Day 2

We got up this morning and feeling fresh, we began breakfast in the room. Here and there, we already hear the rumblings of our other members waking up. We peeked out the window to check if all our Vespas were still there and indeed, our Roel was already polishing his Vespa in the morning sun, dressed rather scantily. They had gotten quite dirty from yesterday's bad weather. Alright, everyone got into action and each Vespa was temporarily tended to so we could set off in a good mood around nine o'clock for a clean ride.
Today's route would take us to Normandy where we would stay at Camping Huttopia les Falaises for three days.

The day promised to have something beautiful in store as the weather apps were favorable, and the smiling faces told us that it was going to be a lovely day with the sun in attendance. At exactly nine o'clock, we departed and immediately enjoyed the beautiful views that France has to offer. We passed small roads and picturesque villages as we rode along in full swing.
After an hour of driving, we stopped because we spotted a place that was already open and had a nice terrace right in the morning sun with a large parking lot in front where we could see our Vespas parked.

Café De La Gare is a place like many you see in France where it is not just a café but also a take-out service, newspaper shop, etc... The owner was a very nice person who was also a Vespa enthusiast and couldn’t help but show his interest and have a chat with us.
After enjoying the morning sun, we continued our search for a gas station to refill our tanks; even the Vespa was thirsty.

Le Mollienois (Reu du Général Leclerc, Molliens-Dreul) came along our way, so we stopped here to refuel and immediately drove on to not miss too much time from this beautiful day. One thing to remember when crossing France is that gas stations are scarce and not always open or operational.

The weather gods had changed their minds and sent us a short rain shower, so we didn’t want to take any risks and quickly stopped to put on our rain gear.

Almost 12:30 and most of us were feeling peckish, so we searched for something to eat. Since we were driving past small stalls everywhere, it was a disaster and we decided to take a detour to Neufchàtel-en-Bray. The first stop in the center near the large church was not successful. The restaurant didn’t want to serve us on the terrace and there was no room inside for our group of 10. Alright, we drove a bit further—away from the village center—and came across bar-restaurant le Saint Pierre where there was room to park in front and a place on the outdoor terrace. Here, the staff was very helpful and even added extra tables to let us sit together to eat. It was super cozy and fantastic as a group of Belgians passed by on their Vespas, honking. We ate heartily, settled the bill, and were on our way again.

The last stop for today was at the market in Bacqueville-en-Caux, where they were setting up the evening market and we were immediately approached by the organizers who said it was no problem to leave the Vespas parked and that we should definitely check out the local vendors who were already open. Our ladies took advantage of this, while the gentlemen searched for a place to get a drink to quench their thirst.

We enjoyed a drink at the market, taking our time before starting the last 50 km. The final segment of our route was breathtaking as motorcyclists since we were lost through forests over winding paths until we reached Camping Huttopia les Falaises. We arrived here and were greeted by familiar faces from the Vespa world from home and abroad. Great camaraderie with stunning views over the rocks and sea.

Now to check in and with great curiosity go see what exactly this Pipowagen is that was booked. The Vespa could and was allowed to park next to the Pipo wagon, which is certainly a bonus.
Fortunately, it was to everyone’s liking, and bags and packages were quickly unloaded as everyone began to set up.

Some of the group went to refuel to be ready for the event we came for tomorrow morning.

Once everyone was settled and back, we went to eat pizza in the café at the campground. Afterward, we couldn’t resist taking a walk to the beach just before dark. It ended up being further than we estimated as it involved quite a steep descent. Of course, we had no regrets because the view was fantastic. However, the evening surprised us as it got dark quickly, and we had to walk quite a distance back and tackle the steep hill once more. Arriving back at the campground in the dark, we quickly grabbed a drink to quench our thirst. Shortly after, we wisely crawled into bed for a good night’s sleep.

Day 3 Saturday - 10th Rally of Normandy