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Last Day Of Fun In France
Ride Date 24 Sep 2025
By Bogger
Day 9 Wednesday
We did indeed pack away early and had breakfast made for us AGAIN. There was plenty of time and Pete wanted to have a look around Malestroit. We could have walked but we jumped into the car and were in the centre of Malestroit in less than a minute. On the way out of the drive Pete mentioned the electric gate again.
After an hour of exploring the Medieval splendour of Malestroit time was still being kind to us. There’s time for a visit to the Resistance museum two miles away in St Marcel. If you are ever in the area I highly recommend a visit to this museum. It’s modern with lots of displays, information and vehicles to look at. On our visit it was full of the French army who were visiting. The French army have an officer training establishment fifteen miles away in the town of Guer.
Now it really was time to load the bikes and get on our way home. We did a bit of shopping on the way back and got a nice bunch of flowers for Virginnie and wine for Ronan. It was the very least we could do. Ronan insisted on making us lunch before our depature, our protestations fell on deaf ears once again.
C’est ca, ony va. Ok lets’ go.
After lunch we said our goodbyes, kissed everyone again and with a heavy heart we were on our way home at 1.30pm. Cherbourg lay two hundred miles to the North. The weather was a bit overcast but not too bad. After a hundred miles we were getting a bit concerned over the fuel situation and the massive black cloud we were heading for. Neither of us could recall passing a petrol station this morning and we were both down to a quarter of a tank.
We set off up the Motorway again. Thankfully after another fifteen miles we were able to pull in and refuel. We carried on dodging the rain for the most part. We arrived in Cherbourg at 6.00pm, rush hour was still going strong, but we had plenty of time before we needed to book in at the ferry terminal.
We needed some sustenance. It has to be said - dubious sustenance, as we ended up at McDonalds. Any port in a storm eh? We passed an hour and half eating and chatting, now it’s time to board. On the two miles to the port we filled the bikes up again. As we’re waiting to board it’s the usual chat with the other bikers also waiting. There were only four bikes in total, including us.
The ferry pulls out of the harbour and just sits in the bay for a couple of hours just bobbing up and down, going nowhere. We had a couple of small drinks each and we’re bit tired. We’d both booked ourselves into one of the executive lounges, the ones with the leather reclining seats. At least we’ll get some decent sleep?
My ticket for said lounge would not open the door. So I went back to the bar to try and get comfy. No chance. I tried the lounge again and again, finally the door slid open and I walked into the darkened gloom. It was practically empty and I tried to get some sleep. I ended up lying on the floor all night dozing off and waking back up with some part of my body completely numb. It had been comfier on the bench outside in the gale on the ferry to France.
Next time I’m booking a cabin. I don’t care how much it costs!
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Feet Forward Prologue
Bogger is organising his next French escapade. It's the who, why, what, and where this time, oh and the how. The why never makes sense, nor should it.
Naughty Boys On Strange Bikes
It's a discouraging start to Bogger's Feet Forwards French expedition. Not to worry, soon the 2 old men are sneaking around like naughty school kids.
Queasy Crossing And Useless Till Roll
Rain, wayward boarding passes, useless navigation systems, and rough seas - it's just another day in the life of a Bogger. As ever there's food and booze in the life of a Bogger too.
Haulin' Ass
It's gonna be a long long long ride for Bogger and Pete today. Our brave heroic riders are up to the task and it all seems rather easy overall. Hopefully the digs at the end of the ride will allow their asses to rest comfortably.
Feet Forward, Food, And Friends
It's a much more relaxed day for Bogger and Pete. There's a handful of miles to ride, people to meet, food to eat, and of course the odd beer.
The Art Of Doing Something That Is Nothing
Bogger has many plans for the day, alas the temptation of food and beer is more alluring. It's a chill day but that's fine, I'm sure there's more chaos to come.
Much More Something That Is Nothing
Another lazy day for Bogger before some big miles tomorrow. Ice cream this time with no mention of beer but I'm sure some was involved.
Everyone Has Their Troubles
A long, cold and moist ride today for Bogger and Pete. Turns out their host isn't having the best of days either. Fear not there's still beer and smiles.
A Day Of Classic And Vintage Vehicles
A rest day for Bogger? Hardly. There's classic and vintage and fast motorcycles and cars. There's posh places and new friends. Food and booze too much as you'd expect.
Last Day Of Fun In France
It's a lovely start to Bogger's last day in France. Malestroit is pretty and interesting, the museum is fascinating, and there's food aplenty. Shame the ferry crossing is not up to scratch.
Reader's Comments
Ian Soady¹ said :-
I used to try to sleep on the floor or on reclining seats many years ago. A cabin every time for me now though. It's worth considering Club Voyage which is not cheap but gives decent discounts on cabins and fares.
I have never understood how the French have taken to Macdonalds. Many years ago I was working on an EU project and our French partner who rejoiced in the name of Bruno Frandji (and was an actual Count!) always loved them So weird as the staff canteen at his employers, which was based at the old SHAEF HQ buildings, provided a gorgeous 3 course meal with mile for a paltry sum.
26/05/2026 10:13:44 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Thanks Bogger, cabin every time here too. Butler service if it's available too. I don't see why a trip should equal undue discomfort and those young girls need the exercise from carrying your bike clobber; it's almost like you're helping them out. That town looks lovely, I'll look it up if Ed the Leader ever posts a map.
Pffffffftttttt.
MaccyD's, I think I'd go without first, the last time I was in one was in Mammoth, CA, around 1995. There was a coyote sitting outside which was the highlight of the experience.
Upt.
26/05/2026 12:57:06 UTC
Ian Soady¹ said :-
Malestroit is indeed a lovely place, we were there a couple of years ago with the caravan.
26/05/2026 12:55:48 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
I've found where it is, we've been close to there riding through Rennes and Nantes on the way to Portugal.....map would be nice though.
26/05/2026 13:00:31 UTC
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