Euro trip - anyone interested?

[Couerdelion]

Is anyone else interested in the following:

a 3 day trip to Europe (4 countries!) including riding the Nurburgring?
(France, Belgium, Germany, Luxemburg)

The trip will be...

Thursday afternoon meet in Ashford,Kent.
Crossing from Dover to Calais
Ride to the Ardennes in Belgium and the village of Moulin du Ruy, Stoumont. Check into the B&B See here (http://aeaventures.com/index.html)
Few sociable beers :-)

Friday lunch, accompanied by an english Nurburgring instructor, make our way to Germany (~90 mins) for 5 laps of the world famous course and hopefully back to Belgium for a few beers and conversation about what a thrill it was and how crap the Porsche/Ferrari/Lamborghini drivers were and how the humble SV gives you more bang for your buck :-)


Saturday - visit Luxemburg, Charleroi and Brussels and finish at the Bikers loft in Ostend for a variety of Belgium beers and good entertainment. see here (http://www.grd.be/motorhotel/eng/frame.htm)

Sunday afternoon ride back to Calais for an afternoon ferry back to Dover.

Cost to be... (approx)

~£50 Return Ferry
~£40 5 laps Nurburgring (€60)
~£15 Escorting at/to Nurburgring (€20)
~£20 Bike loft in Ostend (€30)

So that's a total of about £125 for a great weekend :-)

Prices include breakfasts in accomodation but exclude petrol and other meals and are based on people sharing accomodation..

I reckon for the milage we are doing in the continent it wont be more than £60 (based on english fuel prices).

Call it £10 a day for meals and you would be looking at about £200 all in plus your fuel to and from Dover (plus beer money). Bargain? I think so!


To be able to do the Nurburgring I need to get four including myself.
and there are now 6 people who have paid deposits :-D

Couerdelion
LynW
Falco
SVRunner
Mr Toad
Lurcher


Anyone else interested? please PM me if you are.
All I need is £20 to cover the deposit for accomadation.


Weekend will be Thu 21st July -Sun24th July.

[lynw]

belgian beer :thumbsup:

but with the staying at the bikers loft would suggest it wouldnt be a morning departure...

any possibility of making it a long weekend and having that extra day?

and do you mean meet at dover for a late crossing to calais btw? if so you can always meet at mine as Im 20 miles from dover :D

but otherwise... sounds good... interested :riding:

[Couerdelion]

Well possibly a 3:00pm crossing from dover back which would amazingly get us back to dover for 3:15 due to the wonders of Euro time :-) and some of us live way up north :-o

after Belgium beer I guess even that might be optimistic but I was trying to come up with an affordable trip. Hmmm hoegarden :-P

I looked at meeting at dover thursday night for an early crossing to dover on friday morning but it worked out cheaper to stay in France (and you gain a couple of hours by not having to cross friday morning) ahhhh sleep :-)

My main concern is getting the Ardenes place booked as he's already really busy.

[PLAYAROUND]

Will there be a large group going? I would be there with bells on as it is a trip I have been wanting to do for a while.
Cheers

[falc]

Hey, that sounds sweet, i want to do the nurburgring trip but lack of people willing to go, ill drop you a pm later when i know what im doing around then, hopefully send something in a couple of days!

[lynw]

Well possibly a 3:00pm crossing from dover back which would amazingly get us back to dover for 3:15 due to the wonders of Euro time :-) and some of us live way up north :-o

after Belgium beer I guess even that might be optimistic but I was trying to come up with an affordable trip. Hmmm hoegarden :-P

I looked at meeting at dover thursday night for an early crossing to dover on friday morning but it worked out cheaper to stay in France (and you gain a couple of hours by not having to cross friday morning) ahhhh sleep :-)

My main concern is getting the Ardenes place booked as he's already really busy.

I have a 3 bedroomed house in Ashford so putting people up wouldnt be a problem and as said only 20 miles from Dover.. :D If that would be an option its there... :D

as per affordable, would you consider camping? most euro sites are pretty good and reasonable... :D

[Jdubya]

Sounds good but will let you know once suitable employment has been found :wink:

[skidmarx]

I'm interested! That weekend could be free it's the start of the summer hols for us teacher types...what a start!

[skidmarx]

Oh hang on.... couldn't go 'til friday afternoon though.....afterthat though.

[Couerdelion]

Just checked and the bloke who would accompany us round the Nurburgring isn't available on any Fridays in August (I'm trying to limit the number of days off)

The only deposit I would need would be €25 (<£20) for the bikeloft accomodation.
The other b&b works on a trust principle (very trusting :-) )
and it would be up to each individual to book there own ferry
(we'd agree a time upfront of course)

Everything else would be paid for as and when needed.

I need to book the accomadation asap so if you're a definite can you pm me and I'll give you my address for the deposit.

[Couerdelion]

I have a 3 bedroomed house in Ashford so putting people up wouldnt be a problem and as said only 20 miles from Dover.. :D If that would be an option its there... :D

as per affordable, would you consider camping? most euro sites are pretty good and reasonable... :D

thought about camping but...

The bloke who runs the b&b on the first night is a nurburgring instructor so we kinda need to stay there for him to take us.

The bikers loft looks like a good night and it's secure parking and not far to get to a bed after all the loveley belgium beer

[lynw]

cool no probs... best that way I think then :D

but as for ferry bookings would it be best to meet at mine and then take the same one?

would give you a little break between riding down and then trying to get on the ferry directly especially if others are coming from elsewhere.

[falc]

Sounds sweet, does one have to posess racer like skill to go :oops: i can ride the bike hard but feel like i could be out of my depth on the nurburgring.

[Couerdelion]

cool no probs... best that way I think then :D

but as for ferry bookings would it be best to meet at mine and then take the same one?

would give you a little break between riding down and then trying to get on the ferry directly especially if others are coming from elsewhere.

Well I was hoping we'd all get the same ferry :-)

Meeting at yours would be great as long as you don't mind?

[Couerdelion]

Sounds sweet, does one have to posess racer like skill to go :oops: i can ride the bike hard but feel like i could be out of my depth on the nurburgring.

I hope not.

I didn't even manage to get my knee down when I proposed :oops:

I have two speeds slow and nearly slow!

[lynw]

cool no probs... best that way I think then :D

but as for ferry bookings would it be best to meet at mine and then take the same one?

would give you a little break between riding down and then trying to get on the ferry directly especially if others are coming from elsewhere.

Well I was hoping we'd all get the same ferry :-)

Meeting at yours would be great as long as you don't mind?

so was I lol

no probs meeting at my place. It will be easier than trying to find each other at Dover and its literally round the corner from the motorway... :D

[Couerdelion]

first post/itinery updated.

Trip definitely on.

anymore takers?

[Mr Toad]

sounds good :D
who's up for it so far :?:

[Couerdelion]

Just me who's a definite so far :-)

Lynw too, I guess she's a defininte as we're staying at hers on the Thursday night.


Still waiting for definte confirmation from

Falc
Bulletproofpoet.

[lynw]

Just me who's a definite so far :-)

Lynw too, I guess she's a defininte as we're staying at hers on the Thursday night.


Still waiting for definte confirmation from

Falc
Bulletproofpoet.

cheques in the post first thing tomorrow... :D so a definite for me too...

[falc]

Hiya, yer im a definate, just had to check when i was on hols and thats not till another month after trip so all is well.

PM and cheque shall be in the post :)

Should be sweet though, very much looking forward to it already!

Thanks for putting us up also lynw, its very kind of you and much appreciated :)

[Couerdelion]

Ok, booking accomadation of Friday.

Anyone else? Mr Toad?

[Mr Toad]

After considerable grovelling on my part :shock: , Mrs Toad has given the thumbs up, so I'm coming :D
drop me a pm with your details & I'll send a cheque pronto

cheers
S

[Couerdelion]

Just been speaking to the bloke who's going to be doing the escorting to and from the Nurburgring. He thinks that the milage we are going to be doing on the friday is unrealistic and will be extremely tiring and won't allow us to enjoy the Nurburgring as much as we could.

The breakdown of the milage is...
Calais --> Stoumont ~ 215 miles
Stoumont --> Nurburg ~ 80 miles
5 laps Nurburgring ~ 65 miles
Nurburg --> Stoumont ~ 80 miles

total = 440 mls

So I can see his thinking. He's suggested that we go to the B&B on the thursday night and then just do the Nurburgring part on the Friday.

This will add about €35(£25) to the trip but I think it will make the whole nurburgring a lot more enjoyable.

My suggestion would be to meet up Thursday afternoon for a 2pm crossing. Unfortunately this will mean another day off work :-D
This would get us to Calais for just after 4 and we should be at the B&B for 8 ish. We would have chance for a meal and drink and have no worries about having to get up too early the next morning.

Can you let me know if this would change anyones mind about the trip?

thanks

Rich

[falc]

Yer i can do that no problem.

Does make sense in a way, you prolly want to be quite switched on at the nurburgring!

[Couerdelion]

Yer i can do that no problem.

Does make sense in a way, you prolly want to be quite switched on at the nurburgring!

Yep I think so

http://www.nurburgring.org.uk/photos/track_karussel.jpg

I'm really looking forward to riding bends like these :shock: :shock:

[Couerdelion]

73 bends in total :shock:

http://213.239.207.198/nuerburgring.de/typo3temp/fc47d9dc5b.jpg

[Mr Toad]

OK with me :D

[lynw]

no problems here either...

you guys still welcome to meet here rather than at dover port.... :D

[Couerdelion]

Latest update...

People who have said they're definites...

Couerdelion (Me) - Deposit paid
Mr Toad - Deposit received.
Lynw
svRunner
Falc

Looking good :-)

Once I've received all deposits and confirmed accomadation I'll ring around and sort out which is the best/cheapest ferry crossing. I'll then let everyone know so we can all book on the same one.

[Jelster]

Once I've received all deposits and confirmed accomadation I'll ring around and sort out which is the best/cheapest ferry crossing. I'll then let everyone know so we can all book on the same one.

I have found that the best prices are generally from P&O and found through their web page (you can also check for availability too). Then call them and tell them that you want to book for a party of bikes and that you have pricies from the web site.

Their web prices are about 30% less than their phone quotes, but if you say that you are booking for a party you can generally keep to the web prices. As far as I am aware, offers such as MCN discounts don't apply to web prices. Also, the sooner you book the better the price.

I've tried Sea France but they always seemed expensive..

.

[Couerdelion]

Speedferries are great for the car but the same price as a car for a bike :?

Probably use P&O as they seem the cheapest.

The accomadation for the thursday and friday is now booked but I can't book Saturday nights (motorcycle loft) untill 30 days before.

So....

If there's any one else who wants to come along I guess there's still time to add a couple more names :-)

[falc]

Oh dear of alll the dates and times it appears my graduation is on the 21st the day were leaving for the trip!!!! cant believe my luck, i have to miss the sv meet because of project handin, miss the other euro trip cause of previous holiday arrangement its just not meant to be!

The graduation it at 3pm and since im in Portsmouth im not too far from the ferries, would there be any times this late? I still wanna really go though! this just aint my year

[Mr Toad]

Hello folks
doesn't look like I'll make this for obvious reasons :cry:

Rich - if you can get my deposit back I suggest you put it towards having a group beer on me :D , if not then no probs

Make sure you all have appropriate insurance - might not cover you for 'racing' - believe me you don't want to get caught out

cheers

[lurcher]

hi,how much gear will i need to take on this trip,clothing etc,and which luggage for the bike is best,panniers,tank bag ect,a dumb question i know :oops: ,new to touring on a bike,thanks

[svrunner]

Hi Lurcher,

if you haven't already got a set I've got some panniers that I'm going to sell. Only used once but no longer needed since I got a high level exhaust fitted.

Steve.

[Couerdelion]

Well, I reckon you will need to take something like the following...

(minimum)
underwear
1 pair jeans
2 t-shirts (going out)
1 t-shirt under leathers
Toiletries

That should be it.

You can wear your biker boots with jeans although a pair of shoes/trainers may be more comfy.

You can wear your leather jacket instead of lugging around a coat.

You could wear a fresh t-shirt everyday under your leathers but as you'll only be wearing on the bike who can smell your B.O. anyway?

Going out tops you'll probably end up wearing same one as you'll be that knackered you won't have chance to get it dirty as you'll all be wanting early nights :-)

I can get all that stuff into a tankbag but that prevents me from tucking in then so I might just bring panniers instead. Still to decide. I might even get a tailpack yet :-)

[rockabillyrockit]

hi there as a regular user of norfolk ferries can i recommend this company ...good prices and good value food on board...also i live in ashford so if anyone my way give me a call .i have complete set of throwover panniers and tank bag ..all in new condition,,anyone making the trip wanna borrow them?

[lurcher]

have the ferry prices been sorted out as well as the depart time,thanks

[svrunner]

not heard anything.
pm'd Couerdelion, but as yet no reply.
no ferry booked and only 2 weeks to go :shock:

[falc]

What time was everyone planning to leave to go to the continent on Thursday, cause i found out after that my graduation is thursday afternoon :(

I could make it to the ferry but it would be late in the evening like 6ish i guess, and dont fancy travelling across the continent on my own :?

[Couerdelion]

Lads,

the trip is still on.

Apologies for the bad organisation from my end (Moving to a different country etc).

The b&b is booked and I need to sort out the ferry. I have no problem waiting for falc and doing the crossing later on Thursday if the others are ok with it too. If you want to pm me your phone numbers I'll contact you all one evening this week to arrange ferries.

There's been a couple of drop outs so the revised list is...

Me
Lurcher
Falc
SVRunner.

I no longer have internet access at work or home (Havng to use internet cafe and it has a habit of being full at lunch!) so the best way to contact me is email richard.hart@customhousegroup.com . If you pm me i will try to check every day if possible.

I'm still looking forward to what promises to be a great weekend.

[Couerdelion]

ok.

Got all your numbers now. Will call you all tonight to confirm whether you're still wanting to travel and whihc ferry we are going to catch.

If anyone else fancies coming along then there is one spare place :-)


Speak to you laters

Rich

[Couerdelion]

Ok ferries now booked for the 3 of us

Here's a list of things to do /check / bring before we set off (add if you think I've forgotten stuff)

- Bike service if required. Check brake pads too.

- Will the tyres be able to cope with the mileage?

- E111 for health insurance and/or private insurance

- Breakdown cover

- Motorbike Insurance cover for abroad.

- Waterproofs

- Spare gloves in case yours get wet.

- Probably worth packing clothes in a bin liner with your luggage just in case it gets wet.

- Exhaust. They can check the db level at the Nurburgring so probably worth putting the OEM one back on if you have a 'not for road use' exhaust on

- Is your passport still in date (ahem, I have an appointment in Belfast on Saturday to renew mine :-) )

- Credit card/Cash (Petrol stations should be open but a credit card if you have one is worth taking as back up if the only open stqations are Automatic.

[svrunner]

- Exhaust. They can check the db level at the Nurburgring so probably worth putting the OEM one back on if you have a 'not for road use' exhaust on



have race pipe fitted (renegade) and no link pipe to refit standard can

what are the chances of me getting on the circuit?

[falc]

That seems crap they check your exhaust while going on a public race track. Thats beyond stupid!

Hmm got insurance cover but not sure about breakdown, best phone up i guess :?

Oh and Cord did you get our PM? confirming i was going? :?

[Couerdelion]

- Exhaust. They can check the db level at the Nurburgring so probably worth putting the OEM one back on if you have a 'not for road use' exhaust on



have race pipe fitted (renegade) and no link pipe to refit standard can

what are the chances of me getting on the circuit?

You may be ok. I have a decibel killer thing that i could lend you but it would mean drilling a hole in the end of your exhaust...

[Couerdelion]

That seems crap they check your exhaust while going on a public race track. Thats beyond stupid!

Hmm got insurance cover but not sure about breakdown, best phone up i guess :?

Oh and Cord did you get our PM? confirming i was going? :?

Falc, I've emailed you.