France - the Great '3 Day Bimble'

[Harlequin]

Hey twizzle, of course we could always try and hook-up in Brittany on the Saturday for a quick glass of something in a friendly hostellery as we are all passing through with nothing much planned as yet. I am sure that one of us would just love to get in touch with his feminine side (no names, no pack drill, you understand ) and look after the bairns whilst engaging Mrs. Twizzle in meaningful and enjoyable conversation leaving the rest of us men to talk - er.................men talk.

On an entirely disassociated matter, it looks like I have been collared by eldest daughter who has a new man in tow that I am being requested to meet on Saturday. There had better not be any unfortunate news about her being in 'a delicate situation' or that will thoroughly spoil my weekend. That said, she is a good girl and luckily hasn't inherited her Dad's libertine ways.

As it is, I will have to forego the undoubted pleasures of meeting fellow Tossers at the Franklin Arms on Saturday. Oh well, c'est la bloody vie I suppose.

See y'all at the ferry.

Good luck with that OldRascal!! I have a strapping 22 year old son - with good prospects - that I could introduce to said daughter if you wish?

Sadly, i will not make the pub either, as i worked all of last weekend, a little home and wife time beckons ahead of the intrepid adventure to the land of the Normans.

 

[oldrascal]

Hey WindyChuffer, I see from another section on this forum that you have fitted a GPS. So, with mine, that's 2 of the 5 bikes with GPS navigation. Now we really are bound to get lost in France and end up in some shaggaholic dump.


Which system did you fit?

 

[Harlequin]

Hey WindyChuffer, I see from another section on this forum that you have fitted a GPS. So, with mine, that's 2 of the 5 bikes with GPS navigation. Now we really are bound to get lost in France and end up in some shaggaholic dump.


Which system did you fit?

me too, so that makes three. Zumo 550.

 

[WindyChuffer]

Hey WindyChuffer, I see from another section on this forum that you have fitted a GPS. So, with mine, that's 2 of the 5 bikes with GPS navigation. Now we really are bound to get lost in France and end up in some shaggaholic dump.


Which system did you fit?

Its a Garmin 2610 that is definately female (i.e. temperamental, works when it wants to) of '05 vintage and now fitted to its 3rd GS. Holding off buying new one until the Zumo 660 comes out... Don't get your hopes up !

 

[oldrascal]

I've just worked out that by triangulating the inherent satellite errors of Strider and my own Zumo 550s, and then gently conflating the inexorable, incomprehensible but annoyingly accurate female blather from WindyChuffer's Garmin 2610, we might manage to find Saint-James after all.

Dammit, I was quite looking forward to the shaggaholic dump option.

 

[Harlequin]

I've just worked out that by triangulating the inherent satellite errors of Strider and my own Zumo 550s, and then gently conflating the inexorable, incomprehensible but annoyingly accurate female blather from WindyChuffer's Garmin 2610, we might manage to find Saint-James after all.

Dammit, I was quite looking forward to the shaggaholic dump option.

Ha ha!

After my last zumo excursion in north wales (straight over the top of a mountain, dowm a green lane!!) anything - or anywhere is possible.....

Are we navving a route, or shall we work it out on the ferry? Personally I am very cool about it, and dont mind which route/roads we take at all.... just keeping fingers crossed for the weather.....

 

[oldrascal]

The route selection thingy may be more influenced by the timing of our arrival in Dieppe and the distance to Saint-James. We land at 1430, say another 30 minutes to disembark and clear the port and then 3 hours minimum to Saint-James by the most direct route.

Saint-James is about 230 miles from Dieppe so those of us who are not riding Adventures will probably need to refuel and that always takes longer in a group than imagined. So let's estinate 3.5 hours journey time which gets us into the hotel by 1830 or so.

This is perfect timing to allow us all to get check-in, get changed into our disco gear and down a few well-earned and free aperitifs before starting the laborious endeavour of our 3-course 'repas gastronomique' with free wine.


All this indicates that if we fanny around looking for a more scenic route, we may be leaving things a bit late. Also, for those of us (if any) who are unfamiliar with riding in France, its a lot easier sticking to the main roads. Just my 'tuppeny ha'porth' of course.

As to the weather, I agree totally. If it is going to piss down or be foggy, I for one will just take the ferry cost on the nose and re-schedule. I'd rather waste £40 than suffer the discomfort and risk that rain-sodden roads bring. We might have an issue with the hotel though but that can always be fixed I am sure.

What say you all?

 

[Scuba-Sparky]

Hi All
Sounds ok to me,done the riding in the rain for three days No thank you!
Just had a trail fitting off the ADV tank on to Miss Bea, F+#^ing huge! Reminded me off my grey Fergie I use to drive!

 

[Harlequin]

Hi All, sounds like very good advice from OldRascal. The direct route and get to the hotel, and likewise if its terrible weather then what fun would it be?
Fingers crossed it will be like this weekend!! Had a terrific ride out today down to RYe for a little brekkie a chat with a few guys over a coffe, and a more 'animated' ride home once the caffeine had worked its magic!

As this is the first ferry journey for me with the bike (normally take the chunnel ) can you advise on securing the bike, please. Will you all be taking your own tie downs? If so what type etc. Thanks.

 

[oldrascal]

Hey Strider,

LDLines are pretty good and they have all of the tie-down kit so no need to take anything. That said, if you have an old towel or similar, its useful for laying over the saddle under the strap to prevent chaffing. Thats said, here is a useful video which gives you some idea of the experience:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBEhqXGpNYc

 

[Harlequin]

Hey Strider,

LDLines are pretty good and they have all of the tie-down kit so no need to take anything. That said, if you have an old towel or similar, its useful for laying over the saddle under the strap to prevent chaffing. Thats said, here is a useful video which gives you some idea of the experience:

[URL="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBEhqXGpNYc"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBEhqXGpNYc[/URL]

THanks for that!

 

[WindyChuffer]

Thx for info re tie downs. Will try to remember some old rags.

Agree with Old Rascal to bin it if weather crap. But we should have a good idea of what the weather is going to be doing by Weds eve, so suggest we make the call then.

Whats the (moral) cancellation policy with the hotel?

 

[Harlequin]

They dont normally mind as long as it is rescheduled?? But if we do cancel would want to do the right thing by them obviously.

Now have to make the panniers or top box/roll bag or both decision??

Quite fancy leaving the panniers at home, to aid twisty fun and filtering (although I think this is illegal in france????) Filtering that is, not twisty fun!! What are you guys doing?

 

[oldrascal]

I am pretty sure that filtering is legal in France - in any case if we don't filter in traffic, we will soon find French bikers up our chuffs wanting to get past.

I am also wondering about whether or not to fit the panniers for the trip. In reality and apart from the 2 evenings, we are going to be in riding kit all of the time. As long as you've got a top box, that makes adding the 2 panniers overkill in my view. But I suspect that you still need a bit more room as I tend to use the top box for the helmet.

I was looking at buying something like this: http://www.bmwbikebits.co.uk/products/product-2030-Wunderlich-Rear_Seat_Bag_R_1200_GS.htm But its bloody expensive for what it is - maybe there are similar alternatives at sensible money.


As to the hotel in the event that we need to reschedule, as WindyChuffer says, we should know about the weather by the middle of the preceeding week and will be able to take an informed view. We haven't had to leave a deposit and there are no credit card details on file with the hotel so there's no risk there. But I agree that we should try and do the decent thing. Perhaps a phone call and see what they suggest and then make a group decision?

 

[WindyChuffer]

My problem with gear generally is that if its to do with Motorbiking or Sailing then it seems to have a loaded price tag.

Having done a lot climbing in the past, you can get as good / better stuff from the likes of Cotswold Camping or Field & Trek

I have had a v good experience with Ortlieb Waterproof bags, sold by both the above as being totally waterproof (submersible even), and fixable with Duct Tape if they get ripped. Cheap too. There's a range of sizes available. Just strap on to the bike.

And on the other hand, there's nothing wrong with using rubble sacks from your DIY store either...waterproof but not submersible. And if we're doing submersible in this trip, then I'm on the wrong trip !

 

[WindyChuffer]

From experience, this online shop is good too, link to their Ortlieb products

 

[WindyChuffer]

I have a cheap combination lock (from a cycle shop) that I use to lock my helmet to the handlebars when the top box is full of other crap. No issues with 'code crackers' in London.

 

[GreatScott]

Hi All, sounds like very good advice from OldRascal. The direct route and get to the hotel, and likewise if its terrible weather then what fun would it be?
Fingers crossed it will be like this weekend!! Had a terrific ride out today down to RYe for a little brekkie a chat with a few guys over a coffe, and a more 'animated' ride home once the caffeine had worked its magic!

As this is the first ferry journey for me with the bike (normally take the chunnel ) can you advise on securing the bike, please. Will you all be taking your own tie downs? If so what type etc. Thanks.

I haven't been keeping up and it looks like the question has been answered, but I got this e-mail from LD in response to my enquiry when I booked which might be of interest:

Thank you for your mail. Depending on the weather conditions, the minimum attachment for motorbikes is side straps attached to rings on the floor of the garage and wedges are also available if necessary. If you are at all concerned, you can of course bring along your own tie downs and attach the bike yourself. I hope this information helps. Please do not hesitate to call if I can be of any further assistance.

Kind Regards
Joni Wilkins (Mrs.)
Customer Services
Joni WILKINS
Tel: + 33 (0)2 32 90 95 97
Fax: + 33 (0)2 32 14 52 00
http://www.transmancheferries.com/


I don't think I am going to tie it down, if it all goes pear shape let it be their fault!

If it rains & you lot don't go because of the rain, I did think sod it & go anyway. That was until it chucked it down this afternoon and the brain muscle kicked in. So fingers crossed.

I have managed quite well with top box and ortlieb. Check out Gearpac, run by Rocks of this parish
http://www.gearpac.com/catalog/index.php.
Going away for a long weekend, unless you want to bring some goodies home, then a roll bag & top box should do. I'll take a small tank bag I think for passport tolls petrol speeding fines etc.

What else ? oh yeah the route there. I agree, regretably. Blating it down there is probably the best option, or though it would be nice if we had more time and were able to keep off the motorway. Perhaps on the way home, when we might have more time.

Can't wait

 

[Harlequin]

I am pretty sure that filtering is legal in France - in any case if we don't filter in traffic, we will soon find French bikers up our chuffs wanting to get past.

I am also wondering about whether or not to fit the panniers for the trip. In reality and apart from the 2 evenings, we are going to be in riding kit all of the time. As long as you've got a top box, that makes adding the 2 panniers overkill in my view. But I suspect that you still need a bit more room as I tend to use the top box for the helmet.

I was looking at buying something like this: http://www.bmwbikebits.co.uk/products/product-2030-Wunderlich-Rear_Seat_Bag_R_1200_GS.htm But its bloody expensive for what it is - maybe there are similar alternatives at sensible money.


As to the hotel in the event that we need to reschedule, as WindyChuffer says, we should know about the weather by the middle of the preceeding week and will be able to take an informed view. We haven't had to leave a deposit and there are no credit card details on file with the hotel so there's no risk there. But I agree that we should try and do the decent thing. Perhaps a phone call and see what they suggest and then make a group decision?

Legal or not , filtering is an essential part of biking in my view, so no worries there!

I will be top box for the lid when we stop, and shove an ortlieb 45 l dry sack on the back seat for jeans etc.

As Alexander the meerkat says ...'simpoles'

 

[Harlequin]

I haven't been keeping up and it looks like the question has been answered, but I got this e-mail from LD in response to my enquiry when I booked which might be of interest:

Thank you for your mail. Depending on the weather conditions, the minimum attachment for motorbikes is side straps attached to rings on the floor of the garage and wedges are also available if necessary. If you are at all concerned, you can of course bring along your own tie downs and attach the bike yourself. I hope this information helps. Please do not hesitate to call if I can be of any further assistance.

Kind Regards
Joni Wilkins (Mrs.)
Customer Services
Joni WILKINS
Tel: + 33 (0)2 32 90 95 97
Fax: + 33 (0)2 32 14 52 00
http://www.transmancheferries.com/


I don't think I am going to tie it down, if it all goes pear shape let it be their fault!

If it rains & you lot don't go because of the rain, I did think sod it & go anyway. That was until it chucked it down this afternoon and the brain muscle kicked in. So fingers crossed.

I have managed quite well with top box and ortlieb. Check out Gearpac, run by Rocks of this parish
http://www.gearpac.com/catalog/index.php.
Going away for a long weekend, unless you want to bring some goodies home, then a roll bag & top box should do. I'll take a small tank bag I think for passport tolls petrol speeding fines etc.

What else ? oh yeah the route there. I agree, regretably. Blating it down there is probably the best option, or though it would be nice if we had more time and were able to keep off the motorway. Perhaps on the way home, when we might have more time.

Can't wait

Cant wait either!! Hope the weather is ok'ish. Dont mind a bit of rain obviously, its the constant deluge for three days thats no fun!!

When we get there, I say its buy OldRascal a pint for organising the trip! Unless it rains all the way, then the beer is on him!!