While on the subject of police near ferry ports, a pal and I got pulled on the approach to Santander a couple of years back. The police were lurking up a side road waiting for bikes to overtake over a solid white line on an uphill stretch (slow moving lorries & stuff needed to be overtaken!). Definitely a honey pot location. Having no more €s left we got followed to a cashpoint and relieved of €100 each. Considering we'd overtaken on solid whites all through the trip we put it down to experience. We genuinely thought there needed to be two lines next to each other rather than just one. Ho hum... So yes, it's worth taking care within 40-50km of the ferry port!
completely agree. I had heat stroke after arriving in Bordeaux one year, and it was not pleasant as I ended up clenching my way down the road at midnight to the pharmacy for Imodium. Always drink plenty (of water) and I now try to avoid driving in towns late afternoon when the traffic is bad as a lot of heat comes from the engine when sat at lights. I also carry an air jacket when going to places like Corsica even though my fabric suite opens right up as it makes a big difference having lighter gear not just good air flow.
I have a perforated Dainese leather jacket and still wear a Forcefield chest and back protector underneath when abroad, South of France and Pyrenees with temperatures in the 30s are bearable if a little sweaty. Also wear Sidi Vertebra Air boots and short armoured gloves. Jacket might get unzipped a little if it's really warm. Avoid towns like the plague... Hydration is vital, my top tip is to have a 0.5 litre stainless steel Thermos in the luggage (takes very little room), whenever stopping for fuel I buy a litre bottle of water from the refrigerator, fill the Thermos and drink the rest on the spot. Water is still nice and cool at the next stop. Thus every hundred and fifty miles I take on at least one litre plus, during the day, anything drunk at lunchtime. tobers, thanks for the mention of police at Santander, will be in and out of there in a few weeks time. Will keep my eyes peeled.
There is no doubt that the French have caught on to the revenue potential from speeding drivers/riders. There are way more traps on the N roads that there used to be and you need to watch your speed once you have passed the final exit before any major toll plaza. The police set up traps in these spots and pick you off at the toll booth. Fortunately the French drivers coming in the opposite direction are really good at giving you advanced warnings, so if you see any frantic headlight flashing, slow down.
Not too many fixed cameras in France considering the size of the country and they are all advertised. There is a map here France Speed Cameras Locations Map. Mobile camera positions are advertised on local radio every day. As you pointed out oncoming drivers will flash their lights to tell you about any police presence.
Well, now been in France since Thursday and no problems, filling up 3 times a day and only found one garage empty and that was in the middle of no where. Happy Days
Back from France on Friday. Fab time. Loved it apart from last Monday morning when we had snow and it was -1 when it was low 20's the day before in Bourg and the same in Val d'Isere the day after. Most days high teens to mid 20's. Some great roads Inc the one up to Les Arc 1800 and the D996 out of Dijon from many we rode. The Reims road race circuit is a local meeting point/drag strip and is unusual as it's no longer used but is being restored by the locals
When I arrived there was about 20 bikers there and what looked like a Africa twin or a tendiere with boxes pulling a wheelie. We also had your local suped up cars blasting along. We covered all but 2k miles in france on either empty or not busy roads. When we went into places with lots of traffic like Reims, we always felt like the cars and trucks weren't out to cause us problems which was a marked contrast to trying to get through Dartford and then along the m11 traffic lines.
After a Euro jaunt when you get off the train in Dover and back on UK roads the difference in traffic, roads, agressive driving etc is quite surprising.
