We decided to investigate Agon-Coutainville today, and also try and find a village called Grouchy on its outskirts (some play on words re Team Grumpy!). We set off via the small lanes near the house. This practically was our undoing, as they proved very difficult to navigate due to the limited sinage on these tiddly roads. Our aim had been to avoid the big intersections near Coutances. We eventually crossed the D972 near Belval-Gare, after about 16 miles cycling, only to see signs proclaiming Cerisy La Salle 7km! So we'd really come via a circuitous route. On the other hand, the roads had been delightfully rural, though populated by lots of barky dogs!
We narrowly avoided the Coutances industrial estates and the associated big roads ad in the end rode straight down the sea front at Agon-Cotainville. Here we stopped for another excellent lunch in restaurant (pigeon breast salad & skate for Carol, assiette de bulots and skate for Robert).
Unfortunately we also lost Carol's cycle helmet, in retrospect she probably left it in the big rocks where we took a photographe before lunch. Anyway, this was OK, we both rode without helmets for the rest of the ride. We rode along the promenade and on out of Coutainville, pausing for photographs at Grouchy. Much to Carol's annoyance, I wouldn't put on a particularly grouchy expression for this photo!
We eventually made way back to the house despite further confusing road signage. We didn't so much get lost as confused by changing road numbers. Estimated 57 miles (problems with computer).
I followed this ride up with another scoot round the the training circuit on the TT bike with Gerry, though my legs really weren't up to it. Another day of glorious weather to finish off the holiday on a high note.
Photo gallery:
{gallery}2009-normandy/day11{/gallery}