Fazer Owners Club - Unofficial

Bikes, Hints'n'Tips => Events, Meets, Ride outs etc => Topic started by: midden on 06 June 2014, 01:20:13 am

Title: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: midden on 06 June 2014, 01:20:13 am
Anyone feel up for having a ride out to Ypres. Early ferry out and late ferry back.
I am reliably informed it can be done quite easily in a car so biking it should be a sinch ;)
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: Grandma on 06 June 2014, 06:51:10 am
Yep, would love to, been over to Tyne Cott a few years back and found it very emotional, probably more so this year because of the Anniversary of D Day landings.
Don't mind early train, usually cheaper anyway and means more time in France, was going over with a friend next week, but it is Le Mans so trains full!
So if I don't fall victim to clashing dates, the bane of my life this year, would be up for it. :D
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: Red Ceri on 06 June 2014, 08:38:35 am
I'd be up for this, did the Menin Gate last year on my way to Germany, save up your Tesco vouchers and use them to pay for the tunnel £30 for every £10 of vouchers.
 
Roads to there are a little boring though but can be there a little over an hour and a half from the train.plenty of time to visit other sites during the day, stock up on Belgian beers and chocolate.
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: midden on 06 June 2014, 10:32:17 am
Train would be good and a first for me :) Next weekend would be perfect  if we wasn't already doing Loomies :(
Depending on Time is there any reason a interesting ride couldn't be found on the return or during Ceri?
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: Red Ceri on 06 June 2014, 01:29:11 pm
Never spent that much time in that part of France/Belgium, always passing through to go somewhere else, so don't know the local roads at all.
Always look at a few other local WW1 sites and potter between them.
I'm not doing Loomies as I'm off to Lowestoft/Gt Yarmouth with mates from work, 22nd going to Bike Shed Meet, 29th?? got time to sort out train for then
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: Arfa on 06 June 2014, 05:29:23 pm
Hmmm, sounds interesting. Didn't realise the chunnel was so cheap for bikes. £12-15 ish.
29th is probably a no goer as the chunnel is sold out late afternoon, last ticket left is for 2pm train...
6th July has tickets available though.

Never ridden (or driven) on the continent...
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: dazza on 06 June 2014, 05:40:02 pm
I'm in.
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: midden on 06 June 2014, 06:19:50 pm
I'm in.
Well answer ya foccin door then ;)
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: ChristoT on 06 June 2014, 06:30:51 pm
Count me in for a pillion seat, please! I can interpret, and want to stock up on cheese! :lol
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: midden on 06 June 2014, 09:40:26 pm
Hmmm, sounds interesting. Didn't realise the chunnel was so cheap for bikes. £12-15 ish.
29th is probably a no goer as the chunnel is sold out late afternoon, last ticket left is for 2pm train...
6th July has tickets available though.

Never ridden (or driven) on the continent...
14/15th ideal for me work wise, 28/29th a possible good  and the 6th is a no go but the 5th is another possible.


The ferry must only be about 2hrs inc getting bikes on/off if train not available. Also on the ferry we get a cafe to critique  8)
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: Red Ceri on 07 June 2014, 12:01:37 pm
Train over Boat anytime, turn up get on 35 minutes later Hello France.
Checked the 5th train up to midday is full, 
Neal no chance you can get the 6th off as spaces still available, 13th July spaces available,
£30 return so if you can prise any tesco vouchers off your other half will only be a tenners worth.
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: midden on 07 June 2014, 03:42:55 pm
Put in for leave on the 6th but can't be sure I'll get it. Will know monday
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: Grandma on 08 June 2014, 10:13:46 am
Put in for leave on the 6th but can't be sure I'll get it. Will know monday
Can do 6th July ;)  Hope you can have leave 8)
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: ChristoT on 08 June 2014, 10:30:40 am
The 6th of July works for me too if you need an interpreter!

Anyone got a pillion seat going spare?
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: Red Ceri on 08 June 2014, 08:49:12 pm
Thank F@(k for that, just checked my insurance and it doesn't cover pillions,
 
just in case 'the curse of the ChristoT' transfers to the pillion seat
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: dazza on 08 June 2014, 08:59:16 pm
Just checked mine and it only covers females, so, Christo obviously, don't expect you to have the full operation but if you dress up as a lady, I think we might get away with it.  :lol
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: ChristoT on 08 June 2014, 09:00:27 pm
Just checked mine and it only covers females, so, Christo obviously, don't expect you to have the full operation but if you dress up as a lady, I think we might get away with it.  :lol

I'll see if I can pinch a bra off my roommate! :lol
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: Red Ceri on 08 June 2014, 09:05:23 pm
So you room with a cross-dresser, could explain a lot
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: ChristoT on 08 June 2014, 09:07:03 pm
So you room with a cross-dresser, could explain a lot

She's a grumpy miserable French girl - a cross-dresser might be better!
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: midden on 09 June 2014, 11:25:06 am
Leave for the 6th is authorized  :) so It's a go?  :woot :useless
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: Red Ceri on 09 June 2014, 03:54:32 pm
Great news, now to decide what trains to catch
 
the channel tunnel website has trains leaving every 30 minutes, so what about 8.20am train going out and 7.36pm back, (arrive back in UK around 7pm)
 
gives us a long day to explore and Midden time to sample as many French/Belgian cafes as possible.
 
Unfortunatley Christo my insurance really doesn't cover pillions, that why it was only £100 full-comp last year, so get the bra and dress of your rommie and photos for Midden.
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: ChristoT on 09 June 2014, 07:55:21 pm
Only Dazza gets the pics!

Still up for taking me pillion, Dazza?
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: midden on 09 June 2014, 08:31:51 pm
So you room with a cross-dresser, could explain a lot
Didn't you learn anything from Britains got talent.....french men wear stilletto's [size=78%] [/size]
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: midden on 09 June 2014, 08:32:33 pm
So how we getting the train tickets?
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: Red Ceri on 10 June 2014, 12:03:02 am
Go to the channel Tunnel website http://www.eurotunnel.com/uk/home/ (http://www.eurotunnel.com/uk/home/) put in the dates and approximate times and you'll get the actual train times for that day, then its credit/debit card or tesco voucher. Need to book your own tickets but its dead simple, even I can do it
Just remember to say no to their travel insurance but book your own bike recovery insurance
 
If everyone agrees with the times suggested, I'll leave booking my tickets until we've all agreed the times.
 
So far we have
 
Red Ceri
Midden
Dazza
Grandma
Arfa?
Christo
 
Anyone else?????
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: midden on 10 June 2014, 01:35:15 am
so really we need book at same time to insure we get same train.

Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: ChristoT on 10 June 2014, 01:52:12 am
Go to the channel Tunnel website [url]http://www.eurotunnel.com/uk/home/[/url] ([url]http://www.eurotunnel.com/uk/home/[/url]) put in the dates and approximate times and you'll get the actual train times for that day, then its credit/debit card or tesco voucher. Need to book your own tickets but its dead simple, even I can do it
Just remember to say no to their travel insurance but book your own bike recovery insurance
 
If everyone agrees with the times suggested, I'll leave booking my tickets until we've all agreed the times.
 
So far we have
 
Red Ceri
Midden
Dazza
Grandma
Arfa?
Christo
 
Anyone else?????


I won't have my own transport, remember, unless people want to chip in for my fuel, and nominate me designated booze mule.
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: midden on 10 June 2014, 06:52:23 am
Perhaps we could bake a cake
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: Red Ceri on 10 June 2014, 07:45:14 am
We only need to book asap, no real need to book 'at the same time' but sooner rather than later, as looking at the trains that are sold out, these times may be going fairly fast.
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: midden on 10 June 2014, 09:41:09 am
We only need to book asap, no real need to book 'at the same time' but sooner rather than later, as looking at the trains that are sold out, these times may be going fairly fast.
I'll book as soon as I get home tonight then. Come on peeps
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: Arfa on 10 June 2014, 12:37:01 pm
I'm going to have to bail on this one I'm afraid, going to be a bit brassic this next month or two, bike service/MOT due, childcare for summer hols needs paying upfront and got final instalment for holiday at Butlins due! 

Gutted! :(
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: Red Ceri on 10 June 2014, 02:00:12 pm
Sorry to hear that Arfa, be other times.
 
for information possible places to visit
http://www.greatwar.co.uk/places/ypres-salient-monuments.htm (http://www.greatwar.co.uk/places/ypres-salient-monuments.htm)
 
Plus Arras where there is a preserved trench system. Ypres has a WW1 museum in the town..
 
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: Red Ceri on 10 June 2014, 04:30:18 pm
I'm all booked for the train, 8.20am train from Folkstone and return train 7.36pm from Calais. total £30
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: ChristoT on 10 June 2014, 06:29:45 pm
Anyone planning on going with a pillion seat going spare?
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: midden on 10 June 2014, 08:57:14 pm
I'm all booked for the train, 8.20am train from Folkstone and return train 7.36pm from Calais. total £30


+ 2
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: midden on 12 June 2014, 01:18:09 am
No one else up for this cultural rideout?
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: HarryHornby on 12 June 2014, 07:20:01 am
I would be really interested in this, but I don't have a passport.
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: midden on 12 June 2014, 07:24:20 am
I would be really interested in this, but I don't have a passport.
Get and order one then....simples  ;)
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: Red Ceri on 12 June 2014, 08:08:18 am
I would be really interested in this, but I don't have a passport.
Get and order one then....simples  ;)
Be pushing it to get a passport in the next 3 weeks with the latest Gov cock up regarding passport applications, unless you've had one recently, new applications seem to be the ones that are taking their time. You can only try though and see what happens. I recon you'd still get on the train if you booked nearer the day
Always seems funny when I hear someone hasen't got a passport, never been without one since I was 20.
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: ChristoT on 12 June 2014, 08:12:07 am
Since 20? I don't think I've ever not had one! Being a Brit born & raised in France, I've always needed one.
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: Red Ceri on 12 June 2014, 09:34:52 am
Before that, when needed, I had the old yearly ones that you bought at the post office , since 20 I've never not had one, spent long periods commuting weekly between the UK and Belgium, Germany (& others) for work.
 
You can get a passport in a day if you make an appointment with your local passport office, but expect there to be at least a couple of weeks wait for an appointment at this time of year. Had to do that 2 yrs ago when I forgot I had less that 6 months on my passport and needed more to get a business visa for Thailand.
 
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: dazza on 12 June 2014, 12:47:51 pm
Had to do that 2 yrs ago when I forgot I had less that 6 months on my passport and needed more to get a business visa for Thailand.

Wasn't aware you needed a business visa to sample the lady boy's ware's. :lol
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: midden on 12 June 2014, 12:50:57 pm
Had to do that 2 yrs ago when I forgot I had less that 6 months on my passport and needed more to get a business visa for Thailand.

Wasn't aware you needed a business visa to sample the lady boy's ware's. :lol


I'll wager he has one of their stilletto shoes, pride of place in his living room as a souvenir ;)
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: dazza on 12 June 2014, 12:58:28 pm
 :lol
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: Red Ceri on 12 June 2014, 03:30:49 pm
Checky foccers, here am I just trying to help a fellow foccer and all I get is abuse, my workmate was the one for the ladyboys I was too scared to leave the hotel
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: esetest on 12 June 2014, 07:47:16 pm
Just booked it 8.20am out from Folkestone , need the break , will need to check with my insurance to see if I am insured to ride in Europe , where are you planning to meet , it will be an early start for me .
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: midden on 12 June 2014, 08:01:03 pm
Checky foccers, here am I just trying to help a fellow foccer and all I get is abuse, my workmate was the one for the ladyboys I was too scared to leave the hotel
Scared to leave the hotel, why, too much Glitter on your hands? ;)
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: dazza on 13 June 2014, 03:33:37 am
Just booked it 8.20am out from Folkestone , need the break , will need to check with my insurance to see if I am insured to ride in Europe , where are you planning to meet , it will be an early start for me .

Esetest, if you fancy it you are welcome to come to mine for a cup of tea and a stretch. I'm about 45 -50 mins from Folkestone and en- route for Midden and Red Ceri so will be good if we all meet at mine. Don't know how much earlier we have to get there but can work on timings later.
If you're up for it I will pm my tel no. and post code.
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: Red Ceri on 13 June 2014, 08:45:42 am
Just booked it 8.20am out from Folkestone , need the break , will need to check with my insurance to see if I am insured to ride in Europe , where are you planning to meet , it will be an early start for me .

Esetest, if you fancy it you are welcome to come to mine for a cup of tea and a stretch. I'm about 45 -50 mins from Folkestone and en- route for Midden and Red Ceri so will be good if we all meet at mine. Don't know how much earlier we have to get there but can work on timings later.
If you're up for it I will pm my tel no. and post code.

Are you comming up from the West Country? If you want to come up Saturday crash at mine and perhaps meet up with Dazza and Midden for a curry and a beer Saturday night, save you gettting up before you got to bed saturday night/sunday morning.
 
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: Grandma on 13 June 2014, 08:46:05 am
Booked, just discovered didn't have European Breakdown, always had it in past with Carole Nash, never used it, but Murphy's Law, if I ain't got it, sure as eggs are eggs I will need it!
Only times I have needed it here was puncture in Gloucester 2005 and when I wrote off Gen 2 Fazer 1000 on M20 2012. Now sorted for remainder of policy with Bennetts. :D


B*gger, had to cancel, been reminded I should be somewhere else that day, bane of my life, clashing dates!!!!!!! :'(
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: ChristoT on 13 June 2014, 10:16:47 am
Final appeal for a pillion seat?
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: Exupnut on 13 June 2014, 12:36:07 pm
There's one goin on ebay cheap.....

(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/06/13/ypyma6eq.jpg)
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: midden on 13 June 2014, 01:25:03 pm
There's one goin on ebay cheap.....

([url]http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/06/13/ypyma6eq.jpg[/url])

exup to christo
http://youtu.be/XHFy3YWpRx8 (http://youtu.be/XHFy3YWpRx8)
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: ChristoT on 13 June 2014, 02:03:03 pm
There's one goin on ebay cheap.....

([url]http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/06/13/ypyma6eq.jpg[/url])

exup to christo
[url]http://youtu.be/XHFy3YWpRx8[/url] ([url]http://youtu.be/XHFy3YWpRx8[/url])


Yeah, as he's now lending me his bike for the Ypres trip, aintcha?  ;)
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: Exupnut on 13 June 2014, 03:01:51 pm
I let u have a go on it way back before the first lofo ride and what did u do?
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: kitcrazy on 13 June 2014, 04:42:09 pm
gutted to miss this one  :\ have a great trip guys :thumbup
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: ChristoT on 13 June 2014, 06:14:34 pm
I let u have a go on it way back before the first lofo ride and what did u do?

Handed it straight back as I found it too powerful for me then. Now I'm a more experienced rider - you're on!  :)
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: Exupnut on 13 June 2014, 06:19:39 pm
Experienced in what?.... Crashing?
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: ChristoT on 13 June 2014, 06:35:39 pm
Experienced in what?.... Crashing?

Sez you! North Circular, much?

Experienced in riding fast bikes.
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: midden on 13 June 2014, 07:26:40 pm
Experienced in what?.... Crashing?

Sez you! North Circular, much?

Experienced in riding fast bikes.
Speaking as an inexperienced person, the fact that you mention 'fast' in your statement triggers alarm bells.
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: esetest on 13 June 2014, 07:58:21 pm
Dazza that would be great , if you could pm me your telephone number and postcode . Red Ceri has said I can crash at his Saturday night , I've checked the times according to the AA its three and half hours from Bristol to Folkstone , so it would be sensible to travel down Saturday evening , so i'm guessing I will be riding to yours with Red Ceri . 
Just booked it 8.20am out from Folkestone , need the break , will need to check with my insurance to see if I am insured to ride in Europe , where are you planning to meet , it will be an early start for me .

Esetest, if you fancy it you are welcome to come to mine for a cup of tea and a stretch. I'm about 45 -50 mins from Folkestone and en- route for Midden and Red Ceri so will be good if we all meet at mine. Don't know how much earlier we have to get there but can work on timings later.
If you're up for it I will pm my tel no. and post code.
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: esetest on 13 June 2014, 08:00:12 pm
Thanks for offer of crashing at yours Saturday night , that would be great .
Just booked it 8.20am out from Folkestone , need the break , will need to check with my insurance to see if I am insured to ride in Europe , where are you planning to meet , it will be an early start for me .

Esetest, if you fancy it you are welcome to come to mine for a cup of tea and a stretch. I'm about 45 -50 mins from Folkestone and en- route for Midden and Red Ceri so will be good if we all meet at mine. Don't know how much earlier we have to get there but can work on timings later.
If you're up for it I will pm my tel no. and post code.

Are you comming up from the West Country? If you want to come up Saturday crash at mine and perhaps meet up with Dazza and Midden for a curry and a beer Saturday night, save you gettting up before you got to bed saturday night/sunday morning.
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: esetest on 13 June 2014, 08:09:42 pm
Do I need to put headlamp converters on the bike for riding in Europe , if so where do you get them from Halfords said the AA headlamp converter kits will be fine for the bike .
Also do  you need to carry spare bulbs .
I,ve got a high vis vest for riding in Belgium , and a warning triangle , not going to  bother with the Breathalyser kit as according to the AA website although its compulsory they are  not enforcing the fines .
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: ChristoT on 13 June 2014, 08:40:17 pm
Do I need to put headlamp converters on the bike for riding in Europe , if so where do you get them from Halfords said the AA headlamp converter kits will be fine for the bike .
Also do  you need to carry spare bulbs .
I,ve got a high vis vest for riding in Belgium , and a warning triangle , not going to  bother with the Breathalyser kit as according to the AA website although its compulsory they are  not enforcing the fines .

As an experience EuroFoccer:

- Headlamp converters - don't bother with them. I never did, never had any problems.
- Spare bulbs - not a bad idea as the French police can be arsey.
- Hi-vis is actually moot - you need a certain area of reflective coating, not necessarily hi-vis. Stick one under yer seat just in case
- Breathalysers are a complete joke. Don't waste your money.

Can I beg a pillion seat?  :)
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: Red Ceri on 13 June 2014, 11:45:11 pm
Esetest, sort out details nearer the time, Dazza Midden up for a curry Sat night the 5th?
 
So then there were 5 (hopefully 6 if someone will give Christo a lift)
 
Don't sweat the small details first aid kit, and bulbs at worst, all insurances have minimal continental cover (3rd Party) just check with yours, just make sure to have recovery insurance.
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: midden on 13 June 2014, 11:50:50 pm
Hopefully we shan't be in France for long :)


Curry could be an idea and if Christo get's his pillion he's offered to pay for all our curries and a pint each ;)
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: ChristoT on 13 June 2014, 11:53:20 pm
I have?
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: esetest on 15 June 2014, 10:05:16 pm
Sorry Christot  i,m not insured to carry pillion , the wife's not interested in getting on the back of the bike , so I never bothered adding it to the policy .
I will get some spare bulbs and a couple of fuses just in case .   
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: midden on 17 June 2014, 02:03:20 pm
Still spaces available!!!!!  ;)
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: slimwilly on 17 June 2014, 11:22:14 pm
I have?


we might all come then,,,good lad cristo
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: maxzer1500 on 22 June 2014, 06:22:01 pm
 Like the look of this as i have been thinking of something similar , would be 2up , sorry christoT .
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: midden on 23 June 2014, 12:20:21 pm
Like the look of this as i have been thinking of something similar , would be 2up , sorry christoT .


Cool   get and book your tunnel ride ;)



Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: maxzer1500 on 23 June 2014, 03:39:12 pm
  Tunnel booked , looking forward to this .
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: Red Ceri on 02 July 2014, 10:46:47 am
OK getting closer so time to put some plans into place,
 
so far we have
Red Ceri,
Midden,
Dazza,
esetest,
Maxzer1500
 
Suggest we meet at Nell's Cafe first and plan to get to Tunnel at 7.00/7.15ish so that means leaving Nell's at ???? and picking up Dazza on route at ???? feel free to fill in the Blanks.
 
Head to Ypres for early Lunch and the Mennin Gate, then off to Tyne Cot and then Arras and the Canadian memorial unless someone has any other things they want to see
 
 
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: maxzer1500 on 02 July 2014, 12:07:05 pm
 Was looking at 7.15 arrival which still gives at least 30 mins before end of booking in , stopping to top up fuel at the previous (M20) services .
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: dazza on 02 July 2014, 01:33:19 pm
Ok, let's say 06.00 @ mine, gives us time to have a cuppa and get down to Folkestone with plenty of time to spare. Nell's café won't be open @ that time in the morning but still a good meeting point to pick up Midden.
Does anyone know what the weather forecast is like for Sunday ?
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: Red Ceri on 02 July 2014, 02:45:45 pm
Weather on BBC looks mixed for Saturday night clearing eastwards so with luck we'll be dry on Sunday
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: Buzz on 02 July 2014, 09:04:04 pm
+1


I'll see you at check in.
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: esetest on 02 July 2014, 09:34:25 pm
Looking forward to this , weather forecast is looking good for Sunday .
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: dazza on 02 July 2014, 10:19:21 pm
+1


I'll see you at check in.
Nice one Buzz,  let us know if you wanted to meet up somewhere and travel down together.
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: Buzz on 02 July 2014, 11:01:25 pm
+1

I'll see you at check in.
Nice one Buzz,  let us know if you wanted to meet up somewhere and travel down together.
Will do, Dazza.  Only coming from North London though so probably easier if I just keep on the M20 all the way to Folkestone.
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: esetest on 03 July 2014, 05:27:43 pm
Informed the bank that I may be using my debit and credit card abroad this weekend , so hopefully won't have any problems with that .
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: Red Ceri on 04 July 2014, 12:43:13 am
Dazza, plan on leaving mine around 6 pass Nell's cafe around 6.20, pick up Neil, pass your's then onto the tunnel for around 7.15, grab a tea at the terminal, means I get an extra hour in bed
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: dazza on 04 July 2014, 01:04:28 am
No worries Ceri.  It's about 15-20 mins from Nell's to mine.  So to save time I can be on the 1st layby on the A249 towards Maidstone @' 06.35.
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: midden on 04 July 2014, 01:10:12 am
Dazza, plan on leaving mine around 6 pass Nell's cafe around 6.20, pick up Neil, pass your's then onto the tunnel for around 7.15, grab a tea at the terminal, means I get an extra hour in bed
That's rather ambitious of you Ceri.  Will you be able to ride to Ypres with a bad back ;)


PEEPS TAKE NOTE
Seems we need to take with us our


Driving licence (both parts if the photocard style)
passport
vehicle reg document
bike and health insurance certificates
breakdown recovery card handy :)


Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: midden on 04 July 2014, 01:11:23 am
No worries Ceri.  It's about 15-20 mins from Nell's to mine.  So to save time I can be on the 1st layby on the A249 towards Maidstone @' 06.35.


Hoping to find some marsh mallows then? ;)
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: dazza on 04 July 2014, 01:14:11 am
Health insurance certificate?  Have absolutely zero chance of finding that before Sunday.
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: Red Ceri on 04 July 2014, 08:29:43 am
Dazza, plan on leaving mine around 6 pass Nell's cafe around 6.20, pick up Neil, pass your's then onto the tunnel for around 7.15, grab a tea at the terminal, means I get an extra hour in bed
That's rather ambitious of you Ceri.  Will you be able to ride to Ypres with a bad back ;)


PEEPS TAKE NOTE
Seems we need to take with us our


Driving licence (both parts if the photocard style)
passport
vehicle reg document
bike and health insurance certificates
breakdown recovery card handy :)




So Neil, you'll be providing all the cash for fuel and other sundries then........................
 
For basic Health insurance, to help with initial medical treatment, it helps if you have the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) available FREE on-line from our government, other health insurance is up to you but normally included in travel insurance
 
Dazza, sounds like a plan
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: midden on 04 July 2014, 10:17:50 am
i meant travel insurance, it was late  :'(
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: Buzz on 04 July 2014, 10:41:52 am
Any recommendations for one day Euro travel insurance?
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: midden on 04 July 2014, 10:45:50 am
Check first that you have got insurance included with your bank account and if not perhaps give them a ring to see how much to buy off them.  be as cheap to get a years cover with them ;)
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: midden on 04 July 2014, 11:06:20 pm
Ok I shall say this only once,  so I have the beret for our time in France.  Not managed the string of onions yet.  Will any of you be joining moi? and What should we have for our time in Belgium?
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: Red Ceri on 05 July 2014, 05:27:14 pm
Belgium, chocolate, lace and......................................................................BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE EEER
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: midden on 05 July 2014, 10:51:27 pm
I DON'T BELIEEEEEEEVE  IT
my E.H.I.C has expired.   The e111 never did  :'( [size=78%] [/size]
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: dazza on 05 July 2014, 10:55:33 pm
I DON'T BELIEEEEEEEVE  IT
my E.H.I.C has expired.   The e111 never did  :'(
What does this even mean ?
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: midden on 05 July 2014, 11:02:49 pm
I DON'T BELIEEEEEEEVE  IT
my E.H.I.C has expired.   The e111 never did  :'(
What does this even mean ?
European health insurance card. useful to have.... surprise surprise  what was once totally free now comes with a £23.50 processing fee :(
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: Red Ceri on 05 July 2014, 11:24:11 pm
you've been conned going onto the non-government site that charges a fee to process what is actually free, they are paying google etc to be the first listing that comes up when you google it, go onto the site below
https://www.gov.uk/european-health-insurance-card (https://www.gov.uk/european-health-insurance-card)
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: slimwilly on 06 July 2014, 06:07:48 am
Are you there yet ? :)
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: dazza on 06 July 2014, 06:43:37 am
Just me atm,  think it's going to be wet.  :\
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: red98 on 06 July 2014, 07:25:17 am
I DON'T BELIEEEEEEEVE  IT
my E.H.I.C has expired.   The e111 never did  :'(
What does this even mean ?
European health insurance card. useful to have.... surprise surprise  what was once totally free now comes with a £23.50 processing fee :(






just re-newed mine.....free of charge   :pokefun [size=78%] [/size]
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: dazza on 06 July 2014, 08:28:05 am
  :) On our way
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: Buzz on 06 July 2014, 08:57:46 am
Collector box blowout (my fix finally blew) followed 15 mins later with rear puncture.  Not a good day really, just got home courtesy of a kind fellow biker with a plugger kit. 


New headers and tyre on order.. :'(
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: red98 on 06 July 2014, 09:05:25 am
like the updates.......have a good day foccers  :D .......sorry to hear that buzz,good the fellow biker stopped and helped,top man  :thumbup ...how many cage drivers would have stopped to help a fellow cager   :rolleyes
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: Grandma on 06 July 2014, 09:10:28 am
Just me atm,  think it's going to be wet.  :\


Hope it is dry the other side, managed to switch my ticket to Tuesday, going to Cassel for lunch 8)
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: Red Ceri on 06 July 2014, 07:27:21 pm
The wet ones are back, alittle bit soggy but cracking day none the less
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: maxzer1500 on 06 July 2014, 10:01:57 pm
  Was a bit wet , the Sun came out on the way home , would like to do a long weekend to do it all justice . Hope we all avoided the speed cameras .
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: Red Ceri on 06 July 2014, 10:35:45 pm
Got in safe and sound, but guess what?.................. it pissed down on me for the last 10 miles, soaked again :'(
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: dazza on 06 July 2014, 11:12:48 pm
A sobering and thought provoking day which hadn't really hit me until I got home and had time to take in what  horror it must have been for all those soldiers on both sides. The scale of the death and destruction is apparent when you pass graveyard after graveyard and so many of the graves are unmarked.

I don't consider myself a coward but I don't know if I could of gone over the top knowing that in all probability I would be mowed down by withering machine gun fire like many of those brave men did. Absolutely senseless tactics.  If you can even call them that.


Feeling very humble.


Will get some pics up when my phone lets me.



BTW it was absolutely foccing soaking all foccing day.
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: dazza on 06 July 2014, 11:19:23 pm
More pics
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: dazza on 06 July 2014, 11:43:14 pm
Finished on a lighter note,  hit some nice little twisties straight out the terminal that were more or less free of traffic with the compulsory stop off for a shandy on the way home.

Top marks to esetest for an epic journey to join us.
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: dazza on 07 July 2014, 01:01:41 am
Forgot to add,  the foccer's on tour t-shirt came with us.  :)
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: Grandma on 07 July 2014, 06:44:29 am
A sobering and thought provoking day which hadn't really hit me until I got home and had time to take in what  horror it must have been for all those soldiers on both sides. The scale of the death and destruction is apparent when you pass graveyard after graveyard and so many of the graves are unmarked.I don't consider myself a coward but I don't know if I could of gone over the top knowing that in all probability I would be mowed down by withering machine gun fire like many of those brave men did. Absolutely senseless tactics.  If you can even call them that.Feeling very humble.
I feel the same, very emotional when I went a few years back, absolute slaughter. Glad you all arrived home safely, off to Cassel tomorrow, not far from Ypres and hoping for better weather than you experienced.
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: slimwilly on 07 July 2014, 07:25:47 am
Ten out of ten for effort,,well done to all who went. :)
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: esetest on 07 July 2014, 10:18:47 am
I got back home at 10.10pm ,there was an accident on the M25 just before the junction with the M3 and an  8 mile queue but being on the Fazer I was able to sensibly filter through it so only held me up 15mins , felt a bit sorry for the cagers . had a great time although a little wet , good company , great to meet Red ceri , Dazza and Midden again and to meet Steve and Hilary for the first time , well done to Red Ceri for leading the ride and thanks for letting me stay at yours Saturday night it was very much appreciated , it was a very sobering experience particularly the graves saying a soldier  of the Great War at Tyne Cott , I had a lump in my throat when I read the letter written to a soldier at the Canadian memorial .
Whilst writing this my daughter told me a biker was killed in Belgium whilst looking for his dream home , my condolences to his family . Stay safe out there .
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: midden on 07 July 2014, 03:27:46 pm
Great day and very wet it was indeed, boots hanging online to dry :) got home sank in bath then crashed.  looks like today was the day to go as rain forecast again for tomorrow ;) Cheers Ceri for letting me lead from behind ;) glad you got home safe test, was a long journey for you.   
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: slimwilly on 07 July 2014, 06:26:09 pm
On the news it said that the tunnel has a power failure as copper wires have been removed, they are looking for 6 wet bikers :lol
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: esetest on 08 July 2014, 02:23:52 pm
For anyone interested a copy of my Great grand fathers army pension record , he spent over 4 years in France with the British Expeditonary force .
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: esetest on 08 July 2014, 02:29:17 pm
rest of record
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: Grandma on 13 July 2014, 10:19:13 am
What beautiful writing, no computers then! A miracle he returned in one piece, my Father had a book of photographs from the First World War, you would hope this would put people off all wars for ever after, it was dreadful, absolute slaughter and dreadful conditions most of the time.
[/color][/size]My day in France was very relaxing after a very [/color][/size]stressful[/color][/size] week, I could just feel the stress falling away![/color]
[/size]The trains were sorted, just put us on first train available, very quick and easy, only obstacle was the Tour de France and closed roads, so a few U turns were required![/size]
[/size][/color]We missed the rain, a group of bikers from further South were on the train home and had ridden 100 miles in torrential rain.[/font]
[/size][/color]Was nearly a Foccer ride too, only had one interloper a H*nda with three Fazer 8's[/font] :lol
[/size][/color][/font]
Title: Re: LOFO's LET'S GO Ypres
Post by: esetest on 14 July 2014, 01:54:32 pm
Glad you had a great time , I would like to go  again some time  maybe next year and hopefully in the dry . My Great grandfather Sam certainly was a character , he walked from London to Bristol when he was 14 sleeping rough along the way , but was sent back as he was to young , he walked from London to Bristol again when he was 18 but couldn't find work so he enlisted  .
What beautiful writing, no computers then! A miracle he returned in one piece, my Father had a book of photographs from the First World War, you would hope this would put people off all wars for ever after, it was dreadful, absolute slaughter and dreadful conditions most of the time.
My day in France was very relaxing after a very stressful week, I could just feel the stress falling away!
The trains were sorted, just put us on first train available, very quick and easy, only obstacle was the Tour de France and closed roads, so a few U turns were required!
We missed the rain, a group of bikers from further South were on the train home and had ridden 100 miles in torrential rain.
Was nearly a Foccer ride too, only had one interloper a H*nda with three Fazer 8's :lol