Widows Sons Take on the Alps: An Unforgettable Journey to the French National Rally
Three members of the Guernsey Widows Sons recently embarked on an epic motorcycle adventure to attend the French Widows Sons National Rally in Savines-le-Lac, deep in the heart of the French Alps.
W.Bro. Andre Quintal, W.Bro. James Scowen and Bro. Brian Crockett arrived in St Malo at 9:15am after an overnight sailing before setting off on the first leg of their journey to Angers. There they were warmly welcomed by W.Sister Helen Peterson and members of the Cornerstone Chapter of France, providing the perfect start to the trip.
Following an overnight stop, the trio continued on a 4½-hour ride to Riom, where they were hosted by renowned French artist Olivier Agid. In a unique experience for travelling bikers, the brethren were invited to ride directly into the artist’s studio and safely store their motorcycles amongst his impressive works.
The next day saw a six-hour ride through some of France’s most spectacular scenery to Savines-le-Lac, a beautiful lakeside resort nestled at the foot of the Alps. The rally site, a holiday village overlooking the stunning Lac de Serre-Ponçon, would be home for the next three nights.
More than 200 Widows Sons members from across Europe gathered for the event, enjoying organised ride-outs, social activities, and outstanding camaraderie. All meals were provided, and attendees also witnessed a moving lodge ceremony during which around 50 brethren received their Widows Sons cuts.
One of the highlights of the weekend came when W.Bro. James Scowen won the rally’s most prestigious prize – a beautifully crafted ceremonial gavel made from timber sourced from the restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral following the devastating fire of 2019.
The organisers divided participants into groups for a breathtaking 90-kilometre ride through the mountains. Twisting alpine roads clung to the mountainside, offering spectacular views of the lake far below. “I had to remind myself not to look down,” joked one rider after negotiating the dizzying heights.
Having attended the French rally in Brittany the previous year, many of the French brethren recognised the Guernsey visitors and once again made them feel exceptionally welcome.
With a free day on Sunday, the group decided to make the most of their location by crossing the border into Italy for lunch. Sitting outside an Italian restaurant, enjoying authentic local cuisine surrounded by mountain scenery, the riders reflected on just how fortunate they were to be sharing such an experience.
On Monday, the group travelled to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful villages in France. After hours riding in temperatures exceeding 30°C, the opportunity to swap riding gear for swimming trunks and cool off in the pool was particularly welcome.
The adventure then continued south to the Principality of Andorra, taking in northern Spain along the way. The spectacular mountain roads proved irresistible, prompting the group to extend their stay by an extra night and enjoy a well-earned day off the motorcycles before beginning the journey home.
Their final major stop was Bordeaux, before heading north to the picturesque medieval town of Dinan. There they enjoyed a seafood dinner and one last night’s rest before an early start for the ride back to St Malo and the ferry home to Guernsey.
Covering thousands of kilometres, crossing international borders and forging friendships with brethren from across Europe, the trip perfectly demonstrated what the Widows Sons is all about: motorcycles, fellowship, adventure and the bonds of Freemasonry.
For the three Guernsey riders, it is a journey that will undoubtedly remain in their memories for many years to come.
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