Le Carnage weekend to Normandy

[Bluefish]

yeah you can get quite cold with the massive airbeds, women's fault, oh i can't lie on that 1/4 inch thick bit of rubber, jeeze it's camping not a five star hotel :D

[-Ralph-]

I'm being a wuss and going for the basecamp large model, which is 66cm wide and 2 inches thick. I have a double self inflating mat that's only 1 inch and was a cheap brand, and I sleep OK on that, but it gives a sore ribcage or a sore hip and you have to wake and turn a few times each night.

I've been struggling to get to sleep on airbeds the last few times I've been on one, and I think the instability of it is contributing to that, so even if it's not quite as kind to the bones as an airbed, I think I'll sleep better on something solid. Wear your earplugs at night boys, I'm hoping you'll need them! ;-)

[Specialone]

Right, I'm getting a brew on then I'm gonna attack the list, first job, sort bike.

Wash, wax, check and oil chain, check oil etc.

Hope it stays dry for a bit :)

[Specialone]

FFS, it's just starting pee'ing down :(

[rusty76]

FFS, it's just starting pee'ing down :(

Lovely and sunny here Phil

Oh, and did I tell you about my side pod?

[-Ralph-]

Yep lovely and sunny in the east! Cleaned mine yesterday, mainly because it had been sitting in the garage dirty since the rideout on the 7th. Fully expecting rain on Thursday, so the bikes will probably be dirty again before we reach Portsmouth!! I wouldnt go carnuba wax mad on it Phil!

We are off to Milton Keynes shopping now, including buying my thermarest plus some other bits a pieces, then I'll be loading the bike with luggage and completing the check list this evening.

[Nick_69]

New tired just fitted now time to tick off the check list and make sure everything fits on the bike lol

[Specialone]

Yeah sunny here now too, it's getting a rotary polish and wax col, too many swirl marks in the paint, it's annoying me :(

Anyway hasn't been waxed in ages and most of the dirt still just washed off with the hose, it's what good wax does :)

I just had to get White spirits on my back wheel as it was covered in sticky gunk off the chain.

Oh well, back to it.

[MisterTommyH]

I still haven't decided on textiles / leathers / kevlar or some combination....


Andy my prep isn't going well.... the feeling of panic hasn't set in yet.

[rusty76]

I tried to start some preperations earlier but could'nt raise the enthusiasm

I'm goin to the pub

[christian1000]

Ive got as far as putting the tent/sleeping bag etc in the top box, was just on my way outside to check the bike over and the rain started...so now I'm on the sofa with a beer watching F1 highlights haha

[Specialone]

Well i didnt get much done apart from waxing the bike, an old mate of mine who i havent seen for over 10 years came round and he's only just left :)

[danf1234]

Hold the fort! I think I maybe able to make this. Just need to run my childcare arangement past the powers that be and hopefully I will be there. I have even just bought 2 breath testing devices from the net that are complient with French law for 4.99 delivered. I kind of figured I probably will need 2!

[Specialone]

Hold the fort! I think I maybe able to make this. Just need to run my childcare arangement past the powers that be and hopefully I will be there. I have even just bought 2 breath testing devices from the net that are complient with French law for 4.99 delivered. I kind of figured I probably will need 2!

Er nope, it don't come into effect until July 1st I think.

[Dave20046]

Got off work early, managed a quick ride after picking up the bike.
Chain and sprockets fitted & adjusted (been ages since I fitted one, properly paranoid about the soft link :razz:)
New topbox fitted
clutch adjusted
Rear brake sorted
fairing fitted
Crashbung broke

Just got to sort my crashbung/pack and consider travel insurance and I'm ready.

Er nope, it don't come into effect until July 1st I think.

hmm they're advisable anyway.
The Mcbreakfast hurl or keepdown test isn't an exact science :lol:


Great news Dan! (tbc)

[Specialone]

I certainly won't be drinking enough to doubt whether I'm over the limit in the morning that's for sure, been there, don't wanna be there again :(

[Dave20046]

I don't think I'll be drinking at all, my brain's still not adjusted to motorbike acceleration and corners are a fecking nightmare...I've actually forgotten how to ride a bike. Gonna be taking it very easy and keeping within my comfort zone.


Not sure my 'EHIC' will arrive in time either

[Specialone]

I'll be slower than normal anyway with Clair on the back, keep me company at the back lol

[Dave20046]

Will do, top box massiv 8)

[-Ralph-]

In good shape boys...

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd82/colinbal4/Daytona/P1070920.jpg

One pannier clothes, other pannier camping equipment, tail pack on rack for sleeping bag, tent will go on pillion in front of the thermarest, tank bag personal stuff, valuables and paperwork.

Tent is hanging drying after a blast with Nixwax. Call me a pessimist but I've Nixwaxed my textile jacket and gloves too given how wet it's been lately.

[christian1000]

I hope that thermarest bag is waterproof, or you could yet have a soggy nights sleep

[-Ralph-]

I hope that thermarest bag is waterproof, or you could yet have a soggy nights sleep

It won't be in that bag that's the brand new packaging, it'll be in it's stuff sack, in a bin liner. It's on the floor now with the valve open, trying to get it to expand for the first time.

[christian1000]

Ah a good plan sir. Mines folded in half rolled up in my topbox, think it might not self inflate by the time we get there.

[metalhead19]

Just wondering if a lively bonjour fartface upon arrival might have me searching for an alternate campsite

Remember, its the challenge for at least once each day ;)

[metalhead19]

In good shape boys...

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd82/colinbal4/Daytona/P1070920.jpg

One pannier clothes, other pannier camping equipment, tail pack on rack for sleeping bag, tent will go on pillion in front of the thermarest, tank bag personal stuff, valuables and paperwork.

Tent is hanging drying after a blast with Nixwax. Call me a pessimist but I've Nixwaxed my textile jacket and gloves too given how wet it's been lately.

Why do i now feel very unprepared :rolleyes:

But at least i rang the ferry company to change my bike details...only to be told that i tell them when i arrive :confused:

[danf1234]

After a frantic 24 hours of calling in favours, begging and arranging childcare. I have got the green light to go!

Its official I'm coming!:D

I will be at Phils house at 15:15 ish, so will see everyone there.

Talking about being unprepared. I have done nothing. Nowt. My panniers are still packed from when I went to France in September. A few late nights this week once the kids are in bed. Up until 15 mins ago I wasn't even sure I could go.

CARNAGE THE RETURN!

[Dave20046]

Challenge accepted
Why do i now feel very unprepared :rolleyes:

But at least i rang the ferry company to change my bike details...only to be told that i tell them when i arrive :confused:
I know, my undies haven't even left the drawer, let alone hooking them over the mirror.



...I'm now less optimistic everything will fit in my 'massive' top box. May have to sport the rucksack gaffa taped to the top of the topbox look yet again.

[MisterTommyH]

Question for those with Hard Luggage - do you still waterproof everything inside with black bags or do you trust the seals?

Dave, If you want to borrow some 1st time panniers I could try and drop them up at Phils sometime - that way you could transfer stuff from your gaffa taped rucksack before I get there from work.

[Specialone]

Just been to hein gericke and got Clair some waterproofs so we are pretty much done.

Clair is doing chilli, jacket potatoes, boiled rice, hotdogs, beans (and cheese for potatoes etc)

If anybody who's coming to mine doesn't like the above, let us know and we'll sort you something else out.

[Specialone]

Touch wood, nothing has got wet in my panniers yet and I've been through some heavy downpours.

[danf1234]

Tom,

You have exactly the same panniers as me, and mine have never leaked once, and that was riding in some pretty s1tty weather in Somerset and France last year. Not a drop!

Granted I use the Givi liner bags, but that is just to keep everything safe and means I don't have to unclip the pannier boxes!

[Dave20046]

Question for those with Hard Luggage - do you still waterproof everything inside with black bags or do you trust the seals?

Dave, If you want to borrow some 1st time panniers I could try and drop them up at Phils sometime - that way you could transfer stuff from your gaffa taped rucksack before I get there from work.

I used to with my little cheap one that was on the back then found it was actually really waterproof. The bigger one I bought is the same brand so I ain't going to bother.

I'm not sure it'd mix too well with the high level exhaust tommy, but cheers for the offer mate.
I've got a tankbag somewhere, I'll see what I can squeeze in between the two.

[Dave20046]

Clair is doing chilli, jacket potatoes, boiled rice, hotdogs, beans (and cheese for potatoes etc)


Way too kind
(that is NOT a complaint!)


:smt106

[Geodude]

After a frantic 24 hours of calling in favours, begging and arranging childcare. I have got the green light to go!

Its official I'm coming!:D

I will be at Phils house at 15:15 ish, so will see everyone there.

Talking about being unprepared. I have done nothing. Nowt. My panniers are still packed from when I went to France in September. A few late nights this week once the kids are in bed. Up until 15 mins ago I wasn't even sure I could go.

CARNAGE THE RETURN!

Sorry for derail but i was well pleased to read the above :D Have a good one.

[F4LL3N]

Right!! Indicator put back, new chain and sprockets fitted (somehow was nackered) and now just need to pack! =D

[Specialone]

As there is two of us, ive just tried fitting a few things in the panniers, we've got a problem with our airbed, its too big.

Im gonna have to buy a cheaper/ smaller one from go outdoors in the week.

At worst i may have to get one of you guys to carry my kettle/mess tins for us.

[danf1234]

As there is two of us, ive just tried fitting a few things in the panniers, we've got a problem with our airbed, its too big.

Im gonna have to buy a cheaper/ smaller one from go outdoors in the week.

At worst i may have to get one of you guys to carry my kettle/mess tins for us.

I should have plenty of room this time, so I should be able to if you are struggling!

[metalhead19]

Actually really excited for this now, yet really nervous that I've forgotten something really important that i need to buy/sort out.

[metalhead19]

As there is two of us, ive just tried fitting a few things in the panniers, we've got a problem with our airbed, its too big.

Im gonna have to buy a cheaper/ smaller one from go outdoors in the week.

At worst i may have to get one of you guys to carry my kettle/mess tins for us.

Im sure i can find some space amongst my luggage if need be.

[Specialone]

Cheers guys

[Nick_69]

Who here will be using or taking a baffle with them. As I don't want to use it or take it unless totally necessary

[Dave20046]

Pardon?

[danf1234]

eh?

[metalhead19]

Pardon?

Parle vous Anglais? I mean.....What he said

Who here will be using or taking a baffle with them. As I don't want to use it or take it unless totally necessary

I didnt think your little tube exhaust thing had a baffle?!

[Nick_69]

Parle vous Anglais? I mean.....What he said



I didnt think your little tube exhaust thing had a baffle?!

I was properly going to use the yoshi one. All depend if the panniers clear it. But if I use the gp one we will all be deaf by the end of the weekend.

[Specialone]

Who here will be using or taking a baffle with them. As I don't want to use it or take it unless totally necessary

est ce gars-là pour de vrai, fou

[metalhead19]

Pardon?

est ce gars-là pour de vrai, fou

Translated as: "Shut your face, what is this baffle you speak of"?
No? Ok.

[metalhead19]

I was properly going to use the yoshi one. All depend if the panniers clear it. But if I use the gp one we will all be deaf by the end of the weekend.

Hmmm at least the traffic will hear you coming. And im sure the Yoshi will clear your paniers, they normally do unless your Dave, the only person to fit a high level can...... ;)

I do want to hear this new small piece of pipe you call an exhaust though!

[Nick_69]

Hmmm at least the traffic will hear you coming. And im sure the Yoshi will clear your paniers, they normally do unless your Dave, the only person to fit a high level can...... ;)

I do want to hear this new small piece of pipe you call an exhaust though!

It does just clear it by an inch or two. Think I will put the stubby on anyway attest that way everyone will know where I am lol

[danf1234]

How about, wheres the beer shop and the local pizza delivery place? si vous plait MATE

[metalhead19]

It does just clear it by an inch or two. Think I will put the stubby on anyway attest that way everyone will know where I am lol

Mate, if its as loud as you say it is, im sure most of France will know where you are!

[Specialone]

I hope it's not too loud it gets us unwanted attention, mines loud enough :)

[ravingdavis]

I hope it's not too loud it gets us unwanted attention, mines loud enough :)

Yours was music to my ears. I could only just hear it over the sound of my own brilliance though.

[metalhead19]

Hmm im sure it cant be that loud.....anyway Phil i still maintain that your bike is not loud.

Yours was music to my ears. I could only just hear it over the sound of my own brilliance though.

We're on about bike exhausts not egos :p

[Specialone]

Hmm im sure it cant be that loud.....anyway Phil i still maintain that your bike is not loud.

It is when it drones ;)



We're on about bike exhausts not egos :p

Lol, touché :)

[-Ralph-]

After a frantic 24 hours of calling in favours, begging and arranging childcare. I have got the green light to go!

Its official I'm coming!:D

I will be at Phils house at 15:15 ish, so will see everyone there.

Talking about being unprepared. I have done nothing. Nowt. My panniers are still packed from when I went to France in September. A few late nights this week once the kids are in bed. Up until 15 mins ago I wasn't even sure I could go.

CARNAGE THE RETURN!

:smt041\\:D/:rave:

Challenge accepted

I know, my undies haven't even left the drawer, let alone hooking them over the mirror

LOL! That's my neck tube.

Phil i still maintain that your bike is not loud

Phil's bike isn't loud! My stubbied SV was loud, or my XT without the baffle is loud.

Unless it sets off car alarms as you ride past parked cars, it isn't loud.

[Specialone]

No in fairness my cans have quietened down since I fitted them, still can get on your nerves on mways though.

[Dave20046]

I ****ing hate my bike
[/greasyhands]

Will explain in Phrance.

[christian1000]

I ****ing hate my bike
[/greasyhands]

Will explain in Phrance.

Sounds promising..........

was debating whether or not to put my baffle in or not, the constant drone could get on my tits on all those motorway miles.

[ravingdavis]

Well the weather forecast keeps getting worse. What is gong on, he weather has been depressingly **** since they brought in the hosepipe ban.

Bring waterproofs, multiple sets I reckon.

[-Ralph-]

That's it I'm ready folks!!

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd82/colinbal4/Daytona/P1070923.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd82/colinbal4/Daytona/P1070925.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd82/colinbal4/Daytona/P1070926.jpg

Of course not forgetting...

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd82/colinbal4/Daytona/P1070927.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd82/colinbal4/Daytona/P1070928.jpg

[Specialone]

Only positive thinking will improve the weather outlook.

[ravingdavis]

Only positive thinking will improve the weather outlook.

Positive thinking is for the weak. Bring the rain.

[Dave20046]

Positive thinking is for the weak. Bring the rain.

**** you!:smurf:
Scrabbling about in the rain make my shoddy luggage solutions 100x more frustrating! Got carried away with the spanners but half packed and I reckon a topbox and tankbag might be doable for this expedition

[christian1000]

Positive thinking is for the weak. Bring the rain.

Lets see if that spirit continues when your sat in a leaky tent for 4 days.

[ravingdavis]

Lets see if that spirit continues when your sat in a leaky tent for 4 days.

Were you there for the last carnage? We pretty much spend the weekend in the rain anyway, I'm cool with it.

[christian1000]

Nay I was not. I am as it were a carnage virgin..be gentle with me.

Don't get me wrong I can cope with the rain and it shouldn't spoil the trip, but I would much prefer pleasant sunshine :D

[Specialone]

Nay I was not. I am as it were a carnage virgin..be gentle with me.

Don't get me wrong I can cope with the rain and it shouldn't spoil the trip, but I would much prefer pleasant sunshine :D

Me too, rain sucks :(

[Speedy Claire]

I`m hoping with all my heart that the weather is perfect.... lots of positive thoughts being sent your way. I truly wish I could make it but Dave would struggle to do that mileage at the min as it`s looking more and more like he`ll have to have the metal plate taken out of his wrist and i`m pretty pre occupied with my lovely brother still being in hospital. However you`ll all have a fantastic time and safe riding everyone. Clair i`m sorry I couldn`t make it hunny but you`ll be well looked after and you can having a nice relaxing troll free time :D :smt026

[ravingdavis]

Nay I was not. I am as it were a carnage virgin..be gentle with me.

Don't get me wrong I can cope with the rain and it shouldn't spoil the trip, but I would much prefer pleasant sunshine :D

Don't worry, weather aside you will have a great time. As for Phil being gentle.... good luck with that

I`m hoping with all my heart that the weather is perfect.... lots of positive thoughts being sent your way. I truly wish I could make it but Dave would struggle to do that mileage at the min as it`s looking more and more like he`ll have to have the metal plate taken out of his wrist and i`m pretty pre occupied with my lovely brother still being in hospital. However you`ll all have a fantastic time and safe riding everyone. Clair i`m sorry I couldn`t make it hunny but you`ll be well looked after and you can having a nice relaxing troll free time :D :smt026

Good luck to both of those chaps and don't worry for a second about Clair - she will be well looked after :)

[Speedy Claire]

Good luck to both of those chaps and don't worry for a second about Clair - she will be well looked after :)


Big thanks hunny and I`m sure I`ll catch up with you at some point this year :D I`m sure Clair will be fine and will hold her own.... just remember who she lives with and if she can put up with him :smt042

PS: only kidding Phil x

[MisterTommyH]

Erm..... It is the Monday night that we get back isn't it? (!) :-s

[Specialone]

RTFDT :rolleyes:

[MisterTommyH]

Cheers Phil :thumbsup:

[-Ralph-]

Weather will be fine, just the same as it is now, a sandpaper weekend (wet and dry). It's just April showers!

[rusty76]

Erm..... It is the Monday night that we get back isn't it? (!) :-s

Balls, ive just realised we'll miss the Manchester derby (8pm KO). I'm definitely a fan of neither but I would like to see that game.

[Nick_69]

Balls, ive just realised we'll miss the Manchester derby (8pm KO). I'm definitely a fan of neither but I would like to see that game.

I was hoping the game might be shown on the ferry.

[Owenski]

Wow nearly 100 pages and Ive only just spotted this, I couldnt go regardless but odd that I've only seen it now.
Hope you all have a wicked trip, enjoy :)

[Dave20046]

DOn't suppose any of you triumph chaps have any spare brakes knocking about or an old bandit in the shed?

[danf1234]

Problems Dave?

[Specialone]

I was hoping the game might be shown on the ferry.

Nope, will be over by the time we board.

[Dave20046]

Minor

[ravingdavis]

Woohoo, my new tent arrived at work today. I shall take it home and set it up tonight to make sure everything is there. Getting excited about this now.

[danf1234]

Bike is all washed and waxed with Zymol carbon wax.

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u305/danf1234/SDC11629.jpg

What I don't get is why I am taking the same amount for 3 days as I did for 10????

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u305/danf1234/SDC11628.jpg

[Specialone]

Having 2 of us, even with cutting back on stuff, we are gonna be rammed I think :(

Gonna be like riding a big Harley with an 20 stone American on the back (I don't mean Clair either before anyone **** stirs;))

[metalhead19]

Having 2 of us, even with cutting back on stuff, we are gonna be rammed I think :(

Gonna be like riding a big Harley with an 20 stone American on the back (I don't mean Clair either before anyone **** stirs;))

Im sure there will be potential to strap stuff to the side of my bike if need be mate. (Although i am certain ive missed something....and im yet to try packing)

[-Ralph-]

Having 2 of us, even with cutting back on stuff, we are gonna be rammed I think :(

Gonna be like riding a big Harley with an 20 stone American on the back (I don't mean Clair either before anyone **** stirs;))

Was thinking about you loading my bike. No way I'd have managed two of us camping on the Daytona with soft luggage. Sandrine would have been following us there and back in the car, or we'd have been renting a van for the weekend to carry the bike.

[Specialone]

All being well I'm hoping to finish the bathroom job I'm doing ATM tomorrow lunchtime/ early afternoon and haven't booked anything now until next Wednesday :)

So I've got plenty of time to get my stuff sorted.

[Specialone]

Was thinking about you loading my bike. No way I'd have managed two of us camping on the Daytona with soft luggage. Sandrine would have been following us there and back in the car, or we'd have been renting a van for the weekend to carry the bike.

We've done bike camping trips before but we have kettle, mess tins etc this time and clairs got a thicker sleeping bag.

One way or t'other, we'll fit it in :)

[Specialone]

Btw, anyone coming to mine, try and make sure you have at least 50 odd miles of fuel, we can fill up at the m40 services and then again in portsmouth before getting on ferry.

There are 2 fuel stations close to mine but can be busy rush hour times, so if you do need fuel, get it first before coming to mine.

[danf1234]

Btw, anyone coming to mine, try and make sure you have at least 50 odd miles of fuel, we can fill up at the m40 services and then again in portsmouth before getting on ferry.

There are 2 fuel stations close to mine but can be busy rush hour times, so if you do need fuel, get it first before coming to mine.


That won't be a problem now I have got rid of that fookin TOR exhaust. Back up to 200 miles to tank.

[metalhead19]

Btw, anyone coming to mine, try and make sure you have at least 50 odd miles of fuel, we can fill up at the m40 services and then again in portsmouth before getting on ferry.

There are 2 fuel stations close to mine but can be busy rush hour times, so if you do need fuel, get it first before coming to mine.

Ok Cheers for the heads up. What time you want us to turn up? Or What time be we leaving yours?

[metalhead19]

Back up to 200 miles to tank.

The grip on the right can help sort that out ;)

[danf1234]

Phil,

I may have to retract that off of being able to take your stuff. The new Spada waterproof suit and the dragging jeans almost fill a pannier on their own cos they are so bulky!

[danf1234]

The grip on the right can help sort that out ;)


I dunno you young en's. Tear ar5eing everywhere you go lol! Pipe and slippers for me mate I have a Sprint now!

[Specialone]

Ok Cheers for the heads up. What time you want us to turn up? Or What time be we leaving yours?

Anytime you like, clairs getting food ready for around 4, hoping to leave around 5.30 ish.

[metalhead19]

I dunno you young en's. Tear ar5eing everywhere you go lol! Pipe and slippers for me mate I have a Sprint now!

You're just trying to fit in with the Sprint stereotype now! :p

[danf1234]

Its ever since I went to France with Phil, he changed me. FOREVER lol! Not in a ghey way btw lol

[Dave20046]

tit wanks

http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=177722

[metalhead19]

Not in a ghey way btw lol

The fact you even felt the need to clarify that says different!