Friday 12 October 2012

Ride to Belonga Mick’s

Roads are twice as long in the rain……………….
Worked hard on the links, if you want to follow this trip click on highlighted words orange or blue and it will link to map, ifen they work that is. Enjoy.
Set off Wednesday to visit friends in Wales with the idea of riding down Thursday to Folkestone and the train for the long awaited VRCC ride to Mick’s, when I checked the map and realised how long it would take we decided to set off south the night before and stay in a Days Inn on the M1, I was owed a discounted stay anyway from a previous visit so called that in and got an upgrade to executive room at 50% off standard rate so bed and breakfast for the two of us for £30, I was happy with that.
We set off for Folkestone at about 10.am with no sign of rain and having checked the weather for France feeling confident we were in for a pleasant trip. I pulled into the services at the Dartford crossing our usual refreshment stop, as I was coming out of the toilets I heard the cry “meJulie” in that unmistakable accent that is Fiona’s, Harry’s wife and sure enough there they were Fiona and Lynnette (Jimis’ wife) John was also with them, so by fortune we had bumped into some of our fellow travellers, after a quick coffee we rode together down to Folkestone and the train.
Arriving at the station we met up with the rest of the group that would be riding with us down to Mick’s, Geoff and Jane, Russell, Dave and Nora, all fellow Dragon riders.
So we are now 7 bikes, 6 valks and a Kawasaki (Harry and Fee), manageable number for the 350 plus miles that faced us.


The train ride was the ideal opportunity to get re acquainted and set the agenda for the trip, we left the train and headed around to the underground fuel station to fill our tanks, petrol is slightly cheaper in France so I always try to arrive empty. After filling we all started our engines apart from Dave Mac who for some reason had a flat (discharged) battery, he said maybe if he’d got issues he should just head back to the train and home not wanting to spoil our trip, I assured him we could get it sorted, worst case scenario is his alternators shot, no worries I have a spare in my pannier, also have a spare battery at cottage so if we can get him there we’ll sort it, Geoff pulls out a pair of jump leads and we get him started, bike seemed to be running fine so we set off for our first stop at the RELAIS DE L' EUROPE hotel in Abbeville 

Reminded me a lot of the American motels, that’s why I chose it but it also had a restaurant on site and bar so really all a group of hairy bikers require, rooms were basic and dated but service was second to non, food excellent and beer cold, we retired for the night happy.
Saturday we woke to rain but I assured everyone that it was because we were so close to the coast and it would be clear by the time we turned south out of Rouen about 65 miles. I’d had a message that a French VRCC member would like to join us on the ride so had arranged to meet him at the Avia, filling station. Kickstands Up at 9.30 and away, 10.30 we arrived at the appointed rendezvous and met with Denis (normandybiker) he spoke no English and as our French is limited we had a very broken conversation but as is usual when discussing bikes and valks in particular the language difference diminish into insignificance as Dragon speak is Esperanto.
We set off again in the rain and had a steady ride for another 50 miles at which point Denis indicated he would be leaving us so we stopped to say farewell, till next time. We checked the sky and decided maybe the rain had stopped and I was right south of Rouen it would dry up, we removed our wet suits and got astride our bikes only another 5 miles then we refuel at Nonancourt
the next stint is 90 miles to our lunch stop at yep McDonalds Châteaudun,  should have been a restaurant but it had closed for refurbishment a couple of weeks ago and I didn’t have time to locate an alternative.
We took the opportunity to refuel before we set off again on the last 110 or so miles at about the 60 mile mark I pulled over and found a tabac in Saint-Aignan where we had coffee and a rest. This is the nicest part of this ride once south of Blois you pick up the Bis road to Limoges, French tourist route, takes you the “pretty” way down.
Again we set off for the last stretch to La Blanc and our final refuelling stop, this is about 10 miles from the house but I wanted to ensure we all had full tanks for the ride out tomorrow, while Julie and the ladies went into the supermarket to buy salads and have a looksee at a French supermarket, everybody satisfied we fired up the beasts and 20 minutes later turned into the drive at the cottage.
Now I knew the French crew would arrive early and had arranged for Paul from Archie’s http://www.archies-bethines.com/
the local B and B where some were staying, to open the house and get the steaks out of the freezer but no one was more surprised that me when we turned the corner to see the tables made, the BBQ smoking and long legged firepit burning, the hairs on the back of my neck stood up as I got off my bike and shook hands with Fifi and his wife Flo and Mau77 (apologies for not remembering names) French VRCC members and then there was Paul and Rose and not forgetting Neil who had volunteered to be our chef for the weekend in exchange for a ride on the back of one of the bikes. They had even managed to put up the sails to keep the rain off, yes it was raining but I don’t think anyone noticed, all we had to do was show everyone where there rooms were and get the beers out, yes I had finished, nearly, the end cottage it now has a living room with foldaway bed, bed room and working bathroom.
On the menu was rump steak, sausages and cowboy beans along with a selection of side salads, Paul from Archie’s did the honours and sorted out lifts for those staying there so they could have a drink knowing they didn’t have to ride back, not sure but I think me and meJulie finally went to bed just after 12, the mark of a good night.
Next morning Geoff told us he had received a message there was a problem at home and he needed to return to the UK so would not be joining us on the ride, shame but unavoidable, Geoff and Jane left for the UK we left for the square in Bethines to meet our other riders and continue our tour

On the road to St Savin, we saw two bikes approaching with headlight aglow but unmistakably valks, more French crew, we waited for them to u turn and follow and continued on to St Savin

We now had 9 valks and a valk trike unfortunately Harry couldn’t come on the ride with his Kawasaki as he was suffering an old injury picked up in combat and was struggling to get his leg over the bike still 10 bikes was a good group to manage and to view in your mirror, what a sight.
I guide us round to St Savin, just in case there was anyone else to pick up then rode on to
One of the prettiest villages in France.

Then via

To

Where we stopped for a coffee

We circled Chauvigny to allow everyone to see the old town the kept west of the river down to
from there it was on to
Harry’s Bar




ex pat English making a go of running a bar and hotel in France with a difference, he served up burgers and chips with a side salad tea and coffee with beer at the bar if you want, nice place, everyone took loads of photos and soaked up the atmosphere.
We then rode around for a final group photo




And said farewell to Fifi and Flo, they had to be back for work early Monday so couldn’t join us on the afternoon ride.

The weather hadn’t been kind and although not cold it was drizzling at times so I decided one more stop in Montmorillon to see the sights and have a coffee


then refuel and return to the cottage for another evening by the BBQ same as last night with the addition of my smoked shredded pork and chicken wings and thighs, again prepared by Neil.

Sunday night finished earlier than Saturday but was considered just as successful all the same, with thanks and farewells to the rest of the French crew and Rose, Paul and master chief Neil, we retired for the night.
Woke Monday to a low mist but a sun that we all agreed might break thru, all is except Russell, he said the weather was forecasting rain, he wasn’t wrong.
We lock up the cottage and left everywhere as tidy as we could, (I’ll be back next week to clean) and again headed for the highway.

I took my preferred route north thru yesterdays first village
where we stopped this time for a coffee,

took the opportunity to put my waterproof pants on but still confident it wouldn’t rain much not my full wet suite.
We stopped to refuel at
then rode round into town and again stopped at the tabac  I was going to  try and stop ever 50 or so miles to give Harry a break and allow him to stretch his legs as he said his knee still wasn’t right.
Suitably rested we set off again in the rain, next stop was the lunch stop, this was the same location as on the way down but all agreed we should try the Buffalo Grill over the road from McDonalds, we parked the bikes in the rain removed our soggy clothes and found a seat inside,
Food was as I expected, yes it was better than mcd’s but for the money not much better, we saddled up in the rain and continued our way north, as we were travelling north it was getting colder and our hearts were getting heavier, think we all wanted just one more day in Bethines at belonga Mick’s.
We pushed north to Abbeville and the hotel for the night, wet and weary we booked in and agreed to meet in the reception area in an hour to go and eat.
This being a cheep Ibis with no facilities on site other than basic breakfast and vending machine drinks.
We walked around to a very nice restaurant called, for the life of me I can’t remember, but it was good, fairly new place across the road from Buffalo Grill but a heck of a lot better, all agreed the best meal in a long time, good wine good food good company.


I knew we would not be disappointed having tried their fare some weeks before when I took a dry trip on the bike to Nice and the Mediterranean coast.
We ate, the beer and wine flowed and we all agreed we’d had a fantastic weekend and will do it again next year, but maybe earlier when the sun might be shining, but for longer than 3 days, that just isn’t enough time.
We walked back to the hotel found our way to our rooms and went to bed, all that is except John………………………………………
For some reason his pin code wouldn’t open his door and this hotel is unmanned after 11 pm with an automated check in service, now if I told you of the events that followed we’d be here all night as that’s how long it took John to sort his difficulties, he eventually used the auto service and booked another room, but then remembered he had left the heating on and all his clothes next to the heater drying, no you couldn’t make this up, so he went back down, phones along with others I believe the police before he retried his room pass code, yep it worked…………………for those that want more on this story, message John…………………………
We all slept oblivious of this and woke refreshed and ready for the final ride home, bikes loaded and ready for the off at 9 am.
All the bikes started except Jimi’s, battery dead, did a swap and nearly  ran but cut out just as we switched batteries back, ran without battery but cut out when he connected his battery back on, strange. So we went around to a Yamaha dealer and purchased a new battery, finally on the road for 10 am.
We headed toward Calais via



They had assured me at the museum they would be fully open today but unfortunately it seems only part was open and the guys didn’t get the full tour, I saw it on my recky ride and well worth 7 euro it was, while they were not getting the tour me and meJulie were enjoying a coffee in the local tabac.
We left there for a relatively dry ride up to Calais via Boulogne sur mar, another route that although not direct was far more scenic and well worth the extra miles, by now the rain had eased and we enjoyed our final few miles in France.
On the train we said our goodbyes to Dave and Nora and Russell as they were going their own way while Jimi, Harry, John and me were heading towards the M25 and a fry up, we stopped at…Maidstone J8 M20 for an all day breakfast then headed out as we approached the M25 exit, Jimi leading, I’m thinking does he know another way as he didn’t make any attempt to move left into the exit lane from the M20, I did just before the hatched lines Harry did, Jimi cut across, John sailed straight past, think he might be still circling London trying to get out as I type.
A few miles on and we go thru the Dartford tunnel and on the other side toot horns and wave farewells till next time, me and meJulie travel alone north onto the M1 then the M6, stopped for a coffee I don’t remember where, I do remember thinking “roads are twice as long in the rain” we arrived home at 8.30, ran a bath had a pizza and retired to sleep like babes.
Now next year I was thinking,,,,,,,,,,, ride to Belonga Mick’s we could………………………….


Tuesday 1 May 2012

Wet week in France


Just got back having spent an usually wet week in France, still managed to cut the grass and get the place looking half decent again, shame really always looks it’s best just as I’m leaving, never mind the neighbours enjoy looking at it for the next couple of weeks, till it grows back and we start again.
Anyway managed to get half a ride scouted for the Sunday in October, I say half because there seems to be only one place to eat so I’ve got to get my timings right for the food stop, amazing how many places are actually closed, I know a lot of France looks shut most of the time (I’ll get some pictures one day and post them on our VRCC-NORTH-WEST PHOTOBUCKER PAGE. HERE The main town I was hoping to make our lunch stop has only one tabac open, used to have 4 restaurants and a couple of cafes in the main square, gone. Anyway that’s mine to sort on another trip, but it will make a nice ride for them that want to see France.
Also paid a visit to Archie’s for the B and B, they said they would do us a deal from the norm, seems as it’s me, usually 35 euro single and 45 euro double, they can accommodate, oh lets see, 2 single beds in one room a double in another and another double in the third, then there is a double in another room with a single, oh I don’t know, basically they’ll put the couples in the doubles and the singles in the singles and if you don’t mind sharing a room you’ll save a euro or two. They also have enough land for camping with access to an outside doins, all mod cons. I’m sure if you stay at Archie’s we’ll be able to sort a lift from and to our place for the BBQ, or if you’ve got the balls for it you can walk to their place thru the woods, to the BBQ should be OK, after? Well it gets dark in our corner of France and there’s no moon that weekend, up to you, I’ll guarantee you’ll have a story to tell the next day if walking’s your choice.
Further afield and it’s St Savin but that’s a taxi and hotel, still doable but anyway wont affect the English contingent as there are only 4 rooms left in the hotel on the journey down, so unless the French are quick booking Archie’s we should be OK.
That’s about it for this update, just got some small alterations to do on my next visit after I cut the grass, that will be the restoration blog, against the clock, promise whoever gets to sleep in the new house it’ll be dry and warm, oh and all the critters will have been evicted, it seems that’s where the beast of Bethines moved to when we evicted it from ours, next door, nowt like cheek.
(For VRCC members that would like to join us on this trip PM me via the main board http://www.valkyrieridersuk.com/VRCCUK/index.php )
Will update when I can
Mick

Friday 13 April 2012

MeJulie knows me well

What can I say? MeJulie thinks I’m mad, me?……………..well I’ve always known.
We had our northern VRCC meeting in Yorkshire at the end of March and as you do at these events at the end of the days riding, we retire to the bar and a few beers. It was while drinking said beer that I got talking about my trips to France to cut the grass and somewhere along the line suggested that maybe a couple of the guys might like to join me on a trip at the end of the year, meJulie didn’t stop me talking, it was only the next day she said do you know what you did last night? Well yes sure I did, I suggested a trip to the cottage with a couple of buddies, she just looked, knows me well does meJulie.
When I arrived home I emailed a couple of the guys to check if they’d be up for it, sure they would, then the Motad exhaust sneaks into the equation, how I don’t know, well yes I do, see what happened was:-
I’m promoting this system, nothing in it for me other than the pride that hopefully a lot of guys will be riding around with exhausts on their Valkyries that I helped design and the knowledge that they should last longer then the actually bike, being stainless steel. Anyway, the French VRCC has an English corner and Geoff, fellow English member posted about the system there, so I went across and registered so I could add detail and answer questions, keeping up? Well anyway while waiting for my account to get activated I communicated with “Fifi Le Gnat” France moderator, while exchanging emails I mention this trip in October and maybe it would be a chance then to see the system. MeJulie says she knew this would happen, so next thing our ride out in October is a rally with every room in our house occupied with English, hotel booked for over night stay out and return, possibility of a couple of tents in the garden and I have to enquire at local B and B re rooms for others, plus maybe sort hotels in Saint Savin  for the French contingent. I had actually posted that we would lay on a BBQ on the Saturday and Sunday after the ride, I’d already said that to the couple of friends that would be coming from UK, but as I had, it was extended to all, I’m just hoping we know the numbers so I can get enough steaks in. Already sorted menu in my head, we’ll do cowboy beans and burgers / sausages on arrival with a side of my special garlic rice, Saturday and Sunday my smoked shredded pork again with cowboy beans and ribs and chicken and some steaks, for them that prefer, all with side salads and a garlic pasta and well like meJulie said, she knew this would happen, I just said “what?”
I’ll post the ride report after the event should be a real nice few days, keeping off the main highways and avoiding toll roads, my usual route down and have a nice ride out planned for the Sunday, hopefully getting me back in time to finish the BBQ, smoked pork will go on before we leave, am I writing calmly? Coz as I am writing, I aint feeling calm, boy o boy.
On the other front I’m sat here waiting for another mysterious call to advise me of a location I need to take a certain person, then the deeds is done and task complete, don’t actually expect it for a few weeks yet so just getting on with getting on, being kept busy looking after a 3 ½ year old, (to know more read previous posts).
We’re away to France for a short break next week, just taking some bits over and finally emptying the lock up, remember that? Started emptying it, oh how long ago? Well it’s looking like I’ll finish the job next week.
That’s about it for now, will get some updates and hopefully some ride reports in over the next few weeks, sorry I haven’t posted as often as I might have, but no one wants to hear what I might have had to say I’m sure, well some might but then some don’t care, sorry see that’s why, coz that’s where I go, I’ll stop now…………………
Till next time.

Friday 17 February 2012

157 lbs 6 ozs, yep that’s right the diets working, still.
Just thought I’d drop by and say hi, not had much to say of late, not that nothings happening, more that too much is, being told I should write a book of all the things I can’t share, maybe write it in the third person, unfortunately I can’t do that here as you’d all know now, what I will promise is I will update on the last six or so months at the end of this summer when, hopefully it will be “safe” to do so, now I bet that’s got you wondering? Believe me if you knew now where I was and what was happening,,,,,,,,,,,,, I’ll give you a little hint:-
I am today awaiting a phone call (I hope) that will inform me of a destination, somewhere in Europe I have to take a “certain person whom for reasons of safety” theirs and others shall stay nameless. I will be given a location (zip/post code) and an expected arrival time; this information shall not be shared with anybody. I’ve got the van all ready to go and standby tickets for the tunnel should I need them, I’m treating it as a road trip and hoping it will be the further reaches of Europe and not just Cornwall, but then that’s me being selfish, this is not about me, this is about the safety of others, intriguing? If this was a film we’d now fade back 20 years to where it all started, but it isn’t so we won’t.
Like I say one day I’ll fill the gaps, funny really when I first started writing these blogs it was to share with you events as they happen, as that is when the unexpected and most exciting things can and often do happen, unfortunately over this past 12 months or so there have been so many things that if shared would have, well lets say, caused difficulties for some.
Then along the way I’ve been sorting my bike ready for riding season, helped keep me sane and is excellent therapy second only to actually riding. Upgrades have included Goodridge  stainless hoses on all brakes and clutch, reline all brakes, strip down and check front end (suspension). I then removed cleaned and replaced exhaust, sorted out the spaghetti that masquerades as wiring installed relay for all auxiliary wiring and installed some nifty LED’s. I was at the stage where I was ready to rip the back end down do drive shaft maintenance, new progressive suspension and change tire and add the 16 inch slash cut extension tips to the exhaust, when someone posted on the VRCC board about Motads desire to manufacture a new exhaust system for the valk and that they needed a bike to model it on. Quick as a flash my bike was down to Birmingham and Motad is where it is now, having a full set of stainless steel exhausts manufactured for it, more on that to follow, as I write literarily the phone rings and it’s Motad to say they’ll need the bike another two weeks as the jigging was not as simple as they first hoped and, well can they keep it till the 14th march. I’m sure the bike will be back in time for me to get the other jobs sorted before the 2nd northern meet of the UK VRCC at Squires  at the end of March, oh and I’ve also ordered a set of seats from Ultimate, lowrider with personal stitching, now they’ll be nice and again am hoping they will be here before the meet.
On the ride out front, apart from monthly meets at Rivington barn (first Sunday of every month for the North West VRCC) and showing my face at other VRCC meets when possible I have a trip organised to Provence with my favourite riding buddy Nick around about August.
We are also still planning a trip to the States for later in the year when all the other issues will be sorted, but as we keep discovering, things change and sometimes we have no control,
“Sometimes I head for the highway
I’m old and the mirrors don’t lie”
If you pray, say one for me and meJulie, we’re going to need all the help we can get to get us thru this next few months,
Keep safe
Mick