24\04\16 - 29eme Ronde Brayonne Cyclo 100km Audax

Early on Saturday morning I drove down to Newhaven in order to catch the 10:00 ferry to Dieppe.  I got through the passport control and immediately met up with Alex, Barry & StevieG.  They had ridden down the day before and stayed at a Youth Hostel.  After an uneventful crossing we cleared Dieppe and got on the Avenue Verte - a more or less continuous cycle-path to Paris.  We got off at Neufchatel and then headed south another 6kms to the home of Valdis's little sis where we found Bruno (still sober) in the kitchen.  After a quick tour by Valdis & Anita we all hit the bottle(s).
Alex & I had decided that we would ride the 100km route (there were four routes of different lengths - 25, 50, 85 & 100).  This meant another stupid-o'clock alarm call.  But we got ourselves ready although some of the others changed their choice to a shorter ride that left more in-bed time for recovery after the previous evening!  Still, Alex & I got ourselves to the start at 07:10 (06:10 in real GB time), signed on and set off.
It was quiet, good roads, steep but climbable hills, and cold with intermittent rain & hail.  Despite the less than wonderful conditions the views were spectacular and we proceeded at a reasonable pace.  We came across a few other riders but most were on one of the other routes.
We got back, and the heavens opened.
Still, stuck in the Arrivee with plenty of Sparkling Cider Champagne we sat and soaked in the atmosphere as the Awards were made.  Minding our own business we were surprised when everyone turned around to look at us.  I got called out and presented with a trophy.  There was also a smaller one for Valdis.  Seems they give a trophy (for each ride length) to a non-affiliated rider by putting their names in a hat and drawing the lucky ticket!  Who knew?
On the Awards list they had put "par tirage au sort non licencie cyclo: (coupe le Reveil)."  Maybe one day one of you with superior linguistic skills will tell me what it means.
I then cycled (slightly the worse for wear) the 40kms back to Dieppe for the 18:00 ferry to Blightyland leaving the other five to their own devices.  PW