Driving France
Discussion
I'm about to embark on a drive down through central France to Port Grimaud near St Tropez.
Route
Calais
Reims
Dijon
Lyon
Avignon
Port Grimaud
About 930 miles door to door!
Tolls, traffic, roadworks, I'm roughly aware of,
Has anyone done this route recently and has some good advice which may help my journey.
I forgot to add I'm doing it on a motorbike so navigating is going to be a test as I can't use a Sat Nav! Map and memory??
How long did it take and at what speeds etc.
I've allowed myself loads of time to get there.
traffic issues around Lyon and other major towns along the route would be good to be prepared for.
I'm sure this thread should be somewhere else but as we're all Chimaera drivers I thought we'd have similar driving sensibilities
Route
Calais
Reims
Dijon
Lyon
Avignon
Port Grimaud
About 930 miles door to door!
Tolls, traffic, roadworks, I'm roughly aware of,
Has anyone done this route recently and has some good advice which may help my journey.
I forgot to add I'm doing it on a motorbike so navigating is going to be a test as I can't use a Sat Nav! Map and memory??
How long did it take and at what speeds etc.
I've allowed myself loads of time to get there.
traffic issues around Lyon and other major towns along the route would be good to be prepared for.
I'm sure this thread should be somewhere else but as we're all Chimaera drivers I thought we'd have similar driving sensibilities
I've been trying to decide how far I can get south on the first day, Macon is a good target and roughly where I placed myself on the map I'll probably stop a bit earlier but that's good to know.
Oddly I have a clock on the bike but also decided a compass would be better, if I'm going south I'll get there sometime
So no compass so I'll use the position of the sun
I'll look over the roads you suggest and maybe take a detour. Thanks that's given me a boost!
Oh I'm going for 3 weeks in total including getting there and back......... On a Triumph Thruxton 900, which is low powered and lowish gearing, and full on drop bars fairing the lot. I'm mad but then you probably guessed that already.
It's a challenge. He who dares, fortune favours the brave,,, you only live once, adapt and overcome.
I've given myself nearly 3 days to get there, I'll be cruising with my feet on the engine covers most the way.
There's a holiday at the end of it but really it's about me and the bike and the journey.
I've just had a closer look at the map,,, most of it looks fairly straight forward and I've already written lists of A roads and major towns on route so I should pick my way through ok,,,, famous last words
Cheers Alun
I'll probably stop a bit earlier but that's good to know. Oddly I have a clock on the bike but also decided a compass would be better, if I'm going south I'll get there sometime
So no compass so I'll use the position of the sun
I'll look over the roads you suggest and maybe take a detour. Thanks that's given me a boost!
Oh I'm going for 3 weeks in total including getting there and back......... On a Triumph Thruxton 900, which is low powered and lowish gearing, and full on drop bars fairing the lot. I'm mad but then you probably guessed that already.
It's a challenge. He who dares, fortune favours the brave,,, you only live once, adapt and overcome.
I've given myself nearly 3 days to get there, I'll be cruising with my feet on the engine covers most the way.
There's a holiday at the end of it but really it's about me and the bike and the journey.
I've just had a closer look at the map,,, most of it looks fairly straight forward and I've already written lists of A roads and major towns on route so I should pick my way through ok,,,, famous last words
Cheers Alun
Thanks lads, my preferred option would be to get on with it for the first day then take plenty of time the rest of the journey.
Thanks for the offer Peter,,, I'm leaving tomorrow so I haven't got time to get a charging system fitted for the sat Nav!
I've got my iPhone which I'm hoping to use only to get my location if I get lost?
As 200m says, I'll just write out my route and keep to it until I feel close enough to my destination then maybe start exploring.
The time stopping for fuel and map checking is going to slow me down but I'm not in a hurry anyway.
Thanks for the tip re Troyes, I'll see how I go.
Thanks for the offer Peter,,, I'm leaving tomorrow so I haven't got time to get a charging system fitted for the sat Nav!
I've got my iPhone which I'm hoping to use only to get my location if I get lost?
As 200m says, I'll just write out my route and keep to it until I feel close enough to my destination then maybe start exploring.
The time stopping for fuel and map checking is going to slow me down but I'm not in a hurry anyway.
Thanks for the tip re Troyes, I'll see how I go.
I've got to go to my local bike shop anyway, I might pick one up. Cheers for the offer mate.
I'm taking the midnight crossing so I can do some of northern France before rush hour Friday morning,,rest, then go again etc. I need one of those mounts really, my only concern is navigating blind.
I'm taking the midnight crossing so I can do some of northern France before rush hour Friday morning,,rest, then go again etc. I need one of those mounts really, my only concern is navigating blind.
I think this was a wise move! Simple Velcro straps around fork yolks and a waterproof cover.
I've got a bulb kit, two breatherlisers test kits, tools, torch, two pin plug point, waterproofs and hi viz strips,, it's an endless list, all in a bag strapped to the seat, I'll look a bit pykie but I want minimal wind resistance.
I'll have room for T shirts and jeans only at this rate
Yes Peter, it comes off again easy enough £29
With that on the bike I feel more confident.
200M black and white
I also got a tyre valve extension for the rear as you can't get a pump on the end of it because of the sprocket and small wheel, cable ties are in my tool wrap, gaffa tape,,, I've just added that, cheers.
I've been worried about the ride,,, I'm now starting to look forward to it.
My mindset is clear, steady Eddie, I'm not in a race so I'm going to soak it all in and take things with a calm attitude.
Everyone I've spoken too has shook my hand and said goodluck as if they ain't seeing me again..
It's a massive task really but as long as the bike runs well I'll be happy.
With that on the bike I feel more confident.
200M black and white
I also got a tyre valve extension for the rear as you can't get a pump on the end of it because of the sprocket and small wheel, cable ties are in my tool wrap, gaffa tape,,, I've just added that, cheers.
I've been worried about the ride,,, I'm now starting to look forward to it.
My mindset is clear, steady Eddie, I'm not in a race so I'm going to soak it all in and take things with a calm attitude.
Everyone I've spoken too has shook my hand and said goodluck as if they ain't seeing me again..
It's a massive task really but as long as the bike runs well I'll be happy.
I'm about ready, even stripped down my bags to big but I'll have to live with it.
I just want to get going now!
What an adventure, I can't see me doing this again soon so as you say Peter, I'm going to enjoy doing what I like when I like for once and go where the wind takes me.
I'll test ride the bike with all the kit on it, make sure nothing moves before I set off.
Thanks for the advice 200M,,, really given me a feel for the ride so I really appreciate it.
Alun
You can just see the spare key tied. Under the right hand side panel, just in case I loose my key!
I just want to get going now!
What an adventure, I can't see me doing this again soon so as you say Peter, I'm going to enjoy doing what I like when I like for once and go where the wind takes me.
I'll test ride the bike with all the kit on it, make sure nothing moves before I set off.
Thanks for the advice 200M,,, really given me a feel for the ride so I really appreciate it.
Alun
You can just see the spare key tied. Under the right hand side panel, just in case I loose my key!
Edited by ClassiChimi on Wednesday 2nd September 22:48
I rode some mad motorbikes as a youngster, got into cars and carts and didn't really ride many bikes for at least two decades.
Considering I only got my full bike licence three weeks ago this might seem crazy to some but I've been aware from a bikes point of view for a long long time. I've covered hundreds of thousands of miles over the years, this is a huge undertaking but I did ride on the roads a lot as a youngster, rode a trail bike with motor cross tyres to Wales (in the rain all the bloody way) when I was 18 and trailed many times. Even learnt to ride a 500cc Grasstrack bike in my teens and raced for three seasons.
Non of that prepared me for this but I hope I'm wise enough to stay out of trouble and second guess every driver on the road!
Alun
Considering I only got my full bike licence three weeks ago this might seem crazy to some but I've been aware from a bikes point of view for a long long time. I've covered hundreds of thousands of miles over the years, this is a huge undertaking but I did ride on the roads a lot as a youngster, rode a trail bike with motor cross tyres to Wales (in the rain all the bloody way) when I was 18 and trailed many times. Even learnt to ride a 500cc Grasstrack bike in my teens and raced for three seasons.
Non of that prepared me for this but I hope I'm wise enough to stay out of trouble and second guess every driver on the road!
Alun
A picture of my trusty steed Graham pee shooter pipes roar louder than my Tvr, re jetted carbs, two teeth bigger front drive sprocket ( higher top end speed) custom Avon Fairing and clock arrangement. Norman Y
Hyde bar ends etc etc.
air cooled so I put an oil temp gauge where the oil filler bung goes and so I have some idea how hot the oil is.
Bikes fully serviced so here I go
I've packed some polish
I've also had to remove rear tail section for my bag to sit on,
Alun
pee shooter pipes roar louder than my Tvr, re jetted carbs, two teeth bigger front drive sprocket ( higher top end speed) custom Avon Fairing and clock arrangement. Norman YHyde bar ends etc etc.
air cooled so I put an oil temp gauge where the oil filler bung goes and so I have some idea how hot the oil is.
Bikes fully serviced so here I go
I've packed some polish
I've also had to remove rear tail section for my bag to sit on,
Alun
Edited by ClassiChimi on Wednesday 2nd September 23:51
Cheers Oldred, she's a beauty and I'm very proud of her.
Just sitting drinking my last coffee at home, looking at the bike,,,
Nervous, excited, stomach churning, and it's raining.
Wish be a Bon voyage.
TTFN
Fully loaded and ready to go, that bag is heavier than it looks, I've upped the dampers,
I have one riding position,,,and that's uncomfortable
This is actually a test of my ageing stamina as much as anything.
s
tting myself but can't wait at the same time.
Just waiting for my son to arrive to see me off,,,,
You can't see but I have straps going across the the bag to stop it slipping.
I'll need to keep my eye on it!
I'm going to smile as I pass French towns with my exhausts omitting a very English noise,
Best of British to you,,, so where's my passport AGAIN
Just sitting drinking my last coffee at home, looking at the bike,,,
Nervous, excited, stomach churning, and it's raining.
Wish be a Bon voyage.
TTFN
Fully loaded and ready to go, that bag is heavier than it looks, I've upped the dampers,
I have one riding position,,,and that's uncomfortable
This is actually a test of my ageing stamina as much as anything.
s
tting myself but can't wait at the same time. Just waiting for my son to arrive to see me off,,,,
You can't see but I have straps going across the the bag to stop it slipping.
I'll need to keep my eye on it!
I'm going to smile as I pass French towns with my exhausts omitting a very English noise,
Best of British to you,,, so where's my passport AGAIN
Edited by ClassiChimi on Thursday 3rd September 15:53
Chaps, thank you indeed. Will do Graham, will do Peter.
Yes Anthony (dad ) it's all in order,,,,I think
Suns come out to give me a confidence booster.
I've got enough pills to last me a month,,, I suffer with back and left shoulder injuries so yes my right arm takes some stick.
5.45 pm I'll leave so I better say goodbye for now.
Yes Anthony (dad ) it's all in order,,,,I think
Suns come out to give me a confidence booster.
I've got enough pills to last me a month,,, I suffer with back and left shoulder injuries so yes my right arm takes some stick.
5.45 pm I'll leave so I better say goodbye for now.
602 miles and I Made Macon. Bike ran faultlessly and I actually stopped loads of times, this morning it was freezing!
Arrived here about 4.30pm, traffic was light and I managed about 80 mph most the way.
The French love my bike, one guy pulled along side me at 80 mph, I looked over and he's taking pics of the bike.
Followed me until I stopped then we had a really cool chat.
The roads are really good, smooth, fast. You'd have to be some berk to get lost, my bikes filthy due to it raining last night on the M20, bd!
I could easily get there tomorrow so I might take a detour but something tells me to just get there first.
I've not collected any fuel receipts but the bike seems good on fuel virtue of the fairing,,, thank god I have it, sit up and I'm buffeted around, get down and it all goes quiet and instantly I gain 10mph on the same throttle setting.
The bike is the star, I just ride it.
No pics as my phone us permanantly flat,,, I'm just at the side of the A6 to Lyon so not much to see.
I feel good, the bikes flying, I'm upto 95 here and there without trauma,,, it just goes roaring on.
The French are very friendly, they openly admire the bike, it's a breath of fresh air.
Oh and the suns come out at last.
My only issue was being very very cold and having to stop to warm up again, 3 times, spoke with another rider and he agreed! By 1pm it was ok and I cracked on then.
I might leave it until 9ish tomorrow morning,, depends on the sun
Arrived here about 4.30pm, traffic was light and I managed about 80 mph most the way.
The French love my bike, one guy pulled along side me at 80 mph, I looked over and he's taking pics of the bike.
Followed me until I stopped then we had a really cool chat.
The roads are really good, smooth, fast. You'd have to be some berk to get lost, my bikes filthy due to it raining last night on the M20, b
d! I could easily get there tomorrow so I might take a detour but something tells me to just get there first.
I've not collected any fuel receipts but the bike seems good on fuel virtue of the fairing,,, thank god I have it, sit up and I'm buffeted around, get down and it all goes quiet and instantly I gain 10mph on the same throttle setting.
The bike is the star, I just ride it.
No pics as my phone us permanantly flat,,, I'm just at the side of the A6 to Lyon so not much to see.
I feel good, the bikes flying, I'm upto 95 here and there without trauma,,, it just goes roaring on.
The French are very friendly, they openly admire the bike, it's a breath of fresh air.
Oh and the suns come out at last.
My only issue was being very very cold and having to stop to warm up again, 3 times, spoke with another rider and he agreed! By 1pm it was ok and I cracked on then.
I might leave it until 9ish tomorrow morning,, depends on the sun
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 fking 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!
Gassing Station | Chimaera | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff