Motorcycle Touring in France - Part 1

This is part one of my tour of France on Roger the Royal Enfield Himalayan. In this episode I set off on my adventures, experience my first go at riding in another country and visit an amazing memorial.
🖤💙🚑💙🖤
#royalenfield #himalayan #royalenfieldhimalayan #paramediclife #restdayrider #bikerchick #bikersofinstagram #ladybikers
#motorcyclecamping #motovlog #womanrider #womenthatride #moto #motorcycletravel #bikelife #enfield #thisgirlcan #motorcycle #bikergirl #womanmotovlogger #motorcycletravel #swindonbiker #swindonladybiker #adventurebiker #loneridermototent
#lonerider #touringfrance #thiepval #frenchmototour
links:
www.bunkabiker.org/

[@GrahamOrm]

After a lifetime on bikes, at 64 I can’t ride any more due to illness. I get so much pleasure watching you guys on KZbin. Enjoy and be safe. I’m on your shoulder. Thank you.

[@restdayrider]

Thank you Graham, hope you enjoy the shoulder rides. 😍

[@alansavage3549]

Well done you 👍. Kudos to the French for the immaculate upkeep of war graves.

[@philtucker1224]

Yes it’s a massive tourist industry here, boomers and their families travel from across the world to visit them.

[@milnerontheroad57]

The Commonwealth War Graves commission, not the French, look after the graves and they do a fantastic job for all Commonwealth countries.

[@alansavage3549]

@@milnerontheroad57 Thanks. I didn't know that.

[@gary650uk]

The Commonwealth war graves commission are responsible for the care and maintenance of our Glorious war dead .

[@freemenofengland2880]

I lost my great Uncle in the Battle of Arras, he went into the battle as a CSM in the Northumbria Fusiliers, Tyneside Irish Battalion, after 5 days and 2 field promotions he was killed as a 1st Lieutenant with the Military Cross. His body wasn't found either. War is terrible, politicians who start wars are even worse.

[@NooBiker]

Lovely trip so far. I'm planning to do the Ardennes and Vosges in August. Very fitting memorial. What a tragic loss of life 😢

[@laurieberg2880]

Thank you for this video Charlie. I used to get uncomfortably warm riding here in western Canada in temps 29C to 35C until I stopped wearing the black riding gear. I wear light grey "adventure" gear (Rev'it Sand 3) and I'm much more comfortable. I have my black gear for cool weather it works fine.

[@restdayrider]

My issue is sizing, the ladies stuff just doesn't seem to run big enough!

[@martingriffiths4047]

I always carry Sugru mouldable glue for sorting out 'on the fly' repairs; good stuff 👍

[@AdventuresWithMilo]

So refreshing to see someone be open and honest about it. A newbie like ourselves going to France via Newhaven this summer. Brilliant! Thank you for sharing.

[@restdayrider]

Ohh have an amazing trip!

[@AdventuresWithMilo]

Thank you! Can't wait to watch parts 2-5!😊

[@philiproyffe8022]

Thank you for sharing the memorials ❤

[@Canadian-Dutchman-Peter]

Dapper dat jij deze trip hebt gedaan, ik voelde de spanning tijdens het kijken. Ik heb door het met de motor op reis te gaan meer vertrouwen gekregen. Respect en ga verder door met kijken naar Part 2.

[@restdayrider]

Thank you 😊

[@russcattell955i]

I enjoyed part 1, part 2 next. I spent a week in Albert in 95, a moving experience. I have been living in France for 20 years now. Did the D-Day area for a week this spring on my bike. My mate came over on the Newhaven Dieppe ferry too.

[@restdayrider]

Glad you enjoyed it 😀

[@felixklages1893]

Sehr schöne Impressionen und ein super Video was du da machst. Ebenfalls mag ich, das du deinen Groß-Großonkel an dem Kriegsmal besuchst, das spricht dafür, das du einen guten Charakter hast.

[@restdayrider]

Thank you 😊

[@Plentisaki]

I've just returned from a week on a Somme battlefield tour with my mate, and I cannot recommend highly enough how great the roads are for motorcycle riding round there. My mate and I stayed at the Camping Le Velodrome site in Albert, a perfect base to visit all the relevant sites and memorials around the Somme battlefront. I was on my trusty Royal Enfield Classic 500, my mate a Yamaha MT07.

[@restdayrider]

Hopefully you had as amazing a trip as I did. 🙂

[@Plentisaki]

@@restdayrider Had a great time thanks! Got very lucky with the weather, and so much to see. A very emotional trip.

[@pauldixon3089]

Good morning Charlie, Wow, start of a real adventure, fantastic. I'm in awe of you. From the nervous, unsure lady that did her trip to Scotland to being the confident lady blazing a trail into France. You're an inspiration. Have a great trip.😃🏍️

[@restdayrider]

Thank you so much 😊

[@billcotton1551]

I don't know how I missed this one last week Charlie, really looking forward to this series.

[@restdayrider]

Fabulous. 😊

[@twotter1969]

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission do great work tending to the cemeteries and the fallen. Safe ride Charlie and thanks for taking us with you.

[@restdayrider]

Glad you enjoyed it. 😊

[@millinutz]

Yes, you keep your jacket on. No matter what. You don't wanna mess up those nice Tattoos. Ride safe, have fun and enjoy yourself..., i'm looking forward to part two.

[@restdayrider]

Thank you 😊

[@bigjohno242]

Beautiful video Charlie . My Great Grandad also fought at the Somme in 8th battalion Kings Liverpool Regiment. He survived , but got shot through the head the following year at Passchendaele . He survived that too and eventually left the Army in 1923. He never recovered fully from his wounds and died homeless in 1931 .

[@restdayrider]

Wow, what an incredible family story. So sad, yet you must be very proud.

[@bigjohno242]

@@restdayrider We certainly are as you must also be of your Great Uncle .

[@dhovious6247]

Very impressed with your French Charlie. I had 2 grandfathers in WWI. As Americans obviously later in the War. Great job kiddo.

[@restdayrider]

Glad you enjoyed it. 😊

[@davidbirchall5124]

Great video Charlie, well done on your First solo Ride to France 🇫🇷 have fun, keep safe and enjoy 📸📸🏍🏍🏍👌👌👌🇫🇷🇫🇷☀️☀️

[@restdayrider]

Thanks! 😃

[@ajazkhan313]

I think you are traveling. I also congratulate you on your journey to India!❤❤❤

[@splodge5714]

Came here on the word of TAYM. Wonderful video. I love France and no better way to see it than by bike. Good to see you enjoying the ride, take care.

[@restdayrider]

Welcome aboard! 😊 ( What's TAYM?)

[@splodge5714]

The All Year Motorcyclist channel. He gave you a shout.😊

[@mikereed7887]

Excellent , and well done 👏......A very enjoyable " watch" 😃 👍

[@restdayrider]

Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@MurdoCamp]

Love this, Charlie. I found it quite emotional to see you visit the memorial to your fallen relative. Enjoying the freedom which he helped provide. Let’s never forget 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@restdayrider]

Thank you. 🙂

[@user-hf6ok2tj5h]

Wholeheartedly agree. And Charlie's choice of music brought a lump to the throat. My own grandad was in that same 1916 conflict. Amazingly survived with the loss of just one arm. The rest of him was with us until 1982. He never spoke of the war.

[@geoffballe8766]

That’s excellent Charlie, I look forward to your next 😇

[@restdayrider]

Thank you kindly Geoff. 😊

[@nealeburgess6756]

Hi Charly. Best wishes from a new subscriber (Just returned from a 5,000 mile bike ride in Spain, France, England and Scotland). Great start to your adventure. Maybe one day you will be as famous as Noraly (Itchy Boots). You and Roger look great. Well done on your decision to keep your skin covered while riding. Here on the Costa Del Sol nearly all the bikers ride in shorts and Tee shirts.

[@restdayrider]

Welcome aboard! 😊

[@Motourev]

Great episode, love the war memorials in France, we did a weeks tour last summer visiting the war memorials. Such a special place.

[@restdayrider]

They really look after them there. 😊

[@geraldfitzgibbon7428]

That was great charlie. That mamorieal was very heart quietning. Thank you

[@restdayrider]

Thank you 😊

[@carlton683]

How very respectful for you to visit your relative who gave his life for us ,your fabulous ❤️

[@restdayrider]

Thank you 😊

[@philiprogers4071]

Well what a top lady biker. I have great admiration of you, getting onto a ferry all by yourself, then transversing France. You have chosen a fantastic, under rated bike to take you on your travels to a foreign land. Great camera work and commentary. You won my subscription from the first minute of the episode. You are an inspiration to all wanting to go to France, but haven't got the courage. I'm looking forward to watching your next, and all future uploads....

[@restdayrider]

Wow, thank you! Welcome to the channel. 😊

[@johngarrity6942]

What a lovely adventure, you go girl!! 👍🏍🏍👍

[@restdayrider]

Thank you 😊

[@theyorkbiker.8214]

❤ WOW..that was the best 30 minutes of telly I've had in a long time. X

[@restdayrider]

Thank you! 😊

[@volt8684]

Those graves should be a compulsory school trip. When I went I could not stop bawling. 2 great grandfathers there 22 and 21yrs old. I know schools do the prison camps but this would be better. The bike looks v heavy Charlie, fair play and lovely content thanks. Like this e clamps I remember having to take your own straps years ago. On my first ever trip with some mates I had the ferry tickets( before codes) 😁and my tank bag filled up with rain as it was cats and dogs at Dover and I had to get off to try and peel the faded sodden 8 tickets apart much to the annoyance of everyone behind

[@restdayrider]

The bike was weightless when moving. 😏

[@DieTabbi]

👍. The first bike with male name. Cool idea. And the first ferry I see using clamps and wow workers tie down the bike. I had everytime to ask someone helping me 🤭

[@restdayrider]

I even called ahead to find out if there would be helpers! 😊

[@henryhartley9993]

Nice one Charlie, A fully loaded Roger....😊

[@restdayrider]

Yes indeed 😂

[@user-cp6zl4yo4m]

Fab video Charlie, thanks for sharing,look forward to next episode!

[@restdayrider]

Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@BlackThor15]

Amazing, well done you Charlie! Thanks for sharing this great adventure. 👍👍

[@restdayrider]

Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@ianwhitehead4728]

Very well done great video 👏

[@pjbaddict]

I went on the bike to the memorial 15 years ago and was deeply touched

[@WiltshireMan]

Nice vlog Charlie, You did well to get over on your own, I had to go with a bunch of mates. Sad to see all the war memorials. I had two Great Uncles who died in the battle of the Somme, another Great Uncle who survived it and my Grandfather was a none combatant soldier for religious reasons and he was a stretcher bearer in the battle of the Somme and thankfully survived unharmed, he went on to become an air raid warden during the second World War, apparently the Great War, the War to end all Wars wasn't enough, and still humanity has to fight tyranny. There will be Wars and rumours of Wars, when will it ever end? Such tragedy really, I guess our generation has been fortunate to have not been caught up in those two conflicts. Looks like it's going to be an enjoyable trip as your journey southwards:) Sandy

[@restdayrider]

I'm just sorry I didn't get chance to catch up with you all. 😊

[@davidreed6817]

Well done Charlie, great stuff (I think a rest day is a great idea, especially when it's scorchio hot!) loving this series.

[@restdayrider]

Thank you. 😊

[@HomeCookingDiscovery]

great trip , amazing movie ,, thank you for sharing ,, keep the great work ,, keep riding 💗

[@restdayrider]

Thanks for watching! 😊

[@2wheelsrbest327]

Hi Charlie just found you. Great first video and your first time i France isn't easy. Mine was many years ago when in Sept I went to Bol Dor every camp site was closed and I got really lost. Its got easier since. Been to Thiepval a few times and as you now know there is so much to see in the area. Each time I have visited the monument as did my kids and grandsons when I took them later we all found it an emotional experience. Its almost as if the soldiers were stepping off the top of the monument into heaven. We will never forget. Now looking forward to your next video.

[@restdayrider]

Thank you and welcome to the channel. 😊

[@druss8052]

I went for a two week roundtrip in France in 2018. The French bikers are about as mad as here in Ireland. I remember a dude on a 250 wringing everything out of it to overtake and then wave me over for a chat. And taking the country roads is the best and most scenic way. A little hint, if you don't already know it: petrol is cheapest at the supermarket, the free stations are way too expensive.

[@restdayrider]

They're still just as friendly and mad! 😊

[@rabfergy7155]

What a himalayan was made for. Great video keep them coming.

[@restdayrider]

Thanks, will do! 😊

[@helenlippert5112]

I camped on the sand at the foot of the dune over 20 years ago. Amazing! Kids were sledging down the dune on surfboards 😆

[@restdayrider]

Wow!

[@goodridestv]

Wow...great videos,,love it...

[@johnalleman1134]

Amazing! Thank you for sharing that piece of your family history and well done for finding your great uncles name at the memorial.

[@restdayrider]

Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@thewoodster8607]

Great video. I visited my Great Uncle in nearby Ribecourt cemetery. The first person to do so from my family. Quite emotional.

[@restdayrider]

Good for you getting over there and paying your respects.

[@garryclarke-kray4071]

Well done you , well kept grave sites and the campsites look good

[@restdayrider]

Thank you 😊

[@btcbiker]

Brilliant video :) I have also added a link to your channel home page to mine. Safe travels and have loads of fun :) Cheers, Mark

[@restdayrider]

Awesome, thank you! 😊

[@keithbateman5360]

Greetings from down under. Another wonderful episode. Good experiences, good soundtrack. Love your work. Thankyou.

[@restdayrider]

Glad you enjoyed it😊

[@jenniferbradshaw5239]

Love this - was quite choked when you found the memorial for your great great uncle … very moving! You are very inspirational for all women looking to go solo moto camping - thank you for sharing your adventures 🏍️

[@restdayrider]

Thank you so much. 😊

[@monkeydixadventures]

Awesome video. Great…looking forward to the rest of the series. Cheers Dean VIVA…

[@restdayrider]

Thanks Dean. 😊

[@gordonjenkins8171]

Thanks for your brilliant videos I was at the Somme and Normandy three weeks ago had a great time

[@restdayrider]

Glad you enjoyed it, and hope you had a lovely visit too. 😊

[@christopherjones3422]

So happy for you Charlie, Following your dreams. Hugs, L&R.

[@restdayrider]

Thank you 😊

[@philtucker1224]

Hi Charlie, nicely presented, here’s hoping you have many clear dry roads ahead of you. Be safe!

[@restdayrider]

Thank you 😊

[@leekirk5554]

I visted Thiepval on my bike in 2018 . My great uncle is commemorated on the memorial too. He was killed in action at La Boisselle on the 5th of July 1916. Also I visited his brothers grave in Fleurbaix he was killed in action 21st of September 1915 they were both in the same company and battalion of the Notts and Derby regiment. Your journey and video brought back some lovely memories of my trip to France.

[@restdayrider]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it. X

[@user-bm7jp4mu1t]

I’m glad you are adventurous, brave, creative in your photography as well as entertaining Charlie, thoroughly enjoying your work, thank you , ride safe and take care. 😊

[@restdayrider]

Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@martiniv8924]

The spirit of adventure ! Nothing beats setting off on a bike adventure 👌🏻😎✌🏻

[@restdayrider]

You got that right! 😊

[@martynleyfield2941]

WOW it’s not till you go to places like this that you realise just how many people gave there lives for us living today…… Less We Forget ❤️ thanks so much for sharing x 🏍💨 M

[@restdayrider]

Thank you Martyn. 😊

[@kevindarkstar]

Which makes what is happening today much more sad, that so many gave their life to protect freedom, I'm sure they would weep 😢 to see the modern world 😔

[@martynleyfield2941]

@@kevindarkstar sadly Absolutely

[@fantomas3066]

Bonjour, je réside dans les hauts de France, j'aurais aimé pouvoir discuter avec vous de votre aventure ✌️ Chapeau à vous 👍

[@restdayrider]

Merci! 😊

[@Janika-xj2bv]

New to the channel. I love to know bikes' names. Mine is called Betty. Brilliant video. You're one inspiring lady. Thanks for sharing. From Reggio Calabria 🇮🇹

[@restdayrider]

Welcome aboard! 😊

[@marcinpiak3540]

Loving this already Charlie! Can't wait for the next episode. Well done!

[@restdayrider]

Glad you enjoyed it.😊

[@andrewharrop7932]

👍👍👍

[@chrisbittlestone9264]

Looks like a great trip, Charlie. Just done 8 moto days from Calais to Roscoff. The coast west of Cherbourg is spectacular!! As a hint, I use a bulldog clip on the ferry to fasten my passport to my tankbag and also the boarding card to my screen. As for driving on the right, a taped arrow inside the screen does the trick!

[@restdayrider]

Good tips! 😊

[@phil-oq9id]

👍 respect to you💪👌👌

[@spotty_cat26]

Just found your channel, enjoyed this video. I like how you just trundle around at your own speed enjoying the journey. Too many times on bikes, we speed past places because we can. Good on ya for going it alone, especially as its your first time in France. Ride Safe. (just subbed)

[@restdayrider]

Awesome, thank you! 🙂

[@johnhill8529]

Back in 1982 I rode my CB500 to Corsica for a 6 month military exchange tour, leaving via Newhaven. Like the people you saw on the motorway my clothing became less and less en route. Helmet went in Paris, leathers in Montellimare, by the time I got off the Corsica ferry I was in just shorts, and then saw a British bike that had been dropped at around 30mph. The pillion had been in a dental floss bikini, she had basically been flayed. Doesn’t matter how hot it is, I’m in full protection, I’m far too old for that level of skin grafting! Great new series, keep them coming and if you’re ever up Oxford way I’ll provide coffee at a different ambulance station!

[@restdayrider]

Thank you John, I'll bear that coffee in mind! 😊

[@terryfoard6715]

Hi Charlie great video's love France did some touring few years ago on my bmw great rds , safe journey x

[@restdayrider]

Thank you 😊

[@bikerbaz60]

What a brilliant video, I love my two wheel trips to France, can’t wait for part 2 well done you 👍

[@restdayrider]

Coming soon!

[@George1966ism]

Well done, Sue!

[@rogermartinez2712]

Have a great trip to France and thank you for these lovely videos 🙂!

[@restdayrider]

Glad you like them! 😊

[@serotong20]

Nice trip.

[@finecitygirl6193]

Well done Charlie…great intro video for those wishing to venture over the Channel for the first time. Also shows how spacious and flat most of northern France is!

[@restdayrider]

Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@itlapol]

Looks like adapting well to driving on the right side of the road. It has been about 40 years that I went on the road with a fully loaded bike like you. You have got the nice weather for a bonus, lucky you. Nice video again Charlie.👍👍👍

[@restdayrider]

Thank you 😊

[@davidbgraham461]

You are doing a great job, as usual, Charlie. While driving through France and Belgium, we were shocked at the number of Australian cemeteries that we saw. My fraternal grandfather served in the Royal Flying Corps, came home safely and subsequently, died in a motor accident, not long afterward. His rellies arrived in Angleterre , with William le Conk. Stay safe.

[@johnspencer3193]

Wet nice to whatch thank you

[@restdayrider]

Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@DeiseRebel]

This is awesome, you are a legend 👏🏻 I’d love to have your bravery. ✊🏻 🏍️

[@restdayrider]

Fake it til you make it. It's like a swan, smooth on top and flapping like crazy underneath!

[@DeiseRebel]

@@restdayrider Making it happen will that’s going on is impressive. Safe Journeys 🙂✊🏻

[@Mikey9R]

What a superb watch. I remember the excitement, the nerves, the wonder and sense of achievement from my 1st foray into France 30 years ago. My mantra at every junction was "look left, keep right", and I still say it to myself this day when I'm on my trips. I love those French roads. I'm looking forward to the follow up vids. I'm coming towards the end of this years trip. Currently in the Costa Blanca and on Thursday heading up through Spain and back into France for the ferry home on Sunday.😢. Keep the vids coming, you're trip looks amazing.😎🏍🇲🇫

[@restdayrider]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it. 😊

[@gerrydoherty1288]

Hi Charlie, another great video looking forward to seeing the rest of your trip 😊

[@restdayrider]

Lots more to come! 😊

[@mitchellsteele3878]

Fantastic Charlie, well done, your visit to the memorial building is very impressive and kept so immaculate, fitting to those who lost there life’s , Roger seems to be handling the extra weight, thank you for this vid and look forward to watching the rest, safe riding 👍

[@restdayrider]

Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@AsmodeusT]

Can I just say that Sue is a LEGEND! How lovely of her to put you up, feed and water you and make you a packed lunch for your travels! That lady has some good karma coming her way for certain! Although something tells me she is always this awesome! ❤

[@restdayrider]

I agree! 😊

[@kliderskope3662]

Just got this as a suggestion. Looking forward to seeing the series,

[@restdayrider]

Welcome to the channel 🙂

[@AsmodeusT]

You are a bike loading genius. I have never seen such a small capacity bike with a load quite as large as that! How you got that all on and balanced is beyond me 😂. Bravo!

[@restdayrider]

Because he's a forgiving beast. 😊

[@frasergordon2447]

I have never been to a more moving place. Beautiful film.

[@restdayrider]

Thank you 😊

[@martinturner9296]

I'm liking this . Well done you . A great video 👏👏

[@restdayrider]

Many thanks 😊

[@patrickcol]

Excellent, beautifully edited video. :) Very emotive. I had hoped to do this myself this summer for the first time in 40 years, but money's short and France is on fire at the moment. But I still hope.

[@restdayrider]

I managed to come home just before. 😊

[@markb5985]

Wonderful just wonderful ❤

[@restdayrider]

Many thanks! 😊

[@Z1000Terry]

Fair play Charlie a year ago you were panicking about going to Scotland and now your into France, your doing brilliant 🎉

[@richarddickson3211]

One word Charlie, Brilliant.!!!!!!!!

[@restdayrider]

Thank you 😊

[@wingandhog]

Beautiful memorial. Thanks for sharing

[@restdayrider]

Thank you 😊

[@kwik2008]

Well done, thanks for sharing 😊👍🙏

[@restdayrider]

Thanks for visiting 😊

[@gerrypowell2748]

Impressive videoing and well edited,interesting to here about your great uncle,their names will never fade as their memories will last for ever,la France dit,merci🇫🇷🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿❤️

[@restdayrider]

Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@peterhobbs7609]

Great vlog Charlie, very inspiring

[@restdayrider]

Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@kennyscott5202]

Well done Charlie ride safe 😘

[@rushabchalke03]

Hi charlie where i am from 25 degress is meant to be a good climate😅. Cheers happy riding.

[@chrischristofis8501]

Just came across this very honest and enjoyable vlog, you have done well so far, no fear! Go Charlie 👏

[@restdayrider]

Thank you Chris. 🙂

[@RobertSantos-rw8dy]

Greetings from Thailand... just found your channel thanks for sharing your rides...

[@restdayrider]

Welcome to the channel 🙂

[@pauldoyle9709]

Loved it Charlie and looking forward to the next instalments. They certainly look after their war graves over there don’t they. I hope your ‘leaving home’ anxieties are fading now. Well done and thank you 😊 🤗

[@restdayrider]

They definitely are fading. 😊

[@megcrust7327]

Great film, in all respects. A welcome change from most of the biking abroad videos which seem to involve, "banter", going as fast as possible then getting drunk!

[@restdayrider]

Thank you! 😊

[@davidcoorey8864]

Well done Charlie! Your first trip abroad is always a bit nerve wracking and fun at the same time. I’ve done all the WW1 and WW2 battlefields over the last 20 years on the bike. Love it!

[@restdayrider]

Thank you 😊