oldfatfool
Guru
Travelling to/from France via ferry and landing/ departing Calais (or indeed any other port) are there any likely problems / safety issues from immigrants as a lone rider?
Talking of ferry to France
- Thread starter oldfatfool
- Start date
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raleighnut
Legendary Member
- Location
- One of the 'Elite'
Check your panniers on the way back. 
mmmmartin
Random geezer
the passport check is in england before you board so you can stick the passport away safely before you disembark. from calais you need to check the route out of the port - you turn right at the first roundabout and need to go into the town instead of riding on the motorway (obvs).
on your return you will face a huge queue as the UK border force is very slow at checking passports, you need to MTFU and ride to the front of the queue and wave your passport and they will let you through in the hope that there are no refugees in your barbag.
on your return you will face a huge queue as the UK border force is very slow at checking passports, you need to MTFU and ride to the front of the queue and wave your passport and they will let you through in the hope that there are no refugees in your barbag.
mark c
Über Member
- Location
- Bridgwater Somerset
As mmmmmartin said British Passport control is an Embarrassment with slow and dim witted questions hence the chaos you will find on your return.
OP
OP
oldfatfool
Guru
I was thinking more in terms of the reports I have heard of passengers in cars stood in queues being mugged and folks threatened when stopped at petrol stations near to the port etc. Didn't fancy being chased down and stripped of my Ortilebs 
doog
....
- Location
- The beautiful south
I was thinking more in terms of the reports I have heard of passengers in cars stood in queues being mugged and folks threatened when stopped at petrol stations near to the port etc. Didn't fancy being chased down and stripped of my Ortilebs
If you look like me after a tour (a complete sack of sh it and the bikes not much better..) .I wouldnt worry....no worries at Cherbourg or St Malo in my recent experience. Anyone gets near me or my bike will have an old fashioned lesson in windmilling.
As someone said..if theres a queue..cycle to the front of it and butt in
mmmmartin
Random geezer
sounds like bollocks to me. never heard of anything like that. the refugees i saw, talked to and met in Calais town around midnight last June seemed like decent enough people to me.
OP
OP
oldfatfool
Guru
Hey it was in the Daily Mail and everything.
SavageHoutkop
Veteran
- Location
- South Manchester-ish
Why Calais (just out of curiosity?). We have done the Brittany ferry to St Malo (I think it was) and that was lovely. Good food on Brittany ferries 
OP
OP
oldfatfool
Guru
It was specifically Calais that was mentioned in the article, was wondering how true it was and if the problem (if it exists) had migrated (no pun intended) to other ports. SWMBO is a bit paranoid atmWhy Calais (just out of curiosity?). We have done the Brittany ferry to St Malo (I think it was) and that was lovely. Good food on Brittany ferries
SavageHoutkop
Veteran
- Location
- South Manchester-ish
I don't think it has (but I'm not up to speed). I'd be a bit wary of Calais, not necessarily for the reasons you've mentioned, but every now and again something does seem to go wrong there and they shut it down while they sort the security out - I'd rather not be stuck waiting for that.
Tigerbiten
Guru
My thoughts exactly.
I also think your chances of being mugged at Calais are the same as you being mugged anywhere else, not very likely.
contadino
Veteran
- Location
- Chesterfield
I've travelled by ferry with car from both Dunkirk and Calais in the last 6 months. Never seen a queue, and other than half a dozen blokes walking along the side of the road, never saw any of the hoards that the press are in a frenzy about.
Simon_m
Guru
On the subject of ferries. Ouistreham / Caen ferry terminal, has anyone used it? Going as a group, some as foot passengers and some in a van. When they disembark, how does it work. I.E., can we meet up with the van in teh carpark? if there is one, or will we have to meet up outside on the street? I've looked at google earth and can see there is lots of space around the site. thanks
Ian at fleet
Active Member
- Location
- Selling Near Faversham
I am hoping to get a ferry across to Dunkirk from Dover with me bike, what is the procedure when riding up to the Port of Dover?
Do I follow the cars or do I have to get off and go in the terminal?
My plan is to cycle from Dunkirk to Ypres then back the next day or so, this is my first solo ride with panniers so I thought I'd keep it simple. Any advice please feel free.
Thanks
Ian
Do I follow the cars or do I have to get off and go in the terminal?
My plan is to cycle from Dunkirk to Ypres then back the next day or so, this is my first solo ride with panniers so I thought I'd keep it simple. Any advice please feel free.
Thanks
Ian
