Report from Matt Larkins, fresh from his first (of many?) ‘Parker’ cross channel rides.

Had a great trip to France with Seet, Chris and Louise. The weather was perfect and we signed on for Saturdays 145km ride with high hopes for the day. A few kms down the road Chris had a mechanical with his rear derailleur seemingly snapping (never seen that before). Me and Seet continued on without a word of French known between us and tagged along with some other groups trying our best not to get lost. We bumped in to Chris and Louise later who had found a shop with a spare derailleur and finished together. The ride back to the house brought along my first 100+ miles, thanks to Seet for his more than fair share of work at the front that day!

The good weather continued in to Sunday and a new ride. This time we made it about 20kms before Louise’s gear cable snapped and so we ended up making our way back (which secretly my legs were grateful for).
Two very rare mechanicals didn’t spoil a very nice trip in the French sun, one that if run again next year I would highly recommend and Seet’s pictures on facebook will show what everyone missed.

Thanks to Chris and Louise for the organisation, and to Samer cycling club for the massive trophy I now have sat at home just for taking part!