Well the day for the start of our continental ride had arrived. As usual, John setting out from his home in Ipswich and me setting out from Macclesfield. I left Macclesfield at 09:00 in fair weather. So across to Leek and down to Ashbourne to the A50. Along the dual carriageway to Kegworth and the M1. A little way down the M1 I stopped at Northampton for fuel and sent a John a text message on my progress.
I continued on the M1 to Junction 6a to exit onto the M25. By now the weather had changed to become quite windy which gave me a few concerns about the Dartford Bridge crossing. Reaching the bridge I rode along lee side of an ‘artic’. On top of the bridge I could hardly feel the effects of the wind, plus the crossing is free to motorcyclists. Leaving the M25 for the M20 I felt the wind again. With time in hand I stopped at Maidstone services for fuel and a quick snack.
Back on the road I had a gentle ride down to Eurotunnel, arriving at 14:30 and logging in for the 15:20 train. Found John’s bike on the car park and John wandering around the Eurotunnel cafes and shops. After enquiries at the Eurotunnel Information desk we boarded the 14:50 train. We had a whole carriage to ourselves.
During the journey two Jewish gentlemen, from the next carriage passed through our carriage showing interest in our scooters, destination and our age. After a long chat they seemed quite impressed with our past and future rides.
On arrival at Coquelles we refuelled and checked into the Etap Hotel. After a short rest we had our evening meal at Le Dragon, Cite Europe.
During the day the weather was dry but cool.
Our Coquelles pit stop.
Daily Mileage 0 – 254 = 254 miles.
Wednesday 13/05/09: Coquelles – Troyes
As we departed, Calais was enveloped in very low, damp mist, it was quite cool. Soon it began to rain. I am sure John is a rain god, John put on his yellow waterproof suit, I had my waterproof trousers.
As noon approached the sun came out. John’s satnav was not working properly and then it fell off his screen mount. So the rain god is not the gadget god. We followed autoroutes: A26, A4, A26, A5. Part way through the morning my “Change Oil” light illuminated. At one of the many ‘aires’ we stopped to check my oil level. Oil check – OK.
We arrived at Troyes at 1230. Parking up on the roof, we found out there is only a part time reception at the Etap, Hotel, Troyes. Next door to the hotel there is a mini mall which has a café. After chatting to the café owner, in our best Franglais, John went off to find someone to check out his satnav power cable, I stayed at the café watching our coats and kit. Quite warm now. Sank quite a few cafés au lait!
About one hour later John returned. He had enquired at wind screen replacement shop about electric testing. A young man, having his windscreen repaired, offered to help John in his quest. He drove John all over Troyes searching for somebody to check John’s satnav power lead. This was decent of the chap, especially as John discovered he was unemployed. Eventually they found an electrician who tested the lead. Apparently a fuse in the plug had blown. Fuse replaced, lead tested ok and John was a happy chappy again. John suitably rewarded his new found friend and returned to the café.
Back to the hotel we tried to book in using the Etap automatic reservation machine. The machine displayed our reservations, accepted my card code but wouldn’t take payment. Five times we tried. Other potential hotel guests tried to register but failed. I would advise people who use Etap Hotels to check the reception times of the hotel. This is the second time we have had problems with a part time reception. The previous occasion was last year in Orleans. Eventually at 1700 we able to check in.
We ate at another Chinese meal, just along the street – “Palais”. John ruined his new shirt. I told him he needed a bib!
Daily Mileage 254 – 514 = 260 miles.
Thursday 14/05/09 Troyes – Archamps
Left Troyes in good weather conditions but at 1000 rain started. John’s satnav played up. He jury rigged the fuse with some copper wire. Later stopping at an “aire” to check with John, he braked at a roundabout and toppled off. Scratched his bike and banged his shoulder. Satnav sent us on the scenic route – lots of bends and hairpins.
Arrived at 1430. Tough day had a couple of beers. (Expensive €5.50 – 50cl)
Daily Mileage 514 – 755 = 241 miles.
Friday 15/05/09 Archamps
Wednesday 13/05/09: Coquelles – Troyes
As we departed, Calais was enveloped in very low, damp mist, it was quite cool. Soon it began to rain. I am sure John is a rain god, John put on his yellow waterproof suit, I had my waterproof trousers.
As noon approached the sun came out. John’s satnav was not working properly and then it fell off his screen mount. So the rain god is not the gadget god. We followed autoroutes: A26, A4, A26, A5. Part way through the morning my “Change Oil” light illuminated. At one of the many ‘aires’ we stopped to check my oil level. Oil check – OK.
We arrived at Troyes at 1230. Parking up on the roof, we found out there is only a part time reception at the Etap, Hotel, Troyes. Next door to the hotel there is a mini mall which has a café. After chatting to the café owner, in our best Franglais, John went off to find someone to check out his satnav power cable, I stayed at the café watching our coats and kit. Quite warm now. Sank quite a few cafés au lait!
About one hour later John returned. He had enquired at wind screen replacement shop about electric testing. A young man, having his windscreen repaired, offered to help John in his quest. He drove John all over Troyes searching for somebody to check John’s satnav power lead. This was decent of the chap, especially as John discovered he was unemployed. Eventually they found an electrician who tested the lead. Apparently a fuse in the plug had blown. Fuse replaced, lead tested ok and John was a happy chappy again. John suitably rewarded his new found friend and returned to the café.
Back to the hotel we tried to book in using the Etap automatic reservation machine. The machine displayed our reservations, accepted my card code but wouldn’t take payment. Five times we tried. Other potential hotel guests tried to register but failed. I would advise people who use Etap Hotels to check the reception times of the hotel. This is the second time we have had problems with a part time reception. The previous occasion was last year in Orleans. Eventually at 1700 we able to check in.
We ate at another Chinese meal, just along the street – “Palais”. John ruined his new shirt. I told him he needed a bib!
Daily Mileage 254 – 514 = 260 miles.
Thursday 14/05/09 Troyes – Archamps
Left Troyes in good weather conditions but at 1000 rain started. John’s satnav played up. He jury rigged the fuse with some copper wire. Later stopping at an “aire” to check with John, he braked at a roundabout and toppled off. Scratched his bike and banged his shoulder. Satnav sent us on the scenic route – lots of bends and hairpins.
Arrived at 1430. Tough day had a couple of beers. (Expensive €5.50 – 50cl)
Daily Mileage 514 – 755 = 241 miles.
Friday 15/05/09 Archamps
Me over the A40 with the hotel in the background.
No riding – no mileage.
Explored the Gaumont complex across the motorway, opposite Hotel Ibix.
Saturday 16/05/09. Chamonix Mont Blanc
Saturday 16/05/09. Chamonix Mont Blanc
Today rode along the A40 to Chamonix Mt Blanc.
Best weather of the day. Stopped at “aire” before Chamonix with a beautiful view of Mont Blanc which had a cloud covered summit. Here we both took pictures of all the nearby mountains and some Swiss/French type houses.
Best weather of the day. Stopped at “aire” before Chamonix with a beautiful view of Mont Blanc which had a cloud covered summit. Here we both took pictures of all the nearby mountains and some Swiss/French type houses.
Me silhouetted against Mont Blanc
We moved on to Chamonix which was crowded with vehicles and people. It was the weekly market day. John wandered around taking photos while guarded the bikes. Without a real stop in the town we then made our way returning down the A40.
Still early we made our way to Annecy. The weather continued to be fine. We arrived in Annecy about 1300 and parked up, along with other bikers, outside the local town hall. Again another stroll around with more photo taking, especially of the old buildings and charming water feature outside the town hall.
After a while we made our way back to Archamps. We soon ran into trouble – road works and diversions. Not so easy. A new bridge was being constructed across a deep, wide valley. The diversion wasn’t well marked so we called in the local garage, re-fuelled and the owner gave John a tip. “Walk your bikes across the old bridge slowly.” I don’t know how old the bridge is but it is flanked at either end by two castle type features to give it a medieval look. And there must be a reason they are replacing it. John the Brave went first. Did we push our bikes across? Have you felt the weight of our bikes? Of course not! John rode straight across. Gingerly I followed. Looking down I saw a valley about two hundred feet below the decking of the bridge. Carefully I rode across, didn’t want the bridge disappearing from beneath my wheels. Slowly the far bank approached, safe at last.
OK bring on the next challenge! Yeah, as soon as I stopped quaking on we rode. After that a pretty tame ride back to the hotel.
Daily Mileage 755 – 896 = 141 miles
Sunday 17/05/09 Archamps - Troyes
Still early we made our way to Annecy. The weather continued to be fine. We arrived in Annecy about 1300 and parked up, along with other bikers, outside the local town hall. Again another stroll around with more photo taking, especially of the old buildings and charming water feature outside the town hall.
After a while we made our way back to Archamps. We soon ran into trouble – road works and diversions. Not so easy. A new bridge was being constructed across a deep, wide valley. The diversion wasn’t well marked so we called in the local garage, re-fuelled and the owner gave John a tip. “Walk your bikes across the old bridge slowly.” I don’t know how old the bridge is but it is flanked at either end by two castle type features to give it a medieval look. And there must be a reason they are replacing it. John the Brave went first. Did we push our bikes across? Have you felt the weight of our bikes? Of course not! John rode straight across. Gingerly I followed. Looking down I saw a valley about two hundred feet below the decking of the bridge. Carefully I rode across, didn’t want the bridge disappearing from beneath my wheels. Slowly the far bank approached, safe at last.
OK bring on the next challenge! Yeah, as soon as I stopped quaking on we rode. After that a pretty tame ride back to the hotel.
Daily Mileage 755 – 896 = 141 miles
Sunday 17/05/09 Archamps - Troyes
Left Archamps at 09:00, a little later than usual as we didn’t want to arrive in Troyes too early. We shouldn’t have bothered – the road riding gods conspired against us. For some reason the A40 west had been closed for maintenance. No signs just cones. We saw a lorry receiving directions on the deviation from a workman. We followed the lorry for miles, he knew where he was going. After many miles he pulled over to let the build up of traffic to pass. Not long after we took a pit stop and reset our satnavs. Not long after, approximately 11:00, we connected with the A40 again. We made progress after taking two hours to ride 40+ miles. John has realised he has left his hip flask in the hotel at Archamps. Oh dear, a present from his wife, Marie. In fine weather, lots of sun, of course I was wearing my waterproofs, never rains when I wear them. We made good progress but with judicious managed to reach Etap Hotel Troyes bang on the evening opening time. John tried to make contact with Archamps but it sounded a bit garbled.
So off to the Chinese restaurant at the end of the street. A pleasant meal, a chat with a couple of expats returning to Leeds on a family visit. A free saki from the restaurant owner and a free souvenir of the saki cups, which when full a naked lady can be seen in the bottom of the cup.
Daily Mileage 896 – 1180 = 284 miles
Monday 18/05/09 Troyes – Coquelles, Calais
So off to the Chinese restaurant at the end of the street. A pleasant meal, a chat with a couple of expats returning to Leeds on a family visit. A free saki from the restaurant owner and a free souvenir of the saki cups, which when full a naked lady can be seen in the bottom of the cup.
Daily Mileage 896 – 1180 = 284 miles
Monday 18/05/09 Troyes – Coquelles, Calais
We left Troyes at 0815, a fairly bright day but very windy.
Poulet de Bresson
After a good ride arrived at Coquelles at 1230. No reception problems here, open all day.
After a quick shower we walked over to Cite Europe for a bit of shopping for SWMBO. A watch with an expanding bracelet. Now these aren’t the current vogue or fashion. There are about half a dozen watch/jewellery shops in the malls. Not one had this animal. However walking out of the last shop, John espied the exact thing in a showcase. This after being told by the shopkeeper he had sold his last one. I bought it immediately. John replaced his lost whisky at Tescos duty free store.
At 1530 we had an early dinner at the Le Dragon. Then a few preparations for the trip home on the morrow.
Daily Mileage 1180 – 1429 = 249 miles.
Tuesday 19/05/09 Coquelles, Calais – Macclesfield.
After a quick shower we walked over to Cite Europe for a bit of shopping for SWMBO. A watch with an expanding bracelet. Now these aren’t the current vogue or fashion. There are about half a dozen watch/jewellery shops in the malls. Not one had this animal. However walking out of the last shop, John espied the exact thing in a showcase. This after being told by the shopkeeper he had sold his last one. I bought it immediately. John replaced his lost whisky at Tescos duty free store.
At 1530 we had an early dinner at the Le Dragon. Then a few preparations for the trip home on the morrow.
Daily Mileage 1180 – 1429 = 249 miles.
Tuesday 19/05/09 Coquelles, Calais – Macclesfield.
We left Coquelles on the 0820 train and arrived in Folkestone at 0720, all times local of course as we have not mastered time travelling yet.
As John had his satnav set-up, he led the way. Nearing the M25 John signalled me to lead. Navigating by overhead gantry motorway signs. I misread a sign for the M25 and ended on the A20. Unusual exit as it exited RIGHT. Probably I should have bared left to follow the M25 but the overhead sign confused me. John, satnav alive zoomed past following the correct route and that was the last I saw of him on the ride out.
I stopped at the first roundabout on the A20. Fortunately I was able to pull into a B&Q car park. Unpacking my rear bag and suit case I found my satnav buried under many layers of clothing. Repacking and finding my way back to the M25 took me twenty minutes, not bad considering it was rush hour.
Refuelled at Toddington on the M1. (Last refuel Coquelles.) I had a trouble free pootle up to Kegworth, to my son’s, Daniel, house in good weather, arriving at 11:15. Daniel had texted me for a pit stop for a brew and a buttie.
After leaving Kegworth ran into very heavy rain, which lasted until I reached Leek. Absolutely soaked I arrived home, Macclesfield at 13:15.
Daily Mileage 1429 – 1698 = 269 miles.
Total Mileage – 1698 miles.
As John had his satnav set-up, he led the way. Nearing the M25 John signalled me to lead. Navigating by overhead gantry motorway signs. I misread a sign for the M25 and ended on the A20. Unusual exit as it exited RIGHT. Probably I should have bared left to follow the M25 but the overhead sign confused me. John, satnav alive zoomed past following the correct route and that was the last I saw of him on the ride out.
I stopped at the first roundabout on the A20. Fortunately I was able to pull into a B&Q car park. Unpacking my rear bag and suit case I found my satnav buried under many layers of clothing. Repacking and finding my way back to the M25 took me twenty minutes, not bad considering it was rush hour.
Refuelled at Toddington on the M1. (Last refuel Coquelles.) I had a trouble free pootle up to Kegworth, to my son’s, Daniel, house in good weather, arriving at 11:15. Daniel had texted me for a pit stop for a brew and a buttie.
After leaving Kegworth ran into very heavy rain, which lasted until I reached Leek. Absolutely soaked I arrived home, Macclesfield at 13:15.
Daily Mileage 1429 – 1698 = 269 miles.
Total Mileage – 1698 miles.
Our bikes!
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