Quote:
Originally Posted by backofbeyond
What did you think of the French meeting?
I tried to fit in at least a presence at the U.K. one but the timing was just too tight with the other stuff I had to do.
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Well, I can honestly say that it was a non-event for me. I had a flat tyre about 60km away so abandoned the idea of getting there for the Friday - I then spent the whole of the next day getting it sorted and the end result was I got it sorted but too late on the Saturday to get over there for the meeting - hence, for me, it was a non-event
So I failed badly - I was running very late when I was packing the bike to leave home and so when I couldn't find my tyre irons I didn't pack any of the tools needed to sort out the bike if I got a puncture - no tyre irons means I can't get to the tube to repair it. Same was true of the camp stove, I couldn't find that either, so no point taking the kettle etc.
Just to add to the fun I got another flat on the way to the ferry home on the Sunday - still no tools and had to get recovered (yes, I know, I copped out). I ended up back home 3 days late.
Lots of lessons learnt:
- Pack earlier than the day of travel
- Motorcycle shops in France are not open on a Monday
- Do not rely on your recovery insurance to sort out the technical issue on a motorbike, take it on yourself as you probably have a far better idea than the assistance people about motorcycle - they were good for the accommodation and the recovery elements though
- Make sure you have your kit ready to roll - so get it ready to grab easily - so when you are running late it doesn't cause issues
- Adventures take many forms - not necessarily the adventure that was planned
- Part of being on an adventure is to be patient
- I am much happier in my own skin than I was back in 1994
- The Dordogne has some lovely riding roads and needs to be revisited a number of times - plans now in place for June and September 2024
- Toll routes and highways really are as boring as I thought they would be
- Convert the tubed tyres to tubeless - the wheels have the safety bead so it is safe
- DFDS ferries give a 20% discount to people over 60 years old on the ferry fare and cabins if you phone up and book it - the discount is not available on line
- Consider using the Newhaven-Dieppe route instead of automatically going for Dover-Calais and use the last sailing of the day on the summer timetable as you land and have the whole day ahead of you
- My waterproofs aren't bad but torrential rain always makes its way in
- Being stuck in France without a bike is frustrating but it is still better than being at work
- I need to work out a list of excuses for being late back. See lesson 14.
EDIT
I have just seen your post and review of the French event - I will get there next year I hope. I was sorry to see that it wasn't just me that needed the recovery service, hopefully you are back on the road.
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You will have to do without pocket handkerchiefs, and a great many other things, before we reach our journey's end, Bilbo Baggins. You were born to the rolling hills and little rivers of the Shire, but home is now behind you. The world is ahead.
Last edited by Jay_Benson; 27 Sep 2023 at 13:53.
Reason: Added on the last paragraph
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