Need to know your opinion....

[Vendome 41]

The location would be somewhere between Le Havre and Dieppe (close enough to most trans channel ferries - 2 hours max from Calais, and 1.5 hours from Paris).

I like the idea but have the feeling it might just be too close to the ferryports

 

[sparkplug]

Given the location, if you want to attract the short break market I think the idea of making it really easy for people is the most important.

If tents etc are provided more people are likely to pop over on impulse knowing they need nothing more than the petrol in their tanks and enough cash to buy a couple of sandwiches en route.

You should consided running a sort of mini-tour of the area, maybe have half a dozen routes so people can come back and see something different next time.

Make it a no-brainer and people will have a no pressure break from it all while getting in some good rides, some nice food and a bit of a ride.

I have to say this is not really my thing. I tend to do the longer haul.

 

[Mike Werner]

Re: Re: Need to know your opinion....

The location would be somewhere between Le Havre and Dieppe (close enough to most trans channel ferries - 2 hours max from Calais, and 1.5 hours from Paris).

I like the idea but have the feeling it might just be too close to the ferryports

True. But was hoping that it'd be a good start-off point for touring the area. The idea was, hopefully, that people could come over via ferry, hookup at the cafe, eat/drink/be merry, and then ride the great rooutes over here.

 

[Mike Werner]

Given the location, if you want to attract the short break market I think the idea of making it really easy for people is the most important.

If tents etc are provided more people are likely to pop over on impulse knowing they need nothing more than the petrol in their tanks and enough cash to buy a couple of sandwiches en route.

You should consided running a sort of mini-tour of the area, maybe have half a dozen routes so people can come back and see something different next time.

Make it a no-brainer and people will have a no pressure break from it all while getting in some good rides, some nice food and a bit of a ride.

I have to say this is not really my thing. I tend to do the longer haul.

Thanks for your input. yeah, the idea of having tents already setup is a great idea.

There's one location I've found that would be great. Right on top of one of the cliffs, overlooking the sea and a small resort town (Veulettes sur Mer). Just need to try to get someone to sell it to me.....

 

[GSPeP]

I'm in Belgium and I'd come over if you had lodging possibilities / camping space. Normandy is a nice long weekend trip from here.

The same for me here. It's too far for a day trip, but it would be perfect for a (long) weekend.

Since you are in Normandy, don't forget the WWII sites (routes, waypoints, etc) A lot of british, american (and even german) riders will be interested to visit these places.

 

[Mike Werner]

The same for me here. It's too far for a day trip, but it would be perfect for a (long) weekend.

Since you are in Normandy, don't forget the WWII sites (routes, waypoints, etc) A lot of british, american (and even german) riders will be interested to visit these places.

Funny you should say that. I've started inquiries if I could use one of the many WWII bunkers that are on the cliffs.....

 

[Barrie]

Normandy Cafe

Greetings Mike,
I think it is a great idea, but you would have to cater for the French bikers as well, they are a great lot always greet you .
I do 2/3 bike trips to France every year and usually stop in Le Neuberg at the Cafe du Place, so for me a morning/evening stop 1.5 h from Calais will be the perfect stop. Just checked out Veulettes sur Mer, looks fine. Keep us posted
regards, Barrie.

 

[Mike Werner]

Re: Normandy Cafe

Greetings Mike,
I think it is a great idea, but you would have to cater for the French bikers as well, they are a great lot always greet you .
I do 2/3 bike trips to France every year and usually stop in Le Neuberg at the Cafe du Place, so for me a morning/evening stop 1.5 h from Calais will be the perfect stop. Just checked out Veulettes sur Mer, looks fine. Keep us posted
regards, Barrie.

Thanks Barrie. Obviously, the biggest portion of custoemrs will be the French, on weekends the Parisians and hopefully during the week the locals.

Plans are advancing a lightspeed !! Have found a builder with some really nice pre-fab stuff, will decrease my startup cost.....

 

[Tranman]

Great idea Mike. One of our problems with continental touring has always been the first stop over in France. We live in Yorkshire and usually take a mid day ferry. By the time we hit France we have been underway for 8 - 9 hours. Finding decent accommodation can be a hit and miss affair and the act of looking can absorb at least an hour of rest/eating/drinking time. Having a point to aim for on day one makes for a more leisurely time. For us northerners it would be ideal for the return trip.

Thanks for your thoughts on my Turkish Delight venture.

Good Luck,

Dicky

 

[Mike Werner]

Finding decent accommodation can be a hit and miss affair and the act of looking can absorb at least an hour of rest/eating/drinking time.

Decent Accommodation ???? That changes my plans..... I thought this wuzz going to be a biker stop... decent ????

 

[Tranman]

Well there are bikers and bikers SWMBO's. Mine would not go anywhere without her appendages i.e hairdryer, curling tongs, contact lens stuff. make up remover, make up applier, etc, etc. She wouldn't be looking to plug it all in but would be looking to stash it (keep it in the pannier I say). I have spent enough time lving in trenches and using an entrenching tool (spade) as a loo that I couldn't give a 4XXX.

Hope that you are managing to get enough input to make a decision one way or the other.

Dicky

 

[Mike Werner]

Well there are bikers and bikers SWMBO's. Mine would not go anywhere without her appendages i.e hairdryer, curling tongs, contact lens stuff. make up remover, make up applier, etc, etc. She wouldn't be looking to plug it all in but would be looking to stash it (keep it in the pannier I say). I have spent enough time lving in trenches and using an entrenching tool (spade) as a loo that I couldn't give a 4XXX.

Hope that you are managing to get enough input to make a decision one way or the other.

Dicky

Yeah I am. Thanks. The final descision will be between the bank and my wife (she's got a stressy job at France Telecom, which would mean we would not see each other during the week since she works in Paris, and in the weekend, my peak time, we'd only see each other in the evening...).

So far, I've got great ideas from the forum. Am meeting the authorities next week for a first round of talks. Great to be in France.... lot of money floating around to help me set up...