XRV.ORG.UK Meeting 2005

[iswoolley]

Time to get thinking about next summer and some sort of get together. To get the ball rolling here's an idea:

I'd be keen to spend a week or long weekend out of the country and make a trip out of it. Obviously this requires a little more organisation than a camping weekend in Wales, but we could do one of those as well. To reduce the admin load I'd suggest we hook up with an already planned event such as the Stella Alpina rally in the Alps. Then we could either ride down as a group, or just meet up on site. If I remember correctly the Stella is held over a weekend, so there's flexibility to extend the trip into either the week before or after. The Alps tend to be a scenic destination and excellent riding, and I'd be tempted to take on the challenge of the mountain and see how close to the summit/pass I can get.

I can't find an official website for the Rally, but there's some good photos here;

www.stella-alpina.fsnet.co.uk


So, good idea/bad idea/alternative ideas?

Iain

[wheeliebin]

:twisted: Good idea me thinks

so it's sort of a Trans Alp rally ?

:roll:

[SteveLee]

Sounds good to me. There is also likely to be a European ADVRider meeting next year, somewhere on the continent.

Steve

[african swede]

Found a couple of more sites.

chrs
e

http://193.175.22.77/j.hau/mot/2004stella/
http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~fhs/stella.htm
http://homepages.nildram.co.uk/~rider/stellist.htm

[banger]

I would be interested in joining up for a short trip to the continent next summer also.

[iswoolley]

How does this look for a campground?

http://193.175.22.77/j.hau/mot/2004stella/panorama.jpg

Iain 8)

[SteveLee]

Nice! Bit a strange shaped cloud formation though.

Steve

[paultheold]

Hello... Four from the first camping weekend, need to give this one a lot of the head matter. before a decision.....

[jvaughan]

Im interested... nepends how long the trip will be as to how much time I can get authorised by the New Boss ;)

[wheeliebin]

Would love to do this, here's my thoughts.........

Leave Friday morning, Dover-Calais ferry, arrive in France about 10am. Ride down to a very friendly biker hotel ( http://www.route66hotel.com ) for bed & breakfast.

Set off Saturday about 10-11am and ride the day to the Italian border. Hopefully arrive in time to pitch tents get something to eat and get pissed.

Fly the flag for XRV.org by making it to the top on Sunday !

Head home on Monday morning, or, do a reverse of the trip down ?



http://homepage.ntlworld.com/ta6500/map.gif

[Recycler]

Forgive me if I don't join in for the Monday morning bit.

N85 Route Napoleon passes by & is a must. I'd love to ride it again both ways. Hats off to the Little Corporal choosing such a sexy route back from exile.
Got some pics but unfortunately pre digicam days.

[DaveS]

Well I'm getting really excited about this, but.....
I've never been abroad on my AT or in fact on any vehicle and it scares the proverbial out of me!!!
How should I break myself in gently?

[simplysie]

you and me both Dave, also i have never spent a night under the stars so could be an amazing adventure

sie

[iswoolley]

Assuming that the Stella is held on the second weekend in July each year (or has been for the last umpteen) then there's no need to panic. 8) I'm pretty sure there'll be an XRV camping weekend or two earlier in the year, for which you can practice loading the bike (then dumping at least 2/3rds of the gear you don't need :roll: ), camping out under the stars, and beering it up with other 'bikers'. Then when it's time to head to Italy it looks like there'll be a group of us going, so we can lead the newbies through the process (although these days there really isn't a process anymore) and make sure they're riding on the wrong side of the road! :shock: Nothing to it, and as backup you'll have a whole fleet of similar bikes to canibalise should anything go wrong with the Twin! :twisted:

Iain

[I'd also probably deviate from the return trip as I've got relatives living in the Loire valley, and I hear that the Froggies can make a decent bottle of plonk if they put their minds to it! :D ]

[YEN_POWELL]

Well I'm getting really excited about this, but.....
I've never been abroad on my AT or in fact on any vehicle and it scares the proverbial out of me!!!
How should I break myself in gently?

May I recommend that you practice riding on the wrong side of the road in the UK before trying it abroad. You do get some strange looks but "practice makes perfect", as my old mum used to say in the early days of her nurse training, when injecting oranges....

[DaveS]

LOL. I do this every day.
Why do other road users try to abuse me though?

[wheeliebin]

Well I'm getting really excited about this, but.....
I've never been abroad on my AT or in fact on any vehicle and it scares the proverbial out of me!!!
How should I break myself in gently?

A few of us do a 'backa' run every year to Belgium.
An afternoon day trip (leaving after midday) return ticket with P&O costs about £24.
3 tanks of fuel, day in the saddle, 500 miles, only 3 hours 'over' there.
A Very brief intro.

[DaveS]

This may seem silly but I haven't even done any day trips..... The furthest I've done is 100 miles odd and then back again at the end of the day.

So should I be doing some more riding all day long type trips to get me used to it?

[Recycler]

I didn't ride abroad until 2001 when I did a solo tour of the French, Italian & Swiss Alps- FANTASTIC.
I'd previously done a fly drive around the midwest USA and came home fed up that we haven't got the scenery or space here.
Oh yes we have and it's only a half hour away on the chunnel.

I went on the spur of the moment in mid October. Being the only bike crossing I thought I'd boobed when I was welcomed by heavy rain in Coquelles but 10 minutes later I rode underneath a very vivid rainbow- it was surreal and a good omen. On the blast south you see the euro-novelties such as manequins at road works waving a flag at you. Then when the mountains come into view your heart soars.
For the rest of the trip I only saw one other foreign biker (German) - twice and both times passing in the other direction at the top of an alpine pass. I've still got the pictures of me and the bike with the mountain tops to ourselves and nothing beats it for sheer 'chilling out'.

Everywhere I went I was made welcome including French hoteliers clearing out their private garage for your bike/ bikers stopping if you've stopped to check you are OK/ every French biker holds out his left hand in salute- if you're going the same way he'll extend his foot (both these certainly beat the UK 'nod').

Europe: the best roads, the best scenery, the best weather, much less traffic, and MUCH friendlier people than the stereotypes.
Just smile and learn a few words of Franglais Rodney.

Excuse the long-winded reply but once anyone has been then there's no shutting them up!

[jvaughan]

Well, Ive not taken the AT more than the 2 hours or so blast to visit my parents and frineds in Wales. I would be up for this little jaunt.

Every Year Myself, and a few other TVR owners to to Epernay (Champagne) in France... stay at a reasonably priced house or a Champagne Chateaux, sample the local brew, before flaunting the french speed limits on the way home. 1000 miles, 3 days ... Lots of Drinking inbetween.. Perfect.
http://www.tvrcc-surrey.co.uk/events/lesurreyrun2/index.asp

[paultheold]

My limit on the AT is 250 miles, 50 miles I start to get a sore bum. One one camping weekend I had to stop 10 miles from home because of a numb bum.

[Colin]

Hi, First time user of this site, I went to the Stella two years ago on my AT. Best trip I have been on so far. I for one would be intrested in going again.

Ps. I got to the top in the snow and only feel off once on the way down.

[Phoenix]

The idea of doing a euro trip sounds class. I know I said Id go to the Oct camping but....... Anyway Id be keen to go. We could even plan how many countries you can do in a week while we're there.
DaveS I wouldnt worry about the distance stuff, you know the fun you have in the first 30 miles, well its like that only more of it. And once your bum goes numb you cannt feel it so dont need to worry :P

[DaveS]

Hi, First time user of this site

<waves> Woooooo. Hello mate. Welcome to the site. 8)

[Colin]

Dave,

Thanks for the welcome, you have some great biking lanes in your area.

A good day out is a blat around Chewton water, taking in some of the small back roads.

[DaveS]

Have I?
I need someone to show me really.
I get up I go to work, I come back, I go to bed, repeat ad infinitum.
Been up here 6 years now and still don't know the area that well!

[Colin]

Off out on a ride Sunday 150 plus bike Swanage sea front to Poole for charity, but have got some time off over the xmas so if you fancy a day out I would be glad to come over.

[Tormentron]

I had the fear before my first foreign trip - Ireland to holland on a Vespa. Looking forward to doing a trip on a more suitable bike! I'd say i'm interested - however i'm in the process of buying a new house - so i don't know if i'll have any money - even by then

Well I'm getting really excited about this, but.....
I've never been abroad on my AT or in fact on any vehicle and it scares the proverbial out of me!!!
How should I break myself in gently?

[wheeliebin]

however i'm in the process of buying a new house - so i don't know if i'll have any money - even by then

5 years on, still haven't got any money :cry:
I'll be doing the cheap option with minimum time away, maybe with longer riding time.
Can't afford the luxury option (seen the BTBC cost :shock: )

[iswoolley]

...seen the BTBC cost...

Got a URL for that?

[wheeliebin]

http://homepages.nildram.co.uk/~rider/stelbook4.htm

The links for this years rally, just gone, suppose it's not a bad price for 8 days plus ferry. (still can't afford it though).

[DaveS]

but have got some time off over the xmas so if you fancy a day out I would be glad to come over.

Yep well up for that. Xmas ride out sounds good. PM me for the finer detail.

[iswoolley]

The cheapie/quickie weekend away for the Stella would involve:

- Ferry to Calais on evening of Friday 8th July (maybe Saturday morning)
- Ride the 1000km (600miles) to Bardonecchia on Saturday 9th
- Camp Saturday night at the site featured previously in this thread
- Do the run to the top of the mountain on Sunday 10th
- Camp Sunday night
- Ride back to Calais on Monday 11th

P&O are currently quoting less than £50 for the return ferry journey (Fri 9pm, Mon 11pm). You'd get through about 30 gallons of fuel at say £3 per gallon. Plus whatever tolls and speeding fines you pick up on the French motorways. Finally there's camping and food/beer to account for. My best guess... £200-250 plus one day off work.

Iain 8)

[wheeliebin]

Pretty much what I was thinking. Could only do the 600 mile on the Sat if a straight forward route is planned (mostly motorway), but I'd also like to ride the Swiss mountain passes which would mean a Friday departure (early) and an extra night under the canvas on route (must buy a better tent :cry: ).

Could maybe really push the boat out and find a cheap B&B (30 - 40 euros) for Friday night arriving at the Stella bright eyed and bushy tailed :oops: . As of yet, haven't found a place that offers bikers and their steeds a safe place for the night (only mentioned the place in France as I know it and have stayed there).

Anyone know how the Swiss feel about camping out on open land, or is it like the UK, waking up to angry farmer and his shot gun :shock: .

So, still undicided on the route, when to leave, where to stay, etc. But I will be leaving Monday and not stopping 'til I get home (whenever that is).

[Colin]

Dave, Sorry I did not get back to you regards a ride out over xmas.
To be truthfull I have only just seen your reply.

Any I now have a problem with the bike, I was lane bashing in Devon Early last Friday Morning ( 02.00 ) when I managed to brake the output arm bearing. So am in a repair state the moment. Hopefully get a replacement engine in a week or so and get it up and running so I will give you a call then.

[DaveS]

Well to be honest I'm literally just getting over a really bad cold and cough that turned in to a fullo blown infection that has need antibiotics to sort it...... so I didn't really feel like coming out anyway. :sad4:

I've just gone back to work this week after taking some more holiday and its been damned excellent getting out on the bike again.

[jvaughan]

Need to socialise ..... Fedup of riding the M3 in this weather...

[landyandy]

Hi all,

Just been reading this thread, and it all sounds like a good idea. Foreign jaunts with lots of people requires a serious amount of organisation if all is to go to plan....

I'm not sure whether the idea is to blat down to this 'stella' lark, do a u-turn, then blat back again (Fri - Mon), or whether there is an intention to do a week terrorising the eurobods.

I don't really mind either way .. perhaps something in between would be better (ie you get a couple of days when you're not just bombing up and down the autoroutes) - also have in the back of my mind the financial consideration that each day I'm not at work, I'm losing money (being one of those pesky contractor bods).

Either way, I shall be keeping an eye on this thread to see what's what, what?

[wheeliebin]

Why don't we try and organise just the ride down there, say on the Friday or Saturday, then people can leave as and when time or cash runs dry.

Friday would suit you AT riders more, take a little more time to travel down to nurse your sensitive bums :pottytrain2:

[landyandy]

Could be a good idea - should increase the chances of something happening, rather than falling by the wayside.

Incidentally, where and what is this 'stella' thing? Is it up by Grenoble?

[iswoolley]

Guys, I've booked some time off with work so I can go to the Stella Alpina this year. On Monday I'm going to make my ferry booking, after which my travel plans will be fairly fixed.

The Plan:

I plan to take the P&O Dover-Calais ferry at 9pm on Friday the 8th July. This gets in at around 11.30pm French time. I'll then head about 30 miles down the motorway and spend the night at a Formule1 hotel in Arques. Formule1 hotels are very bland, but it's just a bed for the night.

Saturday morning it's back on the motorway for 590 miles to Bardonecchia. It is motorway all the way to within a couple of miles of Bardonecchia. A 9am start should see us in Italy for 9pm with a decent lunch stop and without having to hoon all the way. I plan to camp at the site pictured back on page 1 of this thread. There'll be a lot of big trail bikers there, so there'll be plenty of people to meet and beer to drink.

Sunday morning is the run up the mountain, buy the souvenir t-shirt, take photos, mingle, etc. Then in the afternoon there'll be plenty of folk heading off to ride the Alpine passes and trails. Same campsite for Sunday evening.

From Monday onwards I don't really have a plan. A lot of people will be hitting the motorway back to the UK. I was going to explore the Alps for a day or two. Then I fancy checking out the Gorge du Verdon, which has a reputation for being excellent riding. Finally I was going to head north and back to Calais via my uncle's place in the Loire valley.

The Costs:

The return ferry crossing is going to cost me £46, and I'll be coming back a week later. The room at the Formule1 hotel costs €27 (about £19) and sleeps up to 3. I don't know how much the motorway tolls are, but they're worth it for a smooth, uncongested and quick ride to Italy. I also don't know how much camping will cost, but if it's an issue then rough camping is legal in Italy.

The Offer:

I thought I'd let you guys know where and when I'm going, so that if anyone wants to tag along you've got some firm details to work to. It's been mentioned in previous posts that there are some continental newbies who would be interested in going. Provided you can get to Dover by 9pm on Friday night, I'm happy to lead a group of us down to Italy. If folk want to scoot back to Calais on Monday morning then you're on your own. But riding on the continent isn't difficult, which why I feel able to make this offer in the first place.

Anyone interested?

[wheeliebin]

:cheers: Sounds like a definate plan to me, I'll be the first to tag along if that's OK (besides, your GPS will save me from getting lost).

Do Formule1 rooms need to be booked ? (there may be a few bikes around that weekend).

[iswoolley]

Do Formule1 rooms need to be booked ? (there may be a few bikes around that weekend).

I'm going to book one room on Monday when I book my ferry ticket. If there's more than 3 of us going then someone needs to step in and book more rooms accordingly. This particular F1 hotel has 63 rooms, which can be booked over the 'net.

[wheeliebin]

Iain, £46 seems fair for the return ferry, just out of interest, did you try one of the 30% discounts the bike rags are promoting ?
I know in the past when I've tried to use it, the offer is only valid for trips over a certain number of days.

Just waiting for Wife to confirm her plans before I book (she's on about taking the kids & mother-in-law away the same weekend).

Also doing another Belgium 'tobacco' run April or May, so booking together I may blag a 'regular traveller' discount.

[jvaughan]

Interested in a Tobacco run. if its cheaper than the uk.

[wheeliebin]

Interested in a Tobacco run. if its cheaper than the uk.

I think current prices in Beligum are £2.75 for 50grames Golden Virginia/Old Holburn. UK price is about £9.00.

Useally bring back about 50 packs, enough to last the year, still makes the trip worth while after petrol/ferry costs.

[iswoolley]

I've booked my ferry crossing with P&O; 9pm on the 8th from Dover. Strangely the hotel website won't let me book a room more than 100 days in advance, so that'll have to wait until next month sometime. Now I can't wait to get going...

[wheeliebin]

I've booked my ferry crossing with P&O; 9pm on the 8th from Dover, returning on the 11th at 22.55.

:cheers:

[wheeliebin]

Anyone else game for this ? :shock:

[Recycler]

Domestics count me out. :(
I'll be in the Alps 8) :D from 24th June 'til about 3rd July if anyone wants to meet up.

I'm sure I'll be the only Trailee heading north on the way back. :(

[iswoolley]

Dave, are you coming on this trip, or what? :wink:

[Sohoeasy]

This is my first time replying on the site so I hope it all comes out O.K. I'm a bit of a "Last minute nothing planned but lets go anyway type" Would you people mind If I turned up out of the blue for this Stella Run? The thing is I will be doing The Swiss Alps Via Barcelona out of London O5.00am June 12 (straight after a nights work) but I will have to return to London for a few nights work before the Stella thing so it could all end up a bit tight if i try planning too much.

[DaveS]

Dave, are you coming on this trip, or what? :wink:

Ooops sorry Iain if you're referring to me then the answers no at the moment. Its all too scary for me at the minute.
I just need to build up my confidence first.

[redmarcus999]

Im going next year ( made comprimise with other half) Dave, you should have lots of confidance by then.
marcus

[iswoolley]

Okay, and now there's a hotel room booked in Arques. Anyone else willing to share the cost, in a strictly hetrosexual macho biker way?! 8)

Iain

[fewtrees]

I'll be there too..

Anyone got a good idea for meeting up at the site? Or at the summit? ;-)

[iswoolley]

Anyone got a good idea for meeting up at the site?
I'm gonna be camping at the campsite featured previously, along with a million other people. Could be tricky to locate each other, but I'm open to suggestions!

[DaveS]

You could wear a red carnation and carry a copy of the times?

[Darkenbad]

I'm up for this, make sure it doesn't clash with the HUB meet.

[Sohoeasy]

I'm up for this, make sure it doesn't clash with the HUB meet.
As you will see PK I was up up for it too, but never heard a dickie ! Seems like the only bloke who actually does any travelling here is iswoolly . Seems more like a chat room otherwise !! Still I'm in Melilla off north Africa right now. We may cross the Med & go directly to the Stella.My BLACK AT will be parked up with a Blue Elliminator & a Black 05 Victory'when you find the bikes look out for the old blokes acting like kids.

[iswoolley]

...Seems like the only bloke who actually does any travelling here is iswoolly...
A cunning illusion I try very hard to cultivate in order to attract the babes! :lol: In fact I just pinch photos from the 'net and make up the stories! :wink: Psst, don't tell anyone! 8)

[Dessert Storm]

As an unrecontructed newbie, I have come across this all a bit late to participate this year, but will definitely be up for it if a similar trip is planned next year.

Have a good trip, all who are going

Alan

[wheeliebin]

As you will see PK I was up up for it too, but never heard a dickie !

Iain's shared his travel plans to members of the forum, with the invite to share his room (I've also booked a room Iain).

Maybe if he wanted to share his room with a complete stranger he'd have put an add in the paper ?

Maybe if you'd have carried on posting and become a member of this forum, you may have had a different response ?

I'm not being arsey, just offering an opinion :wink:

[iswoolley]

I'm probably the last person to realise this, but the Frejus tunnel is closed. (BBC news item here (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4610559.stm).) This is a bit of a downer, because Bardonecchia and the Stella Alpina is at the other end of it! :(

A detour through Briancon (and the mountains) is an extra 40 miles, but way more in terms of time. The loop over Mont Cenis is even longer, and probably no faster. Now normally I wouldn't be complaining about having to take the scenic route. But in this instance I have a feeling that 40 miles of hairpin bends after 600 miles of mind-numbing motorway are a receipe for disaster, especially if we're running behind time and 'pushing on'. :wink:

Anyone with bright ideas?

Iain

[iswoolley]

Just wanted to get an idea of who's coming/will be there. Scanning back through the thread it seems that myself and wheeliebin are heading off on Friday evening. fewtrees and Sohoeasy will be there when we arrive. And Landyandy and Pete Kay were definate maybes. Anyone else going to be flying the xrv.org.uk flag?

[iswoolley]

http://www.wired.cz/cyklo/images/Swiss/Stelvio.jpg
Passo Stelvio

[wheeliebin]

:shock: Now that looks fun, shame it'll be getting late by the time we get there :(

[Recycler]

I saw that the Frejus was closed on local signs and would of let you know had I realised it's significance - apologies.
Yes - a 40 mile detour over a Col burns serious time and you heven't got much so good luck and ride safe!

Don't forget that the Tour de France is on also.

[wheeliebin]

Been at Sheffield Hospital most of this week (Dad in for heart op), however, last night was rush to emergency theatre for internal bleeding.

The bike's all packed and ready to go, but at this time, not sure if I'll be there or not.

[iswoolley]

Been at Sheffield Hospital most of this week...bike's all packed and ready to go, but at this time, not sure if I'll be there or not.
The Alps will be there next year, so concentrate on what's important now. Fingers crossed for your Dad.

Iain

[simplysie]

I agree with Mr wooley, you look after your dad, hope he gets better soon

Sie

[wheeliebin]

Thanks for the kind words folks.

Wow, what a differance 24 hours can make (although he's still in intensive care), seems to be on the mend.

Still 50/50 on going, I'll know more in the morning.

(of course I'd stop with him, but you know what Mum's and Dad's are like "go on, you go and have a good time dear !")
:roll:

[wheeliebin]

Well..............what a fantatic weekend.

When iswoolley and fewtrees return there will be some excellent pictures and reports. (there's a few small poor quality pics in the transalp section for a taster).

[iswoolley]

Dave, or other moderator, you can probably unsticky this thread now...

[DaveS]

Now done.....

[zedtours]

I am putting together a run to Stella over 6 days leaving Friday from Calais staying over 1 night on way returning after 2 days in Bardo using cheap hotels. Anybody interested zedtours@ukonline.co.uk