Davy's wee wander about the UK and some of Europe 2014

[Davy F]

This all started with a desire to go to the Goodwood FoS. Friends kept telling me how good it was, so I decided that this year would be the year. And then it just sort of grew as time went on. So.........

Left home near Belfast for Dublin at 22:15 on Thursday night. My ferry to Holyhead was sailing at 02:15 on Friday morning and it didn't take long to cover the 110 miles to Dublin Port. Unfortuanely, I had very heavy rain for the last 60 miles, but my new AlpineStars wetsuit did a good job of keeping me dry. Arriving in Holyhead to more rain didn't dampen the excitement of hitting the road and after 30 miles, it cleared up until Birmingham where it chucked it down again for another 80/90 miles.

My destination on Friday was Hayling Island where I was going to stay with friends for a couple of days. But I detoured past Stonehenge for a look at the rock pile. Last time I visited them, I was a lot closer to them, so I presume the road has been altered to keep traffic further away ? Bit disappointing to be honest.

 

[Davy F]

So, arrived at Hayling Island and next day, the Festival of Speed !

What can I say, but I need to go back next year as there it too much to see in one day, even tho' I spent 10 hours walking around, standing at various places around the hill climb plus all the other attractions to see. Needless to say, I was tired on returning to my friends house on Hayling that evening.

 

[Davy F]

I'll try to keep this updated on my journey, web access depending !

 

[Dean]

Good stuff..

Great pictures





I've never been to FOS, yet

 

[Davy F]

Caught the afternoon Vomit Comet from P/mouth to Cherbourg which arrived earlier than thought. A quick 65 miles to my B&B just outside Arromanches. My hosts, Jean Claude & Karine, are lovely people & JC rides a Harley. He spent some time with me pointing out newer attractions since my last visit.

So the past two days have been spent wandering around many places of interest to me, and jolly nice it has been too.

 

[Muppet]

Davy you Tosser! You should have told me, I live about 40 minutes from Stonehenge, you could have stayed/stopped for a beer or cuppa, and let me have a go on your bike

Which way and when are you coming back?

 

[Davy F]

I'd like to be back in England for the 11th or 12th of July, Clive. I want to go to Duxfords Flying Legends airshow on Sunday the 13th. I most likely will be getting the Chunnel back as I have no return bookings made and I can just turn up at the station in Calais.

 

[Deleted account 210609001]

Davy, you can just turn up, but they'll sting you for it. If possible, book via the net even if it's only a day in advance.

 

[Davy F]

Ok, sound advice Robin.

 

[geordie]

whats the name of the bnb mate?

 

[Muppet]

I'd like to be back in England for the 11th or 12th of July, Clive. I want to go to Duxfords Flying Legends airshow on Sunday the 13th. I most likely will be getting the Chunnel back as I have no return bookings made and I can just turn up at the station in Calais.

Ok, I guess if you go up to Duxford you'll cut across country to Holyhead from there, so won't be coming down this way. But if you do, drop me a text.

zero 78 zero 32 zero 4 double 3 8

 

[Davy F]

Thanks, Clive.

Update, I'm now with Tony & Wendy at the Riders Rest near Treignac. My initial plan was for one night and then on to Millau, but the roads and scenery are stunning, so I've booked in for a further night. Tony was very helpful and plumbing in a spectacular route into the 660, so I'm off out now to ride it.

 

[geordie]

Thanks, Clive.

Update, I'm now with Tony & Wendy at the Riders Rest near Treignac. My initial plan was for one night and then on to Millau, but the roads and scenery are stunning, so I've booked in for a further night. Tony was very helpful and plumbing in a spectacular route into the 660, so I'm off out now to ride it.

Sounds like the route im doing in a few weeks. Stopping at the riders rest en riute to millau .

 

[Davy F]

whats the name of the bnb mate?

La Ferme de la Petite Noe, just outside Arromanches.

 

[Davy F]

Had a cracking day on Thusday. Rode some amazing roads from the Riders Rest to Le Puy Mary volcanic region in blazing hot sunshine.

But today is Friday, and all I can hear from my bedroom is heavy rain. Need to head further south !

 

[shay]

Nice trip Davey !

 

[Nutty]

Looks like you're having a great trip Davy.

How often are you having to lube the chain?

 

[Northern pie eater]

Chunnel is 120 euros if you just turn up, I learnt the hard way

 

[Davy F]

What a contrast today ! Left Wendy & Tony at the Riders Rest (seriously, what a cracker of a place to visit) and headed for the Millau Viaduct. Well, there's no photos today as I rode through rain, fog, rain, lightning, rain......did I mention that it rained ? In all my years of biking, I have never ridden in such torrential weather. Heck, I even had to do some fording down a Main Street in one town ! My rain suit worked overtime today, but kept the worst of it at bay. I did ride some fantastic roads and full praise goes to the Continental tyres fitted to the big Katoom. I ended up doing 285 miles to Nimes where the rain finally stopped a mere 10 miles from Nimes. So I'm recovering in a Formula1 hotel (45 euros and pretty basic) and no doubt will conk out soon. Weather looks much better for tomorrow and I hope to invade Monaco about lunch time if I get a nice early start.

 

[Davy F]

Today was hot hot hot !
Left Nimes and arrived in Monaco about 11:00. Had a wander round, people watched, looked at boats, ice creams and cold water needed. Got to ride round most of the F1 circuit. Ferrari seemed to be the poor rich boys toys !

Now in Genoa for the night. Nice host who has kept the cooled beers coming.