Day 14 The Roubaix Velodrome

Desperate not to repeat the mistakes of yesterday, we decided to take the tolls on the chin and use the motorways which would give the opportunity for the boys to visit the iconic velodrome at Roubaix and possibly one of the war grave sites before camping near Calais.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paris%E2%80%93Roubaix

 They had seen a YouTube clip from a cyclist who passing had just gone in and ridden a lap and this had made them think they’d do the same.  And what do you know they did! 
 

There’s a cycling club opposite the entrance and Vince asked if it was possible and was delighted to be given permission as long as he wore his helmet – no other clothing was mentioned but fortunately for readers of a delicate disposition they didn’t take it literally.  

Apparently they likened it to turning up at Wembley or Lords with a ball and being allowed to run on the pitch, kick a ball or bowl an over.  Damned if I could see it as to me it was a shabby rundown bit of concrete but they were happy.

After their laps we adjourned to the club and had a small coffee 

whilst they stared in awe at some of the memorabilia and Andy was frustrated they’d run out of the small pieces of paving they were selling for 20 Euros –

– not to be disappointed he then searched for (and found) a small piece in the road outside.

 

Vince and I then wanted to visit one of the War Grave sites and set Tom Tom to seek one out for us.  It duly obliged with a site at Ypres supposedly some 13 miles away across the border in Belgium.  Andy and Geoff wanted one final cycle so noting down directions they set off to meet us there.  Now Roubaix is a suburb of the large industrial city of Lille and it was a horrendous drive across which would have been difficult without the satnav.   We got to our destination but it was not at all what we expected – a side road on the edge of this large town leading down to a canal and seemingly occupied by a couple of undertaking firms.  No sign of the graves. 

Bigger concern however was whether cyclists would find the destination – after waiting some 30 minutes Vince and I drove part way back to see if we could see them as despite leaving phone messages with Andy there was no reply and we were concerned his phone might be dead – seems to be a problem with his i-phone. No sign so we drove back through the town only to see them arriving at the destination as planned. 

Talking to a local lady – seemed upset to be addressed in French – she directed us to where the site was but sadly by this time we had to move on as still 2 hours away from our final projected camp at Licques.  A lovely site in the village some 45 minutes drive from Calais and with no provisions we settled for a meal at the camp restaurant and some very decent Belgium beer – oh and then we had a wine box to finish – well customs wouldn’t have let us bring it into the UK would they?

And to see them cycling in heaven -

http://youtu.be/cQ_yfV8o7YY

Keep viewing the blog as in next days there should be more video clips of them on the climbs together with their thoughts of the holiday – oops sorry I keep forgetting cycling venture.