A WOMAN from Brentor 'got on her bike' in Brittany to see for herself how tourism and cycling opportunities come together in France.

Sally Pancheri, an accommodation provider, with more than 30 years' experience, in the industry, was selected to represent tourism businesses within a 5km, distance of the 'Tour De Manche' in Devon.

The Tour De Manche, a 1,200km circular cycle route which crosses Normandy and Brittany in France with Devon — including the Granite Way or Drake's Trail —and Dorset. A new link, the VeloWest was recently launched to enable cyclists to ride in Cornwall and visit Eden.

Sally recently travelled to Brittany, for three days, with delegates from VisitEngland, Dartmoor National Park and colleagues representing Dorset and Cornwall, all of whom had an interest in tourism or cycling.

Sally, who usually only cycles off-road, was invited to explore 20km of the northern coast of Brittany, using an electric bike, on rural roads. For an off-road cyclist this was something of an adventure, especially when she tackled her first French roundabout!

Sally, who is also well known as a lay reader with the Tavy Mission Community, says she found God among her colleagues, who kept her safely within the group and took to guiding her along with encouragement and advice and seeing her safely across major routes.

The party were welcomed by the mayors of Tregastel and Treguier. Overnight the group were accommodated in

cyclist-accredited accommodation where they could see for themselves the important criteria required, to be a cyclist-accredited tourism provider.

They were treated to a gourmet Breton meal and given a hamper of local speciality foods, to tempt them to return with their families.

Sally is keen to share her experience with bed and breakfast providers, campsites, hotels and bike shops/hire/repair businesses within a 5km radius of the Tour De Manche.

She would be delighted to discuss the Cycle West Project in more detail — her email address is [email protected]">[email protected] Alternatively, go the website http://www.cycle-west.com">www.cycle-west.com