La Madone des Motards, French trip in August

[ChristoT]

Just an early heads up for those already loooking at their summer calenders (and in this weather, can't blame you!)

There is a two day event in central Brittany called "La Madone des Motards". Every year, for the 14th and 15th of August, 20,000+ French bikes & bikers descend upon the hamlet of Porcaro. They come to remember friends and loved ones who have passed away in the previous year, and to put their lives under the protection of Mary (that part *is* mainly aimed at Catholics, although all faiths; or lack thereof; are welcome). Of course, it's also a damn good bike meet, with a rock concert on in the evening of the first day, and an 80km rideout on the second day.

I went in 2012 on my 125 Varadero, and was deeply moved by it. I think it's a really worthwhile event, and (time willing) will be going to in this year. This is why I'm posting up now. I'm considering organising a week-long trip round Brittany and Normandy, taking in the Madone event, and also having a bit of fun in France.

Obviously, all the masses, etc are said in French. However, I'm hoping that organisers will send me copies of the orders of service and info sheets in advance so I can translate them. Regardless of placement, I can do that. I also hope to get the event publicised by MCN, get a few Brits over. When I was there, the only English bike there that I could find was mine. That, and a solitary Irish bike.

If anyone wants more info on the event, just ask below, I'll try to answer!

To quote the official motto: "Remember them, be careful!"

[ChristoT]

Bump.

[ChristoT]

Bump.

Shameless double bump. Is no-one interested in a summer trip to France?!?

On a plus note, I've received copies of all the info sheets, orders of mass etc for 2013. I'll translate those so the non-Francophones can know what's going on.

[Dead Eye]

Didn't realise this was a topic on here since you spoke to me about it in person previously. Its something I'll consider and look in to closer to the time. Money will be the most prevalent factor

[red98]

if my epic ride to malta falls through i might be interested in this.....good work CHRISTOT 

[ChristoT]

Their website's been updated. Interesting infoes there:
http://www.madonedesmotards.com

[ChristoT]

Just a wee update:

One of the biggest traditional fairs in the region is hosted in my village, takes place on Sunday the 11th of August (with a concert on Saturday). If Foccers are interested, there are 6 beds that should be available on Sunday night, possibly on Saturday as well (Confirmation needed from GHQ, i.e. Mum  ) and ample room for tents in our garden. Alternatively, there are plenty of hotels / B&B type affairs nearby as well.

I volunteer every year at the fair, it's good fun! They bring in a huge amount of old machinenery, notable steam tractors, old single cylinder diesel tractors and threshers, and cut the wheat with them. There's also a bunch of stands displaying the old fashionned ways of doing things, and with all the organisers in period dress. I'm hoping to have my own stand there this year, as a local friend and I hope to set up an old-style garage with assorted old / classic cars and a couple of old bikes too!

For piccies, see here:
http://www.fete-du-ble.com/Fete-du-ble/Photos_et_vid%C3%A9os/Photos_et_vid%C3%A9os.html

[ChristoT]

With the weather improving, let's see if we can oust me as (almost!) the only poster on this thread! 

If I can get an idea of numbers, I can contact a couple of ferry companies, see if we can get a decent rate.

[BIG MAC]

We may take a pop along mate..we live near Mayenne when we are there

[ChristoT]

We may take a pop along mate..we live near Mayenne when we are there

Oh right, so quite close!! I wouldn't be surprised if some of you local bikers attend the meet, it's one of THE high points of the French bikers' social calendar. Do you speak French? Because if not, I'm working on the translation of the orders of service; I could send you them when they're done.

I'm in Dinan, Cotes D'Armor, 30 min north(ish) of Rennes. Maybe we could have a micro meet to chew the fat this summer?

[BIG MAC]

I speak builders yard French...ie zilch but I do know my Chevrons from my toiture et ardoisse etc.. I think with a bit of organising this could be a good outing . I am usually over for a couple of weeks in August maybe take the bike ...depends if I need to take my van over..or bike in van...I will give it some thought. Re the Masses not really my bag but I am happy to schlep along
 

[ChristoT]

I speak builders yard French...ie zilch but I do know my Chevrons from my toiture et ardoisse etc.. I think with a bit of organising this could be a good outing . I am usually over for a couple of weeks in August maybe take the bike ...depends if I need to take my van over..or bike in van...I will give it some thought. Re the Masses not really my bag but I am happy to schlep along

In a meet of this size, it would be naive to think everyone goes for the religious aspect. However, it's very social (albeit almost solely French). I'm hoping to get more Brits over, it was lonely being the only GB plated bike there! (I was on my 125 to boot!)

[ChristoT]

July bump! 

[Dead Eye]

Have you done anything in the way of route / budget planning yet?

[ChristoT]

Have you done anything in the way of route / budget planning yet?

Nothing yet, I may not even be going. Just putting it up for the new / recently active fellas.

[ChristoT]

No need to start a new thread for this, but thought I'd resurrect it seeing as people are already planning Summer trips.

As ever, it's the 14th and 15th of August. I failed to do it last year, and look what happened to me! 

I plan to take a week off work to do it - and hopefully some English friends will be joining me on a VFR800 and a Triumph Tiger. I, of course, will be on the ZX-4. Hope to see ya!