Day 7: Thur 3rd July 2009
Ride: Belfort to Etreaupont - 291 miles
This morning the weather was dreadful and we envied Cat being in a car. Today we planned to the most direct route which was basically the D438 to Vesoul, pick up the N19/E54 to Langres, and then the A5/E17 to the E54 towards Troyes. Then the A26 to Reims getting off at junction 13 and pick up the N2 through Vervins and finally into Etreaupont.
From the getgo it was a race to Le Clos du Montvinage, our hotel for tonight. We naturally split into three groups based on the bikes we were riding. Chris B and Phil were both on BMWs, Pete and Gaz were both on high speed long range tourers, and Kyle and Chris P were both on sports orientated bikes.
The result was a surprise - to some. Pete and Gaz took the early lead but after about 40 miles they were caught and passed by Kyle and Chris P who didn't look back until they reached the hotel. Pete and Gaz rolled in a full hour later but the question was what had happened to the two BMWs. Another hour had passed by until they finally arrived. Unfortunately Chris P's Boxer Cup had developed an electrical problem not long after leaving Belfort and it had taken the best part of an hour to sort it out.
Hotel Le Clos du Montvinage in Etreaupont (L) and all the bikes parked up - less Cat's Tuono - for the night (R)
We stayed at this hotel in 2006 on the way back from Chamonix and we'd still recommend it. It's quiet and relaxing, the owners very friendly, and the restaurant superb.
Below is a group photo taken by Pete of the final dinner, marking the end of another tour.
(L-R) Chris B, Phil, Cat, Kyle, Gaz and Chris P
