Le Carnage weekend to Normandy

[Specialone]

Right pop pickers, as a few of you know i want to go to Normandy and want some of you gits to join me so here's what ive got in mind.

Either late crossing on Thursday 26th April or Thursday 3rd May, three full days in Normandy, see the best of the sights, come home Monday.

Im open to suggestions in terms of dates, ferry crossings etc etc.

Purpose of this thread is to get the ball rolling and let peeps put their names down and start to get some pennies saved.

I think camping is easiest, cheapest and if we have a few of us, most sociable way to do it.

One thing to mention, this is a primarily a WW2 sight seeing tour, probably no point in putting your name down if you have no interest in this stuff, Also, i know it goes without saying but we have to be respectful when looking round some of the sights as with all stuff like this.

Finally, a few people have posted on other forums about getting the ferry to Caen rather than Calais then riding down, that sounds reasonable but bare in mind it will cost more on the ferry.

Ive just done a quick search for end of April and it came back as £200 :(
I'll go with the flow tbh, not bothered either way.

So to start the ball rolling...

1. Me

[danf1234]

I don't need asking twice mate.

1) Me
2) Danf1234

[-Ralph-]

1) Me
2) Danf1234
3) -Ralph-

[-Ralph-]

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

The total price of your tickets will be
55.00 GBP

Outward: Portsmouth - Le Havre
Travelling with:
Departure Date/Time: Thu 03 May 2012 at 2300
Arrival Date/Time: Fri 04 May 2012 at 0800
Passengers: 1 Adult
Transport: Motorcycle
Accommodation: 1 of Standard Seat (Free)
NOTE: This fare is not refundable once booked.

Return: Le Havre - Portsmouth
Travelling with:
Departure Date/Time: Mon 07 May 2012 at 1700
Arrival Date/Time: Mon 07 May 2012 at 2130
Passengers: 1 Adult
Transport: Motorcycle
Accommodation:
NOTE: This fare is not refundable once booked.

[Specialone]

1) Me
2) Danf1234
3) -Ralph-
4) Eyeball Clair ( wifey)

[Specialone]

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

The total price of your tickets will be
55.00 GBP

Outward: Portsmouth - Le Havre
Travelling with:
Departure Date/Time: Thu 03 May 2012 at 2300
Arrival Date/Time: Fri 04 May 2012 at 0800
Passengers: 1 Adult
Transport: Motorcycle
Accommodation: 1 of Standard Seat (Free)
NOTE: This fare is not refundable once booked.

Return: Le Havre - Portsmouth
Travelling with:
Departure Date/Time: Mon 07 May 2012 at 1700
Arrival Date/Time: Mon 07 May 2012 at 2130
Passengers: 1 Adult
Transport: Motorcycle
Accommodation:
NOTE: This fare is not refundable once booked.

Col, thats brilliant, I'd done Portsmouth to Caen, I paid £40 to Calais, we will go that route then lol

[-Ralph-]

4) Eyeball Clair ( wifey)

Hmm, it's a wifey's too trip is it?

I'll test the water on that one. Not sure how long she'd want to sit on the back of the Daytona.

EDIT: Scratch that, it's term time, she wouldn't be able to go.

EDIT2: Scratch that too, she doesn't work Friday's or Mondays....

[Specialone]

Hmm, it's a wifey's too trip is it?

I'll test the water on that one. Not sure how long she'd want to sit on the back of the Daytona.

EDIT: Scratch that, it's term time, she wouldn't be able to go.


Yeah she said she will tag along.
I know she likes ww2 stuff so I asked her :)

[MisterTommyH]

1) Me
2) Danf1234
3) -Ralph-
4) Eyeball Clair ( wifey)
5) Tommy H (preferably the end of April - Scotland trip 4th May)

[Specialone]

I'd prefer end of April tbh also tommy.

[metalhead19]

1) Me
2) Danf1234
3) -Ralph-
4) Eyeball Clair
5) Tommy H
6) Metal!

[aliwakeskate]

Balls :smt013 . No can do any of those dates - only school holidays for me and thats first 2 weeks in april or 1st week in June. Maybe next time chaps....

[Specialone]

Balls :smt013 . No can do any of those dates - only school holidays for me and thats first 2 weeks in april or 1st week in June. Maybe next time chaps....

Think the ferry prices will be a lot higher half term :(

We have another weekend in June for you Al :)

[aliwakeskate]

Ay, all prices go up for the holidays.

Always up for a cheeky weekend away! Should be nice and sunny in June..

[Luckypants]

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

The total price of your tickets will be
55.00 GBP

Outward: Portsmouth - Le Havre
Travelling with:
Departure Date/Time: Thu 03 May 2012 at 2300
Arrival Date/Time: Fri 04 May 2012 at 0800
Passengers: 1 Adult
Transport: Motorcycle
Accommodation: 1 of Standard Seat (Free)
NOTE: This fare is not refundable once booked.

Return: Le Havre - Portsmouth
Travelling with:
Departure Date/Time: Mon 07 May 2012 at 1700
Arrival Date/Time: Mon 07 May 2012 at 2130
Passengers: 1 Adult
Transport: Motorcycle
Accommodation:
NOTE: This fare is not refundable once booked.

This is similar to the ferry we used on our Normandy trip organised by Fizz and co in 2008, we went from Poole IIRC. It worked out pretty well, except for lack of sleep on the ferry on the way out... The price looks attractive, so that could be a 'go-er'.

[Luckypants]

1) Me
2) Danf1234
3) -Ralph-
4) Eyeball Clair
5) Tommy H
6) Metalhead19
7) Luckypants

[Supervox]

Would anyone have any objection to a Southern (well Essex Lounge) interloper joining you as this is a trip I've been wanting to do for some time but never got round to sorting out ?

[Speedy Claire]

1) Me
2) Danf1234
3) -Ralph-
4) Eyeball Clair
5) Tommy H
6) Metalhead19
7) Luckypants
8) Speedy Claire
9) Much Speedier than Claire Dave

[Speedy Claire]

Re above, I can`t for some reason type the figure eight and a bracket... it comes up with a smiley??

[Specialone]

Would anyone have any objection to a Southern (well Essex Lounge) interloper joining you as this is a trip I've been wanting to do for some time but never got round to sorting out ?

Course you can mate :)

[Shellywoozle]

If I get me new bike I will be in on this .... will know by end of week.

[Supervox]

Course you can mate :)

Ta very much :-)

1. Me
2. Danf1234
3. Ralph-
4. Eyeball Clair
5. Tommy H
6. Metalhead19
7. Luckypants
8. Speedy Claire
9. Much Speedier than Claire Dave
10. Supervox

[widepants]

1. Me
2. Danf1234
3. Ralph-
4. Eyeball Clair
5. Tommy H
6. Metalhead19
7. Luckypants
8. Speedy Claire
9. Much Speedier than Claire Dave
10. Supervox
11.Gid

[Littlepeahead]

If my op goes well in November then I'd hope to be back on the bike by then. So ankle/cricket fixtures permitting can I put myself down as a maybe? I'll be the wifey without the husband I suspect.

[Specialone]

Clare, add yourself down as a maybe, bring hubby along, tell him it's compulsory :)

[Dave20046]

Put me down as a 'if I have a bike still'

[Specialone]

Put me down as a 'if I have a bike still'

Eh?

You're not joining the ghey convent are you like the rest?

Cmon dave, you're a pivotal member of the carnage crew, you helped founder the carnage weekends, you have to go :)

[ravingdavis]

1. Me
2. Danf1234
3. Ralph-
4. Eyeball Clair
5. Tommy H
6. Metalhead19
7. Luckypants
8. Speedy Claire
9. Much Speedier than Claire Dave
10. Supervox
11.Gid
12. Captain Awesome Ravingdavis

[Dave20046]

Eh?

You're not joining the ghey convent are you like the rest?

Cmon dave, you're a pivotal member of the carnage crew, you helped founder the carnage weekends, you have to go
Not by choice, insurance is getting harder to get every year. + the compare the meerkat etc. quotes I've done my car insurance indicate it's set to double. Somehow usually manage to find someone affordable after a few days ringing, but it's getting harder and it's never doubled on the comparison sites before!

Ahh forgot about this ol' game


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

[metalhead19]

12. Captain Anus the wavingrapist

I think you mean:

12. Captain rapist the waving anus ;)

[-Ralph-]

12. Captain rapist waving it anus? :shock:

[Specialone]

It was something that started a while ago, how many variations of raving Davis we could get, has got a bit ott now though ;)

[-Ralph-]

Stop spoiling the fun, you just don't want your thread derailed.

[Specialone]

Stop spoiling the fun, you just don't want your thread derailed.

Yeah good point...

Oi you gits, stop derailing my thread :smt068

[-Ralph-]

Oi you gits, stop detailing my thread :smt068

:lol: our derails are better than any carnauba wax mate

[Specialone]

:lol: our derails are better than any carnauba wax mate

F**king iPhone.

[christian1000]

Haha gotta love auto-correct. I'd be interested in this an all if you'll have me.

[Specialone]

Haha gotta love auto-correct. I'd be interested in this an all if you'll have me.

Copy, paste and add your name on mate:)

[christian1000]

Whoops forgot that bit...


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

[danf1234]

This looks set to be an awesome trip!

[Specialone]

I'm impressed with numbers already :)

[Supervox]

Have you any idea of the places you intend to visit yet?

I'm assuming that 'the beaches' are a given - but my 'wishlist' would also include :-

a. Sainte-Mère-Église
b. Carentan
c. Pegasus Bridge (Ranville)

[Littlepeahead]

Waving Mavis has already got the Tshirt ready for this trip don't forget...

http://forums.sv650.org/picture.php?albumid=592&pictureid=5811

http://forums.sv650.org/picture.php?albumid=592&pictureid=5810

[ryansv]

i soooo wanna come awkaward with college :(

[Specialone]

Have you any idea of the places you intend to visit yet?

I'm assuming that 'the beaches' are a given - but my 'wishlist' would also include :-

a. Sainte-Mère-Église
b. Carentan
c. Pegasus Bridge (Ranville)

Tbh mate, were not gonna see that much in 3 days but what I was thinking of doing was looking at the 'main' sites then anything on top is a bonus.

On another forum I use there is a poi for satnavs that has a word document explaining what they all are.
I'll dig that out and I'll let people put their must sees forward and we can put all that together, maybe vote on some.

In the coming months I'll research the sites and then find strategic campsites to enable us to get the most from it.

I personally want to visit Omaha beach, the British and American graves and maybe gold and sword beaches.

[Specialone]

i soooo wanna come awkaward with college :(

It's only 2 days mate, you've got plenty of notice to sort something.

How you doing anyway mate, haven't heard off you for a bit?

[ryansv]

How late was you thinking on the thursday going? would defintatly be a nice adventure ha. Ye im alright cheers mate you? How was your tripp?

[Specialone]

How late was you thinking on the thursday going? would defintatly be a nice adventure ha. Ye im alright cheers mate you? How was your tripp?

Ideally I like a very late crossing Thursday so we can get a few hours on the ferry then get to Normandy first thing Friday morning ready to rock and roll.

I want 3 full days over there.


Btw, I'm fine apart from a bad back ATM Ta mate :)

[ryansv]

I could still go college on the thursday so not asbad then will have to try pull some strings lol.

Ahh mae hope it gets better not been out much on the bike then?

[Specialone]

I could still go college on the thursday so not asbad then will have to try pull some strings lol.

Ahh mae hope it gets better not been out much on the bike then?

Not since France tbh, been out on the DRZ a bit but that's it, was going today until my back had other ideas :(

[ryansv]

Not good mate. Went for little ride today actually ha. I am gonna try my best to come and might even convince that kid who farts all the time (sean)

[danf1234]

Not good mate. Went for little ride today actually ha. I am gonna try my best to come and might even convince that kid who farts all the time (sean)

Yeah would be good to see you 2 again lol! It gives me someone to get lost with!

[danf1234]

I'm impressed with numbers already :)


I wonder how many will drop out though??? Even 2 thirds of what are signed up is going to make it an awesome trip!

[danf1234]

Tbh mate, were not gonna see that much in 3 days but what I was thinking of doing was looking at the 'main' sites then anything on top is a bonus.

On another forum I use there is a poi for satnavs that has a word document explaining what they all are.
I'll dig that out and I'll let people put their must sees forward and we can put all that together, maybe vote on some.

In the coming months I'll research the sites and then find strategic campsites to enable us to get the most from it.

I personally want to visit Omaha beach, the British and American graves and maybe gold and sword beaches.

Phil,

I spent 7 days in 2007 doing the whole lot. I can give you some idea of the best museums, cemeteries, land marks etc. Also I have a pretty good idea how far they are all apart.

People need to be aware that if you want to see a bit of the WW2 stuff, then there is going to be a lot of start and stopping as it is all very bitty and spread out. This will not be a ride out in the conventional sense!

[-Ralph-]

This will not be a ride out in the conventional sense!

So long as there are decent roads from A to B, that won't be an issue for me.

If it was a whole weekend of motorways and dual carriageways though, I'd stay at home.

As Phil said if we can figure out the sites that primarily Phil (since he's organising it) then other attendees want to see, then a good amount of time spent researching routes on google maps/streetview, and figuring out where the good biking roads are between destinations would be time well spent. I'll happily volunteer for that job.

[danf1234]

Ralph,

I agree, Phil's trip and he is organising it. I have agreed to go on the back of the fantastic job he did of organising our trip through the alps. Don't worry, the roads between sites are all fantastic A, B or rather D in france roads.

I am just here to offer any advice as I spent a year planning a trip to Normandy in 2007, and made sure I saw everything on all 5 beaches to Pegasus Bridge! I am certainly not going to try and tell people what to see!

Either way it looks like it is going to be a fantastic trip!

[Ed]

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

[danf1234]

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

Good man Ed was going to PM you on Facebook about this!

[Ed]

AR12 is going to be in France:cool:

[danf1234]

AR12 is going to be in France:cool:


Well that's me signed up then!

[Specialone]

I will welcome any help offered tbh, dan considering you've been before you are the 'expert' then on suggestions for what to see in the 3 days, thanks for volunteering :)

Col, once in France, I don't wanna use any dual carriageways or mways unless it's absolutely required.

Like I said, it's primarily a ww2 sight seeing weekend, but I want it to be an enjoyable ride also.

[ryansv]

Sean has gayed out unless he gets a bike by then (unlikely) my step dad wants to come on his bike Ha and Dan your sat nag is.magical we went lost.just took scenic route :)

[metalhead19]

I don't wanna use any dual carriageways or mways unless it's absolutely required.

So that will be when we are running late for the return ferry then :p

[sv4me]

Whys everything on here being organised for when i'm away! ](*,)

*goes off to cry in the corner* :smt090

[fenjer]

Whys everything on here being organised for when i'm away! ](*,)

*goes off to cry in the corner* :smt090

Take the hint love... :smt064


Is there any confirmation on the date? If it's May I'm a maybe...

[sv4me]

Bite me dear :tongue:

I could potentially go if you decided on the May date. But i'll only be getting back into the country the tuesday night, jetlagged and skint! I'll look forward to the pictures though :)

[Girth]

Watching with interest...

[Specialone]

I think the April date is looking more promising tbh

[MisterTommyH]

I think the April date is looking more promising tbh
:smt023

[Luckypants]

Phil,

I spent 7 days in 2007 doing the whole lot. I can give you some idea of the best museums, cemeteries, land marks etc. Also I have a pretty good idea how far they are all apart.

People need to be aware that if you want to see a bit of the WW2 stuff, then there is going to be a lot of start and stopping as it is all very bitty and spread out. This will not be a ride out in the conventional sense!

:D Must have been about the same time as us then....

To give some idea of what the area has to offer, here is a link to my Facebook album of the trip..

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.29147758213.41592.677353213&type=1&l=1bbacc83c5

and a link to the trip report written up by Fizzwheel et al.

http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=118005

[-Ralph-]

April suits me better too.

[rusty76]

I've always wanted to do the WW2 tours but the wife and kids have no interest (surprisingly)

It'll depend if I've still got a road bike then. I've got to find the funds for a replacement car, my gti was written off by a lorry last week :-(

I'll keep watching the thread

[ravingdavis]

I've always wanted to do the WW2 tours but the wife and kids have no interest (surprisingly)

It'll depend if I've still got a road bike then. I've got to find the funds for a replacement car, my gti was written off by a lorry last week :-(

I'll keep watching the thread

It would be good to have you ther Rusty Butthole but if some knob has written your car off that might put a dampener or things :(

[Specialone]

LP, cheers for posting the links, I hadn't seen fizzs write up before, just what I'm after for our trip:)

Be a good idea for everyone who has signed up to read that to give you an idea of what to expect.

If you've never ridden in Europe before, don't worry, you pick it up in 5 mins unless your name is DanF ;)

How do peeps feel about booking ferry before Xmas?

I was thinking the earlier we book it the better the price and also with the numbers we have, we need to make sure we can all get on as ferries only have limited bike spaces.

[Supervox]

How do peeps feel about booking ferry before Xmas?

I was thinking the earlier we book it the better the price and also with the numbers we have, we need to make sure we can all get on as ferries only have limited bike spaces.


Works for me :-)

[-Ralph-]

Booking ferries before xmas OK with me, but I need to book a couple of days off work, definitely Friday & Monday, potentially a half day on Thursday depending on the time and departure port of the ferries.

Are you thinking same route and times as these, but the week earlier?

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

The total price of your tickets will be
55.00 GBP

Outward: Portsmouth - Le Havre
Travelling with:
Departure Date/Time: Thu 03 May 2012 at 2300
Arrival Date/Time: Fri 04 May 2012 at 0800
Passengers: 1 Adult
Transport: Motorcycle
Accommodation: 1 of Standard Seat (Free)
NOTE: This fare is not refundable once booked.

Return: Le Havre - Portsmouth
Travelling with:
Departure Date/Time: Mon 07 May 2012 at 1700
Arrival Date/Time: Mon 07 May 2012 at 2130
Passengers: 1 Adult
Transport: Motorcycle
Accommodation:
NOTE: This fare is not refundable once booked.

[Specialone]

Booking ferries before xmas OK with me, but I need to book a couple of days off work, definitely Friday & Monday, potentially a half day on Thursday depending on the time and departure port of the ferries.

Are you thinking same route and times as these, but the week earlier?

Yeah more or less.

I was thinking get down to ferry late Thursday so peeps needn't have Thursday off.

[Luckypants]

How do peeps feel about booking ferry before Xmas?

I was thinking the earlier we book it the better the price and also with the numbers we have, we need to make sure we can all get on as ferries only have limited bike spaces.

I'd be up for that. However I need to have the dates confirmed and how many days off I'll need. I have over committed on holidays next year I think (I had forgotten about a trip to the TT!) so I need to write it all down and work out if I can afford (or indeed get :() the time off. I hope I can carry a few days holiday over to the next holiday year to cover this.

[MisterTommyH]

No problem booking before Christmas.

[-Ralph-]

Under my contract I can book an additional 5 days a year over my allowance, they just don't get paid. Might be worth asking if you need that.

[Luckypants]

Under my contract I can book an additional 5 days a year over my allowance, they just don't get paid. Might be worth asking if you need that.

I can purchase up to 10 days leave a year (so basically unpaid) if needed, so I could do that if needed. These need to be 'bought' in February though, so I will need to know by then. normally there is no issue with carrying 3 or so days forward but it is at your manager's discretion and I have a new manager... :rolleyes:

I'll sort it all out, but I need dates confirmed really.

[Littlepeahead]

I guess by mid December I'll know how my op has gone and if it's in April then I don't have to worry about work, getting time off will be easy. If you go May 4th then the Monday 7th is a UK bank holiday - so the ferry may be more busy/expensive perhaps?

May 1st and 8th are French bank holidays from what I can work out.

And the French port workers will probably be on strike on all the days in between!

[Specialone]

Poll added :)

[danf1234]

Voted!

[Speedy Claire]

No prob re booking ferry prior to xmas. Just hoping I have a new bike for france :D

[MisterTommyH]

Is this still on?

Are we still looking at booking ferris before Christmas or has that slipped back to next year?

[Littlepeahead]

Foot op done - and I reckon I'm still up for this. Mr LPH's mate did the trip last Easter and when I bumped into him at the bike show last week he gave me the name of the place they stayed and said it was absolutely brilliant. An English couple running a biker friendly B&B/Self Catering. So if an alternative might be considered to camping then this couold be the place. They can sleep 8 in the 2 self catering gites.

Undercover storage for bikes, a games room and I think they will drop you off at the pub if you ask nicely.

http://www.lamottebandb.fr/

[Specialone]

It's 100% still happening, not sure whether to book ferry before or just after Xmas, just wanna book early so we get a good price.


This will soon come round and I for one am looking forward to this as it's 10 years overdue.

[ravingdavis]

I can book the ferry whenever just say the word...

[Littlepeahead]

I just had my first physio session. When asked if I had managed the two weeks in a cast with my leg elevated and complete rest I said 'Yes of course.... almost' and then owned up to the trip to the seaside, Bernard Biker Chick's birthday party, going out for a curry, forcing Christopher to visit a grungey Essex nightclub and going to the Bike Show. I then got told off.

The bad news is I'm not allowed on the bike until the new year - but the good news is that by April the physio sees no reason why long rides should be a problem.

[christopher]

I'm not liking how all but one of the things you mentioned were done with me... I'm not a bad influence, honest.

And I've just had my first physio session on my left arm/wrist after my accident (already had many on the shoulder so know roughly what's going on there) and she scowled at the idea of me getting back on a bike full stop, but that's more because "bikes are bad" in her words.

Anyway, I'm a definite maybe for this trip. Didn't want to say anything until I knew how things were going with my recovery but I'm now expressing interest, just need to decide on what bike to get!

[Mr Speirs]

10045

Too soon?

[christopher]

Nope. The stabilisers have been mentioned before, lots... :p

[MisterTommyH]

Is the SV definatly a write off then?

[christopher]

Don't think so. To be honest it's still over in Nottingham (I really do need to go collect it at some point now I'm able to) so not been properly looked at. From initial observations it should be fine to go back on the road once it's fixed up (stuff like the forks, radiator, rear subframe, etc.). Will obviously get the frame and everything else properly checked out though. I may get rid of it as it or fix it up to use on the track if I can do it cheap enough. But I was already looking at new bikes before this (had a 2 day test ride on a GSX-R750 the weekend after my accident I may have bought, that obviously didn't happen!).

[Luckypants]

Just had a look through this thread and cannot see a definite date yet, except the one in the poll. Is this the weekend we are going and what dates are we booking ferries for?

Apologies if I've missed something.... :smt086

[Specialone]

It's as the poll finished and decided, the end of April date ( Thursday 26th - Monday 30th)

I'll investigate ferry prices ASAP then we can decide whether to book before or just after Xmas.

[robh539]

Dam shame i cant make this would be a good trip, take lots of pics phil please :)

[Specialone]

Sure will dude :)

[Specialone]

I've had an email off ferrysavers today so followed the link for the dates we are going, the sleeper seats are full on outbound and inbound already !!

We need to book this ASAP IMO as it's a bank holiday weekend so will sell out quick I think.

I'll post up some details later.