Many years ago, Rico Signore and Geoff Smith organised a twinning trip with Rastatt in Germany, and those who were fortunate enough to go will recall it as an unforgettable experience.

That city are now planning a very special tour next year to celebrate their 50th such event, and again have invited friends from Woking, as well as their other twin town of Ostrov in the Czech Republic.  The plan is for the tour to take place from 29th August to 10th September 2018, and the invitation is for 3 cyclists from our club, plus a car driver to provide support.  The tour will start with a special welcome in Rastatt, followed the next day with a drive to Orange in France, another twin town.  There will be another welcome in Orange, for those who have recovered sufficiently from the night before.

The cycling starts the following day from the triumphal arch in Orange, with 7 stages of approx. 150-160 kms per day, to Fano, Rastatt’s partner city in Italy.  There will be a rest day before the drive back home.

This should be a very special trip, and the organisers are even seeking European funding; don’t worry, we would still qualify, I am sure, despite Brexit.

If anyone is interested, please contact Rico who will put you in touch with the organisers.

John Murdoch