French Frolic 2022

[C7Steve]

Hello Julien,

Thank you for the insight information.


Cheers,

Steve.

Ps. Ferg,

Orange to Beaune is 3hrs 30mins, so you better leave Orange at 06:00 on the Saturday morning to avoid any traffic congestion.

[alicrozier]

I recall one year we did Orange to Amsterdam for the ferry but that was a slog and a very early start!

[C7Steve]

I recall one year we did Orange to Amsterdam for the ferry but that was a slog and a very early start!

Have you boys organised transportation yet and are you doing Alps post Frolic, Ali?


Steve

[Dark]

Hi Steve,
My family are in Surrey so will probably head south a few days earlier, meeting in Ashford on Monday morning sounds like a plan! I'm also keen to split up the drive home through France over the Sat/Sun.

Hi Julien,
I'm planning to take the scenic route from Dijon to Orange via the Alps, current thinking is Annecy, La Clusaz, Bourg-san-Maurice, Moutiers, La Chambre, Valloire, Le Bourg d'Oisans and then south to Die or Gap. Might be a bit much for 2 days, would appreciate any suggestions! Love your YouTube videos from last summer, so chilled!

Cheers, Mark

[Scotty C]

you need 2 days from the south to annecy via all the cols. well worth it though.

[robin]

I booked chunnel 10.20 on Monday 15/8 10:20 and Sunday 21/8 05:20

Last time I went orange to Edinburgh via Tom's place to the west of London but had Tom for company. We left orange super early. This time will break the journey in Calais on Saturday night, but will still be leaving orange super early to get to Dijon before the worst of the traffic.

Cheers

Robin

[ClarkyBoy]

’ve booked the Chunnel,

Same outbound as Robin, but we are returning Thursday 25th to allow time for some post frolic alpine adventures.

[Dark]

Same outbound as Robin, but we are returning Thursday 25th to allow time for some post frolic alpine adventures.

What time return have you booked? I was thinking Wed or Thurs return too!

[alicrozier]

Latet I can do is a Thursday morning return also. Working the 26th, sheesh.

[Clarkie]

A few questions as a FF "newbie"

Any tips/tricks on what to take in terms of car consumables for the trip?

Also driving in France, I've ordered up a toll pass, anything else recommended?

Finally post Orange like the idea of driving home via the Alps (2-3days), any recommendations on a route and places to stop over on the way back to Calais?

Thanks
Cheers
Clark

[Andy G]

Hi Clarkie

It kind of depends on you a bit - but usually the first 2 things in the boot for me are spare brake pads and oil.

In Atom times spare tyres also needed to be factored in but as long as you start with some good ones I'm sure you'll be fine on that front.

At Ledenon it can get very hot, so keep that in mind.

The Toll Pass thing is genius, thats a game changer when travelling alone. Need to see if I can even find mine its been that long.

Alps - there are just so many options, and I'm sure others will be planning routes. Worth noting the best driving is usually early morning, as in August the roads can get very busy in places.

Hotels on the way back to Calais - not 100% sure I remember staying anywhere I'd recommend in truth, and definately recall a couple I wouldn't if I could remember their names.

[alicrozier]

Andy, you'll need a new tag, mine is showing expired battery (get's you a new clip too, maybe get an extra clip if towing and driving).
Log into your account:
https://www.emovis-tag.co.uk/

edited to add, remember to pay the Dartford crossing toll online if going that way.
https://www.gov.uk/pay-dartford-crossing-charge


Clarkie,
I just take a basic tool kit (someone will have a jack!) and in the past have brought spare pads depending on wear, oil, maybe brake fluid if it's special. Gendarmes can get sniffy if you don't have high vis and a warning triangle. A spare car key always a consideration if there is someone on the trip you'd trust it with (there have been a few key issues in the past!)..

I'll be Alps on the way back too as will Clarky (not confusing at all!). Will need to figure out a plan...

[Clarkie]

Thanks Gents
I'll get the suggested items organised and book the Chunnel for Monday AM outward for now
Anyone staying close to Chunnel on Sunday night?

Planning a new set of Cup2's, don't have your sideways skills Andy, so they should last

Once there's a plan for the Alps sortie, I'll book the return, doesn't seem to be any benefit in booking both legs together for now

Yeah Clarkie/Clarky, can't go for just Clark either, so will need to be ClarkieR & ClarkyS, good job we look different!

[BigD]

Cup2’s will last fine. They’re more likely to wear out the sidewall before the tread.

[C7Steve]

Clarkie,

Some Frolic do’s and don’ts,

Don’t buy an endurance tank and run out of fuel on the first day.
Do leave in plenty of time to catch the ferry/tunnel.
Don’t drink too much on the ferry and fail a breathalyser test.
Do look the correct way when joining a main road.
Do carry coloured electrical insulating tape if your car has stripes.
Don’t say to your wife that you’re having a brilliant holiday when she wants to go home on the first day.
Do buy a Sanef-tag, as fumbling for change while the others disappear into the distance is not fun.
Do take part in the Télépéage Grand Prix.
Do drop a gear and floor it at every tunnel.
Don’t pax with a good driver and then think you can do it too, before ending up in the kitty litter.
Don’t take tips from the French Stig.
Don’t overfill your car with oil.
Do change your brake pads at least twice.
Do look in your rear view mirror for someone coming up for a fly-by at 100+ tuts.
Do leave the party if someone arrives wearing a gimp mask.
Don’t jump out of the pax seat at 50+ tuts if the car is on fire.
Don’t get caught speeding.
Do have the days destination entered in your Sat-Nav.
Don’t knock down any cockerels.
Do be prepared for your car to be wearing some stickers in the morning.
Don’t reverse into a bollard.
Don’t take the wrong turning if leading.
Don’t sit at the back of the convoy as you will get stressed getting dropped and trying to catch up each time.
Do get drunk and participate in the party games.
Do be prepared for not having enough sleep each night.
Don’t come off the track on the sighting laps.
Do wish that you’re driving a 211/311 when it’s sunny and you’re on track.
Don’t laugh if you see a 211/311 when on the motorway in the rain.
Do post plenty of pictures and videos for those that cannot make it.
Don’t say that you have traction control on.
Do say that you have all the safety aids turned off.
Do say that you are a racing driver if anyone asks.
Don’t wash your car as you can pretend it’s a race car since it’s covered in rubber.
Don’t get scalped by a S1 if driving a V6.
Do ask if anyone has taken a Jack.
Don’t get drunk, have a hangover and instantly regret it at the track briefing.
Do bring some duct tape, but hope that you will never need it.
Do be organised and be ready to drive to the next location.
Do be the last group to leave the restaurant or bar each night.
Don’t leave your wallet, phone or car key behind at any time.
Don’t drink warm drinks, especially from a Coca-Cola or Irn-Bru bottle in the passenger footwell of someone’s car.
Don’t get a puncture.
Don’t fly your wife over with the promise of a champagne tour and tasting.
Do propose so you can go on another Frolic in the future disguised as a romantic gesture. (This could be a problem if you’re already married though.)
Don’t calculate the mpg.
Don’t count up overall costs.
Do remember the Top Gear rules if someone else breaks down.
Do take the Alps route home.
Do enjoy yourself.
Do arrange for another holiday immediately after the trip.


You will love it.


Steve.

Ps, the names have been left out to save embarrassment and there are plenty more that could be added.