It’s The Latte Latte Delta Tea Break 2018

[Gerard C]

Originally Posted by John Elwin

If you can find a toilet that has not got footprints on the seat, consider it a bonus, Gerard!

A bonus would be to find toilets with a seat AND a working door!

[John Elwin]

[QUOTE=Gerard C;3868705]Sorry, John, my poor English led me to read "Valérie saved by silicon injection" instead of "cash injection"! My bad…

Do you have a Dalloyau shop around your location? In case you have, I do recommend "macarons" (no pun intended). I can send you some for Christmas I you like it.[/QU

Michele says we don't have a Dalloyau but their macarons are very good!

Do you like mince pies?

Off to Arras market now.

[Gerard C]

Yes, together with kwossoons of course. Try with "tarte fine aux pommes" you'll spare time!

Probably your Michèle Lady will tell you about the macaroons contest we have between Dalloyau, Ladurée and now Pierre Hermé joining the baking concert. Certainly I'm oriented, but Dalloyau's taste the best with no doubt. You can PM me, I'll send you something. Well if our Yellow fellows dont wreck everything in the area…

[grantp]

Originally Posted by Gerard C

As to food found on your highways, may be I'been unlucky till now but find its hard to find a convenient place. And having a trailer doesn't help to find a parking place.
I know Mike has a huge record of almost every route, a kind of Michelin guide for the wise trucker. So my question is: if you had to go from Paris to Stockport or Burton on Trent, what would be the best way and could you find… clean toilets?
Please, consider the way back, of course !!!!

Personally I would avoid travel to Stockport if at all possible. Also Burton-on-Trent although the area around it is quite nice but not so good for anything with a trailer unless it is a farm vehicle working to different rules.

Some of the road side cafes for truckers used to offer excellent English Breakfasts and value for money. But the few recommended locations I really knew about were a long time ago and I would guess many have disappeared or things have changed.

Come to think of it half the roads I used to take have disappeared so the demise of the truckstops is inevitable.

[Mike Bell]

Originally Posted by Gerard C

So my question is: if you had to go from Paris to Stockport or Burton on Trent, what would be the best way and could you find… clean toilets?
Please, consider the way back, of course !!!!

Depends where you are landing in UK. If Dover, there's little difference between going round the South of London to the M40 and going round the North to the M1. The Dartford crossing is slow at the best of times, but the M25 stretch near Heathrow can also be a pain. You need to check roadworks- I know the M1 has speed limits at the moment because of them, but at any time that can change.... There are websites that give up to date info on roadworks and closures overnight.

As for services, parking is a struggle at best! When towing find Caravan parking or just go where the trucks are. Even then, you could find space limited if busy.

Most UK services toilets have seats- the lack of them is mostly a French thing..... I've been to brand new services in UK and Europe with broken toilets, and old scruffy services with perfect ones. Depends who is running the site..... Again there are websites that give you ratings for UK service areas, and most have their own website giving info on what is there.

[E.B]

Originally Posted by Gerard C

A bonus would be to find toilets with a seat AND a working door!

My recollections of 'Facilities Francaise' seem to recall a footplate with a hole in the ground which together defied the process of gravity involved in the function, resulting in the likelihood of a take away (in your pants) rather than a deposit.
Unless you could lean back at 45 degrees without falling back while performing said function. I guess practice makes perfect. Constipation was always welcome in France for me.

As for a seat, not even an option! I dont even recall doors being involved!

I am sure progress has taken place since my memories are from long before the word chicane ever associated with Mulsanne!

[Gerard C]

Originally Posted by E.B

As for a seat, not even an option! I dont even recall doors being involved!

You're right but I won't recognize it in public! The facilities you're talking about are said "Toilettes Ã* la turque", its a good training for thigh muscle. That's why our grandmas are so good cyclists. Simple like that, ya no. Not to be confused with turkish bath, which is a different thing…

Mike, I like the Dover route but it requires a powerful engine to tow. When abroad I always travel with a spare toilets seat, have a lot of them because I travel in France too! I will follow your recommendation about websites too, thanks a lot.

Grant, visit Stockport is a must for any Capri driver. And the use of trailers with wheels "outside" and not "under" can become a real nightmare in some areas, French or English. Mine is a single axle, really wide, sitting at the max of our regulation (2.55 m)…

[E.B]

Originally Posted by Gerard C

When abroad I always travel with a spare toilets seat, have a lot of them because I travel in France too!

You need one of these Bumper Dumpers, Gerard!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ietbyqvWZPg

[bauble]

I see that Mike has made the front cover of the latest MOG magazine!

Even more famous than ever>

[delta]

Originally Posted by Gerard C

As to food found on your highways, may be I'been unlucky till now but find its hard to find a convenient place. And having a trailer doesn't help to find a parking place.
I know Mike has a huge record of almost every route, a kind of Michelin guide for the wise trucker. So my question is: if you had to go from Paris to Stockport or Burton on Trent, what would be the best way and could you find… clean toilets?
Please, consider the way back, of course !!!!

Hmmmm how odd . I love the services in France . Hey what do I know . Did you test the Escort . ???

[Gerard C]

Originally Posted by delta

Did you test the Escort . ???

Thanks for asking, Iain, if you're talking about the ex-Roger Clark TC. Really nice owner, fantastic car. I guess he was in the process of building a copy - sorry continuation! - ten years ago. Him and his co-driver was named happy retired.
The French Escort RS2000 sounds much better now, seems too small idle jets was partly responsible for the huge flat spot we had. I'll let you know when we think its all fixed. Bearing in mind that to find a cleverly operated rolling road here is as easy as to find hair on an egg!

@E.B: for sure what a revolutionary invention. If you had some inconvenient using our public toilets, chiottes Ã* la turqueits just because you dont want to follow the users manual. Its found on any… toilet door, when there is one! The label is clear, you must drop your pants PRIOR to proceed…

[Mike Bell]

Originally Posted by bauble

I see that Mike has made the front cover of the latest MOG magazine!

What? Not ‘Miscellany’ then- that’s the only one I see regularly.....?

[Mike Bell]

Gerard, you asked the question of whether the works Escorts were all left hand drive for European events. I think the answer is No, as it was more a driver preference which side the wheel was. As you will know, there is some complication with exhaust manifold on the left of a TC or BD engine and starter on the right.....

In later years, I think virtually all WRC drivers adopted LHD regardless of which country they were in, probably as it made life easier when building the cars to have them all the same! For Rally Australia we had to put a massive sticker across the boot of the cars warning that they were left hand drive- a national requirement apparently. Played havoc with the sponsorship livery.....

[Gerard C]

Originally Posted by Mike Bell

As you will know, there is some complication with exhaust manifold on the left of a TC or BD engine and starter on the right.....

Sure it is! Always a pleasure to learn from you, no kidding. You say Escorts and must know that when it comes to Capris its complicated too between LHD and RHD, for instance the entry point of the clutch cable into the bell is inverted! So is the battery location. And all the good copies of the exhaust manifold are made for a RHD steering column.

I can't really remember everything of what David told me, but may be Roger Clark could have a special accommodation from works team, like having a LHD anytime. Not sure here.
The magazine I was referring to is Gazoline, may be you can find the front page on the Net typing http://gazoline.net/article2.php?id_article=951
A video featuring David Watkins at wheel is attached if I'm correct. In spite of being already retired, the guy likes to go WOT and sideways. But I can tell you he doesn't appreciate to be the passenger…

[E.B]

Originally Posted by Mike Bell

For Rally Australia we had to put a massive sticker across the boot of the cars warning that they were left hand drive- a national requirement apparently. Played havoc with the sponsorship livery.....

Australia has different laws for possible registration of LHD for regular use dependant on the State.... South Australia for instance "only vehicles that are over 30 years old may be licensed as LHD. If they meet certain other requirements these vehicles may be fully licensed to be driven on South Australian roads. Vehicles that are less than 30 years old may receive a single-trip exemption in order to be driven from the area of import to the owner’s home or place of conversion."

In NSW you can have a LHD Road Sweeper as long as it is over 4.5 tons. Other than that I believe no LHD trucks in NSW unless over 30 years old.

In Western Australia vehicles of less than 4.5 tonnes that are at least 15 years old may be registered despite being LHD. Only for personal use, not business.

In Victoria I think it is possible to use an LHD car on a limited quantity individual journey permit basis. (ie half a dozen trips per year or something like that.)

New cars such as the Chev Camaro only come in LHD. Walkinshaw is looking at importing a limited quantity for RHD conversion before they can be sold.

In Queensland you can only use LHD if you are an International tourist or foreign Defence. It must be that persons car and imported. Only for use while they are on holidays or on defence exchange in Australia.

New laws apparently in a couple of years time for new (expensive top end ) LHD cars only. It might only be allowed in parts of NSW only!
https://www.drive.com.au/motor-news/...ic-cars-117158

I believe you can do a personal import for use if you live in Northern Territory, for use in NT.... but needs to have Personal Import plates.

As mentioned there is talk of the laws changing, but talk is talk and has been going on for years.

[Gerard C]

Originally Posted by E.B

Australia has different laws for possible registration of LHD for regular use dependant on the State....
As mentioned there is talk of the laws changing, but talk is talk and has been going on for years.

Crystal clear and its only 4 in the morning for you!!! Impressed. So many laws about the side the wheel must be could explain why many Brit's come to you racing… single seaters!
While we are here, nothing about the side of the gear change before the sun shows up? Let me guess, between the legs would be good!

[Colin McKay]

Originally Posted by Gerard C

between the legs would be good!

Nothing wrong with that arrangement Gerard! So long as it stays there

[John Elwin]

Originally Posted by Gerard C

You're right but I won't recognize it in public! The facilities you're talking about are said "Toilettes Ã* la turque", its a good training for thigh muscle. That's why our grandmas are so good cyclists. Simple like that, ya no. Not to be confused with turkish bath, which is a different thing…

Mike, I like the Dover route but it requires a powerful engine to tow. When abroad I always travel with a spare toilets seat, have a lot of them because I travel in France too! I will follow your recommendation about websites too, thanks a lot.

Grant, visit Stockport is a must for any Capri driver. And the use of trailers with wheels "outside" and not "under" can become a real nightmare in some areas, French or English. Mine is a single axle, really wide, sitting at the max of our regulation (2.55 m)…

Back to Service Areas, Gerard. If you are going the Dartford Crossing route, the Thurrock Services, just north of the crossing, were surprisingly civilised last week. It's a bit of a pain to get into but there is an enormous truck parking area but the Services themselves are quite small & quiet. The coffee shop was operated by two friendly Orientql boys who were delighted by Michele's French accent, & best of all the toilets were high-tech & very clean.

[Mike Bell]

Originally Posted by E.B

Australia has different laws for possible registration of LHD for regular use dependant on the State....

Goodness that’s complicated! Rally Australia centred on Perth the two years I was there. Early 1990s.....

One of the highlights was that we all got to stay at the Burswood Resort Casino!

[Gerard C]

At last, Colin you're back! Remember I said you're one of my heroes, this has not changed. The association of single seater and Melbourne had to make you move.
Did you ever test a car with fancy pedal set, like clutch on the left, brakes on the right and, finally, gaz pedal in the middle? Confusing. One model of Benz, 300 SLR but not sure, had clutch on the left, transmission tunnel and the two other pedals far right…
Anyone ever tested a Ford T model? If you dont read carefully the owner's manual, impossible to go from 1st to 2nd.

[Gerard C]

Originally Posted by John Elwin

Back to Service Areas, Gerard. If you are going the Dartford Crossing route,

Its what I did till now. It took me a while to understand why during some hours trucks are jammed just before the toll barrier. And jumping on the brakes in a RHD country pulling a trailer can be tricky. May be they could consider both side payments because sometimes my arms are too short. But OK, mainly they are helpful and put the change in a plastic bag. This, you won't ever see in France!

Clean and Orient go well together since ages. Japan has the most sophisticated toilets of the world. Australia too, of course, but with some specificities…

[Colin McKay]

Gerard, the only thing I have driven with a centre throttle was a 1924 Thornycroft 4 ton truck, 25mph top speed and brakes only on the rear axle. You had to keep your wits about you especially in London traffic! Great fun though, did the London to Brighton commercial run twice and lots of pub promotions for the brewery owner

[Gerard C]

London to Brighton looks so charming, so typical in one word so British in the noblest sens of the term. Participants take seriously the fun they have I just can't imagine this event taking place elsewhere. Even the fog is Dickens style! If I had to return, I'd be more focused on people and atmosphere which would be easy because I'm not sensible to the wagon wheels and bronze carbs. The large smiles seen on greasy faces and the level of commitment are heartening.

From your last picture, I guess you stay focused on the gear lever during a race. No question to hurt your "personal belongings"! Talking of those, do you "under-wear" a bullet proof protection in case the CV joint seizes? May be you found a solution to keep it working

You must be close to loading the container. Camera up and running this time? A large piece of wood to protect the oil pan too?

[John Elwin]

Originally Posted by Gerard C

Its what I did till now. It took me a while to understand why during some hours trucks are jammed just before the toll barrier. And jumping on the brakes in a RHD country pulling a trailer can be tricky. May be they could consider both side payments because sometimes my arms are too short. But OK, mainly they are helpful and put the change in a plastic bag. This, you won't ever s. ee in France!

Clean and Orient go well together since ages. Japan has the most sophisticated toilets of the world. Australia too, of course, but with some specificities…

Nowadays you pay the Dartford Toll online, there are no toll booths. The queues are just as long however!

[Gerard C]

Originally Posted by John Elwin

Nowadays you pay the Dartford Toll online, there are no toll booths.

Thanks John, same system as London City may be? I see its still rather affordable but the £ 70 fine for non payment is definitely not! And the website seems busy… I hope they only take in count the towing vehicle registration In those conditions, Mike's route sounds better!