Hero's in Argentan

 Hero's and Villains

 

So, a bright sunny day for the annual Argentan races, in fact a hot one.  The trip started early Friday morning as people starting arriving around 0315.  A voice was heard to say 'I just have to pop back home to pick something up'. 

Thankfully everyone made it onto the bus in time.  Arrival in Portsmouth and whilst everyone went for a well earned cup of something hot the party was booked in.  This ferry didn't have the A la carte restaurant so we made do with the self service facility and tucked into a well deserved breakfast.

Sometime later there was a band of merry revellers seen within the bar area, I preferred to find a   more sedate area in which to relax during the cruise to Caen.

An hour or so after docking we entered Argentan, the hotel is now under new management, they took over in August, we were made welcome, although I believe we were their first large party to stay since they took over.

A leisurely jog around the park before heading off to the Pasta Party.  That went well and as the hotel owners said they would keep the bar open until 0200 we made our way back to the hotel.

The next morning dawned dry and warm and I again went for a leisurely jog around the park.

After breakfast we went off to the local supermarket, seems wine was on the menu.  After that  off to registration to pick up numbers and the customary bottle of cider before heading back to the hotel to prepare for the race.

After preparing our area with the club flags and banners most went off for a last nervous pee and some even attempted some pre race stretching.

Each will have their view of the race, how well they did or what didn't go well.  The heat did effect some of the runners but all recovered in time to attend the 'super heroes' party later that evening.

Now to the successes, the first vet 70 runner was our very own Brian Mountjoy Row - smashing effort Brian. 

The return journey was somewhat calmer and looking at the faces of our group I would say tiredness was creeping in.

Having said that I did think Adam Hawkins still looked a bit green and seemed to retire into his shell more than usual.

There was some nervousness on the faces of the hotel owners as the team assembled in the bar but they soon relaxed and were seen taking photos of the group.

As to what happened that evening, well, the photographs should reveal all.

It was really pleasing to see out liaison lady Carole Ruffier looking so much better after her  illness, stay healthy Carole.

Definitely another successful trip, again expertly driven by our driver Dave White.  Last but not least thanks to Phil for all of his hard work in making the arrangements.

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