BONJOUR NORMANDIE 2000

This is the last communication that will be issued before we go to France on our little trip, so here are a few pointers for the first timers and a few reminders for the experienced.

If you have booked and you are not listed below please tell me 01202 565491. Len & Gina, Andy & Nancy, Ricky & Suzanne, Bobbi, Nick & Dma

Sailing Details

If you are travelling with the main party we will be leaving Poole on the evening of 3rd August at 23:45 Hours.
YOU WILL NEED TO BE AT THE TERMINAL 1 HOUR BEFORE, TO ENSURE LOADING.

We will arrive in Cherbourg at 06:30 hours.
We leave Cherbourg on the evening of 8th August at 19:00 Hours;
THe 1-HOUR BEFORE RULE APPLIES HERE AS WELL.
We arrive back in Poole at 22:15 Hours. All times are local times.

Stowing yourbike

Take some straps to tie your bike up with, the ferry company have people to help you but its worth making sure you are happy with their efforts (they normally only use one rope). Also take something like a cut up inner tube to use as elastic bands on the front brake lever to hold the brake on. Also take a piece of wood to slip under your side stand it will also come in handy at the campsite.

Make sure your alarm is in ferry or service mode before leaving your bike (its amazing how sound travels at night and a flat battery is no fun at 6.30 am).

Leave all non essential luggage on your bike e.g. take nothing with you on to the boat that you do not need that night.

Things to take with you

1. All your documents that say the bike is yours and its legal, V5, Insurance documents showing continental cover, MOT certificate.

2. A completed and stamped El 11. These are available from the post office free of charge. You are required to fill it out fully and then get it stamped at the post office. Don’t dispose of it after the trip as it lasts indefinitely, but is worth renewing every couple of years.

3. Your Passport.

4. A set of light bulbs for your vehicle, one for each type of lamp is sufficient. It is compulsory in France (despite what you might be told). Also take a screwdriver so you can effect a roadside repair. Motorcycles do not need an emergency triangle as you can get the machine off the road.

Things to do before you go

1. Tell your insurance company the dates you will be out of the country. Give them plenty of time as they may need to issue a special cover note

2. Make sure you can read KPH on your Speedo, if its not clear use stickers to mark up the most common limits 30, 45, 60, 90, 100,110.

3. Cover up the left-hand dip pad of your headlamp.

4. Find somewhere to fix a GB sticker, small ones are available free from Brittany Ferries terminal at Poole.

Tips

Ride on the right hand side of the road, sounds obvious but its easy to get in the wrong lane after turning left.

Treat all give way signs as stop signs.

Some side roads have priority in turning on to main roads (these are clearly marked 99% of the time).

Gendarmes are the Police (National Guard) in the dark suits with the odd shaped hats, municipal police mostly found in larger towns, usually wear fiat caps like our traffic police. Both are equally, the law.

Gendarmes are also armed (hence the last pad of their name) they will use it if you do not pull over when requested they will probably let off a round or two to bring you to your senses. Definitely do not bugger around with these guys as they can make your stay very unpleasant.

Flashing headlights on vehicles coming the other way, usually mean that there are gendarmes ahead at the next junction.

If you are stopped by the gendarmes don’t try to speak French.

This document is intended as a guide and is based on my experiences only; you may need to satisfy yourself that you are going to comply with the laws of the land.

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