Martyn850

I have a Kriega tailpack. 30l and it's modular so you can add extra 20l or10l packs. I use it as I don't like putting to much weight in the top box. Attaches securely and can vouch for it being waterproof! I bought it second hand to keep the cost down.

Blimey, the salad looks almost as good as the scenery!!

I have a Garmin Zumo 595LM. I'm pleased with it. Links to my Bluetooth Sena and phone. Can play music though it via my phone, and it also has a USB for music. Loads of features and it's robust too. Yes it's expensive, but I bought it on offer but it depends on how much you're going to use it. I've used it here and in Europe and it's been great for me. http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah302/martynpotter78/IMG_1543_zpswppqewoh.jpg

Thank you. I'll take a look!

I have a week in July free, and am thinking of heading off to visit the Normandy beaches. Does anyone have any recommendations on places to stay in the area and way down?

I have the Alpinestars Andes jacket and trousers for winter / wet weather. They've kept me warm and more importantly, dry, through some pretty wet riding. For something that wasn't horrendously expensive I think they do the job very well.

So this is what I was popping my European cherry for! My Great Grandfathers grave. He was killed on the 4th of May 1917, and I was at his grave on the centenary of his death. One more night here in Arras and then on up to Ypres.

I have a pair of Hood jeans too. They are made not to far away from me, so I was able to pop down and try them on and adjust leg length and fit. They get my vote.

The second is the Wormhoudt massacre which happened the next day. 28th may 1940. That event was so horrible Im not going to pollute your thread by describing it. I mention these two events.. because we all remember from our history lessons the remarkable escape with the 'little ships' from dunkirk... and so perhaps these horrors from the same time have been forgotten somewhat.. anyway both places are in the vicinity of a ride from Arras to Ypres or the Tunnel and Arras.... with only a relatively minor diversion. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wormhoudt_massacre https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Le_Paradis_massacre Sad, but worthwhile advice. Will try and for them in.

I've pushed the boat out a bit and booked the Ariane Hotel for Ypres. Would usually book somewhere a bit cheaper but it's kinda a one off trip/tour with regards to timings of events so I thought sod it!!

Just seen your pics. Looks good. If you've any recommendations for places to stop in Ypres let me know!

What's the difference between a dog and a fox??? About 8 pints.....

Leaving for my first trip to Europe in a couple of days. Only a short visit, with two nights in Arras then upto Ypres for another couple of nights. Slightly nervous but looking forward to it! Sat-nav programmed and gives just over 13hrs of riding time and 600+ miles. To be fair the longest part of the journey is down the the channel tunnel!!

Sounds like a perfect excuse to upgrade the exhaust system!

So here's my Blackbird. '05 with a little over 50k on her now. I removed the Delkovic race cans a couple of weeks ago, as they were so loud they could set off car alarms! And they used to drone a bit on long journeys, so standard cans on now. Scottoiler, heated grips, sat nav and a couple of minor cosmetic mods. Looking forward to heading off to France in May! http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah302/martynpotter78/IMG_1402_zpsnatsh6to.jpg

Wow. That looks nice!

I've heard good things about The Crown. Might pop down after work if I remember!