Free B&B Nr Le Mans - weekend 25/26 June

[LVC]

Hello,

As some of you may recall I arranged a charity ride over here in Froggy land last year to raise money for a local kid with some serious medical issues. We asked participants to pay a minimum of 5€ per bike (many gave much more and came from far and wide to join us) and we raised enough cash to help his family pay for the trip to Spain where he had the op as the French system wouldn't cover the costs. The op was a success and the little boy is doing really well.

In the heat and emotions of the ride last year I agreed to organise another charity ride based in and around Le Mans the last Sunday in June this year (and who knows maybe next, et encore, et encore).

I've a meeting with the director of a specialised hospital in Le Mans (Clicky to see more (http://www.ch-arche.fr)) next Thursday to discuss funding/donating to the hospital - it specialises in rehabilitating victims of serious road accidents especially motorcycle accidents. I have a good friend who spent 6 months there following a bike accident - he's in a wheelchair but thanks to the rehabilitation he received he's coped well and now takes part in Quad endurances races despite having no use of his lower half.

I appreciate that Le Mans, France is a long way from where most of you are based - however if you fancy partaking in the charity ride on the 26th June then I'd be more than happy to welcome you to stay at my place for free - it'll be first come first served on the bedrooms and then I've plenty of tents for the garden etc. croissants etc. are included and I can probably fire the BBQ up as well. Weather is usually steaming and great for a bike ride and the atmosphere last year was superb with almost everyone (over 300 bikers) shedding a tear when the little boy's Mum broke down during her "thank you" speech. The roads are great with plenty to see (chateaux, forests, rivers, etc. etc.) and hardly any traffic and no speed bumps - it's not a race and everyone has a great time with a stop for lunch (pic-nic) by the river.

This offer is open to all (biker friends and family and even Non Monster riders lol) - and the more the merrier - just let me know if you fancy it.

Thanks for reading this and hope to see some of you over here this summer :spin:

[Char]

Hi - sounds fun and for a great cause , pencil me in will see if any other of the hants / wilts lot are interested - Portsmouth ferry is less than a hour away :-)

[pegboy]

Mate that is an amazing achievement well done this world would not be the same without people like your good self. Don't have alot of holidays spare this year but will try and make it.

[Char]

Normandie Express

Introduced in 2005, the High Speed Normandie Express provides a fast ferry crossing to Cherbourg and Caen from Portsmouth.

Operating from the*18th March to the 31st October 2011, with crossing times of only 180 minutes to Cherbourg and 225 minutes to Caen, the ship runs up to two return trips a day to Cherbourg and a daily service to Caen every Friday, Saturday and Sunday supplementing the three return crossings a day by conventional cruise-ferry.


In case you haven't been on a ferry in a while !

[uksurfer]

Normandie Express

Introduced in 2005, the High Speed Normandie Express provides a fast ferry crossing to Cherbourg and Caen from Portsmouth.

Operating from the*18th March to the 31st October 2011, with crossing times of only 180 minutes to Cherbourg and 225 minutes to Caen, the ship runs up to two return trips a day to Cherbourg and a daily service to Caen every Friday, Saturday and Sunday supplementing the three return crossings a day by conventional cruise-ferry.


In case you haven't been on a ferry in a while !

i went on the fast ferry two years ago, its quick, looks like the cost will be £104 return

[LVC]

Caen is a comfy 2h45 from me (ferry port to front door) - maybe quicker now as they've finished the autoroute between Caen and Alencon.

Really great to see that some of you may be able to come over :thumbsup:

I'll start stocking up on the local wines :drunk:

I'll keep this post updated with news as the project progresses. I know it's early days but diaries fill up quickly and weekends in the summer months are often reserved.

[utopia]

A great plan on all fronts. Well done.
Sounds fairly unmissable to me.
Haven't got diary dates finalised yet for this year, but if there's a uk delegation going, you can probably count me in.

[ladybird]

oooooh. does sound tempting, just need to see if allowed a pass and time off work

[Rally]

I have done the Portsmouth to Le Havre crossing with LD Lines dozens of times. A good crossing over night with an 8am arrival, all for less than £50 return. 

[LVC]

Some distance info for you (accoding to ViaMichelin):

Caen > my place =Time: 02h23 of which 01h47 on motorways, Distance: 232 km of which 201 km on motorways
Le Harve > my place = Time: 02h49 of which 02h11 on motorways, Distance: 282 km of which 247 km on motorways
Calais > my place = Time: 04h44 of which 03h58 on motorways, Distance: 492 km of which 455 km on motorways
Dunkerque > my place = Time: 05h04 which 04h20 on motorways, Distance: 532 km which 497 km on motorways

For my place I've used "37330 Château-la-Vallière, France" - it's close enough ;)

I would recommend either the fast boat Portsmouth/Caen or the overnight ferry (it's easier to pass the time if you're sleeping following a nice relaxing meal :drunk: ).

I'll have a look to see if there are any ferry deals for the weekend :spin:

[Char]

Either would suit me - fast crossing also from Poole - £85

[crust]

I'm liking the sound of this.

[LVC]

To wet your appetite here's some photos from last years charity ride

http://i29.servimg.com/u/f29/12/39/65/39/banner13.jpg

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll38/LVC1/BALADES/Antonin/DSC00181Medium.jpg

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll38/LVC1/BALADES/Antonin/DSC00191Medium.jpg

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll38/LVC1/BALADES/Antonin/DSC00185Medium.jpg

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll38/LVC1/BALADES/Antonin/DSC00202Medium.jpg

Here's a link to our bi-monthly mag (produced in house) and there's a two page article on the charity ride on pages 8 and 9 (for those that don't read French there's plenty of pictures).

Click for MLM Mag (http://www.wellsdomain.com/MotoLeMans/Mag/mag5.pdf)

[LVC]

Update for those interested:

With the "Centre de l'Arche" we have identified the goal for our donations - they have recently finished creating a "games room" for the children who have to spend time at the centre for re-education and rehabilitation. However the room is finished but empty so along with the director we have established that funds raised will go towards equipment for this room (TV's, games consoles, computer, etc. etc.).

We have also managed to secure sponsorship for the event from: Dafy Moto (general bike parts/equipment etc. Le Mans), ZX Moto (Kawasaki dealership Le Mans), Yam Factory (Yamaha Dealership Le Mans), SMC (France's no.1 bike insurance specialist). We're also awaiting confirmation that Club Can-Am Spyder (mental 3 wheel bikes) and the Le Mans Chapter of Harley Davidson will be on the ride with us.

I'm negotiating an evening BBQ at the Ducati dealership in Tours for those of you who are coming over for the ride - will update when I know more.

Initial interest puts potential figures at around 400 - 500 bikes.

Progress is being made with the registration of an Association to legalise things more and provide us with official standing and Police assistance with the ride and training of our "Blockers".

and the marketing has started >>>

http://www.wellsdomain.com/MotoLeMans/Arche/LogoBalSm.png

I know it's not a Monster but at least it's a Ducati ;)

[Char]

Good stuff - cant wait:bunny:

[Gadget]

Looking forward to this. Should be an interesting jaunt and for a good cause.

[LVC]

Anyone have any objections if I put the UKMOC logo on the poster for the ride??

We've already got the logos for Can-Am Spyder club and the Le Mans HD Chapter who'll be riding with us and I'd like to add a bit of class so think the UKMOC logo would do the job ;)

[slob]

I might be up for this if I can get some free time, won't know until closer to the date.

[Char]

Anyone have any objections if I put the UKMOC logo on the poster for the ride??

We've already got the logos for Can-Am Spyder club and the Le Mans HD Chapter who'll be riding with us and I'd like to add a bit of class so think the UKMOC logo would do the job ;)

Suggest you PM Slob to check

[LVC]

Emails sent/received and logo en route - will post the poster here once I've finished it ;)

[LVC]

As promised >>>

http://www.wellsdomain.com/MotoLeMans/Arche/Poster2.png

and format pdf >>>

Charity Ride Poster - format PDF (http://www.wellsdomain.com/MotoLeMans/Arche/Poster2.pdf)

[LVC]

Sorry - I guess the auto-resize doesn't work here - "click right" and "save as" does though :chuckle:

[Grumpy]

i'll see if I can make this, won't know till nearer the time.

[LVC]

No probs - I have enough space to accomodate everyone (tents and sofas at the ready) so even if you decide at the last minute I'll be more than pleased to see you.

P.S. Looks like I've blagged myself use of a Can-Am Spyder from one of our Sponsor to lead the ride with - doughnuts rule ^^

[gary tompkins]

Looks like a great event to get involved with. I'll check for any clash of dates, spare holiday quota, budget etc. Only minus point for me is trike option makes ferry expensive. I'll get back to confirm one way or the other ASAP.

[LVC]

Facebook page now live for those following this >>>

Facebook page for the Charity Ride (http://www.facebook.com/MotoLeMans#!/pages/MotoLeMans-Balade-de-Charit%C3%A9-Centre-de-lArche/171028946277489)

[Rally]

LVC, That Kawasaki logo you have used is an old one and now forbidden from use in the UK. I assume also in France. If you want a new one sent, PM me your e-mail address over. It now has to be black on white or white on black. I have both.

[LVC]

Thanks Rally - the Kawa logo was sent to me from the Kawa Franchise so I guess the rules are different over here - or they just ignore them .... lol

[NattyBoy]

Thanks Rally - the Kawa logo was sent to me from the Kawa Franchise so I guess the rules are different over here - or they just ignore them .... lol

Nearly forgot to mention - theres 8 of us coming over to Le Mans on the 20/5 for a long weekend mate (weve booked a gite) if you want to hook up and show us some nice roads ! Were bring rich from Louigi Moto too for when the old nails break down lol !!!

[LVC]

Nearly forgot to mention - theres 8 of us coming over to Le Mans on the 20/5 for a long weekend mate (weve booked a gite) if you want to hook up and show us some nice roads ! Were bring rich from Louigi Moto too for when the old nails break down lol !!!

No probs at all NattyBoy - always happy to meet up with any members coming over this way. Drop me a PM with the location of your gite etc and will see what we can arrange :yoparty:

[LVC]

Up - next month is the month....looks like it's going to be a good one - local publicity has started to see some good results and the weather is already great for riding.

Who's up for the free B&B then?

[ladybird]

Up - next month is the month....looks like it's going to be a good one - local publicity has started to see some good results and the weather is already great for riding.

Who's up for the free B&B then?

yes please :) have already booked the time off

[LVC]

Great stuff LadyBird :thumbsup:

There's plenty of space - various beds and then we've got tents, sofas or the stables whichever you fancy ;)

[Gadget]

I too have booked time for this.
Add me to the list. :)

[LVC]

Cool :thumbsup:

So I have an idea of numbers I'll start a list ... please add your names and let me know if you're coming alone or with partners/friends etc.

- LadyBird
- Gadget
- ??

[slob]

I'm afraid I think I have to work that weekend now, although I can't be sure yet, the customer is an indecisive ****head. Mildly annoyed since it's my birthday.

[Gadget]

:thumbsup:Ferry booked.
09:40 Dover - Calais on 24th June
17:30 return on 27th June

[Albie]

I would have loved to have come but I have committed myself and some others to represent UKMOC at an event. Sorry they have clashed. Looks like a great event to me. Have very safe fun over there.

[Grumpy]

Don't mean to mess you about lVC, but I will not know whether I can make it until early june.

[LVC]

Not a problem Grumpy - all welcome and the more the merrier - even if it's a last minute decision I can accommodate.

The list is just so I can get an idea of how many bottles of local wine I'm going to need for the BBQs ;)

[LVC]

Little Up for this event...

The sun is shining, the roads are dry and nicely twisty, Le Mans and the Loire Valley are ready and waiting, LadyBird has reserved the double bed but there's still plenty of space left.....who's coming over the wet stuff for a weekend of Bikes, Booze and BBQ's (and FREE B&B) ????

[Gadget]

Looking forward to it.
I have been planning routes and journey times from Calais.
I hope to see you in a few weeks.

[LVC]

Great stuff Gadget - long ride from Calais (around 5 hours) but not difficult and if you take your time there's some nice non-autoroute routes and plenty to see.

I'm thinking of a Loire Valley ride on the saturday for those that are here for the weekend with a call in at the Tours Ducati dealership followed by a BBQ the evening.

[Gadget]

Looking forward to this event in a fortnight.
I have fitted the clear screen from my 600 onto the S2r. It makes a lot of difference at higher speeds.
Keeping the wind blast right down takes the strain off of the upper body.
Doing the 400 miles in a day it will be a godsend.

[LVC]

There's a Jacuzzi/bath waiting for you and Sarah for when you get here Gary ;)

Anyone else coming to join us - still plenty of space left ??

[LVC]

1 week until the charity ride - any late takers for the FREE French B&B :yoparty:

[Grumpy]

Thanks for the offer LVC, unfortunately I won't be able to come. Hope the event goes well :thumbsup:

[LVC]

No probs Grumpy - if all goes well we'll run another one next year - it'll be the last Sunday in June and I'll probably offer the Free B&B again so get the date into your diaries if you fancy it.

[LVC]

Anyone else coming - I've got a load of Frenchies who want to practise their English ????

[ladybird]

I'm all excited and found my passport in good time for this trip too.
*pats jacket pocket*

[LVC]

Pack your swimming costume Sarah as it's supposed to be hot this weekend ;)

[ladybird]

on the ferry! sun is out in Dover at least :)

[Gadget]

Beat me to it :p

[LVC]

France has annonced a heat wave warning for this weekend - sounds horrible temperatures reaching 30 degrees and the ride has a lunch time pause by a lake :thumbsup:

[ladybird]

sunburnt a little. tony has been a great host
BBQ time now :)
still time to get a ferry ;)

[Albie]

sunburnt a little. tony has been a great host
BBQ time now :)
still time to get a ferry ;)

Time to get over to blighty to Modified live on sunday

You really need a ride in a drift car.:ukm::ukm::biggrin::eek::eek:

[LVC]

Great to see and spend some time with LadyBird and Gadget (even if I was a bit pre-occupied).

Chuffing hot yesterday (it hit 38 degrees at one point).

Totals for the day - 240 bikes and at least 2000€ for the charity - we hoped for more (on both counts) but I'm not complaining and it gives me a target to beat for next year.

Some photos for you:

Video taken at the meeting point in the morning:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtcUIlPEzH8

http://i20.servimg.com/u/f20/14/70/20/26/le_man12.jpg

Video taken at the start - find the ladybird and gadget (hint 3:24mins) ;)
http://www.youtube.com/v/MWOzmLj2fPw

1st stop:
http://i20.servimg.com/u/f20/14/70/20/26/avoise10.jpg
http://i20.servimg.com/u/f20/14/70/20/26/avoise11.jpg

Lunch time:
http://i20.servimg.com/u/f20/14/70/20/26/silla-10.jpg
http://i20.servimg.com/u/f20/14/70/20/26/mont-s10.jpg
http://i20.servimg.com/u/f20/14/70/20/26/mont-s11.jpg

Those that didn't melt and stayed to the end:
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll38/LVC1/Balade%20Arche%2026-06-2011/ArcheGroup.jpg

[LVC]

On my forum the particpants "Frenchies" speak about the "Roast Beef" present at the charity ride >>>

je vais rajouter juste une seule chose

UN GRANNNNNND RESPECT au deux motard anglais qui sont venu de londres spécialement pour la balade et qui été un full cuir

For Gary and Sarah - Psyko says that "he'd like to add one thing, big respect for the 2 English bikers who came all the way from London to partake in the ride and who were wearing full leathers" - I think you guys left a lasting impression - thanks again :thumbsup:

[LVC]

Photos of our courageous duo >>

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JAsDzB6UArM/TgfCXibtrhI/AAAAAAAAAIk/2ZRpOptu4Kg/s640/GOPR1624.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-htEMGedtpy4/TgfU18_CVCI/AAAAAAAAATE/qXWY6SBwhZc/s640/GOPR1776.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-T6SPeWQbtVQ/Tghv3levQeI/AAAAAAAAAuE/QdkWUPLIwiU/s640/GOPR2399.JPG

[Gadget]

What a wonderful weekend.:spin::D

We have just got back from 40° C temperatures in France to grey skies and heavy rain on the M2.

LVC, Tony, was a generous host who put us up in his lovely home. Who introduced us to some of his many French friends and let us have a taste of the French lifestyle that we would otherwise never have been able to access. A complete Gentleman.

The Loire Valley is a fantastic part of France to explore and I am glad that I made the effort to attend this weekend.

There is a lot of work involved in organising such an event in France, with more paperwork and bureaucracy than you can imagine. The hard work showed with the smooth and incident free rideout. 240 motorcycles on a 190Km ride around the Le Mans area. And the charity raised over 2000 Euros.
Well done.:thumbsup:

I would definitely recommend this for next year if Tony is up to organising it again.

Rather than have a 400 mile dash home on Monday we broke the trip into 2 days and was glad we did. The heat was beginning to sap our energy by late afternoon. Not a single problem with either of our bikes and over a 1000 miles travelled.

[Albie]

Glad you both had a great time Gary. sounds great. Missed you both at Brands though but you was doing a good cause so well done.

[LVC]

One month after the "big day" we presented the cheque to the director of the Hospital. Many thanks again to our Monster riding duo for joining us for this charity ride :thumbsup:

http://i40.servimg.com/u/f40/16/20/20/28/ballad10.jpg
Article from the local Le Mans paper yesterday.