Lobster Run
10th-13th September
Blessed by Autumn sunshine, this year’s Lobster Run must have been one of the best ever, marred only by the absence of its Founding Father Paul Wiggins from much of the weekend. Work commitments meant that he had no sooner seen us safely arrive at the Manoir than he turned around and rode straight back to Blighty. We were sad to see him go and grateful for the time we did spend with him on the ferry and riding into Brittany for lunch and safe deliverance to the Manoir.
The countryside was especially lovely and the Manoir was bathed in sunshine when we arrived - its walls golden and lovely as always. Out came Evan to welcome us, his face all smiles and the hospitality began in earnest. Fourteen of us had come across on the ferry with eleven bikes and ridden down together, and were joined at the Manoir by Andrew and Sara Papas, who had ridden down their own route through the tunnel, and also Terry and Manuela. Terry’s new bike wasn’t expected to be ready and so they weren’t riding at all but simply enjoying the weather and the various hostelries in the area!
The famous Lobster Dinner at the Manoir was Friday night and we all enjoyed getting to know each other better. Elise, who waited on us at the table, seemed quite shocked by the number of times we asked for another bottle of wine - cunning Evan had set out glass eggcups for us to drink from, but it didn’t seem to slow us down much! But most of us were careful, wanting to be at our best for Saturday’s ride...
Paul Wiggins had asked me to deputise for him in leading the Saturday ride out, and I felt the weight of responsibility heavy on my shoulders, especially after my previous experience of the Lobster Run, when Pierre had led us through some stunning roads on the Saturday ride. Paul and I had spent an evening planning the possible routes, and I was pleased with the result. The ride was fantastic, even if I say so myself. Well, I enjoyed it anyway! Assisted by the sunshine, the countryside was beautiful, the villages glowing in the warm light, and the long sweeping bends seemed to embrace us and our tyres! Sadly, Paul Fulwood found a screw in the tyre of his (very mean) V-Rod and had to depart for the nearest dealership after our first coffee stop, escorted by Sara and Andrew. But no other mishaps occurred to mar a wonderful day’s riding and everyone ended up back at the Manoir with mile-wide smiles.
The famous Lobster Dinner at the Manoir was Friday night and we all enjoyed getting to know each other better. Elise, who waited on us at the table, seemed quite shocked by the number of times we asked for another bottle of wine - cunning Evan had set out glass eggcups for us to drink from, but it didn’t seem to slow us down much! But most of us were careful, wanting to be at our best for Saturday’s ride...
Saturday night we went out to a local restaurant for a delicious dinner - somehow the highlight of all trips to France seem to be riding, eating and drinking - and then back to the Manoir for a nightcap or two (or three) before bed.
Sunday came much too soon, and Captain Beakie led us irrevocably towards our fate as we rode back to the ferry to ride home. We completely wasted the money spent on our cabin as we couldn’t tear ourselves away from the great company to actually go and get some sleep! Never mind, everyone got home safe and sound, without falling asleep on the A3. Another year’s Lobster Run is over. How sad!
Gavin Caddick