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**Douglas** · 28 Jul 08, 09:11 PM

Great reports from both of you. I cant compete, but will add my story to the excellent write ups.

I left home at just after 6 am on Friday, as I wanted to avoid the traffic, and have a relaxed ride down. I went via the A444/A5 to south of Dunstable. I had a good clear ride down, and was filling up at London Colney Sainsbugs in under two hours. The ride round the M25 and the Dartford crossing went without incident, and I was in Kent in three hours, and eating brunch in Ashford 30 mins later.

I had a straight forward crossing on the tunnel apart from hanging about waiting for my shuttle. I landed about 2.15 and was in Ypres by 1530. I settled into the hotel, texted Zimbo and headed for the Grand Place for a drink and a shuftie at the maps. I decided to make use of the evening by taking a tour on the 999 to look at the Mesines Ridge and the Menin Road. This gave me a good idea of the tactical significance of these two features that cost so very many lives over the four years of war.

Then back to the Grande Place for Steak Frites and a Dame Blanche, and on the 999 to the hotel for a few well earned beers.

Saturday morning saw me up bright and early taking a hearty breakfast before riding to Poperinge to meet Zimbo and Ducbird. As I got there in good time, I went for a wander round, and took a sparkling water on another Grande Place!

By now you will have read all about our visits in the area. I had booked on an earlier ferry than the others, so had to leave in mid afternoon on Sunday to ride home, so I missed the visit to Paschendale and the related cemetries.

My journey to the port was a bit fraught. I had cut my departrure a bit fine, so was miffed to find the route to the Autoroute closed, and so I had to use the very bumpy, and busy Route Nationale that I had come out on. My mood was further dampened when I discovered the entrance to the Autoroute that I had come out on was also closed, involving another long diversion. However I managed to twist the throttle just hard enough to make it with a few minutes to spare!

The shuttle I was on had many bikes on it. All hot from the dash to the port. It was then we discovered our carriage was the one with bust aircon, According to the 999s dash it was just over 40 in our carriage!

After that it was a straight forward ride home on the same route as on the way out. I was home by nine.

My thanks to Graeme and Ducbird for their great company. It was good to enjoy Belgium with them, and share our thoughts and emotions with each other. It was a very sobering trip, as well as being great fun.

Lets hope next years trip comes off, and I can arrange for my native guide to come on her 750ss!

28 Jul 08, 09:11 PM	#22 (permalink)
Douglas Ducati Legend Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Near Burton on Trent, but in Derbyshire! Posts: 1,131 Douglas's Gallery Bike: 2004 999 & 1999 748	Great reports from both of you. I cant compete, but will add my story to the excellent write ups. I left home at just after 6 am on Friday, as I wanted to avoid the traffic, and have a relaxed ride down. I went via the A444/A5 to south of Dunstable. I had a good clear ride down, and was filling up at London Colney Sainsbugs in under two hours. The ride round the M25 and the Dartford crossing went without incident, and I was in Kent in three hours, and eating brunch in Ashford 30 mins later. I had a straight forward crossing on the tunnel apart from hanging about waiting for my shuttle. I landed about 2.15 and was in Ypres by 1530. I settled into the hotel, texted Zimbo and headed for the Grand Place for a drink and a shuftie at the maps. I decided to make use of the evening by taking a tour on the 999 to look at the Mesines Ridge and the Menin Road. This gave me a good idea of the tactical significance of these two features that cost so very many lives over the four years of war. Then back to the Grande Place for Steak Frites and a Dame Blanche, and on the 999 to the hotel for a few well earned beers. Saturday morning saw me up bright and early taking a hearty breakfast before riding to Poperinge to meet Zimbo and Ducbird. As I got there in good time, I went for a wander round, and took a sparkling water on another Grande Place! By now you will have read all about our visits in the area. I had booked on an earlier ferry than the others, so had to leave in mid afternoon on Sunday to ride home, so I missed the visit to Paschendale and the related cemetries. My journey to the port was a bit fraught. I had cut my departrure a bit fine, so was miffed to find the route to the Autoroute closed, and so I had to use the very bumpy, and busy Route Nationale that I had come out on. My mood was further dampened when I discovered the entrance to the Autoroute that I had come out on was also closed, involving another long diversion. However I managed to twist the throttle just hard enough to make it with a few minutes to spare! The shuttle I was on had many bikes on it. All hot from the dash to the port. It was then we discovered our carriage was the one with bust aircon, According to the 999s dash it was just over 40 in our carriage! After that it was a straight forward ride home on the same route as on the way out. I was home by nine. My thanks to Graeme and Ducbird for their great company. It was good to enjoy Belgium with them, and share our thoughts and emotions with each other. It was a very sobering trip, as well as being great fun. Lets hope next years trip comes off, and I can arrange for my native guide to come on her 750ss!