields, we have seen and experienced France ‘up close’. Cyclists are respected by other road users, cycle paths have kept us away from busy roads and we have met some lovely people, whether they have been fellow cyclists, cafe owners, hoteliers or waiters. Never once has ‘Brexit’ featured as a barrier to ‘ the bon homme’ offered to us, despite our limited ability to speak French.

As ever Ed (although it pains me to admit it) has planned the route and accommodation brilliantly (this really is Sue still typing). I have been amazed at how close our hotels have been to the route and how comfortable they have all been. No sheds this year (for those of you that followed last years blog) and many more hotels with restaurants serving great food and wine. I can recommend his services as a tour guide for anyone interested in opting for a cycling holiday.

My compatriot has not been bad either despite the odd tantrum, or putting down of her foot, and of course correcting and sanitizing this blog .

Oh and by the way I feel better but with one tooth less which could not be saved, and therefore a large gap to whistle through until it can be replaced.