May 16 2014

Bike registration documentation

We got a lovely surprise yesterday: the bike registration papers which we sent off to get corrected over a month ago and which the DVLA never received (see post of May 4th), not only didn’t get lost by the post office but were actually received and actioned and now returned to us by the DVLA!!! All that rush, over the last couple of weeks, to start the paperwork process all over again and the disappointment of having lost 4 weeks in our preparations were all for nothing!!

We’re back on track!!!

– Anne

May 8 2014

Final major piece of motorcycle equipment decided

For some reason, we simply couldn’t decide if or what type of topbox we should take. Thanks to the great selection at The Adventure Bike Shop, we decided on 2 Jesse Odyssey, silver coloured, topboxes. Hard wearing, very light, non flash looking, secure and practical in case of spill (won’t crack like the plastic options). And will provide places for the mandatory stickers!! What a relief and thanks Cliff!!

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May 6 2014

Anne’s birthday

I could not think of a better place to spend my birthday than in Montauroux, France, where we have been ‘based’ since January this year. Living here and experiencing village life again after so many years away has exceeded any expectations and was beyond my wildest dreams. We had a lovely leisurely lunch at the Brasserie Du Clos, in Montauroux, where Albert, the co-owner, has made us feel at home from our first visit.

How will I cope saying our goodbyes to our family as we head off on our RTW trip – I couldn’t say goodbye to Albert without crying!!!…

Having spent the last few hours packing and tidying, Anthony and I are about to go for our final pizza dinner in Montauroux – a perfect end to a most relaxing birthday.

Anne's birthday lunch in Montauroux, France

By 2slowspeeds • Posted in General
3
May 4 2014

Correct Documentation

Due to an administrative oversight, both bikes were registered in Anthony’s name, which could invalidate Anne’s motorbike insurance if not rectified. I sent the change details off to Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency (DVLA) on the 14th of April, express and registered post. They are not even in the system after two weeks and the changes can take four to six weeks! This may affect our departure date as we need copies of the document for both visas and the Carnet. Turns out that the Post Office lost the registered letter and it never reached DVLA! A reminder to us that we need to check each step and not assume plus we need to be flexible in our planning as this sort of thing will occur again.