Le Carnage weekend to Normandy

[danf1234]

I am going to get a pair of kevlar jeans to wear on the ride out days, as I cannot be ar5ed walking around the sites in full bike gear. I will wear leathers for the main ride down from York.

I used one of the waterproof suits that Lidl sell last year for £15. It is brilliant.

I have since upgraded to a Spada suit, but thats because I am a tart, not because I needed to!

[rusty76]

Motorways in the rain are a nightmare, as it's not just the rain falling from the sky, but the spray off the ground too. Hitting spray at 80-90mph, you might as well stand in the road whist somebody points a jet wash at you.

Russ - get yourself some kind of anti-fog treatment for your visor too. I use pinlock, but it ain't cheap if you rarely ride in cold or bad weather it's hard to justify.

Dont worry, i'm not entirely water soluable. I have a hein gericke textile jacket and pinlocks already. I'm gonna wear textiles as my leathers are a bit too, ahem, snug for long distance comfort.

I'm not too worried about 80-90mph spray as i will be with Phil .... :-)

[Specialone]

Dont worry, i'm not entirely water soluable. I have a hein gericke textile jacket and pinlocks already. I'm gonna wear textiles as my leathers are a bit too, ahem, snug for long distance comfort.

I'm not too worried about 80-90mph spray as i will be with Phil .... :-)

What ya mean?
You trying to say i'll act like some kind of rain and wind deflector so you'll ride behind me? :smt019

[Specialone]

I am going to get a pair of kevlar jeans to wear on the ride out days, as I cannot be ar5ed walking around the sites in full bike gear. I will wear leathers for the main ride down from York.

I used one of the waterproof suits that Lidl sell last year for £15. It is brilliant.

I have since upgraded to a Spada suit, but thats because I am a tart, not because I needed to!

If ive got some spare cash before then i wouldnt mind some kevlar jeans too, but i'll manage tbh if not, i mean, we survived in september in 30 degrees heat ok :cool:

[danf1234]

Very true. I just like the comfort of kevlar jeans!

[Specialone]

Nick_69 now added to the list, this takes us up to 13 :)

[-Ralph-]

Nick_69 now added to the list, this takes us up to 13 :)

FFS somebody else book quick! There are no 13's allowed on this trip!

Nice one Nick ;-)

[Specialone]

FFS somebody else book quick! There are no 13's allowed on this trip!

Nice one Nick ;-)

Technically it's only 12 bikes so that's ok :)

[MisterTommyH]

Nah, we need two more bikes.

Not 13 people and not 13 bikes.

[-Ralph-]

I could recommend a pair of gloves for £20, but unless you get to a motorcycle show between now and the trip, I can't tell you where to buy them. They are a Swiss manufacturer http://www.schoeller-textiles.com/ and I've never seen them for sale anywhere else

And what do I find about 10 minutes after writing this? A cut in one of the knuckles of my winter gloves, right through the leather, and through the waterproof membrane. I must have caught them on something sharp when I was quad biking in France! :smt088

I too need a waterproof pair of gloves for the trip. Now where the hell am I going to get a pair of Schoeller for £20? Phil, you know I said if you didn't like the pair you bought at the NEC I'd buy them off you.....you hate them don't you??? ;)

[Specialone]

Nah, we need two more bikes.

Not 13 people and not 13 bikes.

Or get rid of a couple ;)

[Specialone]

And what do I find about 10 minutes after writing this? A cut in one of the knuckles of my winter gloves, right through the leather, and through the waterproof membrane. I must have caught them on something sharp when I was quad biking in France! :smt088

I too need a waterproof pair of gloves for the trip. Now where the hell am I going to get a pair of Schoeller for £20? Phil, you know I said if you didn't like the pair you bought at the NEC I'd buy them off you.....you hate them don't you??? ;)

That's a bummer :(

Actually Col, I've got used to them now :)

Paul, who came with us laning, bought those ones from amazon I linked to earlier and gives them a big praise, worth a shot ?

Could always meet up and try his on?

[Dave20046]

And what do I find about 10 minutes after writing this? A cut in one of the knuckles of my winter gloves, right through the leather, and through the waterproof membrane. I must have caught them on something sharp when I was quad biking in France! :smt088

I too need a waterproof pair of gloves for the trip. Now where the hell am I going to get a pair of Schoeller for £20? Phil, you know I said if you didn't like the pair you bought at the NEC I'd buy them off you.....you hate them don't you??? ;)

search the forum on the topic of gloves, there are some budget ones that everyone raves about, can't friggin remember what they are though. Waterproof with a big gauntlet round the wrist - think they're nearer £30 though.

[-Ralph-]

That's the thing though, the ones I usually buy (and Phil uses now) are not budget gloves by a long shot, it's just that you always get them in the bargain gloves bin for 20 odd quid at the shows. Whenever I have seen them for sale they've been 60 to 80 quid.

[Specialone]

haha, I'm pretty much the same, not so much into indy as i find it abit boring, but old school rock through to some death metal. But we better hold the conversation about specific bands etc till the pub (if it happens of course) before elderlyone gets in a strop with us for derailing his thread :p

Well, there is a madlanders megathread for drivell ;)

[-Ralph-]

on the topic of gloves

Just bought these. Look similar to the ones Phil and I have, for 20 quid if they are rubbish I can just take them to France as a contingency pair, then put them back on ebay.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270858988136

[-Ralph-]

Just bought these. Look similar to the ones Phil and I have, for 20 quid if they are rubbish I can just take them to France as a contingency pair, then put them back on ebay.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270858988136

Just had a dispatch note from Busters, which says they are Tuzo TZG-5 which got a pretty good review from Ride magazine

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/upload/Ride%20Magazine/Product%20test%20pdfs/13%20Jan09%20WINTER%20GLOVES%20pt1.pdf

[Dave20046]

tuzo kit ain't bad, my boil in the bag wet suit is tuzo and is pretty well made

[Specialone]

9 weeks today !!!

[Specialone]

Supplies list now tidied up and added in the stickied details thread, let me know if any amendments are needed.

Has anyone else got a 12v airbed pump? im gonna be struggling for space as it is, if someone else could take one that would be a help.

I have'nt heard back off the campsite yet after the email i sent informing of the extra numbers, i'll leave until the weekend and contact them again.

[MisterTommyH]

I haven't got one Phil, but should have some spare room in my luggage.

[Specialone]

I haven't got one Phil, but should have some spare room in my luggage.


Well volunteered if nobody else offers, cheers :)

[-Ralph-]

I have one, but I'm going to be pretty full in terms of carrying it. I am going to buy a battery one because I'm getting too old, like my comforts, and I want to take my airbed on the ferry. I'm also sick of every time I want to fill an airbed in the house for a guest, carrying it outside to the car.

[-Ralph-]

Just had a dispatch note from Busters, which says they are Tuzo TZG-5 which got a pretty good review from Ride magazine

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/upload/Ride%20Magazine/Product%20test%20pdfs/13%20Jan09%20WINTER%20GLOVES%20pt1.pdf

Got them really impressed. The gore-tex type stuff is hiprotec, and the label invites you to fill the glove with boiling water, and watch the steam escape whilst the water doesn't :D

Rusty, you could do a lot worse.

[MisterTommyH]

So.... this whole things with brethalysers.... Jezzers question the other night had been going round in my mind.

If you use the test kit... you then find our you're not over the limit, but can't drive because you've used the test kit and don't have one in the car/bike.

Whats the answer?

[Specialone]

Had a reply from the campsite, for 12 people, the fee is 167.40 euros for the 3 nights, this works out to less than 5 euros per night per person :)

I dont know how it works out with mine and clairs pitch as we only need 1 pitch but im happy just to do it as a per person thing if everyone agrees with that.

They have asked for my full details so they must be accepting us lol

[F4LL3N]

I like it lol hope they know what they're in for ;)

[Specialone]

I like it lol hope they know what they're in for ;)


Exactly what i said to the wife earlier, albeit its my name down so i dont wanna do anything stupid.

When we get there i'll get Col to ask them for pitches furthest away from everyone else to minimise disturbing other campers.

[F4LL3N]

Very wise, by the sounds of it looks like they may be allocating an area for this booking perhaps?

[rusty76]

Rusty, you could do a lot worse.

Typical; i just bought some from Lidl. Theyre not bad but im not holding up too much for their performance. Might be able to take them back i suppose

[-Ralph-]

Typical; i just bought some from Lidl

I did post the make and model of gloves and a review from RiDE magazine 7 days ago! :rolleyes:

[rusty76]

I did post the make and model of gloves and a review from RiDE magazine 7 days ago! :rolleyes:

I did see it but a journo's spiel carries no weight for me

But when a Scotsman tells me they're good value I know to then take notice....

[Dave20046]

I did see it but a journo's spiel carries no weight for me

But when a Scotsman tells me they're good value I know to then take notice....

Quality line :)

[-Ralph-]

Tight as a badgers rssss....







....and proud of it ;-)

[Specialone]

Guys, as tommy mentioned earlier in this thread, do we we want tee shirts done?

If so, could probably do with sorting them sooner rather later as it's 8 weeks tomorrow :)

[Dave20046]

I'm good for t-shirts ta. Cheers though.
Guys, as tommy mentioned earlier in this thread, do we we want tee shirts done?

If so, could probably do with sorting them sooner rather later as it's 8 weeks tomorrow :)

shhh stop reminding me, I've got a bike, swingarm and rear shock to completely service by then....and hopefully it'll sale through its MOT

[Specialone]

I'm good for t-shirts ta. Cheers though.


shhh stop reminding me, I've got a bike, swingarm and rear shock to completely service by then....and hopefully it'll sale through its MOT

Well, stop typing on here and get it done !!!

[Dave20046]

weeknights aren't an option :(
Got roughly 7 days

[-Ralph-]

Not too worried about T shirts TBH

[Specialone]

I'm not fussed either way tbh, but if the bulk of attendees want them then I'll have one too.

They are a reminder of the event for me but wardrobe space is getting tight :)

[rusty76]

wardrobe space is getting tight :)

That's because your t-shirts are getting bigger mate. Time to cut back on those builder sized brekkies

[Specialone]

That's because your t-shirts are getting bigger mate. Time to cut back on those builder sized brekkies

Actually joking apart, I've cut down a fair bit lately, less fast food and alcohol, hoping to have lost a few pounds by Normandy.

It's 8 weeks today btw :)

[-Ralph-]

Me too not eating anything unless my stomach is complaining, so if at lunchtime I'm not particularly hungry I wont have lunch. No alcohol, nothing over 5% fat, smaller portions at dinner. I'm 16st 8 at the moment and Normandy is going to be a very uncomfortble 4 days in my Kevlar jeans if I dont sort out out. Lots of physical exercise to be done moving house and decorating too.

[F4LL3N]

Actually joking apart, I've cut down a fair bit lately, less fast food and alcohol, hoping to have lost a few pounds by Normandy.

It's 8 weeks today btw :)

I like this =) still got time to get all my stuff together then ! And Ralph, I only have normal jeans available for wear and some waterproofs lol, can't afford proper bottoms at the moment on my student budget :(

[Dave20046]

What are we to expect from the weather?

[Specialone]

What are we to expect from the weather?

I think we'll see 20 degrees in the daytime hopefully, might go down to 5-10 at night though.

[Dave20046]

I think we'll see 20 degrees in the daytime hopefully, might go down to 5-10 at night though.

Nice! That'll be moist in full leathers

[Specialone]

Nice! That'll be moist in full leathers

Ill settle for that tbh, me and dan had over 30 degrees some days in september, so 20 is nothing :)

[Dave20046]

One more thought,what are we expecting the total milage to total? And are Tyres (Avon storms) readily available? (Appreciate you might not know)

[F4LL3N]

Think we will be looking at around 300-400 miles in total from what I have seen on the maps?

[Dave20046]

NO more than a thousand then? Good stuff

[Specialone]

NO more than a thousand then? Good stuff

Depends if we blast down to mount st michel, this will add 160 miles ish.

Portsmouth is approx 300 round trip from mine, approx 500 miles in Normandy I think, so yeah shouldnt be far off 1000.

[Dave20046]

Cool easily got a thou in the rear,will check fronty

[christian1000]

Nice! That'll be moist in full leathers

On that point, what gear are people planning on going in? last time I went to france I just went in textile jacket and kevlars

[-Ralph-]

textile jacket and kevlars

+1, with a set of gore-tex boots, waterproof overtrousers and a pair of waterproof gloves

[Dave20046]

I'm half tempted to see if I can get some cheap kevlar jeans for day trippin'. If not, I'll be in leathers not sure I'd feel comfortable riding in kevlars especially if the pace were to pick up at any point

[-Ralph-]

not sure I'd feel comfortable riding in kevlars especially if the pace were to pick up at any point

If the pace picks up you don't need to follow you know ;)

Kevlar jeans are pretty good for keeping your riding sensible actually. In fact in my case they are actually a safety device....

I collided with another vehicle when I was a teenager, I wasn't experienced enough to anticipate a car that pulled out on me. Since then it's never happened again, nor have I had any other type of typical day to day accident, or one involving any other vehicle in any other way.

Every accident I've had since, without exception, has been when I've been going too fast and left no room for error, or when I took some kind of idiotic risk. Entirely my own fault, no other vehicles involved. In short, when I was being an idiot! Kevlar jeans stop me being an idiot, so they essentially make me crash proof :lol:

[Dave20046]

If the pace picks up you don't need to follow you know ;)

Kevlar jeans are pretty good for keeping your riding sensible actually. In fact in my case they are actually a safety device....

I collided with another vehicle when I was a teenager, I wasn't experienced enough to anticipate a car that pulled out on me. Since then it's never happened again, nor have I had any other type of typical day to day accident, or one involving any other vehicle in any other way.

Every accident I've had since, without exception, has been when I've been going too fast and left no room for error, or when I took some kind of idiotic risk. Entirely my own fault, no other vehicles involved. In short, when I was being an idiot! Kevlar jeans stop me being an idiot, so they essentially make me crash proof :lol:

I'm still young and stupid though :p going to check pricings see how I go.
Going to upscale the topbox too

[Specialone]

I'm wearing full leather, I find leather more comfortable actually when its warm, if budget allows I may get some Kevlar jeans for the daytime.

Regarding pace, I'm pretty sure I'll be slowest rider in Normandy with my wife on the back, so I won't be picking up the pace tbh.

I'll find a pace I'll feel comfortable with I'm sure :)

[Dave20046]

I'm wearing full leather, I find leather more comfortable actually when its warm, if budget allows I may get some Kevlar jeans for the daytime.

Regarding pace, I'm pretty sure I'll be slowest rider in Normandy with my wife on the back, so I won't be picking up the pace tbh.

I'll find a pace I'll feel comfortable with I'm sure :)

As with any rideout pace is not (or shouldn't be) an issue, with the number of us I imagine we'll doing 2nd man drop off so it's as fast as you like/the leader

Phil I know my local shop's got a number of pairs of red route kevlars, going to see how cheap he'll do me a pair or two - will let you know if there's a bargain to be had

[Specialone]

Yeah let us know about the jeans mate, the wife wants some too if that helps negotiate a better price :)

[christian1000]

I'm wearing full leather, I find leather more comfortable actually when its warm, if budget allows I may get some Kevlar jeans for the daytime.


I was thinking this for this time around. Should have enough space to chuck the jeans in. Can decide what am gonna do nearer the time. In the mean time need to think about new tyres and perhaps a chain.

[Dave20046]

yeah I'm going to invest in a new chain, one on's not too bad but just don't want to risk it
Let me know if you find somewhere well priced

[rusty76]

Yeah let us know about the jeans mate, the wife wants some too if that helps negotiate a better price :)

Guys, I'm up for this too.

I'll need to try them on mind

[MisterTommyH]

Just watch it, not all red-route jeans Come with knee armour as standard. But it is possible to hood wink staff into swapping it over from a pair that does.....

[-Ralph-]

TBH guys, Kevlar vs Leather only matters if you fall off.

Motorway riding is about the safest you can do. No corners, oncoming traffic on the other side of a steel barrier, separate lanes, even though the speeds are higher, to have an accident on the motorway in anything except icy conditions you've really f****d up. In France however we'll be on country roads, with corners, on the opposite side of the road, with 'priorite a droite' which we are not used to, etc, etc.

If you were choosing when to wear what on a safety basis, wear your kevlar jeans to get there, then stick the leathers on when you get to France! ;-)

[Bri w]

Phil I know my local shop's got a number of pairs of red route kevlars, going to see how cheap he'll do me a pair or two - will let you know if there's a bargain to be had

Frank Thomas are doing them for £40 less than Red Route in my local dealers - still £80 tho.'

[Dave20046]

Frank Thomas are doing them for £40 less than Red Route in my local dealers - still £80 tho.'

if I recall correctly he said £60 when I loosely enquired ,will find out tomorrow

[Luckypants]

I'm wearing full leather, I find leather more comfortable actually when its warm, if budget allows I may get some Kevlar jeans for the daytime.

Regarding pace, I'm pretty sure I'll be slowest rider in Normandy with my wife on the back, so I won't be picking up the pace tbh.

I'll find a pace I'll feel comfortable with I'm sure :)I wore textiles when we went to Normandy last time. This time (if I get to go!) I will be wearing leathers, pillion will also be wearing leather. I have some kevlar jeans which might see an outing for a trip where we will be doing lots of walking.

TBH on the last trip textiles were a little warm for walking around in and uncomfortable in the museums etc. On the Mont St. Michel it was hot legs and onerous to climb to the top in textiles. This would be one for jeans...

If you can get a deal on the Red Route jeans Dave, please let me know and I'll get some for the g/f.

[-Ralph-]

These are mine, bought in store for £80, they are just off the M62 J27

http://www.bike-gear.com/product/9493/RST_1453_Kevlar_Jean_Regular_Leg_Black

[MisterTommyH]

Just found out that my breakdown cover (through my insurance) doesn't cover me for europe and the only way I can increase it with them is to take out a new concurrent breakdown policy..... don't really fancy this.

Can anyone recommend a short term cover for breakdowns in europe? If it exists...

[Specialone]

I pay £7.99 a month for full euro cover, it insures me not the vehicle, it doesn't even have to be owned by me.

You can get one trip deals I think.

I'm really surprised your existing won't let you pay an increased premium.


I thought most had at least 30 days euro cover included, I'd check your policy mate as the call centre staff openly lie on occassion and they don't know everything they are selling.

[-Ralph-]

I pay £7.99 a month for full euro cover, it insures me not the vehicle, it doesn't even have to be owned by me

Who is that with Phil? Does it cover vehicle repatriation?

[Specialone]

Swindon offered it but can't remember actual company, I can check later when I get home if you like.


Not sure about repatriation though, it's recovery so I'd assume they would have to do something.

[-Ralph-]

I'd assume they would have to do something.

As I found out when my Vectra was stuck at a garage in France for 3 months, some of them don't cover repatriation, only recovery to a garage in France. I think the reason for this is cost, when I was getting quotes from local garages for getting the car from Laon to Calais (Linky) (http://g.co/maps/8qry9) it was over £800. I wasn't using a cheap unknown either, I think it was Green Flag, and either AA or RAC are the same but I can't remember which.

Not such an issue with a motorbike if yours doesn't cover it, if that were the case we'd just rent a van to get it to Le Havre, then push or tow it onto the ferry, ready for you to call your UK recovery in Portsmouth.

[Specialone]

So I assume nobody wants tee shirts then ? I can cross it off my to do list then ?

[MisterTommyH]

I pay £7.99 a month for full euro cover, it insures me not the vehicle, it doesn't even have to be owned by me.

You can get one trip deals I think.

I'm really surprised your existing won't let you pay an increased premium.


I thought most had at least 30 days euro cover included, I'd check your policy mate as the call centre staff openly lie on occassion and they don't know everything they are selling.

Nup, it is UK only. Called them up, the call centre said it was ok but I'd have to give notice I was going abroad so they could send additional docs out (which I did). Then they called back 2 minutes later to tell me that they'd dropped a b0llock and while they did offer that cover I had the UK only one and the were seperate policies.

I'll have to do some digging on single trip ones. Or upgrade my bank account as that will give me the cover and travel insurance.

[F4LL3N]

Just for the record I've never done a group ride before so I'm pretty novice and I'm definitely not a fast rider!

[Dave20046]

Nup, it is UK only. Called them up, the call centre said it was ok but I'd have to give notice I was going abroad so they could send additional docs out (which I did). Then they called back 2 minutes later to tell me that they'd dropped a b0llock and while they did offer that cover I had the UK only one and the were seperate policies.

I'll have to do some digging on single trip ones. Or upgrade my bank account as that will give me the cover and travel insurance.

Aye but you have to pay monthly for those accounts don't you? It's like £75 for a year's uk & european cover, weigh it up but I thought 'premium' bank accounts were like £10 a month (unless you're considering swapping away from it after france?)

I've just found I skimped last year so also need to find cover, the £7.99 a month temporary sounds good if possible.

I'd fear you'd find yourself in the same boat if you went with the bank bundled thing, same as with insurance often these are just sub-quality 'products' designed to help flog an overpriced service.



Fall3n -it might be worth trying to get on a rideout (if there are any) to get you used to riding with numbers and familiar with group dynamics.
I remember one chap came out for his first one and he wasn't quite used to checking his mirrors as often as required and very almost took out an overtaking sv. Not trying to scare you at all, just hopefully giving an insight into why I said it!

[F4LL3N]

Appreciate that mate. I'm super funny over my mirrors, constantly check them. I'm sure phil or Ralph will tell me of any ride outs coming up

[-Ralph-]

So I assume nobody wants tee shirts then ? I can cross it off my to do list then ?

As far as I'm concerned you can, but please leave the name of the breakdown cover underwriter on your to do list! ;-)

Just for the record I've never done a group ride before so I'm pretty novice and I'm definitely not a fast rider!

Your speed won't be a problem.

Keep your distance from other riders, or offset your road position so if they hit the brakes your not going to run into the back of them (eh Phil! ;) ). Also helps with forward visibility if you offset slightly from the rider in front (but don't compromise safety for visibility).

Make your own decisions, don't be a lemming and jump off a cliff just because the guy in front of you did.

Don't ride faster than you normally would trying to keep up. We don't care how fast you are, nor are we trying to be faster than you. You have NOTHING to prove to anybody. We are not going to leave you behind or let you get lost, if you loose sight of us we'll be waiting at the next junction for you, and the smokers amongst us probably quite grateful for the fag break, so just take your time. The last thing we need on holiday is to be picking you up off the road and worrying what to do with your crashed bike. Anyway, what's the worst that could happen if you did get lost? You'd have to find your way back to the campsite, follow signs to Bayeux or Caen, then follow signs to Creully = no big deal.

[Dave20046]

Make your own decisions, don't be a lemming and jump off a cliff just because the guy in front of you did..

Exactly, infact I remember the first time I met and followed Ralph it was a fantastic morning, I remember getting really into the spirit of things, great fun but then ralph decided to dismount his bike mid corner and I decided to be the bigger man and not follow like a sheep so kept riding :lol:

I don't know why I'm being so cheeky, think I'm most likely to come a cropper out of anyone (don't read that phil!) not had a working bike in too long.



Bang on what you said about worrying about speed, no one is judging anyone at all - probably the worst and most common mistake playing catchup.

[F4LL3N]

That's fair play. Not worried bout getting lost, I have the routes now so should be fine. I've ridden in Europe 3 times previously just on my own. All will be ok =). Besides don't have to worry about it til we all meet up prior to the departing ferry lol =)

[Dave20046]

Oh and that's another reason I perhaps should be apprehensive I've never driven or ridden on the right hand side of the road (for primary use)

[MisterTommyH]

Must remember to go the 'wrong' way at roundabouts. And give way to cars pulling out on you.

[Dave20046]

And give way to cars pulling out on you.

Please tell me that's a joke!

[-Ralph-]

but then ralph decided to dismount his bike mid corner and I decided to be the bigger man and not follow like a sheep so kept riding :lol:

Was that this one? (linky) (http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=hartside+cafe&hl=en&ll=54.747243,-2.582001&spn=0.01672,0.052314&sll=54.718074,-1.75317&sspn=0.008366,0.026157&hq=hartside+cafe&radius=15000&t=h&z=15&layer=c&cbll=54.747243,-2.582001&panoid=3BuIj1VnC_DQfgGhSLZt9A&cbp=12,55.74,,0,5.24)

I didn't dismount the bike mid corner at all! I dismounted when 'til it stopped, errrm, sliding along the ground. It didn't even really fall over. The bike just decided it was tired and it should have a lie down. Or maybe it was having an identity crisis and decided it was a surfboard ;)

[Specialone]

Gaz, we will have a rideout before Normandy, main thing is mate, relax, don't worry too much, I used to get up tight and worry I'd be too slow and it made my riding worse tbh.

As ralph said, NOBODY will get lost or left anywhere.

We will use the 2nd man drop off system so the designated ride leader will point to the junction he wants marked, then that rider directly behind will stop and mark that junction ( so take the turn or exit they instruct you to) until the TEC ( tail end Charlie) who is the designated 'last man', arrives.

As long as the person marking the junction doesn't ride off until the TEC has acknowledged him, nobody will get lost :)

[MisterTommyH]

Please tell me that's a joke!

You have to give priority to vehicles emerging from the right. Not sure of the exact rules, but it worrys me.

[F4LL3N]

Gaz, we will have a rideout before Normandy, main thing is mate, relax, don't worry too much, I used to get up tight and worry I'd be too slow and it made my riding worse tbh.

As ralph said, NOBODY will get lost or left anywhere.

We will use the 2nd man drop off system so the designated ride leader will point to the junction he wants marked, then that rider will stop and mark that junction ( so take the turn or exit they instruct you to) until the TEC ( tail end Charlie) who is the designated 'last man', arrives.

As long as the person marking the junction doesn't ride off until the TEC has acknowledged him, nobody will get lost :)

Not panicking really, just new to me. As for the right hand side it's actually not too bad. You get forced onto that side when you get off the ferry anyway.

[Specialone]

Oh and that's another reason I perhaps should be apprehensive I've never driven or ridden on the right hand side of the road (for primary use)

Mate, I prefer riding on the right, feels better IMO.

Dan, on the other hand kept forgetting and drove towards oncoming traffic ;)

[F4LL3N]

Mate, I prefer riding on the right, feels better IMO.

Dan, on the other hand kept forgetting and drove towards oncoming traffic ;)

I agree actually. It feels weird coming back to England IMO once you've been on the right.

[Specialone]

You have to give priority to vehicles emerging from the right. Not sure of the exact rules, but it worrys me.

Can honestly say it never gave me or dan a problem in 1800 miles of French roads, just claim your space and you'll be fine:)

[metalhead19]

Oh and that's another reason I perhaps should be apprehensive I've never driven or ridden on the right hand side of the road (for primary use)

I think for primary use is about right Dave. On every ride out ive been on with you, you spend more time on the right hand side of the road than you do on the left ;)

[-Ralph-]

Priorite a droite (Priority to the Right).

It applies mainly on rural roads and in towns and villages

If you see this sign

http://reussirpermis.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/priorite-a-droite.jpg

followed by a junction with no road markings, then you must give priority to traffic approaching from your right.

Imagine a red laser beam mounted on your bike pointing straight out in front of you. If the approaching vehicle falls to the right of that laser beam as you look at when approaching the junction that vehicle has priority and you must give way. If it falls to the left you have priority (you fall to the right of his laser beam).

This doesn't apply on roundabouts, treat those the same as in the UK, but obviously in the mirror image.

Passage protégé (Priority Protected)

Where you see this sign

http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQphY5OmDwaflkkL8L12KkvcHRfL7EpC ZADcC5GZ8iTzMXEnwtl3A

The traffic on the main road has priority. This may be backed up before junctions with this sign

http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRBYHr00VMUl_R3AtrlzLB_1vGzXa4p4 1PIe3dntq9Xj8skGWvD

and will also have give way lines on the minor road.

This is what you might expect in the UK, but the dangerous bit starts when you get this sign, often when you enter a town or village.

http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTtbMg2ItfRHKOuJAcLTjSJ-64ct8DqRkli4P-hi6aK0Q-c_dQR

This means Passage protégé has ended and all junctions go back to Priorite a droite until further notice (until the next passage protege sign).

Cedez le passage (Give Way)

On a sign with or without the triangle

http://www.coderoute.info/img/p6_4.gif

is a give way sign.

http://www.ville.valleyfield.qc.ca/webconcepteurcontent63/000022410000/upload/Arret.jpg

is a stop sign

[-Ralph-]

Can honestly say it never gave me or dan a problem in 1800 miles of French roads, just claim your space and you'll be fine:)

Errrm, no mate, learn the rule

[Specialone]

Yeah but in Normandy he'll be on the left more :)

[Dave20046]

Nowt wrong with it :razz:
I also hang off like a dickwad, not detrimental ....to my knowledge :)
Was that this one? (linky) (http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=hartside+cafe&hl=en&ll=54.747243,-2.582001&spn=0.01672,0.052314&sll=54.718074,-1.75317&sspn=0.008366,0.026157&hq=hartside+cafe&radius=15000&t=h&z=15&layer=c&cbll=54.747243,-2.582001&panoid=3BuIj1VnC_DQfgGhSLZt9A&cbp=12,55.74,,0,5.24)

I didn't dismount the bike mid corner at all! I dismounted when 'til it stopped, errrm, sliding along the ground. It didn't even really fall over. The bike just decided it was tired and it should have a lie down. Or maybe it was having an identity crisis and decided it was a surfboard ;)

haha yeah, always sticks with me that day was a really good ride but the moment of distress where everyone piled up and stopped in the road worrying about you only for you to fly past minus a few controls, amazing!You have to give priority to vehicles emerging from the right. Not sure of the exact rules, but it worrys me.Oh good! I was half worried you meant people emerging from sideroads had priority, that'd be madness

[MisterTommyH]

I think that's pretty much what it does mean in small towns Dave.

[Dave20046]

I think that's pretty much what it does mean in small towns Dave.

********, not just on round abouts? like if you're doing 30 (or whatever the limit/sensible speed is) on a main carriageway people are liable just to cut you up?