Run to the Alps day 3 - 30th July 2010
A typical but good value breakfast was eaten al fresco - ready for the next stage to Thionville.
I have deliberately chosen to keep the daily mileage down because past experience has shown me that the heat and smaller roads take their toll after a few days, making the ride a chore rather than the pleasure it is when you look and enjoy.
Interestingly my sat nav did not do it's usual trick this year - by setting it to the shortest route and avoid tolls and main roads it usually takes you on the French D roads - great riding - today I forgot to tick avoid main roads - it is clear that Euro money has been pumped into the Route Nationals as they are now mostly dual carriageway - quick but not very good for scenery gazing.
Luckily I managed to get off them and stopped at a few places on route. Here is a photo showing just how easy it is to completely wreck a landscape! The Dutch did it so much more tastefully!
It is always good to park up in the Centre Ville - bikes are always around.
I didn't have time to go in but the European Space Centre looked a substantial development.
One town worth a stop off for lunch is Givet - some years ago there was a number of bushes and trees along the river bank but alas these are now no longer - thankfully the Friteria is still there and a suitable perch was found with a river view.
The run from here was a mix of roads and countries - taking me in and out of France and Luxembourg - one thing to note is the difference in the quality of road surface in Belgium - they certainly have not squandered Euro money on their roads.
A petrol stop was badly needed after covering 244 miles before going onto reserve. Near the fuel station was a bike shop with this outside for sale - well I think it was because I couldn't see Batman anywhere.
The bike is going very well but the exhaust is popping on the over run - I called into a motor factors in Thionville and he gave me a tube of exhaust sealer - what a nice guy. So tonight I have been fettling the bike.
Just around the corner is one of the Buffalo Grills so I had Pave de Bison - very good but not worth the €13 it cost.
This F1Hotel is one of the new refurbished ones so square sink and flat screen tv - yep that's some refurb!
Ah well blog done - French tele and a read I think.
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Location:St Omer to Thionville