We are all set for the Chunnel. This is the day; I did the usual checks the night before: fluids, tire pressure, make sure nothing is about to fall off, clean wind screens etc….all good for for an early start. What would Ivan do? Just drive on.
Just like home?
Good morning, says the weather as I walk out to start loading Sassy for the trek to and through the Eurotunnel. I’m really starting to feel at home here as I rub a thick but soft layer of frost off the seat and windscreen! It is a fresh morning to say the least but Sam and I are determined to get to Lens, France by night fall and so off we go southward in the cool air. The forecast is for a high of 8 and a low of 2 degrees celcius with a mix of sun and cloud we are optimistic for the former in both. It is 2.
The ride
What a beautiful ride through the English countryside. We truly enjoyed the back roads and little villages all the while focused on driving left of centre. The posted speeds are a bit fast for the Ural but I do love the winding cart tracks through the manicured and wild growth. You see, Sassy can be a bit tippy when not loaded up and so I can go a bit faster with the cargo and my sweet passenger. It is wonderful to be back in the old country where history and character are appointed at each turn.
One thing about overland by moto is that you are never truly at the perfect temperature or perfectly comfortable. Its part of the experience that I love so much. Its all about the senses on a machine like this. The vibration and sound of the motor and gears, the trees and grasses waving, the changing light, the smells of the different areas as you pass: it is a whole experience that cannot be replicated without a bike.
Into the tunnel
We arrived at Folkestone around 1230 for our 1330 transit to France. Just enough time for a latte and a quick rest. We rode into the staging area after a passport check and questions from the French border official. He was more interested in the bike and how we got it over here than anything else. Our officer gave an approving smirk-nod as he stamped our documents for entry and heard a bit of our story. Vive la France! The Canadians are here again.
Note: For passage on the Eurotunnel Le-Shuttel it is cheaper to book a short-term return trip than a one way trip. 30 GBP return and 50 GBP one way. Just get off and keep driving.
It was pretty awesome cueing up and riding Sassy onto the train for France. What an amazing feat of engineering to burrow through the floor of the English Channel creating a method of transporting goods and people safely and efficiently in 35 mins. We rode in, parked and sat on the bike for the duration. I even had a wee nap. If you don’t think of where you are you may just imagine an overnight trip by train. The reality is that you are in one of three tunnels 50 meters below the sea hurtling at a cool 160 kilometres per hour. Yowsers! At times it could be unsettling but the ride was over quick. Out the other end and we were driving right of centre again and on wider roads! Welcome to France.
Welcome to France
We arrived in Lens, France at the B&B Museo de la Louvre at about 1830 hours. It was a very cool drive but worth it. We went for dinner within walking distance and the restaurant had bottomless wine on tap!
Thank you for checking in. Much more to come as we move on living our dream. Follow along and share our adventures with your friends.
Take care and keep on travelling,
Dan&Sam
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