For the Pentecost weekend, the French Confrérie des Vieux Clous, a club founded in the same year as our AMAL, held their 45th Ballade des Vieux Clous. Some of our members participated in this tour, whose 150 places were fully booked within one week in November.
On Friday, May 17th, we met at 8 AM in Lambersart near Lille. After the starting numbers and the roadbook were handed out, we set off under bright sunshine (Luxembourg was experiencing torrential rain at that time) on a 112 km ride towards Guînes near Calais, where we had lunch in a beautiful setting. We then continued in the afternoon for another 71.5 km to Berck, where we spent the next two days in a lovely holiday resort.
On the second day, we headed from Berck towards Authie. Unfortunately, the weather was not on our side, and we had to complete the morning stage in the rain. However, the 60 km ride back to Berck in the afternoon was dry again.
On Sunday, we rode 140 km back to Lambersart near Lille, with the sun making a welcome return. In the late afternoon, the AMAL members headed back to Luxembourg; some with the machines in the van, and one riding on the highway with the luggage on the bike. Respect!
AMAL thanks the Confrérie des Vieux Clous for the warm welcome and the organization of this great event and is already looking forward to the 46th edition in 2025.
Find more pictures of the tour in the gallery below:
