Driving France
Discussion
My rather brilliant little motorbike.
7am sun shinning,
Ok I made one mistake and had to do a slight detour hence the extra milage.
At 900 odd miles I eventually took the D558 to Grimaud, what a road, my arms aching, ass killing me but corner after corner after corner, positive camber and S bends, I was smiling at every turn.
I'm feeling a bit battered, need proper food etc,
I've never had so many people pleased to see me, all cos of a beautiful English motorbike!
Anthony, you know me!!!
Access to Pistonheads is taking ages on my phone to open ?
7am sun shinning,
Ok I made one mistake and had to do a slight detour hence the extra milage.
At 900 odd miles I eventually took the D558 to Grimaud, what a road, my arms aching, ass killing me but corner after corner after corner, positive camber and S bends, I was smiling at every turn.
I'm feeling a bit battered, need proper food etc,
I've never had so many people pleased to see me, all cos of a beautiful English motorbike!
Anthony, you know me!!!
Access to Pistonheads is taking ages on my phone to open ?
Hi Richard, what's the news regards your car!
Route home,,,, dunno yet, it's such a long way but I'd like to take in the Alps but I'll decide nearer the time.
TV8 (Graham) sorry mate I missed your comment, group of Tvr's coming to France,,, I'd love to be in the Tvr to be honest!
Maybe next year if the f
king fker of a car works!!! I'd be with my grandson if the car was ready, I like my own company but I'm missing him already, were best buddies and he's very intelligent for a ten year old, not like me as you can probably guess!
200M, you know this area very well indeed, that d558, very dangerous road but what a ride, tight hairpins, left and right sweepers, low gears, blast of gas then another tight corner, I went round a left hander pretending to be Valantino hanging off the bike, leg out the lot, car coming the other way, I was leaning into His lane I was cranked over so far!! Get a grip I thought, got all this way then leave the road and a very very long fall into trees hundreds of feet below,,, so I went a bit steadier but still it sucks you in!
It's funny how my bike attracts a certain type of person, stopped to buy lunch, within minutes a guy is looking at the bike, he was German living in France,,, he new all about the Thruxton,, before long were talking cars,
He only wants a Tuscan,,,, knows Dom and I said what a wker he was,,,, hahahah, joking
I obviously enthused about the cars, he'll be on the internet tonight I bet!
He already owns a Lotus Elise,,
What is odd is the amount of guys who are obviously in love with bikes and admire the bike but never even heard of the Thruxton,, still think triumphs are a thing of the past, come on Brit companies push and the world will buy,
The best thing about cruising to St Maxine or st Tropez is the other bikers, cock a leg or put a hand out in respect, I do the same, it's a joy.
I'll not be lonely as I'm permanantly in some conversation about the bike every single time I pull up, it's increadable,,,, I thought I was the only one who thinks my bike is a bit perfect, no the whole of France seem to like it, car drivers,,, pull over and let you filter!
We in England think were something, we could do with leaning our manners again!
Anyway when I get off this beach with naked women everywhere I'll try take a ride somewhere and post a decent pic,,, of the bike lads the bike
Route home,,,, dunno yet, it's such a long way but I'd like to take in the Alps but I'll decide nearer the time.
TV8 (Graham) sorry mate I missed your comment, group of Tvr's coming to France,,, I'd love to be in the Tvr to be honest!
Maybe next year if the f
king fker of a car works!!! I'd be with my grandson if the car was ready, I like my own company but I'm missing him already, were best buddies and he's very intelligent for a ten year old, not like me as you can probably guess! 200M, you know this area very well indeed, that d558, very dangerous road but what a ride, tight hairpins, left and right sweepers, low gears, blast of gas then another tight corner, I went round a left hander pretending to be Valantino hanging off the bike, leg out the lot, car coming the other way, I was leaning into His lane I was cranked over so far!! Get a grip I thought, got all this way then leave the road and a very very long fall into trees hundreds of feet below,,, so I went a bit steadier but still it sucks you in!
It's funny how my bike attracts a certain type of person, stopped to buy lunch, within minutes a guy is looking at the bike, he was German living in France,,, he new all about the Thruxton,, before long were talking cars,
He only wants a Tuscan,,,, knows Dom and I said what a w
ker he was,,,, hahahah, joking I obviously enthused about the cars, he'll be on the internet tonight I bet!
He already owns a Lotus Elise,,
What is odd is the amount of guys who are obviously in love with bikes and admire the bike but never even heard of the Thruxton,, still think triumphs are a thing of the past, come on Brit companies push and the world will buy,
The best thing about cruising to St Maxine or st Tropez is the other bikers, cock a leg or put a hand out in respect, I do the same, it's a joy.
I'll not be lonely as I'm permanantly in some conversation about the bike every single time I pull up, it's increadable,,,, I thought I was the only one who thinks my bike is a bit perfect, no the whole of France seem to like it, car drivers,,, pull over and let you filter!
We in England think were something, we could do with leaning our manners again!
Anyway when I get off this beach with naked women everywhere I'll try take a ride somewhere and post a decent pic,,, of the bike lads the bike
One other thing,,, I reckon I could have set a world record
On the route down it's pretty straight, my prefered riding position is arse pushed back as far as poss, lying on the tank,,,,
Left hand propping my head up under my chin,
I must have done at least 750 miles one handed!!!!????
That's got to be some sort of record!
On the route down it's pretty straight, my prefered riding position is arse pushed back as far as poss, lying on the tank,,,,
Left hand propping my head up under my chin,
I must have done at least 750 miles one handed!!!!????
That's got to be some sort of record!
Hi Alun, all the TVRs are going to be somewhere behind Paris and where you are on the 22nd of September. We are a bit further southish before then but if you are popping through, then would love to buy you a French beer. Mrs B is with me and we are either stopping in Reims for a couple of nights 23rd and 24th or going straight from Paris area to stay near the Menim gate, hopefully in Ypres.
Great news regarding the success of your road trip Alun. I'll be calling Dom when I get back home on Wednesday but I should be picking it up on Saturday (fingers crossed). Then got a bit of a road trip of my own planned around England with my daughter as passenger for a few days to clock up 1,000 miles for service back at Coventry, then another 1,000 before remap, again back at Coventry, all with said daughter's 21st in the middle, should be interesting (weather permitting!). Have a great holiday ogling all those naked women 
Hi Alun,
If you want to come back through the Alps the Route Des Grandes Alpes is fabulous.
It starts in Menton (near Nice) and takes you to Thonon Les Bains on Lake Geneva. Its about 650km and is fairly well signposted. It takes you over some of the best passes in Europe.
There are loads of maps on the interweb showing the main towns on the route.
Have a great time.
Dick
If you want to come back through the Alps the Route Des Grandes Alpes is fabulous.
It starts in Menton (near Nice) and takes you to Thonon Les Bains on Lake Geneva. Its about 650km and is fairly well signposted. It takes you over some of the best passes in Europe.
There are loads of maps on the interweb showing the main towns on the route.
Have a great time.
Dick
Hi Graham,,, I'm due to travel back home on the 22nd,,,
And as Dick has pointed out a rather interesting route through the Alps I may well be going that way
Cheers Dick,, I'm not sure if I'm confident enough to do the Alps on my own so I'll decide nearer the time.
Saying that I'm riding fine on the right hand side of the road, it almost feels normal now!
I've got my barings now and leave the sat nav(phone) in my bag.
It's a bit allarming but when in France I do as the French do,,, riding in a T shirt and shorts to the beach etc,,, I'm very careful and give plenty of time to do junctions etc.
Saw my shadow in a window as I rode past some boat builders shop,,,,, boy my bike looks good,,,,
I've never done a holiday on my own and it's feeling a bit strange but I seem to make friends wherever I go based on the bike,,, they love the thing around here!
Gentlemen, thanks for all the tips and support it's made my journey feel less stressful and far more enjoyable.
Alun
And as Dick has pointed out a rather interesting route through the Alps I may well be going that way
Cheers Dick,, I'm not sure if I'm confident enough to do the Alps on my own so I'll decide nearer the time.
Saying that I'm riding fine on the right hand side of the road, it almost feels normal now!
I've got my barings now and leave the sat nav(phone) in my bag.
It's a bit allarming but when in France I do as the French do,,, riding in a T shirt and shorts to the beach etc,,, I'm very careful and give plenty of time to do junctions etc.
Saw my shadow in a window as I rode past some boat builders shop,,,,, boy my bike looks good,,,,
I've never done a holiday on my own and it's feeling a bit strange but I seem to make friends wherever I go based on the bike,,, they love the thing around here!
Gentlemen, thanks for all the tips and support it's made my journey feel less stressful and far more enjoyable.
Alun
ClassiChimi said:
Hi Graham,,, I'm due to travel back home on the 22nd,,,
And as Dick has pointed out a rather interesting route through the Alps I may well be going that way
Cheers Dick,, I'm not sure if I'm confident enough to do the Alps on my own so I'll decide nearer the time.
Saying that I'm riding fine on the right hand side of the road, it almost feels normal now!
I've got my barings now and leave the sat nav(phone) in my bag.
It's a bit allarming but when in France I do as the French do,,, riding in a T shirt and shorts to the beach etc,,, I'm very careful and give plenty of time to do junctions etc.
Saw my shadow in a window as I rode past some boat builders shop,,,,, boy my bike looks good,,,,
I've never done a holiday on my own and it's feeling a bit strange but I seem to make friends wherever I go based on the bike,,, they love the thing around here!
Gentlemen, thanks for all the tips and support it's made my journey feel less stressful and far more enjoyable.
Alun
Keep posting Alun; I'm glad you are having a good time and impressing the locals with that lovely bike of yours. I will be one of the TVR's in France in just over a weeks time. We are going to the Morvan area for some mountain action. Looking forward to it. My jealousy of your trip may have subsided a little by then.And as Dick has pointed out a rather interesting route through the Alps I may well be going that way
Cheers Dick,, I'm not sure if I'm confident enough to do the Alps on my own so I'll decide nearer the time.
Saying that I'm riding fine on the right hand side of the road, it almost feels normal now!
I've got my barings now and leave the sat nav(phone) in my bag.
It's a bit allarming but when in France I do as the French do,,, riding in a T shirt and shorts to the beach etc,,, I'm very careful and give plenty of time to do junctions etc.
Saw my shadow in a window as I rode past some boat builders shop,,,,, boy my bike looks good,,,,
I've never done a holiday on my own and it's feeling a bit strange but I seem to make friends wherever I go based on the bike,,, they love the thing around here!
Gentlemen, thanks for all the tips and support it's made my journey feel less stressful and far more enjoyable.
Alun
Ride safe and enjoy the rest of the trip.
I've just checked your profile out,,,, V8S,,,,,,,red,,,,,,Oz wheels,,,,,,, my old S2 was the same colour etc,,, who's joelous now???? 
No pics as I havnt been far and who wants to see the beach! Topping up my vitamin D and doing some swimming as my left shoulder and neck muscles are giving me grief! ( previous injury ) I'm supposed to be having surgery on my neck before too long so this trip is a chance to ride before I'm told I can't!
I'm thinking enjoy the sun then when it's a cloudy day I'll go for a big ride,,,, so far just blue skies and not a cloud in sight since I got here, fabulous.
Here's a thing,,,, 1000 odd miles now since I left home and the bikes not used a drop of oil,,,,, two pistons running at 5000/6500 revs all the way here,,,makes you wonder about our old V8's. Mind you the bikes only done 5800 miles since new, I've had the bike on the road about 4 weeks and it's already on 8100,,,
It's some sort of Carma,,, I think she ( the bike) loves me because I'm using her as she wants to be used not sat in a garage or whatever.
The bike has put some faith back into me,,, all I need now is to get my Tvr finished and I've got a feeling she'll take me places too.
Ownership of my car has pushed my patience to the point I dislike it,,,
The bike feels great but being honest so does myTvr, 4years of repairs and big fking bills has hurt me but I can see light at the end of the tunnel,,, just need it mapped properly now and it better work!
I'm really sad the cars not with me,, I miss seeing her and this trip is the sort of thing I had planned in 2011 for the car,,, it's nearly 2016 for gordsake!
I do like a good rant,,,
Alun
No pics as I havnt been far and who wants to see the beach! Topping up my vitamin D and doing some swimming as my left shoulder and neck muscles are giving me grief! ( previous injury ) I'm supposed to be having surgery on my neck before too long so this trip is a chance to ride before I'm told I can't!
I'm thinking enjoy the sun then when it's a cloudy day I'll go for a big ride,,,, so far just blue skies and not a cloud in sight since I got here, fabulous.
Here's a thing,,,, 1000 odd miles now since I left home and the bikes not used a drop of oil,,,,, two pistons running at 5000/6500 revs all the way here,,,makes you wonder about our old V8's. Mind you the bikes only done 5800 miles since new, I've had the bike on the road about 4 weeks and it's already on 8100,,,
It's some sort of Carma,,, I think she ( the bike) loves me because I'm using her as she wants to be used not sat in a garage or whatever.
The bike has put some faith back into me,,, all I need now is to get my Tvr finished and I've got a feeling she'll take me places too.
Ownership of my car has pushed my patience to the point I dislike it,,,
The bike feels great but being honest so does myTvr, 4years of repairs and big f
king bills has hurt me but I can see light at the end of the tunnel,,, just need it mapped properly now and it better work! I'm really sad the cars not with me,, I miss seeing her and this trip is the sort of thing I had planned in 2011 for the car,,, it's nearly 2016 for gordsake!
I do like a good rant,,,
Alun
Alun, you know what sort of photos we need you to post, mate. 
Keep posting and keep making new friends - the day you stop talking and stop making friends I will know that the world that's worth living in has gone for good.
Here's one for you from my 7 year old grandson, heard on the way to the park with a bag of fruit off our trees, "Grandad, when we get there I need to go and wash my plums".
Classic.....there's no answer to that.
Keep posting and keep making new friends - the day you stop talking and stop making friends I will know that the world that's worth living in has gone for good.
Here's one for you from my 7 year old grandson, heard on the way to the park with a bag of fruit off our trees, "Grandad, when we get there I need to go and wash my plums".
Classic.....there's no answer to that.
Anthony it's people like you,Peter, blitz, Sardonicus, chimp on Gas and many gifted others who share their wisdom on this site that has given me the confidence to carry on with ownership of my Tvr,,, I've learnt more about mechanics on here and felt the pain of others struggling to fault find and often wish I new more and could help but it's never long before one of the experts uses their time to try and help,,, remarkable people all of you. I can't talk about our grand kids because I well up, mine should be here with me!
I taught my grandson all the times tables by the time he was 5,,,, he's now 10 and still top of the class in math,, I hope you approve.
I went to buy an iPad, sales assistant starts going through it with me,, I said, no point telling me,, tell him and pointed to my grandson,,, who duly took over and understood the lot.
I ring him if I'm stuck
Nothing to see here
6pm this evening having a beer on the beach.
Had a nice ride along the coast road for about 10 miles last night,,, 10pm and still 22degrees, nice.
It's to hot to ride the bike in the day as with leathers on so I'm just cruising to different beaches and relaxing so far.
The roads are still pretty busy during the day time so with the engine heat radiating all around me it's nice when I can get some speed up, saying that I'm super cautious in the bends, sand gets blown off the beaches and into the roads and I had a two wheel drift going on yesterday,,,, heart pounding moment,,, as it was happening all I cared about was smashing my fantastic fairing to pieces!
Then again today went over the brow of a hill and straight into a tight left hander,, to fast, stopped and had a right good chat with myself! We have tight curve markers in the uk, I've sussed it the French have a speed sign telling you what you should be doing,,, no warning of what's about to come at you mind.
I cruise along behind cars but every motor cyclist just white lines it everywhere,,,, it's not a problem but keep your eyes open for bikes coming straight at you,,,
It is slightly amusing seeing ferrari's etc pottering along in traffic so as I go by I give it a handfull just to annoy them,,, this bike is really loud.
I'd love to strap my phone to the front of the bike and film some of the road action but I can't be arsed and don't have a clue how I'd post them anyway.
Lovely vineyards along the road, rolling hills and really good road surfaces etc it's a smile a minute.
I can't help thinking how much fun I'd be having in the Tvr around here but that's for another time.
I will try and take pics but of what,, the bike? The beach? The sea? I ain't perving and taking shots of the girls. , they are rather beautiful though
Finally I think using the sat nav app on my iPhone is melting the battery,, it goes flat really fast
I keep wanting to ride into the hills but bottle it,,, all alone on tight twisty roads,,, it's not worth the risk.
Alun
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