Driving France
Discussion
Yeah, that's not bad is it.
At times the bike achieved 18.1 miles per litre of petrol,that's over 80 mpg and about the same speed.
The fairing,,,it has to be, once I was upto 80 mph,,a matter of a few seconds I'm then down in the tuck position and back to about 1/3 throttle setting... By riding at 90 mph hills didn't effect the engine power so I could leave thr throttle in that position for hours.
A holiday of firsts,,
I wanted to do it alone, I wanted to make it hard and just like any good road movie I wanted a bit of pressure to get somewhere,,, doing the ride down at a leasurly pace would be great, I didn't plan a thing,, adds more real time adventure,
Never ride at night,,, you miss to much,,,
I learnt a tonne of things, enjoyed every second, I fretted about tyres, nothing wrong with them and I didn't push them either.
Paris,,, it's nose to tail for miles,, I'm cautious, a Parisian on a badass road bike with real power and blacked out helmet,, looking frightening... Came along side, nodded and then sort of said follow me,,,,,,,,,
He opened the throttle, jinked left/right, and gone.... Take control of your lane,,
I used the engine after that, open it up,,, people hear you, shut of sharpish, they think someone's shooting st them,, laughing all the way, I am given a path by the cars to ride through, after such a long and sometimes lonely ride I loved the up close riding,, I could feel people looking at the bike, it sounds dangerous but the French have impeccable manners towards bikes, I just widened my arms, let them clearly see I'm coming, and gave em a sound that was more like a fighter plane coming in to land, the tunnels, full bore, even Dartford, at 3.30 am I was giving it a massive hanfull then off then on,,, totally devoid of rules,,,,I'm waiting for the post,,,
Englands green and pleasant land has greeted me back, and it's ace,
That's it this can slip away like many threads on this mad site into the relms of time,,, one mans secret passion exposed and shared amongst great people who all helped me in their own way, the odd comment to keep my head on the ground,
The bike still sits with a little of France embracing her,, nothing's worn, brakes,tyres, chain, it looks like it's not moved,,,
It's just saying,,,bring it on bad boy,,,,
So is the car,,, I'm really proud of my Tvr, she's driving so well with the new ignition and fuelling,,, mapped and I'd be off in a puff of well nothing but dust
It's easy to loose sight of things in life but a change is as good as a rest,
Sod writing books, I'm no Ian Flemming,I can't even stand to look at this thread, I'll cringe I'm sure,
But the riding holiday was just that,, massive memories and moments of wonderment,
I will read this lot,,,, one day maybe,,,, so thanks for looking in,
Moral of the story,,, our cars are perfect for the ride/ drive of your life,,,
Just like others who blow up engines in their quest to go faster, we all have different goals,,whatever they are just get on and do em,
Alun
At times the bike achieved 18.1 miles per litre of petrol,that's over 80 mpg and about the same speed.
The fairing,,,it has to be, once I was upto 80 mph,,a matter of a few seconds I'm then down in the tuck position and back to about 1/3 throttle setting... By riding at 90 mph hills didn't effect the engine power so I could leave thr throttle in that position for hours.
A holiday of firsts,,
I wanted to do it alone, I wanted to make it hard and just like any good road movie I wanted a bit of pressure to get somewhere,,, doing the ride down at a leasurly pace would be great, I didn't plan a thing,, adds more real time adventure,
Never ride at night,,, you miss to much,,,
I learnt a tonne of things, enjoyed every second, I fretted about tyres, nothing wrong with them and I didn't push them either.
Paris,,, it's nose to tail for miles,, I'm cautious, a Parisian on a badass road bike with real power and blacked out helmet,, looking frightening... Came along side, nodded and then sort of said follow me,,,,,,,,,
He opened the throttle, jinked left/right, and gone.... Take control of your lane,,
I used the engine after that, open it up,,, people hear you, shut of sharpish, they think someone's shooting st them,, laughing all the way, I am given a path by the cars to ride through, after such a long and sometimes lonely ride I loved the up close riding,, I could feel people looking at the bike, it sounds dangerous but the French have impeccable manners towards bikes, I just widened my arms, let them clearly see I'm coming, and gave em a sound that was more like a fighter plane coming in to land, the tunnels, full bore, even Dartford, at 3.30 am I was giving it a massive hanfull then off then on,,, totally devoid of rules,,,,I'm waiting for the post,,,
Englands green and pleasant land has greeted me back, and it's ace,
That's it this can slip away like many threads on this mad site into the relms of time,,, one mans secret passion exposed and shared amongst great people who all helped me in their own way, the odd comment to keep my head on the ground,
The bike still sits with a little of France embracing her,, nothing's worn, brakes,tyres, chain, it looks like it's not moved,,,
It's just saying,,,bring it on bad boy,,,,
So is the car,,, I'm really proud of my Tvr, she's driving so well with the new ignition and fuelling,,, mapped and I'd be off in a puff of well nothing but dust
It's easy to loose sight of things in life but a change is as good as a rest,
Sod writing books, I'm no Ian Flemming,I can't even stand to look at this thread, I'll cringe I'm sure,
But the riding holiday was just that,, massive memories and moments of wonderment,
I will read this lot,,,, one day maybe,,,, so thanks for looking in,
Moral of the story,,, our cars are perfect for the ride/ drive of your life,,,
Just like others who blow up engines in their quest to go faster, we all have different goals,,whatever they are just get on and do em,
Alun
Eh up, just like when I was miles away, laughing my nuts off,,what some love crazy little French girl Wanting so have me in her arms,,,
She said on the phone,,,
I love you Alaaaaan,,,,
I was sitting looking at my bike going I love you baby,,,,
I dunno I might go back for a laugh,, she's lovely but full of French emotion,,Welsh is bad enough
The thing about that bike was,,,if I didn't stay focused on riding,,, every time I stopped I'd get sidetracked into a meal or some thing else,, more time and I could have really got to know people,,, it's this thing that opens people's hearts and you see the best of them,, travelling and sitting having a coffee at yet another fuel stop,,, we've all done that a thousand times,,
Not like this,,, mad, fantastic, this trip will always be part of my driving makeup too,,,,always from the moment I turn a key,
I did every action like I was learning the Bible, if I forgot 3 life savers then I'm upset,, infact I never did.
Girls,,, plane flight, use her car for 10 days,,, not a bad idea, but,,,,,, my car down there, weather cooling,,, quiet roads,,,,a hot chic,,the Gorge,,,,hahahah,,,,
Here's where I need your advice
boys,,,
Ok I don't always take a joke,,, but I do really so for my/our amusement
What would you guys do,,,
She's on the phone every HOUR
I almost can't be arsed but then I think,, the colour of the light over there and all that,,,,,
I need my car there,, a quick get away if things turn ,,,,
Who knows,
She said on the phone,,,
I love you Alaaaaan,,,,
I was sitting looking at my bike going I love you baby,,,,
I dunno I might go back for a laugh,, she's lovely but full of French emotion,,Welsh is bad enough
The thing about that bike was,,,if I didn't stay focused on riding,,, every time I stopped I'd get sidetracked into a meal or some thing else,, more time and I could have really got to know people,,, it's this thing that opens people's hearts and you see the best of them,, travelling and sitting having a coffee at yet another fuel stop,,, we've all done that a thousand times,,
Not like this,,, mad, fantastic, this trip will always be part of my driving makeup too,,,,always from the moment I turn a key,
I did every action like I was learning the Bible, if I forgot 3 life savers then I'm upset,, infact I never did.
Girls,,, plane flight, use her car for 10 days,,, not a bad idea, but,,,,,, my car down there, weather cooling,,, quiet roads,,,,a hot chic,,the Gorge,,,,hahahah,,,,
Here's where I need your advice
boys,,,Ok I don't always take a joke,,, but I do really so for my/our amusement
What would you guys do,,,
She's on the phone every HOUR
I almost can't be arsed but then I think,, the colour of the light over there and all that,,,,,
I need my car there,, a quick get away if things turn ,,,,
Who knows,
ClassiChimi said:
Eh up, just like when I was miles away, laughing my nuts off,,what some love crazy little French girl Wanting so have me in her arms,,,
She said on the phone,,,
I love you Alaaaaan,,,,
I was sitting looking at my bike going I love you baby,,,,
I dunno I might go back for a laugh,, she's lovely but full of French emotion,,Welsh is bad enough
The thing about that bike was,,,if I didn't stay focused on riding,,, every time I stopped I'd get sidetracked into a meal or some thing else,, more time and I could have really got to know people,,, it's this thing that opens people's hearts and you see the best of them,, travelling and sitting having a coffee at yet another fuel stop,,, we've all done that a thousand times,,
Not like this,,, mad, fantastic, this trip will always be part of my driving makeup too,,,,always from the moment I turn a key,
I did every action like I was learning the Bible, if I forgot 3 life savers then I'm upset,, infact I never did.
Girls,,, plane flight, use her car for 10 days,,, not a bad idea, but,,,,,, my car down there, weather cooling,,, quiet roads,,,,a hot chic,,the Gorge,,,,hahahah,,,,
Here's where I need your advice boys,,,
Ok I don't always take a joke,,, but I do really so for my/our amusement
What would you guys do,,,
She's on the phone every HOUR
I almost can't be arsed but then I think,, the colour of the light over there and all that,,,,,
I need my car there,, a quick get away if things turn ,,,,
Who knows,
AlunShe said on the phone,,,
I love you Alaaaaan,,,,
I was sitting looking at my bike going I love you baby,,,,
I dunno I might go back for a laugh,, she's lovely but full of French emotion,,Welsh is bad enough
The thing about that bike was,,,if I didn't stay focused on riding,,, every time I stopped I'd get sidetracked into a meal or some thing else,, more time and I could have really got to know people,,, it's this thing that opens people's hearts and you see the best of them,, travelling and sitting having a coffee at yet another fuel stop,,, we've all done that a thousand times,,
Not like this,,, mad, fantastic, this trip will always be part of my driving makeup too,,,,always from the moment I turn a key,
I did every action like I was learning the Bible, if I forgot 3 life savers then I'm upset,, infact I never did.
Girls,,, plane flight, use her car for 10 days,,, not a bad idea, but,,,,,, my car down there, weather cooling,,, quiet roads,,,,a hot chic,,the Gorge,,,,hahahah,,,,
Here's where I need your advice
boys,,,Ok I don't always take a joke,,, but I do really so for my/our amusement
What would you guys do,,,
She's on the phone every HOUR
I almost can't be arsed but then I think,, the colour of the light over there and all that,,,,,
I need my car there,, a quick get away if things turn ,,,,
Who knows,
Jump in your car and get back to that lady, you may regret it if you don't. The weather down there will still be good. Having just got back from the Morvan national park with a great bunch of fellow TVR owners, I can honestly say that France is just perfect for our cars. The roads were fantastic, even minor ones; we drove 45 miles without coming upon another car. Fill your boots mate, and where is that photo?
ClassiChimi said:
Eh up, just like when I was miles away, laughing my nuts off,,what some love crazy little French girl Wanting so have me in her arms,,,
She said on the phone,,,
I love you Alaaaaan,,,,
I was sitting looking at my bike going I love you baby,,,,
I dunno I might go back for a laugh,, she's lovely but full of French emotion,,Welsh is bad enough
The thing about that bike was,,,if I didn't stay focused on riding,,, every time I stopped I'd get sidetracked into a meal or some thing else,, more time and I could have really got to know people,,, it's this thing that opens people's hearts and you see the best of them,, travelling and sitting having a coffee at yet another fuel stop,,, we've all done that a thousand times,,
Not like this,,, mad, fantastic, this trip will always be part of my driving makeup too,,,,always from the moment I turn a key,
I did every action like I was learning the Bible, if I forgot 3 life savers then I'm upset,, infact I never did.
Girls,,, plane flight, use her car for 10 days,,, not a bad idea, but,,,,,, my car down there, weather cooling,,, quiet roads,,,,a hot chic,,the Gorge,,,,hahahah,,,,
Here's where I need your advice boys,,,
Ok I don't always take a joke,,, but I do really so for my/our amusement
What would you guys do,,,
She's on the phone every HOUR
I almost can't be arsed but then I think,, the colour of the light over there and all that,,,,,
I need my car there,, a quick get away if things turn ,,,,
Who knows,
Go for it! You may regret it otherwise. If it's meant to be, it will be.She said on the phone,,,
I love you Alaaaaan,,,,
I was sitting looking at my bike going I love you baby,,,,
I dunno I might go back for a laugh,, she's lovely but full of French emotion,,Welsh is bad enough
The thing about that bike was,,,if I didn't stay focused on riding,,, every time I stopped I'd get sidetracked into a meal or some thing else,, more time and I could have really got to know people,,, it's this thing that opens people's hearts and you see the best of them,, travelling and sitting having a coffee at yet another fuel stop,,, we've all done that a thousand times,,
Not like this,,, mad, fantastic, this trip will always be part of my driving makeup too,,,,always from the moment I turn a key,
I did every action like I was learning the Bible, if I forgot 3 life savers then I'm upset,, infact I never did.
Girls,,, plane flight, use her car for 10 days,,, not a bad idea, but,,,,,, my car down there, weather cooling,,, quiet roads,,,,a hot chic,,the Gorge,,,,hahahah,,,,
Here's where I need your advice
boys,,,Ok I don't always take a joke,,, but I do really so for my/our amusement
What would you guys do,,,
She's on the phone every HOUR
I almost can't be arsed but then I think,, the colour of the light over there and all that,,,,,
I need my car there,, a quick get away if things turn ,,,,
Who knows,
Bon chance mon ami.
I'm no superhero but I can play the part, I'll think about it, women wherever they are have a habit of controlling your thoughts,,, it would be rather nice though,,, yeah I'll go and be the playboy and promise her the earth,,,then drop her to the floor as yet another drive in the Tvr appeals,,,,
She thinks I'm going back for love,,,
She seems intense and a pain in the Arse, I got back alive which is more than I expected so sitting at home is feeling good too,,, Britain has an abundance of beauty too, you just have to look more often.
Another week and I'll be gagging for it,,,hahah
She thinks I'm going back for love,,,
She seems intense and a pain in the Arse, I got back alive which is more than I expected so sitting at home is feeling good too,,, Britain has an abundance of beauty too, you just have to look more often.
Another week and I'll be gagging for it,,,hahah
In love, I am, with life
Hey I've got my eyes wide open,,,
I'm trying to sort a few more bits for the Tvr,
Stereo, rear tyres, shocks,,,hopefully mapped by the end of next week,,,,ish
Geo,,, and I can't see a good reason not to run her in with a drive through France,
I've looked at flights etc,,cheap enough, got to get to Gatwick and back,,,adds cost,,,I'll go via the tunnel in the Tvr
Easy little drive,,,hahah,,,
If the mapping is good enough then the cars ready so I'll do it now and see what comes of it.
Hey I've got my eyes wide open,,,
I'm trying to sort a few more bits for the Tvr,
Stereo, rear tyres, shocks,,,hopefully mapped by the end of next week,,,,ish
Geo,,, and I can't see a good reason not to run her in with a drive through France,
I've looked at flights etc,,cheap enough, got to get to Gatwick and back,,,adds cost,,,I'll go via the tunnel in the Tvr
Easy little drive,,,hahah,,,
If the mapping is good enough then the cars ready so I'll do it now and see what comes of it.
The lady in question thinks England's to cold I hastily agreed
Forget that lady for the time being, what about the cool bike that served me so well getting there and back, ripping through the Gorge De Vurden like someone trying to find Goodwood, miles of great riding, corners and moments that gave you thrills a plenty, roaring engine, hard braking, long descents and even longer uphill sections, living on the tyre edge 95%of the time,
Really comfortable on the bike, I'd got all my levers and stuff well positioned long before I'd left the uk.
It's already one of those,,,,,,,,,did I really go do all that,,,
The bikes now warm and hidden under blankets,,,
Until I do something special on her.
Having worked out the real cheap cost of riding the bike, with pre booked hotels along the way, what a ball.
I'd love a massive enduro bike but to be honest, road riding on a light bike with skinny tyres, not that powerful, vibrating and telling you when your pushing your luck,, moving your body around like your on a climbing frame, almost deserted roads so it's never about showing off,,,just this silence and commitment to doing each section correctly,,sussing the road dropping away at the last moment into another tight left hander,,changing lines and compensating,
It' finds you out and you ride with your level only, stay safe and still be right on it,,,
Cars, bikes,, their so different, each fantastic at what they do, both limited, but when it clicks,,,nothing is better, riding a bike is as close to being a fighter pilot as I can imagine,
I once thought I Could ride a bike,,,this was the bit I never developed, Tarmac,,,,,,
I'm under no illusions,,I'm slow,,
Just riding the same bike day after day, slowly getting more confident,,
Thrilling, like a dream,,
When I look back now,, leaning off the side of the bike into corners, racing bars,, your heads already not far off the
Front wheel spindle as it is,,, I tried Stoners way of getting my head low and close to said spindle, pushing all my weight straight down through the forks,, very interesting keeping the weight so close to the fork line,,,other times being all pants and trousers with big body postures, ( scrubbing speed) and then hanging right over and off the side until my head felt 3, ft away from the bike,,, all these trials, led to me knowing what to employ and at the right time to ride the bike very comfortably by the end of the trip,
What a crac, what a learning curve, what a bike.
I hastily agreed Forget that lady for the time being, what about the cool bike that served me so well getting there and back, ripping through the Gorge De Vurden like someone trying to find Goodwood, miles of great riding, corners and moments that gave you thrills a plenty, roaring engine, hard braking, long descents and even longer uphill sections, living on the tyre edge 95%of the time,
Really comfortable on the bike, I'd got all my levers and stuff well positioned long before I'd left the uk.
It's already one of those,,,,,,,,,did I really go do all that,,,
The bikes now warm and hidden under blankets,,,
Until I do something special on her.
Having worked out the real cheap cost of riding the bike, with pre booked hotels along the way, what a ball.
I'd love a massive enduro bike but to be honest, road riding on a light bike with skinny tyres, not that powerful, vibrating and telling you when your pushing your luck,, moving your body around like your on a climbing frame, almost deserted roads so it's never about showing off,,,just this silence and commitment to doing each section correctly,,sussing the road dropping away at the last moment into another tight left hander,,changing lines and compensating,
It' finds you out and you ride with your level only, stay safe and still be right on it,,,
Cars, bikes,, their so different, each fantastic at what they do, both limited, but when it clicks,,,nothing is better, riding a bike is as close to being a fighter pilot as I can imagine,
I once thought I Could ride a bike,,,this was the bit I never developed, Tarmac,,,,,,
I'm under no illusions,,I'm slow,,
Just riding the same bike day after day, slowly getting more confident,,
Thrilling, like a dream,,
When I look back now,, leaning off the side of the bike into corners, racing bars,, your heads already not far off the
Front wheel spindle as it is,,, I tried Stoners way of getting my head low and close to said spindle, pushing all my weight straight down through the forks,, very interesting keeping the weight so close to the fork line,,,other times being all pants and trousers with big body postures, ( scrubbing speed) and then hanging right over and off the side until my head felt 3, ft away from the bike,,, all these trials, led to me knowing what to employ and at the right time to ride the bike very comfortably by the end of the trip,
What a crac, what a learning curve, what a bike.
Edited by ClassiChimi on Saturday 3rd October 14:17
Hi Graham, mmn, I got stung coming back, delayed my departure by one day, thought I'd sorted it via email then Calais wanted 40 odd quid, extra, I wasn't impressed,,,,,,
I haven't decided and I won't before the cars running 100% so we'll see.
How was your run,,, are you still swashbuckling across the continent as I speak.
I treat it like its my chance to be James Bond,,, Brits abroad but with a ice,,,
I haven't decided and I won't before the cars running 100% so we'll see.
How was your run,,, are you still swashbuckling across the continent as I speak.
I treat it like its my chance to be James Bond,,, Brits abroad but with a ice,,,
Hi Alun
Long time reader, first time poster
First question, when are you going back ?
A browse through the forum is a bit duller without your travelogue.
You are an inspiration to us all. From the moment you decided to ride again and got you licence, your solo tours and the people you've met has made me want to get my car going and do it myself.
This is something I WILL do now.
Thank you, truly, thank you.
Just hurry up and go back
Long time reader, first time poster
First question, when are you going back ?
A browse through the forum is a bit duller without your travelogue.
You are an inspiration to us all. From the moment you decided to ride again and got you licence, your solo tours and the people you've met has made me want to get my car going and do it myself.
This is something I WILL do now.
Thank you, truly, thank you.
Just hurry up and go back
Hi Alun,
my trip was really good. There is a taste of it all in the S section. Met some lovely people, great roads and lots of fun. We toured for 5 days then mrs B and I stopped over in Ypres for a couple of nights, taking in a bit of reflection at the various things there for a couple of nights.
Check the route out on the 1 page of the tour de franSe post and if it fits with your plans, then try and go through the volcanic national park. there are some amazing roads down there. I have a more detailed route if that is of interest.
my trip was really good. There is a taste of it all in the S section. Met some lovely people, great roads and lots of fun. We toured for 5 days then mrs B and I stopped over in Ypres for a couple of nights, taking in a bit of reflection at the various things there for a couple of nights.
Check the route out on the 1 page of the tour de franSe post and if it fits with your plans, then try and go through the volcanic national park. there are some amazing roads down there. I have a more detailed route if that is of interest.
I've had a quick look Graham, I'll read it fully later, looking at some of the pics, it looks like fun was had by all.
This touring lark, it's quite a past time,,,,I'm desperately trying to stop myself planning,,,,,,,,
Cokes mate, from a bloke who's been through the mill rebuilding your car that's a compliment, it's inspired me so I hope it does for others,,,
It's been an interesting experience this week, re aquating myself with the Tvr, a bit like my bike it's 'really rather brilliant'
I drive it and think of all those little bits we slowly replace, balljoints to engines, to riggers,,, all working in Union,,,
When they work well our cars are tough to beat,,, it's been more a privilege than anything,
Ok I've spent lots of money but the changes are as planned and the car behaves as it should,
If I'm putting a stereo in it it must be near to what i hoped for,,,
I'll catch up with various threads on here, but a bit like my bike on holiday, I ain't stopped since getting back home!
This touring lark, it's quite a past time,,,,I'm desperately trying to stop myself planning,,,,,,,,
Cokes mate, from a bloke who's been through the mill rebuilding your car that's a compliment, it's inspired me so I hope it does for others,,,
It's been an interesting experience this week, re aquating myself with the Tvr, a bit like my bike it's 'really rather brilliant'
I drive it and think of all those little bits we slowly replace, balljoints to engines, to riggers,,, all working in Union,,,
When they work well our cars are tough to beat,,, it's been more a privilege than anything,
Ok I've spent lots of money but the changes are as planned and the car behaves as it should,
If I'm putting a stereo in it it must be near to what i hoped for,,,
I'll catch up with various threads on here, but a bit like my bike on holiday, I ain't stopped since getting back home!
Edited by ClassiChimi on Sunday 4th October 08:40
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