Z is for.......
Zephyr.
Zephyr.
Jon, France 2000
on our Kawasaki Zephyr 1100
Note...Photo not quite correct, so I loaded it over to Photobucket...which is under maintenance just at this very minute (8.15am Wednesday, but when it is resolved you will notice the sky is blue! Jon would not have needed his shades in the dark!
on our Kawasaki Zephyr 1100
Note...Photo not quite correct, so I loaded it over to Photobucket...which is under maintenance just at this very minute (8.15am Wednesday, but when it is resolved you will notice the sky is blue! Jon would not have needed his shades in the dark!
2000 was a very busy year for Jon. When the weekends arrived he always tried to keep Sunday free, but inevitabley it rained, so we didn't get out on the bike much at all.
The motorcycle magazines we bought often featured France as a good place to tour on a motorbike.
At the beginning of August Jon said it was a possiblility that he would have some free days at the end of the month.
We decided to go to France.
I contacted the bike touring company who had written the original article and asked what they would recomend for our first tour of France. They suggested the Loire Valley, Samaur to be exact.
We booked the ferry and two night's accomodation in Samaur.
We would travel to Portsmouth on the Saturday, ferry at 3pm. Arrive LaHavre around 8pm.
As luck would have it, the rain poured for the duration of our journry down to Portsmouth!
Once on the ferry our bike was secured in position and we made our way to our cabin.
Towards the end of the crossing we made our way down to the bike and noticed another bike parked next to it.
The rider chatted to us.
It just so happened he knew where we were heading so he told us to follow him.
So, there we were, 8pm, night time following this chap through the streets of France.
We eventually found the B&B accomodation our neighbour had booked for us and our adventure began.
The following day we made our way to Samaur and spent two nights there.
The following day we decided to head South to Bordeux.
We must have travelled nearly 350 miles by the time we arrived on the outskirts.
We came across a hotel and stayed the night.
It wasn't as nice as the previous one, but hey ho, on an adventure these things don't matter. It is all a case of driving through the lovely scenery, in the sunshine, coming to a place we lkiked the look of and finding accomodation. It is fun!
After Bordeux we headed North to Poitiers, then Dinard then Le Havre.
We were going to spend our last night in Hornfleur a lovely picturesque village near the port of LaHavre.
We arrived in the village around 5pm so we decided to go over the bridge to Le Havre, see where we had to check in the next morning, then return to Hornfleur.
As we approached the bridge the weather changed dramatically.
The wind came from nowhere and whipped up to an unbelievable force.
As I hung onto Jon I watched the van in front of us struggle to keep to the road. It's wheels kept lifting up!
I shut my eyes!
When we had crossed the bridge we decided to spend the night in La Havre! We didn't care if it wasn't as nice as Hornfleur! We just didn't want to cross the bridge ever again!
So, yes, the Zephyr has very special memories, our bike of adventures and many many miles of enjoyment.
The following month Jon bought a 99 Fireblade.
Again we did many miles on this, eventually replacing it in 2002 with a new version.
This would be the one we toured France on in 2005.
Here we are!
The bike is totally diffrent to the retro style of the Zephyr and indeed Jon vowed if we ever toured again we would get a different bike....which we did in 2006!
Yes, looks familiar doesn't it?
So, here we are on Z!
What an amazing time we have had over the 6 months we have been doing ABC Wednesday.
I had no idea it would bring such a fantastic group of creative, imaginative people together.
Each week I find myself planning the next picture! Indeed I all ready know what I will be posting for A next week, second time round.
To celebrate our achievemnt I have designed a little something for each blog which has taken part. If you would like to, please cut & paste onto your own blog.
Thanks to techno wizard, dot! I discovered Mr Linky.
If you would like to join in ABC Wednesday, please sign up, post a comment here and post your own contribution on your own blog.
The motorcycle magazines we bought often featured France as a good place to tour on a motorbike.
At the beginning of August Jon said it was a possiblility that he would have some free days at the end of the month.
We decided to go to France.
I contacted the bike touring company who had written the original article and asked what they would recomend for our first tour of France. They suggested the Loire Valley, Samaur to be exact.
We booked the ferry and two night's accomodation in Samaur.
We would travel to Portsmouth on the Saturday, ferry at 3pm. Arrive LaHavre around 8pm.
As luck would have it, the rain poured for the duration of our journry down to Portsmouth!
Once on the ferry our bike was secured in position and we made our way to our cabin.
Towards the end of the crossing we made our way down to the bike and noticed another bike parked next to it.
The rider chatted to us.
It just so happened he knew where we were heading so he told us to follow him.
So, there we were, 8pm, night time following this chap through the streets of France.
We eventually found the B&B accomodation our neighbour had booked for us and our adventure began.
The following day we made our way to Samaur and spent two nights there.
The following day we decided to head South to Bordeux.
We must have travelled nearly 350 miles by the time we arrived on the outskirts.
We came across a hotel and stayed the night.
It wasn't as nice as the previous one, but hey ho, on an adventure these things don't matter. It is all a case of driving through the lovely scenery, in the sunshine, coming to a place we lkiked the look of and finding accomodation. It is fun!
After Bordeux we headed North to Poitiers, then Dinard then Le Havre.
We were going to spend our last night in Hornfleur a lovely picturesque village near the port of LaHavre.
We arrived in the village around 5pm so we decided to go over the bridge to Le Havre, see where we had to check in the next morning, then return to Hornfleur.
As we approached the bridge the weather changed dramatically.
The wind came from nowhere and whipped up to an unbelievable force.
As I hung onto Jon I watched the van in front of us struggle to keep to the road. It's wheels kept lifting up!
I shut my eyes!
When we had crossed the bridge we decided to spend the night in La Havre! We didn't care if it wasn't as nice as Hornfleur! We just didn't want to cross the bridge ever again!
So, yes, the Zephyr has very special memories, our bike of adventures and many many miles of enjoyment.
The following month Jon bought a 99 Fireblade.
Again we did many miles on this, eventually replacing it in 2002 with a new version.
This would be the one we toured France on in 2005.
Here we are!
The bike is totally diffrent to the retro style of the Zephyr and indeed Jon vowed if we ever toured again we would get a different bike....which we did in 2006!
Yes, looks familiar doesn't it?
So, here we are on Z!
What an amazing time we have had over the 6 months we have been doing ABC Wednesday.
I had no idea it would bring such a fantastic group of creative, imaginative people together.
Each week I find myself planning the next picture! Indeed I all ready know what I will be posting for A next week, second time round.
To celebrate our achievemnt I have designed a little something for each blog which has taken part. If you would like to, please cut & paste onto your own blog.
Thanks to techno wizard, dot! I discovered Mr Linky.
If you would like to join in ABC Wednesday, please sign up, post a comment here and post your own contribution on your own blog.
35 comments:
Great - very glad that we are continuing, especially since I only started at S!(As the egotist that I am - do such newbies as me qualify for the "sign" ;-) )
Great Z - even for one who has never had a bike.
It seems ages since I've ridden my bike. Roll on some warmer weather.
Enjoyable story, also a great Z
come and see my ZZZZZZ.
Looks like this post brought back some great memories
The first photo looks neat. I thought you did it on purpose. Bike tours are so exciting.
you are brave, i'm even scared of riding a regular bicycle! maybe i'll start with a tricycle again...
I have learnt a lot too... I've studied the Yorkshire language, and been to Norway and back, and admired the loveliest flowers and plants and followed Gerald to lots of countries I will prob never go to. Wowee, thanks, Denise, thanks everyone, and I Will Be Back... after I get back from my latest trip. Deb
I remember the Ford Zephyr car - didn't know there was Kawasaki Zephyr motorbike - great tale - and I can't wait to carry on to A
It must hav ebeen a lovely trip
A great read. If only we could just hop on a ferry to get to France; we have a 20 plus hour flight.
I have just started ABC Wednesdays, so am really looking forward to starting at the beginning.
Heyyyyyyy! Mr. Linky looks good!
Enjoyed reading about those adventures on the bikes.
Congratulations on making it all the way though. Since I started at "U" I will wait for the second season banner. :)
Hi Denise,
Thanks for starting the ball rolling, you are certainly #1 in my book.
Since I was the first person to respond to your Blog Catalog thread can I get #2 ? :lol: Seems somehow fitting, if you know what I mean ;-)
the top photo with the black sky certainly makes it look dramatic! You are making Us eager to get back across the channel with the guzzi but we have to wait a while yet.
Great post, Denise! Glad to be part of this great group!
what a great way to explore new territory. Back roads, b&b's, open air. I love the shirt.
Interesting post - and congrats are reaching Z :)
Terrific Z post and I love your story to go with it. It seems you lead a most adventurous life.
I'm glad we are starting the ABC postings over again. Looking forward to racking my brain for some of the Letters again. Its been fun.
Thanks for the ABC Wednesday initiative. I really love this. Great post on Z too.
Nice bike Denise and accompanying story. About the bike....would you care to swap it for a zebra?
Im "Zealous" of your Zepphr..
lol..peace, Kai
From a former biker, my admiration not just for the pot but for the entire ABC Wednesday concept.
Vrrrrrrrrooooooom with a view!!!!
You sure zipped around in your Zephyr. Going for another round the alphabet and this time it might be a little more challenging but definitely just as fun.
I have had a great time with ABC and look forward to the next 6 months
I loved reading about your trip ! Nice way to end the abc wed till next week!
Thanks for organizing this! I am excited about continuing on!!Love your "Z"!
Nice Z post, Did you see mine.
DW she's slowly on the mend, phew! bless her.
You are such an adventurer!
If the weather turns nice you could go over to Flamborough, South Landing and see the Monolith someone has built on the beach. It's an interesting story.
I admire your adventurous spirit!
Hi - I've just applied to join the ABC Wednesday next round. See you in A next week!
I wish I had the courage to go on the back of hubbies bike, but in my minds eye all I can see is my 'HUGH' backside hanging off the back, so I don't think so lol!!!!!!
Very nice!
My husband's bike is an "L"... Laila. Also, AliAl, our names, backwards.
I haven't been on the bike for more than 2 hours yet, but perhaps I could be talked into a bike tour in France. Or I may just have to get my own license and then we could both ride there. And you could do it again and join us!
This is a fun story, Denise!
I just signed up for the ABC Wednesday for 2008....I'm not sure what I'm doing but I'll figure it out as I go!!
looking forward to Wednesday. Starting with A or random?
Oh this post made me long for the old days!
Having just discovered you, can I join the gang please? Seems suitable to start tomorrow on letter A!
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