Devon TRF Group Forum

TTR · Powermonger!!

Collecting TTRs from near Malaga

Ming · Devon's Best

RE: WANTED - transport for a heavy load from near Malaga to Blighty

Paul Farrow · Expert

If you pay I will go ;)

TTR · Powermonger!!

Ming wrote:

You wouldn't be buying up Lyndon's old TTR's would you, mate?

Have a look on here and see if there are any transport companies that can help - most, if not all, are either UK based or travel between Spain and the UK regularly.

http://www.myservicesdirectory.com/

I might have biggrin

Thanks for the link - I have emailed a few of the transport contacts - fingers crossed!

How did you get your CRFs over to Spain?

TTR · Powermonger!!

Paul Farrow wrote:

If you pay I will go ;)

It might come to that Paul smile

Ming · Devon's Best

TTR wrote:

How did you get your CRFs over to Spain?

Funnily enough, Vince at Haven Trialsport supplied them and brought them and the kit over from the UK in his LWB Sprinter. We also got more later (Sherco's and Betas) by the same method but with one of the partners driving.

Reading through the adverts for transport companies it seems one of them will do bike transport for 250 euros each, but I guess you may get a discount for many of them?

If you still draw a blank let me know and I'll get my in-laws to let me have some contact numbers in the local press that aren't available online.

chriscole · Clubman A

The Humm website advertises a bike/animal moving company called James Cargo Services based at Slough. 01753 687722 enq@james cargo.com

maybe they can help you, if not chris is volunteering, Jacki

jt · Powermonger!!

I recon TTR should get us a one way ticket each - then we could go out ride em back wink

now that would be a bit of a larf....

Ming · Devon's Best

jt wrote:

I recon TTR should get us a one way ticket each - then we could go out ride em back now that would be a bit of a larf....

Good shout wink

I can get us off road as far as Seville......just the remaining 400 miles to Santander to worry about hmm

hampsterracing · Devon's Best

jt wrote:

I recon TTR should get us a one way ticket each - then we could go out ride em back now that would be a bit of a larf....

+1

now where did that one come from .........

TTR · Powermonger!!

If that were to happen and it was properly video'd, I reckon I could make enough out of the video to pay for the TTRs

Probably need an oil tanker following on to keep the TTR engines topped up after seeing the way some of 'em smoke biggrin

9 bikes in one piece that could be ridden - the rest in various stages of "disassembly" so a trailer with the spares could also follow on to replace any bits that fell off, engines that give up, wheels that fall off, etc wink

Head cams for everyone and a helicopter to film for the mass set off from Malaga into the mountains smile

Ming · Devon's Best

I'm free next week........ wink

jt · Powermonger!!

I have video camera.....

TTR · Powermonger!!

I'm thinking something like this http://www.dakarchallenge.co.uk/ but in reverse biggrin

Tigerman · Expert

Austin Vince is here on Thursday maybe he would like to film it! wink

I'll ride one of the bikes! When are we off? smile

Steve H · Devon's Best

Count me in biggrin

TTR · Powermonger!!

I am getting excellent advice from all quarters and the logistics of my challenge in getting this load back to Blighty are apparently being discussed in dark dusty bars throughout DTRFG land wink

The consensus of opinion seems to be that a big 4x4 or van towing an Ifor Williams plant trailer seems to be the way to go and that maybe Plymouth-Roscoff ferry the most economical crossing.

Whatever way we go, I will need maybe up to 10 heavy duty stackable boxes capable of taking a complete engine unit, shock absorbers, swing arms, etc. Mrs TTR suggested that the shallower but bigger "bread trays"- those with the metal handles - would be useful for large bits like exhausts.

As they may be in use for a few months it will probably be worth me buying some so any ideas as to where to source such things please?

-- Edited by TTR on Friday 21st of January 2011 09:32:24 AM

Ming · Devon's Best

Would that combo take any more bikes than a large Sprinter size van?

Wouldn't have thought it was more expensive with a van on the ferry as it will be much shorter than the car/trailer, plus you can travel at a higher speed.

jt · Powermonger!!

Backload ?

Try on here

TTR · Powermonger!!

Hi Andy - I confess to being worried about the size and load carrying capacity of a panel van and Ifor Williams plant trailer but have now got a willing volunteer driver and we are going to be using a 4.2l SWB Nissan Patrol towing one of these big boys - http://www.wessex-trailers.co.uk/product_details.asp?ProductID=53

Specifications:
Internal Width: = 1.980m
Internal Length: = 4.830m
Internal Height: = 0.360m
External Width: = 2.060m
External Length: = 6.110m
External Height: = 1.000m
Max Gross Weight: = 3500kg
Loading Height: = 0.650m

We will clearly have to load carefully but it all will get on - one way or the other wink

I did the maths on a LWB van but maximum load was 1400kg.

I have had a few emails and phone calls and would say a public thanks to everyone contributing information - particularly Slip a Long!

The driver had to make a swift visit in person to the Newport passport office today as his passport had expired but apart from that I think I am ready to look at booking ferry crossings, finalise routes etc etc smile

potus · Clubman A

Sounds like one helluva 'road trip', nice one TTR, have fun.

Don't forget the run report............ biggrin

TTR · Powermonger!!

Details...

Dom XR400 · Novice

RE: WANTED - transport for a heavy load from near Malaga to Blighty

hampsterracing · Devon's Best

Check on the nationwide card i think it has changed

i have had one for years for this reason but was recently told it was no more ..................

Dom XR400 · Novice

i spent so much time in france last year that i got a french bank card.. problem solved

TTR · Powermonger!!

Dom XR400 wrote:

i spent so much time in france last year that i got a french bank card.. problem solved

We are missing out France and just travelling through Spain but doubt its worth getting a Spanish card for the one trip even if it came through in time - but grateful for the suggestion anyways.

Regarding Nationwide, I just closed my credit card account with them and chopped up the card as I had understood they were charging - same as everyone else - hope I did right confuse

Maybe it will need to be Euros - away from the motorways!

Tigerman · Expert

hampsterracing wrote:

Check on the nationwide card i think it has changed

i have had one for years for this reason but was recently told it was no more ..................

It's still the cheapest commission charge out of all the banks. Unless there is a new 0% offer somewhere.

I have been told if you withdraw sterling with your Nationwide card whilst abroad, they don't charge. You can then look for the best exchange rate at the shops/banks etc. I am waiting to try it out on my next trip, might save you a few quid! smile

Husky Steve · Sportsman

hampsterracing wrote:

Check on the nationwide card i think it has changed

i have had one for years for this reason but was recently told it was no more ..................

Please check info below, straight from Nationwides web site. My son lives in NZ, still has a flexaccount and found out the hard way getting 2 charges for every cash withdrawal he made.
Have a good trip

Steve

Charges for using your card abroad

There is a commission charge and a cash withdrawal charge for transactions in currencies other than sterling.

You will be charged the charges shown in the table below when you use your card for transactions in currencies other than sterling. These include all charges that we have to pay to other organisations on your behalf.

Foreign transaction charges

Charge	Amount	Applies to cash withdrawals	Applies to card purchases (see note 1)
Commission charge for non-sterling transactions	2.00% of the transaction amount	yes	yes
Non-UK cash withdrawal charge (as well as the commission charge)	£1 for each withdrawal (see note 2)	yes	no

Note 1 - This fee also applies if you use your card to buy goods or services in a currency other than sterling on the internet or over the phone.

Note 2 - If you have a cash card+, you cannot use your card to withdraw cash overseas.

We take both the commission charge and the non-UK cash withdrawal charge from your account on the day the transaction is shown on your account. This may not be the same day you carried out the transaction.

The commission and non-UK cash withdrawal charges will be shown separately on your statement to make it possible for you to see the cost of using your account for transactions in other currencies.

slip a long · Clubman A

what you need is a travelex card its currency card stick euro on it before you leave then its just like a credit card ,once your have run out of money on the card then its needs topping up again , been a european truk driver for years and i have allways used this ,payiny tolls and all other goodies mastercard with chip and pin

Brockstar71 · Clubman B

Might be a little obvious, but make sure the bikes have no fuel in them. Ferry companies and/or Eurotunnel can get a bit funny about carrying fuel, gas canisters etc.

Sounds like it could be a great trip. AND, all those bikes to play with when you get back home, perfect!!! biggrin

Chris.

Torr · Expert

Thought about shipping them in a container.......

.... and If you kept the container would make a bloody good shed!!

Ming · Devon's Best

Simplest way is take plenty of euros in cash. All fuel stations and shops will readily take cash and if you use the Post Office to buy them here they don't charge commission.

If you have loads left over when you come back either cash them in at the P.O. or offer them on here as there will always be people needing euros to travel abroad - sell them that way.

You need a warning triangle and hi-viz vests for all occupants and also spare bulb set.
Unlikely whilst towing a trailer - but watch the speed limits on dual carriageways (they don't tend to have 3 lane motorways in Spain)......they can vary from 80kmh to 100kmh and up to 120kmh......then go back to 80kmh before a bend or junction and if you aren't paying attention you could get done for speeding if you keep to a steady 100kmh (62mph).

Any illuminated sign over the carriageway saying "velocidad controllada por radar" means there's a speed camera mounted behind the sign so you can't see it until it's too late....there's one as you peel off the E45 to the main road to Malaga and the airport.

I take it you're sailing on the Pont Aven from Plymouth? Food is good and not too expensive but no doubt you'll take your own pasties hmm

Try to avoid going past Madrid during rush hour (about 5-8pm) - 6 lanes of manic Spaniards all trying to get to the bars disbelief

Fuel cheaper than over here (not difficult), even on m-ways. If you can go with little, fill up in Santander before you hit the Autovia and see how far you get. Most stations stay open late apart from Sundays when some don't even open.

You can buy some eye-opening stuff in an average garage....... confuse

Have a good trip mate!

TTR · Powermonger!!

Some more excellent advice - thanks guys!

I have asked ToroTrail to use up all the petrol in the tanks and any left we will have to dispose of in some way.

My bro' Trev has sorted out some heavy duty boxes for the more delicate spares and I have am offer of another 10 if need be so that seems sorted biggrin

Need to get a pile of Euros from the PO for diesel and grub - plus check if the driver has the necessary road signs (thanks Andy) - also thanks for the warning about speed cameras etc.

I did think of pricing a container but the hassle of loading and unloading at each end plus not being in control of the process put me off cry

Yep - Pont Aven there and back!

If anyone is over there with ToroTrail w/e of 12/13th Feb we may get to ride with you if all goes to plan (and you can laugh at our loading - or help with it!). Remember it's only £60 return air fare from Bristol airport wink

phil400 · Clubman A

my partner has just had some furniture shipped over from the states in a container, taken over six weeks.
the custom people called thursday to say it is ready to be collected. if it is not collected within five days(including weekends, even although they are shut) there will be a storage charge of £196..... a day!!!
think bringing it over yourself brian is a good idea
so guess who is driving up to london at silly o'clock tonight/tomorrow!?

danfulford · Clubman B

Looks like you are gonna be a busy boy Bri. I'll be over tomorrow to grab that headlight and drop back your cables.

Cheers

TTR · Powermonger!!

Slight change of plan....

Paul Farrow · Expert

RE: WANTED - transport for a heavy load from near Malaga to Blighty

Ming · Devon's Best

Been Plymouth-Santander and back in October and both ways were fine. Nice clean ship and no probs through the Bay of Biscay. In fact, the last trip to Roscoff was worse..... hmm

I have a 2004 AA road map book of Spain and Portugal with all major cities and towns in detail - PM me if you want to borrow it and you can pick it up from me at work. 6 years old now but most of the main routes will still be correct - just changed the autovia around Madrid I believe since then.

I reckon it's going to cost you a lot more in fuel and tolls going through France.......

potus · Clubman A

Been twice Sept & April was like crossing the Torpoint ferry, flat as a dab. smile

lucky I guess.

Only went in one direction though to Santander, always came back up through France to Roscoff. Cost was pretty much the same when you take fuel/b&b/tolls into account but the return sailing date was the thing which made the difference to us, that and the ride through the Pyrenees. We could drive back to Roscoff and get home 24 hrs before the ferry returned to Portsmouth and then would have had a drive back from pompey.

The crossing to Spain was perfect on both ocassions, get onboard at 4, bar at 5 past, bed when the bar closes and wake up in the Bay of Biscay, roll off ferry at midday next day........ideal. Food is pretty good aswell.

Took us a couple days to travel South to Malaga although we didn't use the motorways at all and zig zagged through the mountain areas where we could, on and off road. (Cheers Ming

)

Lot of the cheap hotel chains (check out b&b hotels) in France have secure parking which is something you may be looking for.

cheers Mike

Biff · Expert

TTR wrote:

I have had so many horror stories about the Santander crossing that I have decided it will now be more of an adventure road trip and will use the Plymouth-Roscoff ferry (Armorique) and take a couple of days driving down and the same back and, if the weather is good, enjoy driving through both France and Spain.

Dan - see PM

Armorique is a very new ship, had a very good trip back to blighty after that bloody volcanoe, good grub and reasonable

If your to tight to splash on a cabin, I would recomend the cinema - luverly seats for a kip

potus · Clubman A

Biff wrote:

Armorique is a very new ship, had a very good trip back to blighty after that bloody volcanoe, good grub and reasonable

If your to tight to splash on a cabin, I would recomend the cinema - luverly seats for a kip

Yes, forgot to say that, very wise words, make sure you book a cabin.................

Husky Steve · Sportsman

potus wrote:

Biff wrote:

Armorique is a very new ship, had a very good trip back to blighty after that bloody volcanoe, good grub and reasonable

If your to tight to splash on a cabin, I would recomend the cinema - luverly seats for a kip

Yes, forgot to say that, very wise words, make sure you book a cabin.................

Can highly recommend the Amourique, super crossing,cabin not too expensive either.

Last May with my VW camper, went Plymouth - Roscoff with cabin out and Cherbourg - Poole on the High Speed return................£400!!!!

Keep off the Peage unless really necessary, N roads in France are fabulous.........Have a great journey. Plenty of pics and a trip report essential

Steve

TTR · Powermonger!!

RE: Collecting TTRs from near Malaga

Big T · Expert

Best of luck Brian. I'm glad it's coming together.

Send Torotrail my best wishes - I hope all their injuries are healing nicely (Bas's hand was bike-related, but Lyndon slipped down the stairs whilst we were there and damaged himself somewhat!)

Oh, and tell them we sold the Dalek!

Regards,

Alex

-- Edited by Big T on Monday 7th of February 2011 01:51:25 PM

TTR · Powermonger!!

Big T wrote:

Best of luck Brian. I'm glad it's coming together.

Send Torotrail my best wishes - I hope all their injuries are healing nicely (Bas's hand was bike-related, but Lyndon slipped down the stairs whilst we were there and damaged himself somewhat!)

Oh, and tell them we sold the Dalek!

Regards,

Alex

Will do Alex! When we went over Lyndon was full of flu so wan't riding. Baz's hand had pretty much healed and certainly hadn't affected his riding.

The Dalek??????

PS I will make sure your two TTRs are loaded VERY carefully wink

delvey91 · Devon's Best

Bon Voyage!

John Leah · Clubman A

I hope you realise I expect you to submit a sheet for this wink

Have a safe trip.

Cheers,
John

TTR · Powermonger!!

We arrived at ToroTrail HQ safely and will be loading the TTRs Friday, riding Saturday and setting off home fully loaded on Sunday

Brian (and Rik)

jt · Powermonger!!

Hard life for some

Cubber · Expert

Don't rely too much on your RA.

Have a good trip but don't fall too hard! disbelief

Martyn

Devon TRF Group Forum

Please check info below, straight from Nationwides web site. My son lives in NZ, still has a flexaccount and found out the hard way getting 2 charges for every cash withdrawal he made.Have a good tripSteveCharges for using your card abroad

Foreign transaction charges

Please check info below, straight from Nationwides web site. My son lives in NZ, still has a flexaccount and found out the hard way getting 2 charges for every cash withdrawal he made.
Have a good trip

Steve

Charges for using your card abroad