Normandy offroad invasion

[Timolgra]

I get a message from Timpo, he has a hair brained idea of chucking the bikes in his van the next day, trail riding around the Normandy invasion sites then heading further inland for some proper riding.

Sounds like a plan.

I fix my bike up and at 5am we arrived in Arromanches, get the tent up, a short kip and set off.

Light bikes with big tanks, perfect

The first couple of days

Riding a combination of little used trails and back roads we stop at the Canadian cemetery. Sobering.

 

[Timolgra]

Wonderful secluded trails near the coast.

Giving hidden surprises.

Near Arromanches

Hard....hmmm but not too hard to imagine what once happened on these beaches.

Time for a quick baguette and coffee

 

[Ash]

More please

 

[Deleted account 231002001]

Very nice.

 

[Timolgra]

More please

Ok, but I'm sworn not to mention Timpo's gay encounter in the toilets with a French Truck driver ......Doh!

 

[Timolgra]

So....Timpo's made several visits here (not for the truckers btw) and is very knowledgeable, it was like having my personal guide. Thanks mate

He told me the tale of the young, 18 at the time, German gunner who job it was to man this machine gun post and fire continuously along the beach as the allies came ashore, probably killing many.

Recently, at 85 yrs old some American veterans met the distraught old man......

Previously we'd ridden east and rode miles of very slippy agricultural tracks, passing here on the way.

Here's some of the many German bunkers we called at.

As Timpo told me some history whilst visiting the various sites and beaches the grim story unfolded.

Perfection in an unperfect world at the American cemetery.

The grim German cemetery, not forgotten.

 

[Deleted account 231002001]

The grim German cemetery, not forgotten.

Same cemetery ... better view

 

[flash of the gap]

great pictures tim , i was in hofluer the the easter weekend, done omaha and sword and the merville battery will go again in the summer camping and do the lot

 

[Giles]

Looking good! I'm just gonna have to get saving for a little green laner and come and join you ...

 

[Timolgra]

great pictures tim , i was in hofluer the the easter weekend, done omaha and sword and the merville battery will go again in the summer camping and do the lot

Nice one Flash, I'll probably return in June with my lady....might even treat her to the campsite in Honfleur

 

[Timolgra]

Looking good! I'm just gonna have to get saving for a little green laner and come and join you ...

Yes do, I nearly took the 640 which would've really struggled when we got to the superb trails further inland....small bike is good

 

[BLUE(UK)]

Wow,thanks for sharing the pics Timolgra and thanks to Timpo for taking Timolgra enabling him to take said pics.

I've never been to Normandy and it's somewhere I'd like to go to but doing the kind've riding you guys did.

*hint hint*

 

[flash of the gap]

Nice one Flash, I'll probably return in June with my lady....might even treat her to the campsite in Honfleur

honfluer is lovely tim, i,m defo goin back, but hopefully be in the dolamites and the alps for the first two weeks of june, with joybringer and his merry men

 

[Fanum]

What's the legal situation over there regarding tracks and the equivalent of green lanes and byways?

 

[Deleted account Cooperman]

Here's some of the many German bunkers we called att.

Is that fair

 

[Timolgra]

The information plaque told us whoever controlled this hill, controlled Normandy....the cost, 7,000 allied lives.

Further south, this German Tiger tank which probably ran out of fuel as they retreated.

 

[Timolgra]

After a couple of long days riding and back at our first base in Arromanches, we're starving hungry but decide on a quick pint before eating.....you can imagine the rest....by the time we leave the pub everywhere is shut

Uncle Ben's and tinned sardines saved the day

Before the pub session we had a look around what's left of Mullberry B.

An incredible civil engineering feat.

Next morning we're up early, me with a hangover, and head south to ride some reet proper trails.
Timpo has some 'very special' track logs, we cant' wait

 

[Lord Vader]

Could you please tell me where the Tiger is parked up? Been to Normandy several times but never stumbled across this one
Cheers Pete

 

[giustra199]

Very nice.

 

[Timpo]

Could you please tell me where the Tiger is parked up? Been to Normandy several times but never stumbled across this one
Cheers Pete

http://www.ww2museums.com/artikel/61/Tiger-1-Tank-Vimoutiers.htm