Hi Paul,

we left the HUBB meeting at Donington for the hour ride to Docs, stayed there overnight then had a gentle ride down to Portsmouth (which was a really nice ride, mainly by A roads, rather than motorway).

The crossing was to Le Havre.

We then rode to the Pegasus Bridge Museum, where I literally collapsed outside the place and just slept in the grass, whilst Doc and Ken did the museum. I'd love to go back there again but next time I won't take any Tesco branded Hay Fever tablets!!! Apart from being ill, the ride was great.

The return route was more of a labour, just because of the time element, where we rode up to Docs, well after dark.

The Serows can easily do the mileage. In fact on one trip I rode from Applecross to home (only stopping for fuel and the weather was crap) and did the 410 miles easily in the day. It's all a question of riding steady and only stopping when you really need to + ensuring that you fuel yourself only when you fuel the bike!

Regards

Hi Geoff,

so am I matey.

Time would be nice!

Regards

By the way,

Ken'll kill me when he sees the image of him fast asleep!!!!

Hi Guys n Gals,

I thought I'd add a few more for you so here we go.


I just have to include a shot of a Dozing Doc now don't I!



And this was the view from where we were sat.



A view of the moorings on the beach.



This is a very laden maiden! Team Bjerg ready for anything, but please note the kettle's always near to hand!



Now what I want to know is, which is the most red, Doc's legs or the seasoned meat?



A couple of great views from the Jeep, the first on the local roads, which were a joy to travel on and the second on the beach, which was an amazing feeling!





Here's one of Doc, in action!



And one of Ken, in action.



A few general street views.

His chap's watering the plants, works for the local authority and still smokes whilst on the job.









A few on the display plaques.







Even though the camera didn't have a zoom lens, I still managed to position myself OK for a shot of the Russian Parachuting Team landing in wind conditions that would have grounded most experienced jumpers. I caught up with the team leader and commented on the weather conditions. He simply lit up a cigarette and told me he'd done over 10,000 jumps and had fought during 8 wars with the Russian Forces!!!!



Here we have an MP raising a glass to us.



Cool AJS.



And a very smart RAF Officer, who flew during WW2.



I'll finish off with this one. Remember the earlier shot of Ken, in a field? Well this was the view framed by the remains of the pit area. I really like this one and you can just make out both of our machines.



Nite nite.

Hi Guys n Gals,

and one last one, as I'm heading to bed.

I just thought I'd see how the Private on the beach would look in monochrome, so here we go.



Regards

Whew! What a f-a-b-u-l-o-u-s trip and ride report, Reggie. Thanks for posting!

Your photos are spectacular, and fun to see since I have never been there to see this place. My hat goes off to all of those veterans.

Mike

Reggie, you are an artist with a camera! No matter what you use the photos are just brilliant.

Great report, wish I could have been there with you guys. So much history over there!

Great Pictures!

Alexd

Thanks Reggie,
Fair old run down to Portsmouth but you broke it up ok stopping at Doc's eh.

I've only done it on the Trumpet going to the South Hants tomcc rally & when we did the Portsmouth/St Malo crossing one year, that A34 is a scary road.

Not been that area of France you were at, looks good for scoffing in the town. Fantastic trip.

Hi Chaps,

thank you for your kind words.

The area itself is a beautiful place to visit and even though most of us know lots about the modern history of the region, it really brings it home when you get there!

Ken and I rode up to that beautiful, magnificent chateau. It was called Le Chateau D'Audrieu and, as his late wife was called Audrey, it was the right thing to do.

We took the image and then rode into the next town to find a memorial. We'd seen many in the area but I decided to read this one closely and it read;

'To the memory of those members of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles and Supporting Arms who were murdered, while prisoners of war at Le Chateau D'Audrieu near Le Mesnil-Patry and Le Haut Du Bosq on 8,9 and 11 June 1944.'

On reading that, even though it was a scorchingly hot day, I went cold.

If you ever get an opportunity to visit the region I would recommend that you do so, it's sheer beauty takes your breath away, the people are wonderful and you have a chance to give respect for those who ensured that we now have the freedom that allows us to appreciate the past, at our whim.

Regards