Le Carnage weekend to Normandy

[Specialone]

LINKY (http://book.ldlines.co.uk/quote/booking/AFRYBook2.asp?A=A&SD=2143364214420111208225442) Motorcyle and 2 people

If just you and a bike then... (http://book.ldlines.co.uk/quote/booking/AFRYBook2.asp?A=A&SD=2143422614420111209002732)

Edited now !!

[MisterTommyH]

"A Problem has occurred"

Will keep trying. Take it thats the one to book then!

Edit: http://book.ldlines.co.uk/quote/booking/AFRYBook2.asp?A=A&SD=2501397814420111208233616 I think

[Supervox]

...it's a bank holiday weekend so will sell out quick I think.

Are you sure?

According to the Directgov website the Mayday BH is the following Monday - 7th May

[-Ralph-]

Linky's no worky.

Post up the exact ferries, times and dates mate, and each person can start the booking process from scratch.

[Specialone]

Are you sure?

According to the Directgov website the Mayday BH is the following Monday - 7th May

Oh good, I must've got it wrong, that's better then.


Right,

Exact times on ld lines, portsmouth to Le havre.

Thursday 26th April

11pm outwards (I think it's the only time tbh) arrive 8.am local

Return

Monday 30th April
Return crossing 5pm, arrive 9.30pm at portsmouth.

[-Ralph-]

OK, and we are definitely camping?

[ravingdavis]

done :)

[Specialone]

OK, and we are definitely camping?

Yes as long as everyone is in agreement.

Did your mrs see your earlier post Col? you've edited it lol

[MisterTommyH]

Now booked.

Any idea why it take two and half hours longer to get there than to come back?

[Specialone]

Me and wifey are now booked.

For those that havent this is what the search should look like...


http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx225/specialone0055/untitled.jpg

[danf1234]

Thats me booked as well

[-Ralph-]

Ferry booked, job jobbed!

Did your mrs see your earlier post Col? you've edited it lol

No she didn't see it, I asked if she was coming she said YES :shock:

She's always wanted to see the war memorials.

I asked if she'd put up with a 3 hour night time ride down to Portsmouth, and the same back, she said YES :shock:

I asked if she'd sleep on the floor of the ferry, she said YES :shock:

I asked if she'd camp for 3 days in a 3 man tent with no blow up bed and only one panniers worth of luggage, she said YES :shock:

So after I recovered from the shock :shock: I got on the internet and looked for luggage racks for the Daytona, 75 quid, tick. Then checked the ferry, only 22 quid extra, tick.

Then I phoned my mother, who hasn't been well lately, and may well be getting a heart operation around April time, and she was so unwell I didn't have the heart to ask her to keep my little boy. Came off the phone, talked it though with the wife, realised due to our work on the Thursday and Tuesday, he'd need to stay with her from Wednesday night through until the following Tuesday night and both decided my Mum wasn't well enough for that. Overnight or a weekend OK, but not running after him for a week. My sister would keep him over a weekend, but she has to work the Friday and Monday.

So the first time she's actually wanted to come, the wife is not coming :(

[Specialone]

That sucks mate :(

We won't need to leave until Thursday tea time mate so you could make a decision nearer the time.

[Specialone]

List of confirmed ferry bookers


1. Me -Booked
2. Danf1234 -Booked
3. Ralph- Booked
4. Eyeball Clair -Booked
5. Tommy H -Booked
6. Metalhead19
7. Luckypants
8. Speedy Claire
9. Much Speedier than Claire Dave
10. Supervox
11. Gid
12. Captain Anus the wavingrapist -Booked
13. Christian
14. Edski675

[-Ralph-]

That sucks mate :(

We won't need to leave until Thursday tea time mate so you could make a decision nearer the time.

Have to say I do feel a bit sh!t about it, I didn't think I'd bother because I never expected she'd come, but the prospect of her coming was real for an hour or two there.

As you say, if my Mum is feeling well enough nearer the time, and she still feels that she wants to do it, we can either update the booking, or book her on as a foot passenger and drive by the passenger terminal on the way in.

In 12 years time when my wee boy is 16 and old enough to wreck the house whilst his parents are away, I'll buy that Triumph Tiger 1200 with full luggage! ;)

[-Ralph-]

Any idea why it take two and half hours longer to get there than to come back?

No idea on that one. Initially I thought we might be on the Norman Arrow on the way back, but that only takes 3 1/2 hours or something like that

http://blog.industrysoftware.automation.siemens.com/files/2011/01/RevolutionDesign04.jpg

but the booking says Norman Spirit both ways

http://www.bonjourlafrance.com/france-ferry/ferry-companies/images/ld-lines-norman-spirit.jpg

[MisterTommyH]

I got on the internet and looked for luggage racks for the Daytona, 75 quid, tick. Then checked the ferry, only 22 quid extra, tick.



The extra £22 was for your wife right? Not for taking luggage? Right?

[-Ralph-]

The extra £22 was for your wife right? Not for taking luggage? Right?

Think so. Just tried the booking engine again and 1 motorbike, 2 adults = £77.50, I've paid £55 quid for myself and the bike.

I hope there no extra to pay for luggage!

[Specialone]

Mine and wifeys ticket with cc fee was £79.


I think I read it was a catamaran on the way back, they probably go a different route to get round tidal currents or some technical reason.

[-Ralph-]

I think I read it was a catamaran on the way back

That may have been a bum steer from me, sorry. I read the sailing times and made an assumption.

LD Lines, ferry on the way out, catamaran on the way back.

But if you look at your screenshot, it says Norman Spirit both ways.

http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx225/specialone0055/untitled.jpg

[Kilted Ginger]

was just pointed in the direction of this thread by a friend, if you dont mind a hairy smelly jock tagging along.... speak now or forever hold your peace.

[ravingdavis]

was just pointed in the direction of this thread by a friend, if you dont mind a hairy smelly jock tagging along.... speak now or forever hold your peace.

I Speak.






hides

[Specialone]

was just pointed in the direction of this thread by a friend, if you dont mind a hairy smelly jock tagging along.... speak now or forever hold your peace.

Get the list copied and pasted with your name on it mate :)

[Kilted Ginger]

mm, not booked yet. The tight scotsman in me is tempted to wait till someone drops out and buy their place at a reduced rate ;)

Need to check my diary and tour funds over the weekend, then make a final decision.

[Specialone]

You can still add your name to the attendance list even if you don't book the ferry yet ;)

I don't think the ferry tickets are transferable so no chance of a cheapie lol

[Kilted Ginger]

1. Specialone -Booked
2. Danf1234 -Booked
3. Ralph- Booked
4. Eyeball Clair -Booked
5. Tommy H -Booked
6. Metalhead19
7. Luckypants
8. Speedy Claire
9. Much Speedier than Claire Dave
10. Supervox
11. Gid
12. Captain Anus the wavingrapist -Booked
13. Christian
14. Edski675
15. Kilted Ginger

[-Ralph-]

Need to check my diary and tour funds over the weekend, then make a final decision.

Tour funds? £55 quid ferry and staying in a tent? Free dinner, bed and breakfast including booze on the way down? And we were just talking about a £600 bottle of Whisky?!

As for your diary, I'll hae a wee word wi' Hazey Broon and that'll be that!

Get it booked!

;) :mrgreen:

[-Ralph-]

Started looking at ideas

http://www.francethisway.com/tourism/normandyarticle2.php

We could have a bit of a get together in the new year to drink beer, I mean, plan routes & stuff (of course I think it's fair that Phil defines his 'must sees' first as it was his idea)

[Specialone]

Started looking at ideas

http://www.francethisway.com/tourism/normandyarticle2.php

We could have a bit of a get together in the new year to drink beer, I mean, plan routes & stuff (of course I think it's fair that Phil defines his 'must sees' first as it was his idea)

As Dan and Mike have been before, they will obviously know which ones to prioritise so we dont spend too much time on 'lesser' sites and miss the 'better' sites.

Im pretty easy going on this tbh, id like to visit...

The beaches obviously.
Point du hoc.
The Cemetaris at Omaha and British at Sword (i think).


In regards to camping, whats peoples thoughts on camping in one place centrally and doing more riding to sites? or change pitch every night?

[Specialone]

This Google maps (http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=h&hl=en&saddr=49.31099,-1.25664&daddr=49.16436,-0.56738+to:49.40536,-1.38639+to:49.23468,-0.22301+to:49.35749,-0.85285+to:49.02052,-0.63179+to:49.33959,-0.62484+to:49.33668,-0.46490+to:49.17636,-0.23025+to:49.46089,-1.30687+to:49.47952,-1.29558+to:49.27243,-0.71136+to:48.81490,0.07476+to:49.28369,-0.24815+to:49.19815,-0.38323+to:49.06015,-0.29119+to:48.81212,0.04420+to:49.20879,-0.65128+to:49.37669,-1.35385+to:49.33567,-0.45796+to:49.28602,-0.54059+to:49.19501,-0.57837+to:49.11342,-0.58192+to:48.89641,-0.19732+to:48.81273,0.09172&f=q&om=1) link is one from another forum but shows the most popular areas of interest.

If you download this zip file (http://ridersrest.eu/documents/dday.zip) it contains the above map and a word document explaining each POI.

Sorry if its has been posted before but i cant be bothered to read through the thread again.

[danf1234]

Wow I hope this ferry has loads of bike parking!

My preference is to camp centrally and visit the sites from the central base. I stayed at a camp site at Luc Sur Mer, which is right on Juno Beach, and everything was in easy day trip reach.

Places defo worth a look.

Omaha beach and American Cememtry
Pegasus Bridge and Airbourne Museum
Bayeaux British Cemetry and brilliant museum opposite
Point du hoc
Arromanches 360 museum
Merville Battery
Juno Beach Memorial
Utah Beach Memorial

Much more than that and will be struggling.

Remember there has to be lots of time for beer and pizza too!

[danf1234]

Thinking even more about it. Defo stay in one camp site and travel from it. It will be way to much of an ar5e taking everything down and setting up again. The actual length of coast with the beaches on isn't actually that big!

[Specialone]

I looked on google maps and from le havre to the furthest POI on that map i linked to is only about 130 miles so if we camp centrally, nothing is gonna be more than 100 miles away.

[danf1234]

I looked on google maps and from le havre to the furthest POI on that map i linked to is only about 130 miles so if we camp centrally, nothing is gonna be more than 100 miles away.


Couldn't agree more!

[Specialone]

Ok, Just had a quick gander, campsites around here (http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=campsites&hl=en&ll=49.353532,-0.794449&spn=0.093928,0.269508&sll=49.339888,-0.742264&sspn=0.093954,0.269508&near=Port-en-Bessin-Huppain,+France&geocode=CbML6ItxJ9F3Fejx8AIdH3_0_ymvrvM8PKoLSDGg4L xPSBQMBA&vpsrc=6&hq=campsites&t=m&fll=49.353532,-0.794449&fspn=0.093928,0.269508&z=12) should put us fairly central to the sites and close to the coast.

Link edited

[fizzwheel]

The Museum at Utah Beach is well worth a visit.

The American Cemetery at Omaha Beach was probably the most sobering experience of my entire life.

Its a bit Further away, but I really enjoyed the Pegasus Bridge Visitors centre as well.

There were loads of places that we just didnt get to when we went, I would pick selectively what I wanted to visit and maximise my time at each one rather than trying to rush around and fit loads of stuff in.

Whereever you go it's really interesting. IIRC theres a pass that you can buy at any of the museums that gets you discounted entry into the rest of them. Which can save a bit of money as well.

[-Ralph-]

Camping centrally no problem for me, saves me carrying soft luggage every day, no such thing as lockable panniers for my bike. What I would say though is French campsites can be thieving grounds. I guess the risk of leaving luggage on the bikes whilst parked up somewhere is no worse.

In terms of things to see, that link I posted say " The Caen Memorial is easily the best of the WWII museums"

[Specialone]

Camping centrally no problem for me, saves me carrying soft luggage every day, no such thing as lockable panniers for my bike. What I would say though is French campsites can be thieving grounds. I guess the risk of leaving luggage on the bikes whilst parked up somewhere is no worse.

In terms of things to see, that link I posted say " The Caen Memorial is easily the best of the WWII museums"

Mate, you can get racks to fit hard panniers or top box for any bike, might be worth an investment?
Dan fitted his givi stuff on to his sprint from his Sv, once youve bought them they are pretty much for life then.

[-Ralph-]

Mate, you can get racks to fit hard panniers or top box for any bike, might be worth an investment?
Dan fitted his givi stuff on to his sprint from his Sv, once youve bought them they are pretty much for life then.

Looked before mate, all I found was the Ventura system which is still soft luggage and costs a bomb, or a standard sports rack which you can then fit a universal top box to. I'll manage with soft panniers and a tank bag that I can take with me for camera, passport, wallet, etc. If they want to steal my dirty underpants and a couple of T'shirts and they are welcome to them.

If you come across hard luggage for a 2004 onward Daytona though, post up a link.

[ravingdavis]

I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to this. It's going to be an epic but very sobering weekend.

Thanks for organising this Phil.

[Specialone]

I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to this. It's going to be an epic but very sobering weekend.

Thanks for organising this Phil.

No worries mate :)

As I've said before, I've been trying to visit this area for over 10 years so I'm really looking forward to it also.

[-Ralph-]

Bought a charging mount for the TomTom Rider last night, 3 days camping I'd have no way of charging it. Finally need to get round to fitting that 12v socket for phone charging too.

[aliwakeskate]

I stayed at a place called "le trois rivieres" http://www.campingdes3rivieres.fr/en/index.php in the summer on the bike for 5 nights to do the WWII stuff. I found it very central to everything in Normandy and was located in the middle of the country side about 5 mins walk from the lovely local village with bakers, resturants, shops etc. Good clean facilities and decent pitches. Think it was about 10 euros a night - probably less when you guys are going. I'd definitly go back there again.

The roads around there were pretty decent as well with some nice open countryside. It was only a 15 minute ride (or 10 min hoon) from the massive Carefor supermarket as well, which was a bonus. Found myself going out for a few evening rides as it was so quiet on the roads there.

google maps - http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/place?cid=16081297761823543082&q=campsites&hl=en&cd=2&cad=src:ppiwlink&ei=m7fkTvSrDoPWjgefks2VBg&dtab=2No problems with security or thieving at all, as it is in the country side away from the 'tourists' and has a keycard barrier to get on the site. It's in the same village as a chateaux that was used as the generals headquarters after the invasion. Pretty friendly owners and I think you can email and book ahead.

[Specialone]

Cheers for that Al, ill keep that in mind, much rather use one off recommendations.:)

BTW, whats happening with the google maps link ^^^^^

[aliwakeskate]

Dunno about the links, I put it in there to show the location of the place - it's next to a town called cruelly anyway.

I ended up at that camp site as I wanted to stay somewhere away from all the summer holiday campers as all the sites near the beaches were pretty busy and they looked like a poor mans cleethorpes :smt009.

I ended up stumbling across that one I mentioned by chance and it was in the perfect location. Not to far from anywhere and in a nice rural location. Nice little village for supplies as well. Was only going to stay for 2 nights, but ended up staying 5 nights as there is so much to see.

As you know, there are camp sites everywhere in France, so you'll have no problem finding a nice little spot!

Don't know if you are interested but I managed to find the Easy Company (Band of Brothers) memorial near Brecort Manor that is not marked on any maps as it's quite new and there were no signs to it. I think I have it marked on my sat nav. It's about 5 miles east of from sainte mere eglise (well worth visiting aswell to see the parachutest hanging off the church spire) and even though it's just a little memorial it was worth visiting if you are passing. I'll try and dig out the location.

Wish I was coming with you all!

[Specialone]

Dunno about the links, I put it in there to show the location of the place - it's next to a town called cruelly anyway.

I ended up at that camp site as I wanted to stay somewhere away from all the summer holiday campers as all the sites near the beaches were pretty busy and they looked like a poor mans cleethorpes :smt009.

I ended up stumbling across that one I mentioned by chance and it was in the perfect location. Not to far from anywhere and in a nice rural location. Nice little village for supplies as well. Was only going to stay for 2 nights, but ended up staying 5 nights as there is so much to see.

As you know, there are camp sites everywhere in France, so you'll have no problem finding a nice little spot!

Don't know if you are interested but I managed to find the Easy Company (Band of Brothers) memorial near Brecort Manor that is not marked on any maps as it's quite new and there were no signs to it. I think I have it marked on my sat nav. It's about 5 miles east of from sainte mere eglise (well worth visiting aswell to see the parachutest hanging off the church spire) and even though it's just a little memorial it was worth visiting if you are passing. I'll try and dig out the location.

Wish I was coming with you all!

Yep id like to see that mate, we wish you was joining us too :(

We will defo do a couple of weekends though Al, we had a blast in somerset :cool:

[rusty76]

Sorry to be lazy and not read through the thread but what dates is this happening?

[Specialone]

Sorry to be lazy and not read through the thread but what dates is this happening?


Sorry rus, im lazy and cant be bothered to tell you ;)

[Kilted Ginger]

1. Specialone -Booked
2. Danf1234 -Booked
3. Ralph- Booked
4. Eyeball Clair -Booked
5. Tommy H -Booked
6. Metalhead19
7. Luckypants
8. Speedy Claire
9. Much Speedier than Claire Dave
10. Supervox
11. Gid
12. Captain Anus the wavingrapist -Booked
13. Christian
14. Edski675

[ravingdavis]

The boat sailing out on Thursday now appears to be full. I know my old man wants to come along on this trip so is it reasonable for me to suggest the Friday sailing instead for him and he can join us a day later?

[Specialone]

Yep unless he goes on another route, Caen? Calais and ride down ?

[Luckypants]

The boat sailing out on Thursday now appears to be full. <snip>

I've not booked yet either, I'm suffering from 'Me! Me! Me!' syndrome by saying I'll go on too many trips..... So as soon as I've sorted out the dates of the big trips in the next couple of weeks I'll book and arrange to come a day earlier / later or by a different route.

Sorry to be so disorganised. :(

[ravingdavis]

Yup OK, I'll have a chat with him tonight and work out what the best idea is. Will post here what his idea is so other people that have not booked yet can do the same.

[Specialone]

There is quite a few different options / routes so tis all good.

I didn't think the ferry would book up this quick tbh, glad I booked early now.

[Specialone]

Just checked the ld lines website, I don't think it is full, might have been a technical error when dave checked.

[ravingdavis]

Yeah my mistake, mine is showing as having space now. Ooops.

[-Ralph-]

Had to go down to Southampton this afternoon to see a family member in intensive care.

The positive bit and the reason I'm posting it in here, is that I went from Northampton over to Bicester, met my sister at Cherwell Valley Services on the M40, then down the A34 to Southampton past Oxford and Newbury. It's the route we will most probably take to get to Portsmouth, it didn't take long at all, and I think on the bikes it'll be a pretty easy run to the ferry on the Thursday night, and even finishing at 5:30 after work we shouldn't be badly pushed for time, except for Dan coming from York would need to get cracking a bit earlier perhaps.

Dan could meet me at Northampton having come 2 1/2 hours down the M1, then pick up Phil and Tommy at Cherwell Valley services half an hour later, then from there it's an easy run down to Portsmouth down the A34 (2 hrs max), where we'd catch up with Dave (unless he wants a slight detour down the M4 to meet us at Chieveley Services at Newbury).

[Specialone]

I've done the a34 down to portsmouth a couple of times, you're right, it doesnt take long at all.

At the time we'd go the traffic should've died down a bit.

[-Ralph-]

I've done the a34 down to portsmouth a couple of times, you're right, it doesnt take long at all.

I was dropping the speed by 20mph to go through the speed camera's, but I don't think any of us are steady eddies on a main dual carriageway.

[Specialone]

I was dropping the speed by 20mph to go through the speed camera's, but I don't think any of us are steady eddies on a main dual carriageway.

True but there won't be any 'go faster stripe gaining on my panniers' type of fast filtering going on, I'll have Clair on the back, she wouldnt enjoy that lol.

Like you say mate, we should have plenty of time so no need to rush too much.

[danf1234]

Had to go down to Southampton this afternoon to see a family member in intensive care.

The positive bit and the reason I'm posting it in here, is that I went from Northampton over to Bicester, met my sister at Cherwell Valley Services on the M40, then down the A34 to Southampton past Oxford and Newbury. It's the route we will most probably take to get to Portsmouth, it didn't take long at all, and I think on the bikes it'll be a pretty easy run to the ferry on the Thursday night, and even finishing at 5:30 after work we shouldn't be badly pushed for time, except for Dan coming from York would need to get cracking a bit earlier perhaps.

Dan could meet me at Northampton having come 2 1/2 hours down the M1, then pick up Phil and Tommy at Cherwell Valley services half an hour later, then from there it's an easy run down to Portsmouth down the A34 (2 hrs max), where we'd catch up with Dave (unless he wants a slight detour down the M4 to meet us at Chieveley Services at Newbury).

Just read this now! I am quite happy to do that Ralph, no problem at all!

[Specialone]

Just read this now! I am quite happy to do that Ralph, no problem at all!

More than welcome to use my gaff as a stop off point again dan, might even get Clair to put some grub on :)

[danf1234]

Right, looks like I might just take you up on that mate!

[-Ralph-]

Oh, that was just random ramblings really mate, 'we could do this', 'we could do that', etc. Not making any arrangements at this stage.

We might go via Birmingham anyway. Was chatting about this with my wife today and she still really wants to come, but it will depend on my mother's health and if she can look after my son.

If she is well enough for it, we'd want to try and minimise the amount of time she'd have to look after my son, so we would come over to Birmingham on the Thursday afternoon (my Mum lives 5 miles from Phil), drop him off leaving my car at my Mum's, then ride down with Phil and Clair. Ride back to Birmingham on the Monday night, pick up car and son, go home.

What sort of time you thinking you'd need to leave Brum Phil?

[Specialone]

I thought maybe 5.30-6pm, even allowing for traffic and a stop midway it can't take more than 3ish hours, ferry leaves at 11 I think so can rest down there with a coffee etc

Tbh, I'm easy on arrangements, as long as were not rushing like me and dan did on way to Dover I'm not bothered.

Btw, I'm ringing the ferry company to see if we can upgrade to a cabin, clairs worried about getting no sleep which is a fair point.

[Luckypants]

I'm waiting for confirmation of holidays from work before booking anything. :(

[Specialone]

Yeah mike hurry up, only 16 weeks today, not that I'm counting or anything ;)

[-Ralph-]

Let us know what the ferry company say about the cabin Phil.

[Littlepeahead]

I'm not sure if my foot will be up for riding my own bike, it's taking an age to get better. So I shall speak to Mavis over lunch tomorrow about it. See if he fancies taking a pillion in return for petrol money.

[-Ralph-]

I'm not sure if my foot will be up for riding my own bike, it's taking an age to get better. So I shall speak to Mavis over lunch tomorrow about it. See if he fancies taking a pillion in return for petrol money.

If my wife is coming, then I'll be buying a luggage rack, and obviously pillion seat will be taken.

If my wife is not coming then my tent, etc will be loaded on the pillion seat for the journey over there, but once unloaded and set up at the campsite I could take a turn in running you between the memorials if Dave wants a couple of days pillion free.

[christian1000]

I completely forgot I put my name down for this, whoops! Some people eh :rolleyes:

Still keen though if you'll have me. Will confirm days off work when I'm back in the new year and get the ferry booked.

[Specialone]

I completely forgot I put my name down for this, whoops! Some people eh :rolleyes:

Still keen though if you'll have me. Will confirm days off work when I'm back in the new year and get the ferry booked.

We hadn't forgot ;)

Get it booked, less than 16 weeks to go :)

[Specialone]

Right geezers, good news, its dead easy to change your booking for a cabin etc, bad news is there are only big ones left, ive had to have two single cabins for me and clair and they were the last two :(

Maybe some of you single guys could share the cost of a 4 berth? would work out cheap that way.

One a single ticket it works out at £99 for the 4 berth room.

[Specialone]

Ok you mofos, ive just amended mine over the phone as i realised a 4 berth room for me was hardly any difference to 2 single cabins in cost so there are now two single cabins free again.
If you want one, id book it asap.

[MisterTommyH]

http://daylife.sky.com/imageserve/03PY0JNa1v5Ef/568x.jpg

The Norman Spirit 'limping' into port today (taken from Sky News Website).

[-Ralph-]

May not be the Norman Spirit we are on anyway by the looks of it...


http://doverferryphotos.blogspot.com/2011/11/dfds-charter-norman-spirit.html

[-Ralph-]

The Norman Spirit 'limping' into port today (taken from Sky News Website).

What happened to it? Can you post a link to the news article? Google turning up a blank.

[Specialone]

So what happens now then? Ld have another they can use?

[MisterTommyH]

Sky News Article (http://news.sky.com/home/uk-news/article/16141135)

Don't think anythings happened to it except taking a battering in the weather. Just interesting that it was Dover rather than Portsmouth, but Ralphs sorted out that mystery.

Edit: It's one of the photos in the gallery at the bottom.

[-Ralph-]

May not be the Norman Spirit we are on anyway by the looks of it...

http://doverferryphotos.blogspot.com/2011/11/dfds-charter-norman-spirit.html

Looks like the Norman Voyager has taken over the Portsmouth - Le Havre route.

http://www.shipfoto.co.uk/images/20091%20Photos/Norman-Voyager-4-Sep-2009.jpg

Looks like a newer vessel, better facilities maybe? I won't be booking a cabin, so I just hope it has comfortable sofas in the bar!

[Specialone]

I wouldnt have booked one either but Clair was flapping about sleep, whatever that is?;)

Changing subject...
What I'm proposing is to put all the sights we wanna see into day/ area blocks so we can do a block a day so we don't end up cross crossing all over the place.

Then maybe have a longer ride on the Sunday or Monday ?

[-Ralph-]

I wouldnt have booked one either but Clair was flapping about sleep, whatever that is?;)

Changing subject...
What I'm proposing is to put all the sights we wanna see into day/ area blocks so we can do a block a day so we don't end up cross crossing all over the place.

Then maybe have a longer ride on the Sunday or Monday ?

Sounds good, I'll start doing some research.

I can't imagine you'd spend more than an hour mulling around memorials or grave yards, or a couple of hours per museum or beach. Is there any appetite for general sightseeing? Such as Mont St Michel, Caen, Bayeux?

What about riding, are we just using the bikes to get from destination A to destination B (via the twisty route if possible of course) or do we actually want to research the good roads and plan some rideout routes?

[MisterTommyH]

I wouldnt have booked one either but Clair was flapping about sleep, whatever that is?;)

Changing subject...
What I'm proposing is to put all the sights we wanna see into day/ area blocks so we can do a block a day so we don't end up cross crossing all over the place.

Then maybe have a longer ride on the Sunday or Monday ?

Makes sense mate. As long as it's not kit up, 5 mins ride, visit, kit up, 5 mins ride.....repeat as necessary.;)

[-Ralph-]

I'll be in Kevlar jeans and a pair of leather boots that are pretty comfortable to walk in and a touring jacket. I won't be doing any more kitting up than putting on helmet and gloves. Normally temperatures at the end of April will be in the mid teens, so it should be comfortable enough to walk around with a bike jacket on.

Somebody in this thread recommended a campsite for us, I can't find it?

[-Ralph-]

To head south from the port of Le Havre, we will have to go over this!

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=168867

[Specialone]

Sounds good, I'll start doing some research.

I can't imagine you'd spend more than an hour mulling around memorials or grave yards, or a couple of hours per museum or beach. Is there any appetite for general sightseeing? Such as Mont St Michel, Caen, Bayeux?

What about riding, are we just using the bikes to get from destination A to destination B (via the twisty route if possible of course) or do we actually want to research the good roads and plan some rideout routes?

First and foremost, I personally want to see the war sites, if we can get some decent riding in, even better.

Main thing is, the places we cone across that we like we might wanna spend quite a bit of time at, there may be other things that we expect to stay for a while and cut it short for some reason.
I don't wanna rush round things and not absorb them, that said the less interesting ones I don't wanna waste too much time on.

Once the chosen sites are put into day blocks then we can plan a route around them so it includes some good roads, lunch and fuel stops etc.

[-Ralph-]

I'm quite relaxed on what we go and see, and I agree on the timings, it's a weekend break not a race round Normandy.

TBH, whilst I would like to see some of the non WW2 touristy stuff, I'll be going to Brittany for a wedding in August and will do the same Portsmouth - Le Havre sailing. I can do stuff like that then, so I'm quite happy just to tag along round the WW2 stuff. I have no concept of whether the WW2 stuff alone would take 4 days though.

Was the campsite we were recommended in this thread somewhere? To determine what your day blocks look like, it helps to know where you are starting from.

[-Ralph-]

I don't want to take over here and p1ss anyone off, but you tend to find unless someone co-ordinates the organisation, it all goes round in circles, so have an idea for the planning, tell me if you think it's a good idea? If it's a crap idea tell me to STFU and I won't mind at all.

- Start a new thread for the planning, keep this one for the chat
- Ask everyone who has committed to the trip (ie: booked the ferry) to contribute to the planning
- Start a list of places we would like to see
- Once we have a list ask everyone to put a preference score against each item on the list
- Tot up the preference scores to decide what are are definites and what are possibles if we have time
- Start a google map using push pins for the definites and the campsite, this will allow us to visualise the day blocks
- Plan the good motorbiking routes around each day block on the google map
- Export to Tyre and download to sat navs
- Go to Normandy :D

What do you think?

[Specialone]

Yep, more or less the exact way I was gonna suggest we do it, al recommended the campsite, it was central to the sites so there or somewhere close would be an excellent base.

[Luckypants]

To head south from the port of Le Havre, we will have to go over this!

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=168867

It is good fun, remarkably steep for a dual carriageway bridge. I did it in 2007 as part of my bridge themed tour of France :D

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/196253_4955173213_677353213_147052_4900_n.jpg



Still waiting on holiday confirmation....:( So obviously I will fit in around any plans made assuming I get clearance to go.

[christian1000]

Booked :D

Though the GF is grumpy as she can't come due to being a teacher and it's not school holidays, so I'm expecting some grief furthe down the line.....

[-Ralph-]

1. Specialone -Booked
2. Danf1234 -Booked
3. Ralph- Booked
4. Eyeball Clair -Booked
5. Tommy H -Booked
6. Metalhead19
7. Luckypants
8. Speedy Claire
9. Much Speedier than Claire Dave
10. Supervox
11. Gid
12. Captain Anus the wavingrapist -Booked
13. Christian - Booked
14. Edski675

[-Ralph-]

Booked :D

Though the GF is grumpy as she can't come due to being a teacher and it's not school holidays, so I'm expecting some grief furthe down the line.....

Cool!

Is the GF not going to suddenly take ill and have to go home at some point during the day on the 26th? ;)

[christian1000]

You never know she might be on strike........

[Specialone]

Nice one Christian :)

[-Ralph-]

I stayed at a place called "le trois rivieres"

http://www.campingdes3rivieres.fr/en/index.php

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/place?cid=16081297761823543082&q=campsites&hl=en&cd=2&cad=src:ppiwlink&ei=m7fkTvSrDoPWjgefks2VBg&dtab=2

Found it!

[Specialone]

Shall I fire off an email to this campsite then and see if they will accept us and how much etc?

[-Ralph-]

Shall I fire off an email to this campsite then and see if they will accept us and how much etc?

No harm in that mate. Though if you want me to email them or call them in French just let me know (My telephone package includes free calls to France).

Before I could find this link though I did look at campsites in the area, and I found one with a really authentic French looking pub/bar on-site. Looking at that website it makes no mention of food or drink facilities, though Al may be able to confirm. It would be nice to have somewhere could go for a drink in the evening, and somewhere we could get a coffee and a croissant in the morning. I'll see if I can find it again and post a link.

There is a lot to to be said for a campsite that Al has been to and can recommend though.

[-Ralph-]

Found it again.

The fat alcoholic in me liked the picture of a big smiley man standing next to a beer pump, and the fact the website has a menu of bar snacks ;-)

http://www.lepuits.com/en/pictures.shtml

It is quite far south though. Between 30 to 50 miles from the Normandy beaches, depending on which beach, but we are going for a biking holiday, so does that kind of mileage matter, or just give us an excuse to ride for an hour each morning and evening?

EDIT: http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=camping+le+puits&hl=en&ll=49.009051,-0.85968&spn=1.21606,3.348083&fb=1&gl=uk&hq=camping+le+puits&cid=0,0,9954680479952506362&sqi=2&t=h&z=9&vpsrc=6

The website says 'Rallys Welcome' and the price list has a specific price for bikers

Small Tent & Motorcycle and Rider €12
Small Tent & Motorcycle and Rider and Pillion €14

[Specialone]

Over 3-4 days though Col that would add another 300 miles ish to the overall total, there must be tons on campsites further north, if they will accept 15 bikers (if we get that many) I'd be happy to go off Als recommendations.