Q: "What should I bring with me?"
A: "Good question. Ultimately it's down to you: some riders are of the 'clean underpants and credit card only' persuasion, where others will insist on bringing the kitchen sink along with it's associated plumbing. However, we would suggest the following as a minimum requirement:
● Paperwork:
As well your passport, you'll need your driving licence, bike registration papers and insurance details (it's actually a legal requirement to carry these with your vehicle in France);
check if your insurer needs prior notice that you're taking a trip abroad or you may find your cover is invalid. We think it's also a good idea to bring a copy of each of these documents and keep them separately - it could well save you a lot of hassle should the worst occour.
We'd also very strongly suggest (obligatory for Tours) you get some form of European accident/breakdown insurance cover to include repatriation of your bike, yourself and any pillion as well as (ideally) the costs of any hire vehicle required. You may already have something already included with your current policy - check with your insurers - if not, it's available from the A.A., the R.A.C. and Green Flag amongst others.
For yourself (and any pillion) get hold of an EHIC card (which replaces the old E111 form): you can apply for one online here or you can get an application form from your local post-office. This will enable you to reclaim any medical costs incurred in France: if you don't have one, you will find yourself liable for all medical expenses - which in France can be very high indeed.
N.B. Be aware that this card is only valid for one year, so if you already have one, check the expiry date! We'd also suggest you also arrange suitable travel insurance to cover cancellation of your trip and repatriation in the event of illness.
Don't forget to bring some Euros and a credit card. If you want/need to access the 'net while you're here, feel free to bring a laptop (we have wi-fi on site) and if you're planning to bring a mobile phone don't forget to ensure that it's enabled for use in France!
● Clothing:
Probably a good idea, but you won't need to bring an extensive wardrobe. Shirts/T-shirts/underwear for four days, a pair of jeans, a sweatshirt, washing gear: I'm sure you can work it out. Don't forget to leave room in your tank bag/panniers for a
JtheB's Biking Weekends T-shirt!
● Bike Clothing:
Everyone's got their own preferences here; leathers/Goretex/denim, you'll no doubt be familiar with the various pro's and con's. Spring and Autumn can get a bit nippy in the mornings and evenings, so thermals might be a good idea. You'll have your favourite boots/gloves and helmet (with an unscratched visor!) of course; I'd also highly recommend earplugs!
● 29th.March 2012: It's now official, the alcohol test units that every French car and motorcycle must have on board from July 1st this year, will now be now mandatory for everyone who is on the French roads: contrary to almost all other reports, this WASN'T a 'done deal' for foreign registered vehicles until this week.
What this means is on entering French territory, you must have an alcohol testing unit with you. The unit can be any of the breathalysers available on the market, from expensive electronic units, to single use units that'll cost you 1-2 Euros. You can buy them on-line, or most fuel stations here in France are selling them.
The new law states that you must have one on you (or on your bike/car). It does NOT say that you have to use it. The French government is hoping that people will be responsible, and after having been drinking will test themselves to see if they are over the limit.
Failing to have one, may result in a €11 fine.
Q: "I don't have a modern 1000cc sportsbike. Will my aged 500cc twin be sufficient?"
A: "Most definitely. We've led groups out with many different types of machines: from vintage 350cc singles to Harris Magnums. We'll be riding on public roads, not a race track. Our rides out are mostly on 'D' or 'A' roads (equivalent to 'B' roads in the UK): you'll find the smooth surfaces, brilliant scenary and sweeping bends highly enjoyable, regardless of your mount of choice. Having said that, if you're lucky enough to own two or more bikes, I'd seriously suggest bringing the most agile bike you've got: you'll find a 650 V twin less of a handful than a 1300 V4 in our opinion.
Whatever you ride, you'll need to make sure your tyres & chain are up to the journey and your brake pads, discs, oil and brake fluid levels are healthy. It's unnecessary to blank off the left deviating section of your headlamp lens with some insulating tape or somesuch if you're in France for a short period of time, but you'll should mount a GB sticker to the rear of your bike. Don't forget that in France, bikes have to have their lights on all the time!"
Q:"What's it like then, this riding in France?"
A: "If you haven't ridden in France (especially Normandy) before, you're in for a treat. The roads are almost all well surfaced and for the most part far less crowded than in the U.K. Furthermore, drivers are in the main very aware of 'bike riders and will often 'move over' to allow you to pass. And you'll be expected to wave at other riders! There are speed cameras in France (nowhere near as many as in the UK however) and I have heard of riders/drivers receiving fixed penalty notices from France on getting back to the UK. However, there are far more traffic police here than in Blighty. The good news is that so long as your paperwork is in order, your bike looks like being in good order (and isn't offensively loud) and you haven't been caught riding like a complete prat, les flics are generally sympathetic to bikers if you do get pulled over. But don't push it; I have heard of riders having bikes confiscated and/or having to pay a huge (many hundreds of euros) fine after being caught riding at stupid miles per hour. Take it easy.
Finally, don't forget that everyone drives on the right; especially when exiting from petrol stations and the like!"
Q:"I've heard very good reports about the food you serve. Can we choose what we have each night?"
A:"We're very proud of our legendary four course dinners. However, meals are served on a 'table d'hôte' basis for both tax and logistical reasons i.e. we're not a hotel/restaurant and the meals we serve to you are shared with ourselves. However, when you make a booking we'll ask if you or anyone else in your group has any food allergies/dietary requirements and/or major dislikes and plan accordingly.
Remember also that we have an 'Open Fridge' policy, in that all your beer and/or wine is included for the entire time you're here. The beer is a decent 4.5% French lager that we've specially selected - sorry, we're not in a position to supply 'Scruttock's Old Dirigible' or whatever: however, if you're into properly brewed ale, you may be interested in this... The wine is a mix of our favourite reds and whites: hopefully something to suit everyone..."
Q:"What about Trikes? Can I bring mine and what are the regulations about driving them in France?"
A:"Yes, of course, you'd be most welcome! They wouldn't be suitable for our 'Twist & Go Weekends', but every other Weekend would be fine: we can adapt the routes we take and the speed at which we travel accordingly.
It took us ages to get definitive answers as to what rules and reg's are applicable to visitors with trikes to France, but:
1. Helmets are compulsory (unless the vehicle is fitted with seat belts!).
2. Triangles are not required (despite what some people suggested), and a pack of spare bulbs seems to be recommended but are not compulsory.
3. Reflective jackets are definitely not currently compulsory for trike or bike riders.
It appears that, unlike the UK, rules for Trikes in France are the same for all trikes regardless of weight, whether or not they've got a car or bike engine, etc. "
Q:"Are UK credit/debit cards accepted in the petrol stations in France?"
A:"The vast majority will now take UK cards, especially those on the motorways or based at supermarkets. However, we'd still strongly suggest that you keep some cash (euros, obviously!) available just in case. There are quite a few 24 hour stations around, which have an automated credit/debit card system; if you're unlucky enough to find one that won't accept your UK card, a local will usually be happy to help you out in exchange for cash. Remember, you'll probably want SP95 (standard unleaded petrol) or SP98 (high octane petrol). And finally, don't think 'Gasoil' means 'gasoline'; it means 'diesel'..."
Q: "Doesn't everything in France close for lunch and on Sunday?"
A: "Yes, the vast majority of shops, including many supermarkets close for lunch; that is between around 12.30 and 2.30pm. Happily, all the bars and cafés remain open! Only the smallest shops and some supermarkets open on Sunday, and then almost always only
in the mornings. Many shops and virtually all banks also close on Monday. As far as fuel goes: if a fuel station claims it’s 24hr, don’t expect to find a cashier and a shop open. it’ll
probably be an automated pump using a credit or debit card. Put a UK card in and instructions normally come up, often in English. Failing that, service stations on the motorways are always open BUT beware they're always expensive! "
