I didn’t checkout of the hotel until mid-day. The weather was great and I decided to have a long lunch in a café just off the main square. I entertained myself with some reading and an occasional dip into what was happening with cricket in Cardiff.
Predictions on the Ashes
The cricket was only entertaining if you were an England supporter. As my SW18 host will confirm, I had predicted before the start of the series that Australia was not a strong a side as most English supports feared. In particular, if Harris wasn’t fit and Smith didn’t adjust to the conditions, Australia could be in real trouble. As it turned out, Harris has been forced to retire with a dicky knee and Smith struggled.
Short Ride
I had decided to take a short ride east of Arrras to a campsite recommended by the tourist information. As always getting out of town was a bit tricky. I finally found the correct ‘D’ road through the one way maze.
The campsite was very good. The manager offered me a local ‘blonde bier’. I was very good.
Nearly all the number plates in the place were NL. The Dutch have started their migration south.
North to Lille
In the morning I had a quick check of the map and decided on vague route to the east of Arras. I selected a Military Museum on the Garmin that appeared to be on the route.
Evidence of the Tour de France
As rode along, I appeared to be following the route of the Tour de France which travelled to Roubaix a couple of days before. There were lots of paint and chalk markings on the road. There were also lots of painted bicycles and a bicycle made of hay.
Battle Field
I came to a point where the Garmin told me that I had arrived at the Military Museum. The place was closed and it looks as though it will never open again.
Not far up the road I came across the Canadian Memorial for the battle of Vimy. Like Australia, the Canadians incurred huge losses in the Great War. The centre is very interesting and includes preserved trenches.
Further on I came across the Vimy Memorial, huge white stone sculpture. Along its side are inscribed the names of the 11,168 Canadian soldiers whose remains could not be found.
Refreshing Bier
I stopped in a small town called Carvin. The little bar where I stopped was owned by a bloke who was a bit of motor sports fanatic. There were some interest posters on the wall, including a poster of the mighty Vincent. The bier was nice and cold.
Into Lille
The last 20 klms into Lille was very straight and flat. It is a busy road, but at least there was a bike path.
My hostel was in the old part of the city. This involved riding on cobble stones. It is not easy. I don’t know how the road cyclists cope with these stones on the Paris to Roubaix race.
Staying In Lille
I ended staying in Lille a bit longer than expected. The weather was not too good and I expected that there would be something to see on the 14th of July. Surprisingly there wasn’t much on.
Link to Vimy Ridge Memorial
http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/memorials/overseas/first-world-war/france/vimy
Flickr Link
Garmin Link
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