A pirate outing to Northern France in 2013, August Bank Holiday

http://www.chtriman.com/accueil-uk/

This event takes place at the new national rowing lake (very much like Holme Pierrepoint or Dorney) that has just opened up in Gravelines - between Calais and Dunkirk.   it's about 20mins drive from Calais ferry terminals.

there's a range of race options from sprint to IM distance - we're looking at the 1/2. 

the bike and run courses are pan flat bar 2 lumpy bits on the bike.

bar the IM distance, all races are afternoon which allows the option of a day trip or overnights and as it's on a Bank Holiday weekend at the end of August, then it's party weekend.  it doesn't really clash with any major UK events which is a bonus,   and it's also bloody cheap compared to UK events!!

anyone interested in joining me and P for this??? 

If you pay for my flights and accommodation I'm in!

(Well come on, it ALMOST worked last time )

Gravelines...... nice wine

nice wine??  never seen a vineyard around there Wilks...   but loads of cheap booze outlets in Calais 

Gravelines is an odd little place - lovely ancient fortified town center but loads of chemical factories around the area and a huuuuuge nucler power plant nearby.   ferk knows why the built the rowing centre there but it's a bonus for us triathletes that they did!

Does look good, only 400 entries though for the full IM.  Tempted....

I'm thinking of Chateau Gravelines, which is a Bordeaux!

Still, it's probably cheaper in French supermarkets

FB knows I had a connection with Graveline

Put me down as a possible for something 

Maybe. For the Sprint probably, unless they do an Oly.

I'll join you for the half.... but only if Dave signs my medical insurance form

Like the look of this,  and nothing else planned for that weekend  Count me in.

half sounds fun...(I am sure I decided against fast half maras)

oh well

Run rehab session tomorrow so Ill comitt or pull out totally then....

I am actually around that way that week this year, might sling the single speed in teh boot & go and suss out the venue, camp sites etc IF I can get a pass from the war office.

I'd be tempted but it's getting there that would throw me... aybody driving from London?

EDIT: Or wanna go halves on borrowing a van? 

This could be good!  Have to wait and see where I'm living next year, Surrey or Devon!!  

Give us a report when you can Dusty!

Engineer, if I'm Surrey based (hopefully unlikely) I've got a large people carrier / van!  But you could always train it down to Dover, across on the ferry and cycle there!!  

I'd also need Dave to sign my medical form.  There's no way my doctor would!!