A healthy contingent of fifteen Caesarean club members – plus several ‘guest’ riders from the UK, serving to swell the CCC party – took to the closed roads of Cote D’Armor to participate in the 2008 La Pierre le Bigaut randonee, with riders in the 60, 95 and 147km events.

This year’s 95 and 147km routes headed north towards the coast looping in a clockwise direction – the longer route of the two reaching Plouaret and Pontrieux – before returning the riders back to Callac, through the rolling Breton countryside. This well organised event continues to grow and the 2008 event featured around 6,700 riders, including PleB newcomers, Steve Price and Paul Millar, amongst the CCC contingent.

The weather for the ride can best be described as ‘mixed’, with sunshine, mist and rain, and a brisk breeze, all adding to the challenge of the event.

There were some strong rides by many Caesarean riders with all CCC members in the 147km event coming in under five hours. First home was veteran Kevin Pilley who, having ‘negotiated’ an elite pen start, stayed with a large and strong group of riders to finish in 4:02:57. Dave Mayman came in second, at 4:07:43, as part of a smaller group. Probably one of the best rides of the day was that of senior, Steve Price, with a fantastic time of 4:09:58, in his first PleB.

Seasoned rider and PleB participant, Peter Hubert undoubtedly enjoyed the most comfortable ride in a fine time of 4:13:31 on his new steed – a Specialized Roubaix – designed for such distances. Chaz Knight, Jean Derrien and Paul Millar – also in his first Bigaut – all came in under 4hours 30 minutes in the 147km. Keith White punctured and so missed out going under 4:30, but clocked a good 4:40:40 in his first attempt at the longer distance.

John du Feu showed what strong stuff he is made of after suffering recent serious illness by not only participating in the 95km event, but also clocking the fastest time for a Jersey rider, coming in just under 3 hours at 2:58:02. Lady riders Nicole Hubert and well-practised randonner, Sally Mayman both showed improvement riding this year’s event at a faster pace than in 2007. Super-vets John Gage and Brittany-based Mike Stevenson also recorded good times, coming in within a minute of each other, well under three and a half hours.

Riding the 60km event, Torty Hubert and Brian Ovenden completed fine rides either side of the two and a half hour mark, with Torty showing his class at 2:22:47 and Brian showing his age at 2:42:48.

The CCC party at the inimitable Henri IV in Rostrenen was swelled with the welcome addition of Norman and Kathy Smith of Evesham Wheelers, riding their first PleB, on a tandem; and Peter Stevens, of Corinium CC, returning for his second. It was generally reported that the accommodation remains best described as ‘intimate’ but the bathrooms, having had something of makeover, were ‘much improved’. The quality of the food and the value, however, remains remarkable, and the staff looked after CCC well, even posting a sign when the bar was to close – with little effect - in English! And breakfast was served at 7am this year on the morning of the ride.

As ever, participation of so many in the event would not be possible without the efforts of the organizer, Chaz Knight who, with the help of Mike Stevenson, sorted entries, booked accommodation and co-ordinated riders and transport. He still hasn’t quite cracked the weather yet but maybe next year will be dry…..? [KP]

Pierre Le Bigaut 2011
Pierre Le Bigaut 2010
Pierre Le Bigaut 2009
Pierre Le Bigaut 2008
Pierre Le Bigaut 2007
Pierre Le Bigaut 2006
Pierre Le Bigaut 2005
Pierre Le Bigaut 2004
Pierre Le Bigaut 2003
Pierre Le Bigaut 2002