Untitled Document

SANTANDER TO ROSCOFF
12-24TH APRIL 2010

By Brittany boat to Santander With Robert and Paddy as crew Hamish back home with Miranda We’re off - the old team of two!
No Tango to be had in Laredo Not asked for - but back came the same; Pin-ups, but not for libido, Cyclists Sarah and Emma became. [Sarah Lintern we met towards the end of LEJOG - which she did on her own, with panniers. Emma Lupton and her neighbour Tony did both JOGLE and Santander to Roscoff before us, also with panniers!]
Today we climbed 4000 feet Crossed the Rio by gondola bridge; Struggled to fix a sticking cleat; Found Funukular steep as a ridge.
Hearts did sink when on arrival No sign of roadie was seen; Nearly tried to contact Nigel But waiting for unlocking they’d been! Paddy’s highlight was in Gernika - Alarmed the car with him still in - Feigning sleep despite the panic’a Psychic sorbet - his alcohol SIN !
R N C S S was fine, Following clothes inspection. All the lads stood in a line Before moving in that direction. Drinks and tapas had we there Till Paddy’s needs began to loom Off he went - down the stair To find the ladies’ changing room! Roadies said they swam in the sea Then played frisbee on the beach; Found the Kursaal in the lee That luck you just can’t teach. Paddy chatted a traffic goddess thought he was nearly winning But finding that his gains were modest Went back to CONning and SINning.
Coastal corniche was fantastic Almost shades of Chapman. Roadies choc stop was surrealistic We thought it never did happen!
Talking of luck, today we found Rob had beaten the Casino; He’d gone in with about a pound Come out with 250 Euro! So lunch on Rob at Biarritz After dicing with the Tunnel - Lanes of lorries had had us in fits We needed feeding to the gunwhale.
Clive today is wearing Skins Revelling in the illusion; Thinks about Who dares Wins - Must temper his confusion!
From Hossegor up to le Teich Miles and miles then forest track. Finally left alone upon our bike - Carrying two days kit on our back.
Caught the ferry from Pointe de Graves The crossing over Osmosoft. The petit Bac our journey halves; Saw US tanks brought from the loft.
Synchronised like a well-oiled clock - M-J and Miranda picked up the key Of car left by Rob at Roscoff dock And drove it south to meet for tea.
Day trip with the girls to la Rochelle, Learned of the sad devastation, Tempestuous winds and tides from hell The Island of Ré - trifurcation.
With Paddy, we’d coped with his carrots, But M-J’s demeanour not the same; Car exits were skillful, but losses of parrots Needed sorting, or else we’re to blame!
St. Nazaire Bridge, I’ll not dissemble Was coned-off, busy and steep; Lorries were swerving, our legs all a-tremble - A memory I’d rather not keep.
La Roche Bernard, where under its rock Sandpiper and then Turtle-Dee Were moored- while life taking stock Deux Magots, the Auberge for me!
The unremitting sun shone on our back We needed to drink more than hourly; Relentlessly we rode on the track That took us on down to Morlaix
M-J and Miranda - a happy crowd - Paddy and Rob and the weather All combined to do us proud Cycling was really a pleasure.
Santander through to Roscoff Trips off the tongue would you say - Next year, perhaps Vladivostock? With Clive, every mile of the way.

TAPAS DITTY