France.... What an odd place

[Luckypants]

Originally Posted by embee

Don't panic, it isn't so bad.

<snip>

I'm not absolutely sure whether the hi-vis requirement applies to bikes but it's a good idea anyway, you only have to wear it if out of or off the vehicle on a road. In a car it must be readily accessible, i.e. not in the boot. You need the hi-viz

<snip>

You can be fined on-the-spot. Failing to stop at a stop sign is frowned upon heavily, touch a foot down. Ohhh useful to know!

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Don't forget to have your EHIC card, available on-line. Also check with your insurer if you need to extend your insurance for foreign use. I would advise travel insurance on top of EHIC. Make sure that it covers you to ride bikes over 125cc - most don't or need an extension

[ogden]

OK,

Take your licence (both parts), V5 and insurance docs. MOT means sod all to the frogs so no need for that. That's about all you really need to worry about.

You don't need a hi-viz jacket - bikes are exempt from that particular wacky law. As to other stuff, I've been stopped in France at a roadblock just inside the border for a routine check and all they were interested in was paperwork so if other things are technically required, who cares?

Ignore any rubbish you may hear about speed being timed between péage gates on the autoroutes, it's nonsense. But take it easy, there will be plod with radar guns at the side of the road and they'll radio ahead. Cameras are clearly signposted (big signs with "pour votre sécurité" on them) and mostly (but not all) front facing.

As far as waving to other bikes is concerned, the done thing is to either lift your left wrist or left leg - you'll notice pretty much every bike coming the other way do this first so it's easy to tell what you're meant to do. Nobody nods, it's always the wrist or leg.

One key thing - if somebody moves over out of your way (and you may find cars swerving into the dirt to let you past if you're off-autoroute, it's great) then raise a leg after you pass to say thanks. It might sound daft but it's just the done thing - drivers there are so bike-aware and bike-friendly (for the most part) it's practically a two-wheeled utopia.

Most importantly, have fun! France is a great place for biking, there are few experiences as spirit-crushing as the A20 out of Dover when you get back, so make the most of it while you're there!

Originally Posted by Ploppy

I wouldn't mind seeing this episode, anyone have any idea which one it is?

Its the one where they race from Europe (bottom of germany?) to blackpool to turn the lights on... I say race but, Its only kinda a race. Not a bad episode I guess.

You need to grow a bar tash too to go to france right?

I have been stopped a few times, 140 in a 50, got off because Im from NZ and we just beat the French, Standard checks include papers and the such. ask if I knew my baffle had fallen out. DID It Really. "get it back in some time please".

Never been asked for high Vis, blubs, first aid, or any thing else.
If you can,t pay a fine there and then. get off and walk.and no we will not drive you. So a few 100,s in the wallet will take care of that.
Depends on when you come down, If its summer, when pulling up at lights, look for the shade on the road and get under it. The temp is a little high in bike gear.
Tom toms are good for the speed cams, but who cares ur on a UK plate. Becareful of wheelies away from the tolls, cops sit on the other side.
Let me know if your heading this way
Pete

[embee]

Personal travel insurance - yes, good point, to be recommended, and good tip to double check that the use of a bike isn't classed as "dangerous activity" and excluded.
I use the Post Office annual cover, no restriction on motorcycling (other than racing.......), you can check the small print of the policy on-line (download), single person Euro annual multi-trip typically around £50 usually, can be a bit less if you hunt round. Your credit card might do a policy cheaper.

I had a suspicion the hi-vis rule didn't apply to bikes, but wasn't sure (I wear it anyway). In several countries you need a jacket for each person in the car (Spain, Austria et al), France I think is only one jacket, but may be wrong on that! Check.

Originally Posted by ThEGr33k

Its the one where they race from Europe (bottom of germany?) to blackpool to turn the lights on... I say race but, Its only kinda a race. Not a bad episode I guess.

You need to grow a bar tash too to go to france right?

ahh yes I remember now, I've seen that one

Handle bar tash?? Im not going to be driving through a 80's porn movie! I have packed my stripy jumper and beret though....

I've only been to France once on the bike so not a huge depth of experience,
but I'll share a tip that I used..

Stick some white tape around your left mirror stalk, then this line must match
with the white line down the middle of the road.

Oh and another thing, French Petrol smells different to ours.

Originally Posted by Mogs

Oh and another thing, French Petrol smells different to ours.

......doesn't smell like garlic does it?







Ok ok I'll stop with the French jokes before the tumble weeds start rolling past. usefull tip with the why tape btw, thankyou

Originally Posted by Ploppy

Handle bar tash?? Im not going to be driving through a 80's porn movie! I have packed my stripy jumper and beret though....

I thought that was Germany?

[dizzyblonde]

Originally Posted by ogden

Ignore any rubbish you may hear about speed being timed between péage gates on the autoroutes, it's nonsense. But take it easy, there will be plod with radar guns at the side of the road and they'll radio ahead.

hmmm interesting, as one resident who is a biker and trucker would disagree there....