Second May Bank Holiday Wander, Friday 23 May to Monday 26 May

[paintman]

I notice you do not mention a mot certificate which is fortunate in the extreme as my old one expired in April.


A relaxed morning has just got a little less relaxed.

 

[lrosales]

Hi Richard,

What items do we need to bring specifically for traveling in France? GB sticker? Breathalyser? Warning Triangle??? Which of these can these be picked up at Folkestone/Calais?

Do you think it advisable to bring V5, Insurance Docs, License counterpart, etc? Hoping to travel minimally for this, ie. no panniers or anything like that.

James.

I was just about to ask the same question

 

[lrosales]

These are the only MUST have documents, which you are well advised to have with you when riding your bike:

Insurance certificate
V5 registration document
Driving licence, both parts
Passport

It says you should have a GB sticker or GB type number plate. Up to you.



Good ideas are:

Spare set of keys (not kept locked in pannier)
Basic map
Mobile phone, activated for foreign usuage, voice and text
Charger for phone, preferably with a plug that fits a French socket. A basic adaptor will do.
Credit / debit card
Some local cash, euro denominated
Dark visor / sunglasses
Waterproofs
Sense of humour
Basic security, disc lock or similar
Breakdown recovery insurance
E111 card
Personal Accident / Travel insurance

Everything ready Rich, the only thing I'm no sure is if my sense of humour valid in France

 

[Wapping]

I have never been asked to produce an MOT certificate when engaged in conversation with the French police, nor the Italian, Spanish, German or Austrian. If I were going to Pakistan or darkest Senegal I might take one as these Johnnies love paperwork.

The French are more interested in establishing your name, that it is your motorcycle, your nationality and your address, than they are in finding out if the vehicle has a current road fund licence or an MOT. They have never asked to inspect my helmet for reflective stickers or to ensure that I have 15 breathalysers. My encounters with them have always been reasonably cheerful, if sometimes wallet emptying. Some have only been for a papers inspection and twice for random breath tests, no offence having been committed.

 

[Wilburt]

Bugger, pm box was full so missed my messages!

Apologies Richard, now looking forward to the August jaunt, have a good trip all

 

[Wapping]

If you get your skates on, you are welcome to join us.....

Richard

 

[Brenchleyhibs]

Richard,

You don't mention a Cycling Proficiency Test certificate??

 

[Wapping]

Shhhhhhh!

 

[paintman]

I have never been asked to produce an MOT certificate when engaged in conversation with the French police, nor the Italian, Spanish, German or Austrian. If I were going to Pakistan or darkest Senegal I might take one as these Johnnies love paperwork.

I wouldn't imagine you fat cat, bourgeoisie city types would be caught dead on a bike over three years old anyway.

 

[Wapping]

My big fat 1600 needs an MOT on 02 June.

Got it done early... To save last minute panic

 

[paul08]

I think that we may get wet this weekend! I hope the beer in the hotel is good

 

[paintman]

Another enjoyable wander involving fuel shortages, pretty ladies in jacuzzi's, a brace of LC's stuck in the mud, rhubarb tarts for breakfast, late night gambling and the ritual burning of a theatrical agent from Cambridge.
.

Cheers all
John.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Bounce]

pretty ladies in jacuzzi's

C'mon John.......prove this with a quality pic then........

 

[Pooh bear]

I wish I was still in France with this great bunch of courteous and well behaved gents (well for the most part ). I loved every minute of the trip and the company of a diverse and fun loving lot- only wish I had managed to take a team photo. It was heart-warming to see the boys so happy having played in the mud and then with the jet wash, snails and barely cooked steak was a new experience which I would have again and the red wine, sunshine and long evenings of good banter made it all just perfect. It was great to see Paul that travelled all the way from Germany to join us, Paintman for his games and good looks. I think James was the man of the hour having only just passed his test and riding so confidently.- rock on James.
Thanks Dxtan for being my ‘wing man’ so I didn’t get lost and what a lovely morning we had at the local Motocross- those guys were mad!
I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye to Leo and Allthegear Dave , hope you got home ok and take care. The hero as usual was Richard with his unfaltering planning and support and enjoyable company and wit- thank you Richard.


Pooh Bear xxxxx

 

[paul08]

Yes, I would agree with all that Paula (Pooh Bear) wrote.

A great long weekend in a lovely region of France; good company; good food; and good weather (for the most part). Well worth getting soaked on the way there and on the way back!

And, before anyone asks, it was me that ran out of petrol! Blame the 24/7 petrol station in that little rural town, where the 24/7 pumps were not working. But all was well in the end. I have a spare fuel can going if anyone wants to collect it!

Thank you one and all for your good company. And thank you Richard for organising it all

 

[paintman]

C'mon John.......prove this with a quality pic then........

Now now Keith, your being very naughty, a gentleman never tells.



























Mind you a quick snap should be OK

 

[Bounce]

Now now Keith, your being very naughty, a gentleman never tells.



























Mind you a quick snap should be OK

Is that the best google images can offer.....

 

[dc2100k]

Hi All,

Lovely to meet you, everyone, and hope you had as little fun in the wet as I did back in the UK No, seriously it was grim.

Thanks for a great weekend, in particular to Richard. Enjoyed all the riding, especially the 'progressive' bits. Not sure the 650 lump did, though.

See you all again soon. James.

 

[Pooh bear]

I had horrid journey too James as I am sure the others did - I couldn't see a thing with all the spray and the m20 slowed to 20mph. Mind you I did stay dry if a little cold and tired. Glad you made it safe

 

[dxtans]

Yup a good rideout, I quite enjoyed this one, nice to meet old and new faces. Hotel was good, good routes provided by Richard, ( as always).
Even us (Paula,James,me) getting confused, due to a 'the Nav going into split-brain' mode, we soon made it up.

dxtans