Saint Omer Festival

Barkiesnake
Barkiesnake Posts: 244
edited October 2009 in Tour & expedition
i have come across a brochure for the 2009 Saint Omer Cycling week, unfortunately it is all in French and other than the obvious headlines i cannot read it :oops: .
I was wondering if anyone knows whether this is something that happens every year and if so where i can get details in English.
"If you think you can, or if you think you can't, your right" Henry Ford

Comments

  • inseine
    inseine Posts: 5,788
    Had a quick Google. Seems like it is every year (This was the 71st) and it was 2-9 August. They say that it's the biggest cycle tourist event in europe with 14000 people this year, 10% of which are foreigners and 30% women (!). They cater for all ages with lots of different event (cycling and non cycling) and 2 to 5 routes per day of between 50 and 190 kms and each day they set out in a different direction so no two days are the same.
    Tell me if you want to know more. No probs.
    http://cyclinganddesign.blogspot.fr/
  • Barkiesnake
    Barkiesnake Posts: 244
    Thanks inseine
    I really like the sound of this and would love to maybe go next year. Do you know if there is an English language web site for details? I googled Saint Omer but didn't come up with anything about it.
    "If you think you can, or if you think you can't, your right" Henry Ford
  • tatanab
    tatanab Posts: 1,283
    I think you misunderstand. Yes it is an annual event; but no it is not in St Omer each year.

    It is the FFCT Semaine Federal http://www.sf2009.fr/ . It was in Saumur in 2008 and in Verdun for 2010 http://www.sf2010-verdun.org/
  • Barkiesnake
    Barkiesnake Posts: 244
    Ah I see,

    thank you, i was indeed thinking that it was always in Saint Omer. :oops: This should make life a lot easier.
    many thanks
    :D
    "If you think you can, or if you think you can't, your right" Henry Ford
  • inseine
    inseine Posts: 5,788
    Next year it will be in Verdun which is about 240kms east of Paris and runs 1st-8th August. 2011 it is proposed to be in Flers, between Caen and LeMans, 31st- 7th August.
    http://cyclinganddesign.blogspot.fr/
  • Barkiesnake
    Barkiesnake Posts: 244
    Verdun sounds nice, i think i need to find an english website and see about booking on.
    "If you think you can, or if you think you can't, your right" Henry Ford
  • tatanab
    tatanab Posts: 1,283
    I am thinking about Verdun next year, I've never been to a Semaine Federal. A bit put off by being August and the huge numbers attending but it could be a tremendous experience. If I go I shall ride, probably from Le Havre.

    I don't think there is ever an English website so you'll have to use on line translation. I seem to remember that European Bike Express put on a special service for the event, whether that includes booking or not I do not know but doubt it. The CTC will undoubtedly have at least one group going.
  • de_sisti
    de_sisti Posts: 1,283
    Bookings can be made from January 2010. From past experience it's normally about the
    3rd week in Jan. Don't be put off by the huge crowds. That's one of the aspects of the
    event which (imo) make it quite speical, espeically the evening meals in the Permanance.
  • jc4lab
    jc4lab Posts: 554
    Always wanted information on this..Will a Brompton folder be ok..?
    jc
  • de_sisti
    de_sisti Posts: 1,283
    Any bike will do as will any standard of fitness. There are several distances to choose
    from, 50km -> 180km. Also there will be 2 off-ride rides and one road ride for under 16s.
    There are trips laid on to tour the local area for places of interest and at the Permance
    you'll find trade stands for cycle related good and food stands for local produce.

    Try this link: http://www.sf2010-verdun.org/index.php? ... e&Itemid=1

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