My
French Trip 2018
Sometimes
things do not work out as planned. Having booked everything in
advance and paid for most of it the only things left to do were the
final check over the Buell and an MOT. The MOT was due at the end of
the month so as I would be travelling in France I thought it best to
get it done before I go. On checking the final drive belt it had
splits in it between the teeth and needed replacing. I would not have
bothered if I was just travelling in the UK as I know there are not
that many Harley shops in Normandy where I could get a replacement
belt if it broke. This was ten days before departure and should have
been enough time to get things sorted. I should have changed the belt
myself and gone on my merry way. However advice was given that the
sprockets would need changing too! This has lead to a whole series of
disasters that meant my treasured Buell was not ready to take to
France. The Kawasaki was not suitable with Gita on the back and to
carry enough luggage for two for a week. I needed to make a
reasonable choice of which set of wheels to take and decided on the
Burton two seater sports car that Gita could also drive.
Turned out
to be a good choice as we had lots of fun driving around in it and
admired by many as it is so different from ordinary cars. Taking the
Newhaven to Dieppe crossing with the first night in Le Harve followed
by a day along the coast via Honfleur to Caen. Day two to Dinan via
Mont St Michel then on to Laval where there was a music festival. All
free and out doors. This happens on a particular Thursday all over
the country each year. Something to remember in mid June. Finally
arriving in l’Aigle to meet up with the guys from the Wey Valley
Advanced Motorcycle Club for the annual “French Trip” that is not
always to France. While there we had a trip to Le Mans to see the
Bugatti circuit and the Motor Racing Museum.
It was well worth the
visit with features on racing stars over the decades including Steve
McQueen. There are not many bikes there but for me an interesting
steam powered one, a 1907 Paul Buard. I did enjoy looking around the
older cars as they were modified production models but the later ones
start to look the same as the aerodynamics take over and everyone
comes up with the same ideas.
I have discovered that over the years
when the concept is right there are very few alternatives that work
as well. The last time we went to France it rained most of the time
and the glorious sunshine has prevailed for weeks making me miss the
Buell even more. The Kawasaki is getting more miles on it and so is
the LE and now I am finally getting around to changing the front oil
seal on the Valiant in an effort to cure it incontinence. After
taking off the generator flywheel and removing the faulty seal I
discover I can’t find the oil seal I ordered from the LE Club
months before. I am now waiting for one to arrive in the post. I seem
to have gremlins around me at the moment where bikes are concerned.
Still some fun to be had as Chinnor Bike Dayz is upon us with more
canvassing for the LMM and hours of live music.
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