Tips for motorbike riding in France - not exhaustive - I can try answer other questions you might have.

Whilst it is a way off, the main thing is that petrol stations are somethig of a problem over there so we all are careful about making sure we keep as much fuel in our tanks as possible - prices per liter are a bit cheaper over there.

There are not so many garages open on Sundays and chances are that your credit cards will not work at their pumps (but will probably work in their garage-shops/tills).

Having some Euros is obviously prudent.

We normally have two RV's. 1st at Waterworks Corner on the A406 near Woodford and then ride on to Brentwood/M25 junction to pick up rest of group - any stragglers know when the train departs from Ashford for Calais so they can head there if they miss the two RV's

Start with a full tank from home or for the morning meet - and then we fill up again in Calais after we get off the train.

Take a top box or panniers if you have - with a portable plastic 1 gallon tank of petrol - if you have space. If you need to use some from someone else's luggage be prepared for them to take massive advantage of you financially (at the very least).

Also take some spare food and drink in case of peckishness and any other visor/cleaning materials etc., that might be difficult to get hold of - don't rely on Graham having spares for everyone. Steve will have loads of food but he doesn't share - don't ask as a smack in the mouth can offend some people.

Check your bike is fit for the journey (total mileage on previous trips have been in the order of about 450 miles during the whole day from start to finish).

If you're planning to have your bike serviced have it done at least a week beforehand in case any problems arise straight after.

Similarly if you're getting new tyres they should be scrubbed in (at least about 100 miles of dry riding) before considered as OK for the trip

If you have a Satnav do bring it - it helps keep things lively and will make you the butt of everyone else's jokes etc. Don't forget you will need to have foreign maps installed or you are wasting your time taking it.

Also a fully charged mobile phone is now considered essential.

Make sure you have B O T H P A R T S OF YOUR LICENCE IF YOU HAVE THE LATEST TYPE OF DIGITAL/PLASTIC VERSION OR T(THE ONES WITH YOUR PHOTO ON)OR REGULAR PINK OR GREEN LICENCE IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THE LATEST.

ALSO YOU WILL NEED ORIGINAL REGISTRATION DOCS (V5 - logbook showing you are the owner/registered keeper). Make sure your tax disc is valid owise you will be in big trouble if nicked for infringement - we will not be sympathetic.

Of course you will need a valid Passport - check it will be valid NOW

Bring a camera.

You will need sunglasses or dark visor for daytime sessions (in case) and wet weather gear (also just in case).

A spare t-shirt or similar and spare socks will be a welcome relief during the latter part of the day when the ones you started with stinks of garlic and all things Froggish ( my suggestion only not a pre-requisite)

Inform your insurance company and check you are covered for normal riding on Continent and also consider repatriation/breakdown cover which your regular insurance will NOT cover unless you have made special provision.

A couple of cans of Red Bull are always useful...

See the follwing link for some further tips - some of them take with a pinch of salt.

This will be repeated closer to the time

http://www.touringeurope.org/biker-tours/faq/riding-in-france.cfm