Friday 30th April 2010
Start to the Yorkies holiday to France we all met at Katies diner for a cuppa and to wait for everyone who was meeting at the diner. We set off at 10.30 to make our way down to Dover stopping for fuel and something to eat. Elaine was following down after us to catch up, we heard that she had pulled up for petrol and had fallen off. She was ok, a little shaken, we finally got down to the Travel Lodge on the A1 for the stay over. After settling in we met at the pub for a meal drinks and chat. Elaine joined us later and as the night wore on Terry reminded us of the travel arrangements, then it was of to bed ready for an early out of bed.
Saturday 1st May 2010
It was up for breakfast, pack the bikes, with the first group leaving at 8.30 followed by the second group who left at 9.15 to make our way down to the the ferryport for the crossing to Calais. 1 and 1/2 hour later we landed at Calais to set off to our destination, but while getting off the toll road and stopping for petrol we lost 4 riders who took the wrong junction. The rest of us waited at the petrol station and got in contact with them so we set off back on the toll road on the other end. Steve D had some trouble starting up his Harley and finally but got it started - alarm problem. We finally got to the holiday site, once everyone was settled in their caravans we met at Maggie's for a drink and put up the Yorkies flag, then it was up to the pub for local hospitality. Terry had made some friends with the Soisson 02 Harley Davidson group who in turn invited us to Jean-pierre 60th birthday party. There was a lot of drinking (Jack Daniels) mussel eating and dancing. Terry was a bit worse for wear come, on folks it was a long day but he had a good night.
Sunday 2nd May 2010
The French riders invited the Yorkies on a ride out and they took us up to their village where they live then they took us to a massive outdoor market which had everything. We spent a couple of hours there then it was a ride back to the site. On the way back we had a rider down, Paul Phelps skidded on the road and came off his bike, he hurt his foot so there was no riding for a couple days. He was help safely back to the site once everyone was fed and changed we all met at the pub for drinks chat and to talk about today's events.
Monday 3rd May 2010
Today was a ride out to Pierrefont castle, Murray lead the ride out with plenty of good scenery, even the cows in the field saw us twice!!!! We finally got there and went for a cup of tea and something to eat while we waited for Maggie and Chris. We then went up to the castle to have a look round, quite interesting after the visit it was back to the site, stopping for goodies at the supermarket then it was food, rest, and ready for the night. We got talking to the locals and the reps, we showed them some of the Yorkies games which they took in good taste it was a good night right up till the end till we all bid our farewells.
Tuesday 4th May 2010
Another day another ride out this time to a Champagne tour for all those who were interested, on the way the group got split up as second manning went a bit wrong Don had a senior moment ! After all the phone calls and texting by Maggie we got to the location, we had dinner in a quaint little café, some of the Yorkies were blocking an entrance for a church and had to move the bikes oooops. We moved the bikes and then it was time to go, some of us parked in the sqaure others rode round to meet the group. In the mean time, we lost Bobbo and Maria but they made their way back safe with sat nav so our next stop was at the Champane chateau for a tour only we were told we had to book in advance, oh well, off we go back, not before some local wanting to take some photos. Back to base now tonight was a different venue we decided to go to the local bar, the landlord and landlady made us quite welcome they gave us a bit of a snack. At one point they had to change the barrel i suppose what we drunk must have made their month wage in one night! Also tonight Sheffield Dave and his wife Jackie became grandparents congratulations from all. We partied till after midnight then walked back up in total darkness. I have heard of saving electricity but this was taking the (p).
Wednesday 5th May 2010
This was going to be a long day with a ride out to Paris led by Ivan via sat nav. After a long ride to Paris first stop a cuppa my advice to you don't get a drink from a cafe in Paris unless you take out a mortgage even Dick Turpin wore a mask bloody hell £4. Next was a visit to the Arc de Triomphe. I had my photo taken with a local policeman very cute, next stop was the Eiffel tower parked up for a couple of mins for the traditional photo shoot, then set off again. Oh no more trouble with Steve Darby's Harley due to transmitter funny enough a bus came a long to shield the waves and it started, then it was off to Palace of Versalle for more sightseeing, and our lunch stop. It was then time to go to the site after a long day again more trouble with the Harley after filling up for petrol he phoned the Leeds Harley shop, and they told him to push the bike a 100 yards from where the transmitter dooohh a long traffic jam and a long ride home knackered but good day.
Thursday 6th May 2010
Everyone was woken up to some very sad news that Bev Smith aka ninja Bev Bailey the photographer had passed away due to a heart attack on a coach trip to Paris surrounded by his friends. A great effort was made by members with CPR but to no avail, a meeting was called and Terry broke the news to others, condolences to Bev's family from the Yorkies at this very sad time. So today was subdued day for everyone but we agreed that Bev would have wanted to carry on and to enjoy the rest of the holiday. R.I.P Bev ride your way into the clouds as your spirit will ride with the Yorkies and all those who knew and loved him. Tonight we had a party for Terry's birthday and to celebrate a good life of Bev and had most of us said a little bit about him we invited the French bikers down. They presented Terry with a associate member certificate, Terry presented the landlady with a Yorkies sweatshirt for her help and we partied to the end.
Friday 7th May 2010
Last day off the holidays so today we went out for short ride we went to the Museum where they signed the Armesty treaty, there we had a look at the train and museum, very interesting place. Ivan and Helen took us to a fortress by the time we got there it was closed so we had a look round the war grave then onto Cavenne du Dragon for a cuppa then back to the site for a B.B.Q. Maggie couldn’t believe how civilised we were with tables and chair we let off a lantern in memory of Bev, it was then up to the pub for a drink and to bid our farewell.
Saturday 8th May 2010
On our way home first group set off at 8pm second left at 9pm for the ferry it was a long day and ride stopping for fuel and food then off again waving each other off at exits.
Thanks to Terry and Sue for a great holiday, tinged with sadness with loosing a close friend to all.
Marie and Steve