Would you...?

[Malcvtr]

A friend of mine has bought a small apartment in Antibes and has invited me down to visit. I've been to France several times in the car, but never on a bike. This time, I fancy going on the GS and stopping off to visit a couple of other friends in Paris and La Rochelle.

So what's the problem? Well, the only time I can do this is in August, but I can take my time over it - this is no one week sprint. So, would you? On a bike and in that heat? Or would you opt for comfort and take the air-conditioned car?

I've got a pair of Gericke mesh trousers and an Air II (I think it's called) jacket which work well in the current warm weather we're having, but it's a different ball game darn sarf innit?

Cheers for any thoughts/advice

 

[Annette]

Go for it. On the bike. You don't notice the heat too much when you're on the move, or resting in the shade.

 

[rockchunk]

why not thats what your bike is for the car may be comfy but when your sitting in a traffic jam watching all the bikes filter past dont you think you will feel a bit of a knob for not taking yours go for it

 

[Malcvtr]

Yeah baby! Encouraging comments

 

[Taff]

... So what's the problem? Well, the only time I can do this is in August .... So, would you? On a bike and in that heat?

Definately the bike. We were in La Rochelle last Summer and its difficult to explain, but its a different kind of heat. The temperature gauge said it was hot, but somehow it felt more comfortable than a hot day in this country. If that makes sense.

Don't ask me to explain it, because I can't.

 

[Glyno]

A friend of mine has bought a small apartment in Antibes and has invited me down to visit. I've been to France several times in the car, but never on a bike. This time, I fancy going on the GS and stopping off to visit a couple of other friends in Paris and La Rochelle.

So what's the problem? Well, the only time I can do this is in August, but I can take my time over it - this is no one week sprint. So, would you? On a bike and in that heat? Or would you opt for comfort and take the air-conditioned car?

I've got a pair of Gericke mesh trousers and an Air II (I think it's called) jacket which work well in the current warm weather we're having, but it's a different ball game darn sarf innit?

Cheers for any thoughts/advice

An opportunity not to be missed I think.
Paris or anywhere in France during August can be a nightmare for traffic.
Leave the car at home

 

[Malcvtr]

Definately the bike. We were in La Rochelle last Summer and its difficult to explain, but its a different kind of heat. The temperature gauge said it was hot, but somehow it felt more comfortable than a hot day in this country. If that makes sense.

Don't ask me to explain it, because I can't.

Yeah it does make sense, Taff. Why did I forget that? Always used to say that on holiday in the past. I wonder if there's more humidity to our summer heat

 

[(RIP) Bin Ridin]

Wear the right gear, not the leathers for example.

 

[Tank]

As August is the month that all the French take their holidays along with lots of other European Countries I would certainly advise going on the bike and leave the car at home.

The traffic can be pretty intense during August and you can just trickle past it all, get in the bar first for that refreshing Orangina

Have a great trip.

 

[Malcvtr]

Cheers everyone. Your comments have blown away the few doubts that I had. The GS will have its first taste of France this August

 

[Tank]

You have made the right decision, enjoy the trip

 

[rocks]

French Traffic

having braved the madness that is parisian traffic in may.. believe me.. august will be school holidays end and busy.. the car might be airconditioned, but likley to be very stationary at times..

Bike Wins! Also,, when you are driving along not stuck in traffic jams, you will enjoy the roads more! Car touring can be fun, especiall if you have company. But I would prefer the bike most times!..

That is what its there for.. rideit!

 

[Deleted account 210609001]

If you've got the air mesh jacket and trousers, you'll be absolutely fine. I have a HG Tuareg suit with lots of really big ventilation zips. It has served me fine in Southern France and Spain on several occasions. Don't forget waterproofs you can slip on easily over the top if it starts raining badly, plus soem waterproof gloves.

If you have a helmet with working vents (and the BMW System helmet is the only one I've ever had where I can tell the difference between open and closed) so much the better.

To make sure, get some decent under-bike kit. It wicks the sweat away from you so you don't feel sticky even when you're sweating loads, and then really helps it evaporate to cool you down. Like magic, it'll also help keep you a boit warmer if the evenings turn cold. I have a couple of all-in-one suits from Coolmax, which are great. Equally as good and much cheaper is Lidl motorcycle underwear. Gloves and boots that let the air in are brilliant too. I have a pair of BMW "GS" gloves which are lovely. I tell myself that the reduced protection compared to leather/carbon/etc is outweighed by the fact that I think you're less likely to crash in the first place if you're not really uncomfortable.

 

[Malcvtr]

Thanks again -advice much appreciated

 

[Wapping]

One thing nobody has mentioned is the need to drink lots of water.

My parents live in Provence, so I have ridden around there a lot. The air temperatures can sit well over 30c for days and sometimes weeks on end. Yes, it feels cooler on the move as the wind wicks away sweat but, obviously, you are still (near enough) at ambient air temperature. Stop for a few minutes in the sun and you will sweat a lot.

You can lose pints of fluid without realising it, which is not a great thing to do on a motorcycle. I made a bad mistake once on a motorcycle through getting too hot, a large part of which was caused through being dehydrated without realising.

A Camelback and / or glugging litres of H2O when you stop is a good idea.

Are there more comfortable ways to move around SE France in August between 11AM and 4PM? Yes, it's called an air conditioned car and not piling yourself up with ATGATT. Better still, sit in the shade with a beer and a book.

Traffic? On the vast majority of the roads it's not at all bad. There can be queues on the motorways at the toll booths but I have driven it (both directions) probably 25 times and it ain't bad. Only ever seen one significant jam for a crash near Lyon one year; I have regularly seen worse on the M25 and in central London.

If you see the word 'Bouchon' illuminated on the overhead gantries..... it's a jam up ahead... not a cork.

 

[DavidHale]

Another hot weather TopTip I was given by Timolgra is to soak a buff or similar neck scarf in water and put it back on. Stops yer brain boiling and is soooo refreshing.

I guess by extension if you're in danger of overheating then soaking your t-shirt will have the same effect.

 

[Engineer]

A friend of mine has bought a small apartment in Antibes and has invited me down to visit. I've been to France several times in the car, but never on a bike. This time, I fancy going on the GS and stopping off to visit a couple of other friends in Paris and La Rochelle.

So what's the problem? Well, the only time I can do this is in August, but I can take my time over it - this is no one week sprint. So, would you? On a bike and in that heat? Or would you opt for comfort and take the air-conditioned car?

I've got a pair of Gericke mesh trousers and an Air II (I think it's called) jacket which work well in the current warm weather we're having, but it's a different ball game darn sarf innit?

Cheers for any thoughts/advice

I've done it for the last 3 years in early September - BMW Airflow Suit and boots first two years; Bolder jacket and City Trousers last year - was comfortable enough; rain proof suit to go over the top, just in case!

P.S. Always make sure you have plenty of water with you at all times.

 

[Malcvtr]

Thanks Wapping/David/Engineer. Really good advice. I don't currently have a camelback, but sounds like a very worthwhile purchase.

 

[steve1]

Definately the bike. We were in La Rochelle last Summer and its difficult to explain, but its a different kind of heat. The temperature gauge said it was hot, but somehow it felt more comfortable than a hot day in this country. If that makes sense.

Don't ask me to explain it, because I can't.

May i suggest the difference is in your head.

you're on holiday= no worries

Everythings better when your on holiday

 

[paul nicholls]

france

re the camel back thing, if your in a hotel etc, get them to freeze it over night for you then you have ice cold drink for most of the day, also when you stop for a brew put some ice cubes in. nowt worse than supping warm water.