Driving France
Discussion
Richard 858 said:
QBee said:
Thankfully he doesn't seem to sing in choirs or play rugby
Oi! Anthony, nothing wrong with playing the great game, in any case it's one of the few we're (as a nation) still any good at !!No, it's more the thought of Alun in shorts with 10 on his back that is a troubling me.......
made it to Macon,,,, 400 odd miles or something,,I've not re set the trip meter and didn't really check what it was on before I set off! I only had about 4 hrs sleep last night after meeting that girl,
Got my stuff together this morning, said my goodbyes to the camp staff, and rode back to St Maxime feeling rough,,
Had a couple of coffees by the sea,, then went back to Geraldine's for breakfast,,,
What a pad,, these old fronted buildings, stone spiral staircase like an old castle,,,then open her door to a huge modern fantastic home.
This last bits all a bit to much,,, anybody would fall for her, her clothes her sass, her voice,, her confidence and she even laughs at my jokes,, or is that laughing at me!!!!!
I didn't leave until about 1pm, the church bells signalling the time,,
It was a struggle to go,,,blue sky, warm, an idillic village, all that French stuff you always find, old men sat on stone walls passing the time away and watching oddballs like me role in,, even they seemed happy to see me,,
Me and her promising to meet again and sad to say goodbye,, tough tough moment indeed.
She just falls into my arms and wants to love me,,,soft brown skin, slim sexy legs and short skirt, about my age,, same star sign,, looking into my eyes and saying she's things that would drop a stronger man than me,,
Me thinking I'm just about to head north for a thousand miles on a motorbike,, leaving this beauty behind before I even got to know her. Deep breaths and a sence of bewilderment that someone in the heart of all this would want me,,,
It's just to much to take in,,
I didn't want her to see me off on the bike, parked well out the way so we did what people do,, tender moments
I had to stop myself saying things,,,but she just let her heart out over me,,,
I ride out of town with tree lined streets not sure if I'd ever see her again,,, holding myself together,,,just,,,massive task ahead of me,,,trying to suck in the air and smells of flowers, food and a piece of heaven left behind,, my heart sank a tiny bit every mile I got further away.
I decided yesterday I long ride home was above my bike and me this time around,,
I had to block my mind to what I'd experienced with that wonderful French woman and I've been at 100 mph all the way,,
As I'm heading north the mountains slowly fall away in the distance,, forests subside and become flat fields, it gets colder,, after what seems like days I finally hit Lyon,,, rush hr,, 6.30pm and it's proper busy,, I'd wisely pulled over to use the phones sat nav but just like an uneducated Welshman !!!!! I forgot I'd set it to scenic route whilst down south, took a turn and my instinct said this ain't right but went for it anyway, got on the a roads but it's really busy,
I'd made the decision to get to Macon,, it's dark now, cold, my headlight bulbs blown, I'm white lining it, hard away from lights and swinging through roundabouts,, I don't care about the bike now I just had to get to that hotel and get sleep.
Lyon after that's girls home,,, petrochemical works, industrialisation and millions of people, it just seemed ugly as hell.
I'm in a bad mood,, most of France is beautiful but not after where I've been, I see people struggling, the clothes change but most of all the expressions in the peoples faces,, it's depressing me every second I see it, saddening.
I battle out of Lyon, and decide I've seen enough of France for now, the A roads don't interest me, I get back on the auto route and just like most the day, f
k all comes by me, my neck, shoulders and even my legs in pain,, mistral last night down south and I monitored the trees all the way up,, windy as hell, ,
Blowing me left/ right,,, the fairing buffeting around,,almost like a speed wobble the bike at times shaking!
I don't care, I think the engine needs rings or something, used twice as much fuel as on the way down,
It's probably just because I'd had ear plugs in allday ?
Even with those the wind noise was deafening,,,
It's 6.30am Friday morning, been awoken by this French girl breaking her heart out over me, I just want to turn around and head back to her,,,
Ok so last night I have all this heavy heart and a French woman giving me grief????
It doesn't take long does it,, when I say grief I mean she's so upset
bks, maybe something's are best left
I hope some of you enjoyed it and maybe it'll inspire a few others to buy a cool car, develop it and do similar.
Got my stuff together this morning, said my goodbyes to the camp staff, and rode back to St Maxime feeling rough,,
Had a couple of coffees by the sea,, then went back to Geraldine's for breakfast,,,
What a pad,, these old fronted buildings, stone spiral staircase like an old castle,,,then open her door to a huge modern fantastic home.
This last bits all a bit to much,,, anybody would fall for her, her clothes her sass, her voice,, her confidence and she even laughs at my jokes,, or is that laughing at me!!!!!
I didn't leave until about 1pm, the church bells signalling the time,,
It was a struggle to go,,,blue sky, warm, an idillic village, all that French stuff you always find, old men sat on stone walls passing the time away and watching oddballs like me role in,, even they seemed happy to see me,,
Me and her promising to meet again and sad to say goodbye,, tough tough moment indeed.
She just falls into my arms and wants to love me,,,soft brown skin, slim sexy legs and short skirt, about my age,, same star sign,, looking into my eyes and saying she's things that would drop a stronger man than me,,
Me thinking I'm just about to head north for a thousand miles on a motorbike,, leaving this beauty behind before I even got to know her. Deep breaths and a sence of bewilderment that someone in the heart of all this would want me,,,
It's just to much to take in,,
I didn't want her to see me off on the bike, parked well out the way so we did what people do,, tender moments
I had to stop myself saying things,,,but she just let her heart out over me,,,
I ride out of town with tree lined streets not sure if I'd ever see her again,,, holding myself together,,,just,,,massive task ahead of me,,,trying to suck in the air and smells of flowers, food and a piece of heaven left behind,, my heart sank a tiny bit every mile I got further away.
I decided yesterday I long ride home was above my bike and me this time around,,
I had to block my mind to what I'd experienced with that wonderful French woman and I've been at 100 mph all the way,,
As I'm heading north the mountains slowly fall away in the distance,, forests subside and become flat fields, it gets colder,, after what seems like days I finally hit Lyon,,, rush hr,, 6.30pm and it's proper busy,, I'd wisely pulled over to use the phones sat nav but just like an uneducated Welshman !!!!! I forgot I'd set it to scenic route whilst down south, took a turn and my instinct said this ain't right but went for it anyway, got on the a roads but it's really busy,
I'd made the decision to get to Macon,, it's dark now, cold, my headlight bulbs blown, I'm white lining it, hard away from lights and swinging through roundabouts,, I don't care about the bike now I just had to get to that hotel and get sleep.
Lyon after that's girls home,,, petrochemical works, industrialisation and millions of people, it just seemed ugly as hell.
I'm in a bad mood,, most of France is beautiful but not after where I've been, I see people struggling, the clothes change but most of all the expressions in the peoples faces,, it's depressing me every second I see it, saddening.
I battle out of Lyon, and decide I've seen enough of France for now, the A roads don't interest me, I get back on the auto route and just like most the day, f
k all comes by me, my neck, shoulders and even my legs in pain,, mistral last night down south and I monitored the trees all the way up,, windy as hell, ,Blowing me left/ right,,, the fairing buffeting around,,almost like a speed wobble the bike at times shaking!
I don't care, I think the engine needs rings or something, used twice as much fuel as on the way down,
It's probably just because I'd had ear plugs in allday ?
Even with those the wind noise was deafening,,,
It's 6.30am Friday morning, been awoken by this French girl breaking her heart out over me, I just want to turn around and head back to her,,,
Ok so last night I have all this heavy heart and a French woman giving me grief????
It doesn't take long does it,, when I say grief I mean she's so upset
b
ks, maybe something's are best left I hope some of you enjoyed it and maybe it'll inspire a few others to buy a cool car, develop it and do similar.
Edited by ClassiChimi on Sunday 27th September 11:33
Edited by ClassiChimi on Sunday 27th September 11:51
Stay positive Alun, try not to let the contrasts flooding your senses get you down.
You're now seeing the things that were once camouflaged by familiarity with a fresh set of eyes. What was once so normal you didn't even notice it now seems odd, ugly, cold and unfamiliar.
But embrace your new eyes, they allow you question your homeland, take a different approach to your everyday life and be a better person.
Remember, the returning is as important as the leaving and will deliver it's own emotions, don't fight them, embrace them, coming home can feel comforting too.
Ending such an epic adventure will always be tinged with sadness but you also return massively refreshed and enriched by the experience.
Take the next week or so to slowly reflect on what you've seen and felt on your journey, you'll quickly start to settle and appreciate just what you've achieved.
Thanks so much for sharing your amazing adventure, your story clearly captured the imagination of many here..... including myself
Welcome home Alun
You're now seeing the things that were once camouflaged by familiarity with a fresh set of eyes. What was once so normal you didn't even notice it now seems odd, ugly, cold and unfamiliar.
But embrace your new eyes, they allow you question your homeland, take a different approach to your everyday life and be a better person.
Remember, the returning is as important as the leaving and will deliver it's own emotions, don't fight them, embrace them, coming home can feel comforting too.
Ending such an epic adventure will always be tinged with sadness but you also return massively refreshed and enriched by the experience.
Take the next week or so to slowly reflect on what you've seen and felt on your journey, you'll quickly start to settle and appreciate just what you've achieved.
Thanks so much for sharing your amazing adventure, your story clearly captured the imagination of many here..... including myself
Welcome home Alun
^+1 like wot Dave said.
I'll be glad to see you back again Alun and can't think of any better words than those above from COG. Reflection, that's the ticket, no hasty decisions or commitments.
You might just be back in time to watch the posh kids up against your bravehearts, although I agree with the size of the respective pools to draw from I'd say the days of the amateur Welsh underdog are long gone!
Take care, don't rush, and keep it shiny side up!
I'll be glad to see you back again Alun and can't think of any better words than those above from COG. Reflection, that's the ticket, no hasty decisions or commitments.
You might just be back in time to watch the posh kids up against your bravehearts, although I agree with the size of the respective pools to draw from I'd say the days of the amateur Welsh underdog are long gone!
Take care, don't rush, and keep it shiny side up!
Alun, remember that nobody on this sub forum has a bad thought about you. We have enjoyed your adventure and your eloquent and brave, heart on sleeve, journal.
Your heart is raw because you had to leave something behind that you only just found and have fallen for in a big way. Please don't take it out on Anthony. He was joshing.
Oh, by the way. Just remember where rugby comes from.
where is it you live now?
Like you, I have a Welsh history but not as recent as yours. I love Wales and have spent the majority of my holidays on one part of it or another. If you feel like you need to get in touch with your past and maybe bring your new found belle to see Wales then just say the word.
Be brave Alun. As Dave says, embrace the feelings that are welling up inside you as you arrive back in blighty and back home. Remember that we can't all live in paradise or paradise would quickly turn into an overcrowded sewer.
Above all, maintain your dignity. Life's too short as you have already learned, so grab what happiness you can and smile in the face of adversity.
Oh, and when you get home, give Geraldine a call and use Skype so you can look into her eyes.
Safe journey once again Alun, and be gentle with the bike. She loves you too for all the polishing and taking her on such a great adventure where she was admired, fondled and kissed. (those French are bloody weird)
Your heart is raw because you had to leave something behind that you only just found and have fallen for in a big way. Please don't take it out on Anthony. He was joshing.
Oh, by the way. Just remember where rugby comes from.
where is it you live now?Like you, I have a Welsh history but not as recent as yours. I love Wales and have spent the majority of my holidays on one part of it or another. If you feel like you need to get in touch with your past and maybe bring your new found belle to see Wales then just say the word.
Be brave Alun. As Dave says, embrace the feelings that are welling up inside you as you arrive back in blighty and back home. Remember that we can't all live in paradise or paradise would quickly turn into an overcrowded sewer.
Above all, maintain your dignity. Life's too short as you have already learned, so grab what happiness you can and smile in the face of adversity.
Oh, and when you get home, give Geraldine a call and use Skype so you can look into her eyes.
Safe journey once again Alun, and be gentle with the bike. She loves you too for all the polishing and taking her on such a great adventure where she was admired, fondled and kissed. (those French are bloody weird)
Ride safe Alun, remember you have your family eager to welcome you home and it sounds like a certain lovely lady to go back to in France. You have certainly packed more adventure into the last few weeks, than many people do in a lifetime.
Good luck to you mate, and when are we going to see a picture of this lovely lady?
Good luck to you mate, and when are we going to see a picture of this lovely lady?
Alun, Have you been drinking Welsh Mead!
You need to give A a break, you know he's got an abundance of over-humour and is the last guy to insult!
You've been living in the dream world that we all aspire to as we sit at our desks gazing out the window, (at blue skies at the mo). Get back safely then we can all have a big man hug together
You need to give A a break, you know he's got an abundance of over-humour and is the last guy to insult!
You've been living in the dream world that we all aspire to as we sit at our desks gazing out the window, (at blue skies at the mo). Get back safely then we can all have a big man hug together
What a fantastic series of threads. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the ups and downs of your journey Alun and all the great humour and advice you have been receiving. I wish you well. Safe journey back home. Don't want to worry you but, absence does make the heart grow fonder. (A long story and bit of personal experience there)
+1 for the comments above.
I'm new on here (PH) and do not know you personally Alun. BUT due to your write up every day and sometimes serveral times a day, I feel that I have got to know you some what 
I as (and i think) many others have been inspired, been warmed by your comments, joined in and felt your emotional moments, made us refected on our own lives, and had an increadable journy with you.
You seem to be a great guy, and I have a lot respect for you and what you have done.
It is always difficult coming back from a holiday, and especially yours
Take your time mate! Respect!
Simon
I'm new on here (PH) and do not know you personally Alun. BUT due to your write up every day and sometimes serveral times a day,
I feel that I have got to know you some what I as (and i think) many others have been inspired, been warmed by your comments, joined in and felt your emotional moments, made us refected on our own lives, and had an increadable journy with you.
You seem to be a great guy, and I have a lot respect for you and what you have done.
It is always difficult coming back from a holiday, and especially yours
Take your time mate! Respect!
Simon
Alun!
Rugby results ain't got a clue,,I wish em all well,,,
I'm back home since yesterday morning7.30 am punching my arm in the air screaming I'm my helmet,,,I'm no 1 , both arms in the air praying and thanking the riding gods for saving me from myself,,,
Every sinew in my body feels used right now, over 24 hrs ago I stepped off that amazing little bike, my ears are still ringing,, that's damage,,,,, my palms and feet still vibrate, my head is numb, Paris I blitzed the place, only thr ring road trying to find the A1 north, it's a great story the trip back, fast really145 Kim's at least, I asked of that bike, it delivered a world of riches unrivalled, Ferrari divers wanted to swap
'
Made me more friends than you think possible,,,,
There was times nav blind, lots of fear and great emotions, learnt to ride a bit,,
I'll do a decent reply with the best shots of the trip etc and write a book
Only by writing all this did I actually realise how special it all was, it elevated it above just me ttting about on a stupidly loud, nice honest handling, rip roaring masterpiece of British engineering,,,,
It opens your mind if you allow it.
It's another beautiful morning at home,,sitting where I sat a month ago not knowing what to do with this bike,,,
Comforted by its place at home,,safe, and I look up from this pad,,looks the same as before I went,,,fantastic thing,,
I've done some videos yesreday with the iPad,,, I'd dare anyone to plug good heavy headphones in and turn it up,,,,
I've heard about disturbing the air,,,,
I'll get my kids to show me how to do YouTube etc,, it's seriously worth a war hero if you want to hear and feel my experience because most of all this story is about that bike,,it begged me for more and it's still sat there looking at me like Christine,, not the film, I read the book as a lad long before the film,
This bike is a combination of hell, brilliance,,more shape than Sofea Laren and I've at last worked that out too,,,the sound is like any good drums it gets inside your body and shakes you,,,,
People got hynotiysed by it,,, just like we are when we are driving out cars you fall in love.
Ponsey, maybe but that's what the bike did,,,she wanted to be ridden and gave me all these people wanting to know me because of it . I'm off back to bed for a week...............
I'm back home since yesterday morning7.30 am punching my arm in the air screaming I'm my helmet,,,I'm no 1 , both arms in the air praying and thanking the riding gods for saving me from myself,,,
Every sinew in my body feels used right now, over 24 hrs ago I stepped off that amazing little bike, my ears are still ringing,, that's damage,,,,, my palms and feet still vibrate, my head is numb, Paris I blitzed the place, only thr ring road trying to find the A1 north, it's a great story the trip back, fast really145 Kim's at least, I asked of that bike, it delivered a world of riches unrivalled, Ferrari divers wanted to swap
' Made me more friends than you think possible,,,,
There was times nav blind, lots of fear and great emotions, learnt to ride a bit,,
I'll do a decent reply with the best shots of the trip etc and write a book
Only by writing all this did I actually realise how special it all was, it elevated it above just me t
tting about on a stupidly loud, nice honest handling, rip roaring masterpiece of British engineering,,,, It opens your mind if you allow it.
It's another beautiful morning at home,,sitting where I sat a month ago not knowing what to do with this bike,,,
Comforted by its place at home,,safe, and I look up from this pad,,looks the same as before I went,,,fantastic thing,,
I've done some videos yesreday with the iPad,,, I'd dare anyone to plug good heavy headphones in and turn it up,,,,
I've heard about disturbing the air,,,,
I'll get my kids to show me how to do YouTube etc,, it's seriously worth a war hero if you want to hear and feel my experience because most of all this story is about that bike,,it begged me for more and it's still sat there looking at me like Christine,, not the film, I read the book as a lad long before the film,
This bike is a combination of hell, brilliance,,more shape than Sofea Laren and I've at last worked that out too,,,the sound is like any good drums it gets inside your body and shakes you,,,,
People got hynotiysed by it,,, just like we are when we are driving out cars you fall in love.
Ponsey, maybe but that's what the bike did,,,she wanted to be ridden and gave me all these people wanting to know me because of it . I'm off back to bed for a week...............
Kin ell, I lost the plot for a while back there, excuse my lack of humour at that time.
Wasn't that a hell of a ride. Mega,
Friday I rode from Macon via Paris,,, to Calais then M20 M25 M1 sat morning at 3am,,,,
To get to J 13 or just after M1 and the headlight bulb blows the high beam I'd been using since blowing the headlight getting to Macon, the only bit of the M1 that's pitch black,, 80 mph at least and the lights go out, stop get toe truck to services about 7 miles further north, wait until it's light,, and ride home,,,
I'm still mentally unstable,,,haha,
I'm still feeling sore and can't function much,,,the riding finally Caught up with me.
I'd do it again tomorrow 😀
Drove the Tvr,,,wow, so refined, quiet, soft, nice shocks, no rattles, easy gears, silent engine,,,
Brilliant grip,
I washed the Tvr,
Bikes staying dusty because I can't bare to remove France from it, a bit longer
I'm just costing up the fuel
,,,I've either lost a fuel receipt or I've used 55.1 litres and done approx 925 miles,,, maybe as much as 945 miles
That's a heck of a return?
Cheers for braving me on chaps, I'm still laughing at what that bike could have lead me into,,
That's just the parties,,,,?
so if I can get say 24.5 mpg out of the Tvr and it's about a thousand miles that's only a few hundred quid in my man maths 😎
Wasn't that a hell of a ride. Mega,
Friday I rode from Macon via Paris,,, to Calais then M20 M25 M1 sat morning at 3am,,,,
To get to J 13 or just after M1 and the headlight bulb blows the high beam I'd been using since blowing the headlight getting to Macon, the only bit of the M1 that's pitch black,, 80 mph at least and the lights go out, stop get toe truck to services about 7 miles further north, wait until it's light,, and ride home,,,
I'm still mentally unstable,,,haha,
I'm still feeling sore and can't function much,,,the riding finally Caught up with me.
I'd do it again tomorrow 😀
Drove the Tvr,,,wow, so refined, quiet, soft, nice shocks, no rattles, easy gears, silent engine,,,
Brilliant grip,
I washed the Tvr,
Bikes staying dusty because I can't bare to remove France from it, a bit longer
I'm just costing up the fuel
,,,I've either lost a fuel receipt or I've used 55.1 litres and done approx 925 miles,,, maybe as much as 945 miles
That's a heck of a return?
Cheers for braving me on chaps, I'm still laughing at what that bike could have lead me into,,
That's just the parties,,,,?
so if I can get say 24.5 mpg out of the Tvr and it's about a thousand miles that's only a few hundred quid in my man maths 😎
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