Re: Touring in France

[Keith W Peters <keith_peters@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Mike at 01:11 05/12/00 +0000, you wrote:

>Having not toured abroad on a bike I wondered if anyone had any advice
>particularly on the following:

I was in the same position early this year with my first ever trip overseas 
by bike. Hope my findings are of use.

>1.  Motocycles and Ferries

I used Hoverspeed from New Haven to Dieppe. The bikes where tied down using 
two rachet straps and a large piece of foam. The only other rider on the 
ferry pointed out to the deck hand that out of all the ferries he had 
traveled on this was the best tie down yet encountered. If you use them it 
is well worth the twenty quid or so, to upgrade to first class as this 
includes a meal and usually a screaming kids free environment. Note - The 
craft was referred to as 'The Vomit Rocket' by one of the engineers I spoke 
to if the sea gets rough.

>2.  Enforcement of speed restrictions - leniency towards motorcyclist? (or
>not) radar/laser traps and speed cameras **.

French bikers flash their lights to inform you of any traps ahead (not to 
say hello) and wave either by sticking a leg right out or a more 'cool' 
downward pointing Winston Churchill 'V'. All road users are better suited 
to bike users. One moment that summed it up for me was when I approached a 
traffic queue on a corner with solid white lines. I was contemplating 
running down the wrong side of the road when one by one ALL the cars moved 
over to let me pass on my side of the road. Normal speed usage is like over 
here, just do it out of towns and keep looking.

>3.  Security of the bike in rural France.

Just like the UK, lock it or loose it, just to be safe.

>4.  Any other issues particularly related to France and motorcycles.

The roads and white lines are bl**dy slippy when it rains, far worse than 
in the UK.




Keith W Peters
Wrexham. UK

"Cymraeg Dawg & Long Tail (00 Blue ST)"

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