Now I have a luggage rack I need to go somewhere that requires luggage. So a trip is planned around France. Heading off Thurs 26th July Poole to Guernsey to see my mother, then another ferry from Guernsey to St Malo on the 27th. Overnight in Dinan then to Angouleme the next day. Then to Millau for a night, and then across to Vence (nr Nice) where a friend is renting a villa for a week. A couple of nights in Vence then home via Dijon and the Tunnel. Around 2000 miles all being well. 300 to 350 miles each day. Can't wait! Anyone else planning any tours this summer?
All dressed up and no place to go...
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Would love to, but no time this year with the little one!
I did France a few years’ ago, including staying in Millau, and also in Menton (near Nice, but cheaper!! :laugh
If you want any tips, routes, accommodation recommendations etc, let me know. I was pretty anal about it too, so think I still have a spreadsheet with all the details on, including links to online route maps etc. I used this website to help with a lot of the route planning:
https://www.ride.co.uk/routes-1/the-ride-guide-to-france
Ben
Thanks Ben. I recall how those little ones take up all your time (and money). Both mine grown up (well, older, anyway) now. I came home via Millau on last years trip and like the look of it (and the gorge - wow) so it seemed a good stop off. Staying in Hotel de la Capelle which looks reasonable and close to the centre. I tend to take one big map of France to plan general direction and roads each day then use my phone to guide me the last few miles to my lodgings, if needed. Last year I didn't even book any hotels - just took my chances on wherever I decided to stop. But this trip is closer to the school holidays so I've got them all booked.
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Aaah - you’re free-styling it then? Good stuff. Have a great time.
Ben
OK, so 2000 miles in one week in the SCR in France survived. Naturally the bike ran fine. Everything worked OK (or as it should anyway...) and nothing dropped off. Couldn't measure any oil use and tyres held air OK. The rear brake, which I use a lot on the SCR, got progressively spongier. Could have been the heat (typically mid 30's C; High 90's F). On the plus side it proved amazingly economical delivering me over 70 mpg (imp) cruising at 60 to 65 mph. Meant that two hours between fill ups was feasible. Typically 135 to 140 miles before the fuel light came on.
The seat is as we all know pretty ****. 30 mins and I was feeling it. An hour and I'm using all the tricks to not have to stop and walk around. Longest stint was three hours yesterday from Folkstone to home (150 miles). Typically two hours was enough and refuel at around 115 to 120 miles.
On challenging roads (Route Napoleon, through the Alps, for example) it can really hard work. Some of the hairpins had me hauling on the brakes and whispering a prayer that it would get round. Both pegs now ground off on the underside...got to the stage where I really wanted some straight tarmac for a bit. The luggage carrier and dri-bag worked fine and held all I needed.
There were a few times I was overtaking when I found the throttle against the stop and wishing for more. 50HP and 550 lbs...
The worst thing about it, and noticed most once back home on crap UK roads, is the rear suspension. Any serious ridge or pothole and you feel like your neck might break or your teeth will fall out. If you can anticipate a bump you can stand on the pegs but if you get caught out it hurts. And I have the Ohlins on the back, set to softest damping.
I know it's not a tourer, but it can be hard work on mountain roads. Less weight, better brakes and more lean angle would all help. But I've got to remember it's basically a cruiser in drag.
Need to work out if I keep throwing money at it to improve it as a tourer or just use it for shorter runs.
The seat is as we all know pretty ****. 30 mins and I was feeling it. An hour and I'm using all the tricks to not have to stop and walk around. Longest stint was three hours yesterday from Folkstone to home (150 miles). Typically two hours was enough and refuel at around 115 to 120 miles.
On challenging roads (Route Napoleon, through the Alps, for example) it can really hard work. Some of the hairpins had me hauling on the brakes and whispering a prayer that it would get round. Both pegs now ground off on the underside...got to the stage where I really wanted some straight tarmac for a bit. The luggage carrier and dri-bag worked fine and held all I needed.
There were a few times I was overtaking when I found the throttle against the stop and wishing for more. 50HP and 550 lbs...
The worst thing about it, and noticed most once back home on crap UK roads, is the rear suspension. Any serious ridge or pothole and you feel like your neck might break or your teeth will fall out. If you can anticipate a bump you can stand on the pegs but if you get caught out it hurts. And I have the Ohlins on the back, set to softest damping.
I know it's not a tourer, but it can be hard work on mountain roads. Less weight, better brakes and more lean angle would all help. But I've got to remember it's basically a cruiser in drag.
Need to work out if I keep throwing money at it to improve it as a tourer or just use it for shorter runs.
Oh, re. Millau BTW. Had a great night there. The hotel was good and central. 5 mins walk from the old town. Let me park the bike on the patio outside. Found a great little family run bar that had a three piece jazz group playing. Really good night!
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Sounds awesome! Yeah, it's not a touring machine but kudos to you!
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Sounds a good trip pal. Probably performs about as I would expect, I guess. You do well to last that long until the fuel light comes on!! Mine typically comes on just shy of 100 miles. This is post-reflash, but I think it was pretty much the same previously as well. Strange all the hate on here for the stock seat too - I really don’t mind it! Maybe I have super padding on my arse?! :grin2:
We found a great little family run bistro in Millau too. Bit of a pancake joint really - food was superb. The town is lovely too. Interesting your comments re Route Napoleon etc - we did it two-up on a Harley a few years ago! Fabulous roads and views though.
Glad you made it back ok - very jealous of the trip!!
Ben
Route Napolean two up on a Harley? Jeez - and to think I thought it was a bit squirelly on the SCR. You're a better man than I!
The other really nice road was from Angouleme to Perigeaux (D939). Then from Brive to Millau via Figeac and Rodez. Always rising and falling, sweeping bends and great scenery. Now my arse has recovered need to plan the next one...
The other really nice road was from Angouleme to Perigeaux (D939). Then from Brive to Millau via Figeac and Rodez. Always rising and falling, sweeping bends and great scenery. Now my arse has recovered need to plan the next one...
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