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 can be a problem over there so we all are careful about making sure we keep as much fuel in our tanks as possible - prices per litre can be a bit cheaper over there you need to check close to departure. What we’ve done on the last run or two is to fuel up just before getting on the train this also avoids delays at the French filling station just outside Calais terminal.
So, start with a full tank from home or for the morning meet - and then we fill up again. There are not so many garages open on Sundays and chances are that your credit cards will not work at the pumps (but will probably work in their garage-shops/tills).

Having some Euros is obviously prudent.

We normally have two RV's for the start. The first is at Waterworks Corner on the A406 near Woodford and then we ride on to Brentwood/M25 junction 28 to meet up rest of group - any stragglers know when the train departs from Folkestone for Calais so they can head there if they miss the two RV's. Satnav users - for Tunnel actual address is: Eurotunnel Terminal Ashford Road FOLKESTONE CT18 8XX

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 someone else having spares for you. Steve (any of them)will have loads of food but they don't share - don't ask - as a smack in the mouth can often offend.

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). Particularly tyres - pressures and condition. There’s always someone who only checks monthly or at service intervals

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 on your SatNav or you are wasting your time taking it except for the first part of the journey to the Tunnel.

Also a fully charged mobile phone is now considered essential.

Make sure you have BOTH PARTS OF YOUR LICENCE IF YOU HAVE THE LATEST TYPE OF DIGITAL/PLASTIC VERSION (THE ONES WITH YOUR PHOTO ON) OR REGULAR PINK OR GREEN LICENCE IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THE LATEST.

YOU MAY BE REQUIRED TO SHOW ORIGINAL REGISTRATION DOCS (V5 - logbook showing you are the owner/registered keeper). Make sure your tax disc is valid otherwise 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. There’s still time to get it from the AA or RAC – instant cover – speak to them ion the phone and ask for a discount.
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.

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

As far as the ride goes I intend to organise it as a “Drop off” system ride. See below if you are not familiar with it
What Is The 'Drop Off' System?
This is basically a system designed to make group riding safer and more enjoyable for all by (hopefully) allowing for the group getting split up without becoming lost and to avoid the dangers of a long line of motorcycles causing dangerous frustration to other drivers. It also permits riders to travel at their own comfortable pace without causing too much frustration for those wishing to ride briskly.
Before a run starts, I will want to know that ALL riders are familiar with the system and any specific rules or problems en-route are explained.
How It Works
Generally, there will be a Run Leader (me) and one rider serving as Back Marker/Tail End Charlie (sweeper). Both the Leader and the Back Marker should wear a conspicuous reflective vest so that they are easily identifiable as their position in the run will remain static. Both should also know the precise route planned!
On the approach to any deviation of route, the Leader will signal to the rider immediately behind him and that rider will then stop in a safe and conspicuous position to indicate the direction the run has taken (in other words he will act as a mobile signpost for the rest of the group) and will remain there until the approach of the Back Marker (easily identifiable) and then rejoin the ride immediately in front of the Back Marker. The Back Marker should always leave sufficient space for these riders to rejoin in front of him but if for safety reasons that isn't practical, then the rider should rejoin at the rear and pass the back marker when safe to do so. In this manner all riders (except the leader and rear) will constantly change positions within the group and if operated correctly, there should be no danger of riders getting lost because they are riding slower than others. This system also avoids the dangers of the slower rider being forced to ride at speeds they are not comfortable with and thereby putting themselves and others in danger.
It sometimes happens that rider number two misses the signal to drop off, either through inattention or inexperience - if you are behind and see this happen, please use your initiative and pull over yourself (a little common sense can go a long way).
If a ride becomes extremely fragmented, the Run Leader should use common senseand find somewhere to safely stop and allow the run to regroup.
Overtaking is acceptable to a limited degree if done with common sense and safely.
Any questions – then ask me at the bginning. We won’t use the drop off system on the motorway down to Folkestone for the Tunnel so please make sure you know the route to get there.