Anybody lived in or around Haarlem, Holland before?

[Tim in Belgium]

If so what is it like, any areas that are good to live in? Is it an expensive place?

Any biking roads near by?

Good night life/bars?

What's the nearest race track?

I've got an inkling I may be heading off there with work in the Autumn and just want to prepare myself. Somehow I think that the mountain biking is going to decrease in frequency...

[Tim in Belgium]

Well, it's confirmed I'm off to Haarlem, start date 1st October, with a little commuting over the North Sea before then.

The SV will soon be on the market, as will the scooby if anyone's interested.

I'm bracing myself for buying a bike and car at vastly exorbitant dutch prices, their second hand vehicle values are ridiculous!!

Plus point, I'll be nearer the Nurburgring and buying a year's pass :)

Minus point, I don't think there are many interesting roads around Haarlem, and the mountain biking will be going out the window :(

[rob13]

So you're finally off then Tim? How much are you thinking of selling the Scooby for? We will have to have a leaving do for you before you go.

Are you gonna get the 675 then? Why dont you just buy the bike over here and get Dutch plates on it over there?

[Tim in Belgium]

Import tax! Need to own a 2nd hand vehicle for 6mths, a new one for 12 mths before avoiding some horrific tax.

675 is likely, although could be GSXR 750, as there are more over there so cheaper, a little undecided, depends what turns up next spring when I've saved up my readies.

I'll let the 280bhp Scooby (with Bilstein suspension fitted as standard) go for about 2.5k.

I'll be having a farewell BBQ later on if any of the massive want to attend, and might have a last blast ride out on the SV.

[rob13]

Well next spring should be when I get my next bike so you can keep me informed.

Im having a right old job trying to shift the Mazda on at the moment so unless that goes i cant get anything else. How many MPG with a light foot in the Scooby?

Let me know when the BBQ is planned, ill be there. We shall have to sort out some kind of meet/rideout before the weather turns.

[Tim in Belgium]

26, 27 max, and that's light footed, or motorway cruising at 80-90.

Swift footed gives 23-25 (minimal treble figure speeds, sitting at 75 on country roads, 85 on dual carriage ways , relaxed overtaking).

Flooring it gives sub 20 (but this is treble figure speeds, out accelerating an SV above 85-90).

being 4wd you can floor it in winter and the damp making it super fun!

[rob13]

I really fancy something that can lug stuff around (Bike/Camping gear) but fear that 280bhp might be just a little too thirsty for my tastes Tim

[Tim in Belgium]

Only the brave take on 280 bhp ;)

It's an ideal sports/utility car, it does both, if you want something to do one or the other there are plenty of other options, but it's always fun to race a 911 with a mountain bike AND surf board in the boot ;)

[Dan]

I'll be having a farewell BBQ later on

Count on Mr + Mrs WRC being there.

[grh1904]

Import tax! Need to own a 2nd hand vehicle for 6mths, a new one for 12 mths before avoiding some horrific tax.


I'll be having a farewell BBQ later on if any of the massive want to attend, and might have a last blast ride out on the SV.

Is that Dutch import tax, just when I was stationed in Germany with the good ole RAF, peeps used to buy cars here and export them, meant you got your car VAT free.

I was done on new cars and some used (depending on age etc), but that was late 80's, early 90's.

Yes, where, when ??????

[wheelnut]

All the Dutch riders I know have ZZ top beards and Hardly Driveables or they use FJR1300's

[stewie]

How long you going for Tim ? is it going to be ''Tim in Holland'' from now on then? good luck with it mate, stick some dates up for your bbq, I would like to pop up if I can. Its pretty close to zandvoort as well iirc, track days sorted then :D

[Tim in Belgium]

Off for approx 18-24 mths in Haarlem, followed by another 24 mths in Rotterdam, then who knows? Getting a bit of a promotion and a free housing allowance, so I couldn't really say no. I'll also be able to use my favourite chat up line that worked a treat in Belgium, "Do you speak english?" :)

I'll stay as Tim in Belgium, was back in the UK, now in Holland! Will stick up some BBQ dates, may combine it with something else I've got planned. Will be mid to late September again.

As for Zandvoort, it's abotu 10 miles away which is handy ;) and the ring is only 250ish, so great for weekends. Plan to try doing Assen, Hockenheim, Spa, Zolder and the odd french one too.

[Tim in Belgium]

Well looks like I'm off to Rotterdam in the next two to three months as my project has been put on hold and I'm moving back to our production site.

Anyone got any advice, apart from the best thing about the place being the ferry to Hull!