 11Likes
-
3
Post By Walkabout
-
5
Post By chris
-
2
Post By Benny_76
-
1
Post By chris
 |
12 May 2015
|
 |
R.I.P. - 2020
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Cotes d'Armor, France.
Posts: 377
|
|
|
Iran & Mongolia HU Travellers held up at ferry port.
This is a bit of a sad tale for the beginning of a trip, but it does highlight some serious shortcomings by some travellers.
On Sunday morning 11th May I waved off from Orange in the South of France, HU traveller Thierry Floreck and his team en route for Mongolia via Turkey and Iran, and fellow travellers Jo & Marie Helene Camblong who are spending a month travelling In Iran. These are highly experienced global travellers, embarked on time critical journeys due to the visa requirements. I received news early this morning that they had reached the boat heading for Greece in good time, but had been held up for more than 7 hrs ( so far) at the ferry port by a group of motorcyclists from the U.K. who were travelling without correct ( and in some cases any) paperwork, incuding passports. The authorities and the ferry line decided to impound the whole boat until things had been resolved. I am awaiting updates, but as you may imagine our French friends are seriously p'eed off at the moment.
I have some words of advice for the inconsiderate few, but they are not repeatable here, even as asteriscs or exclamation marks.
__________________
-''It is better to walk alone than with a crowd going in the wrong direction''. ( Herman Siu)
-'' Live life then give life '' ( www.lltgl.org.uk)
|
12 May 2015
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: NSW Australia - but never there
Posts: 1,235
|
|
|
Ferry from where to Greece.
|
12 May 2015
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pongo
at the ferry port by a group of motorcyclists from the U.K. who were travelling without correct ( and in some cases any) paperwork, incuding passports.
|
Interesting.
How did they get as far as they did, presumaby from the UK, without showing a passport?
I can guess, and it won't occur for much longer if and when the newly imposed border controls for the UK are functioning fully.
Apart from that, anyone who is pee'd off with a 7 hour delay best stay at home.
__________________
Dave
|
12 May 2015
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
Posts: 3,335
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pongo
This is a bit of a sad tale for the beginning of a trip, but it does highlight some serious shortcomings by some travellers.
On Sunday morning 11th May I waved off from Orange in the South of France, HU traveller Thierry Floreck and his team en route for Mongolia via Turkey and Iran, and fellow travellers Jo & Marie Helene Camblong who are spending a month travelling In Iran. These are highly experienced global travellers, embarked on time critical journeys due to the visa requirements. I received news early this morning that they had reached the boat heading for Greece in good time, but had been held up for more than 7 hrs ( so far) at the ferry port by a group of motorcyclists from the U.K. who were travelling without correct ( and in some cases any) paperwork, incuding passports. The authorities and the ferry line decided to impound the whole boat until things had been resolved. I am awaiting updates, but as you may imagine our French friends are seriously p'eed off at the moment.
I have some words of advice for the inconsiderate few, but they are not repeatable here, even as asteriscs or exclamation marks.
|
Sounds like there's some creative license in this "story". An entire ferry is impounded because some "UK motorcyclists" don't have the correct paperwork 
That ferries from anywhere to Greece run late is no surprise. I sat on the dock at Ancona in Italy once while waiting for my ferry to Greece to load: It left 4 or 5 hours late.
Your French friends better get used to the fact that the rest of the world isn't quite as Teutonically efficient as France.
|
12 May 2015
|
|
R.I.P. - 2020
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Cotes d'Armor, France.
Posts: 377
|
|
|
Just some quick stuff. Ferry was from Italy, and for those who think I'm embellishing things to make a good story, Here's the message received. translation underneath.
Minoan Lines.
Nous sommes toujours à quai. La faute à un groupe de connards... Pardon... Motards anglais, dont 2 ou 3 des membres n'ont aucun document officiel avec eux (passeport, etc). Et si ça se trouve, aucun billet. Tentative de resquillage? Résultat: la compagnie et les autorités compétentes ont pris le bateau entier en otage.
Nous ne savons pas quand nous partirons. Et encore moins quand nous arriverons. — en colère, avec Thierry Floreck et JO Camblong, à Minoan Lines Ancona-Patras.
We are still at the quay. The problem is a group of bastards... pardon....English Motorcyclists, of which two or three haven't any official documents with them ( passport etc). And as it turns out no tickets. Trying to get a free ride??. Result , the comapny and the competent authorities have seized the entire boat.
We don't know when we will leave, and even less when we will arrive _ angry, with Thierry and JO at Minoan lines Ancona- Patras.
__________________
-''It is better to walk alone than with a crowd going in the wrong direction''. ( Herman Siu)
-'' Live life then give life '' ( www.lltgl.org.uk)
|
12 May 2015
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
Posts: 3,335
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pongo
Just some quick stuff. Ferry was from Italy, and for those who think I'm embellishing things to make a good story, Here's the message received. translation underneath.
Minoan Lines.
Nous sommes toujours à quai. La faute à un groupe de connards... Pardon... Motards anglais, dont 2 ou 3 des membres n'ont aucun document officiel avec eux (passeport, etc). Et si ça se trouve, aucun billet. Tentative de resquillage? Résultat: la compagnie et les autorités compétentes ont pris le bateau entier en otage.
Nous ne savons pas quand nous partirons. Et encore moins quand nous arriverons. — en colère, avec Thierry Floreck et JO Camblong, à Minoan Lines Ancona-Patras.
We are still at the quay. The problem is a group of bastards... pardon....English Motorcyclists, of which two or three haven't any official documents with them ( passport etc). And as it turns out no tickets. Trying to get a free ride??. Result , the comapny and the competent authorities have seized the entire boat.
We don't know when we will leave, and even less when we will arrive _ angry, with Thierry and JO at Minoan lines Ancona- Patras.
|
I never said you were embellishing the story Pongo. I suggest your worldly wise friends aren't telling the whole story though.
I struggle to believe that a ferry would be impounded because 2 or 3 people on motorcycles try to board the boat without a ticket or passport or both. What usually happens in 99.99% of the world when you try to board a bus/train/ship/aeroplane without a ticket is they politely or impolitely tell you to go buy one or get lost. If you get caught without the correct paperwork (eg. a passport) you get arrested by the police.
Why would the other (several hundred?) passengers be made to suffer for the alleged actions or inaction (lack of a ticket/passport) of 2 or 3?!
More likely the delay is caused by the fact that all the vehicles, including lorries and cars with trailers have to reverse on as the ship only has one door and bikes are loaded last. Your friends are stuck on the dockside breathing in diesel fumes in the heat of the midday and afternoon sun. That's what happened to me in Ancona. That however doesn't make such a good story.
Thank you though for the heads up: I'll bear in mind your advice and avoid all English motorcyclists.  Damn les rostbeefs!
|
12 May 2015
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 8
|
|
|
Minoan Lines has "impounded" it's own boat? What does that really mean?
|
12 May 2015
|
 |
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Doncaster
Posts: 31
|
|
|
You need a passport to get out of the UK in my experience what other paper work does a european need to travel around Europe ?
|
13 May 2015
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: York
Posts: 34
|
|
|
It's obvious to me that these English bastards are indeed the old cast of Top Gear who have once again created dual-purpose amphibious boat-bikes and this time managed to propel themselves across the English Channel thus avoiding UK Border Agency passport checks.
Once in Italy, it's also quite obvious that Italian customs have stopped them and asked to check their papers before allowing them to board the ferry. Clarkson has gone mental and demanded that he is given 'right of passage' to Greece, it's likely that this request has been refused.
This probably led to James May asking the ferry company to impound it's own boat until the matter is resolved. Impossible! I hear you shout....not when you have an accent that harks back to the days of Empire I tell you.
While this fiasco was going on at the customs booth, Hammond sneaks onto the ship and begins a 7 hour Ouzo drinking session with the Greek captain and his crew, who, at the moment, need no excuse to sink a few shots.
This is bound to annoy the highly experienced global travelers. They have my sympathies.
|
13 May 2015
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
Posts: 3,335
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Benny_76
It's obvious to me that these English bastards are indeed the old cast of Top Gear who have once again created dual-purpose amphibious boat-bikes and this time managed to propel themselves across the English Channel thus avoiding UK Border Agency passport checks.
Once in Italy, it's also quite obvious that Italian customs have stopped them and asked to check their papers before allowing them to board the ferry. Clarkson has gone mental and demanded that he is given 'right of passage' to Greece, it's likely that this request has been refused.
This probably led to James May asking the ferry company to impound it's own boat until the matter is resolved. Impossible! I hear you shout....not when you have an accent that harks back to the days of Empire I tell you.
While this fiasco was going on at the customs booth, Hammond sneaks onto the ship and begins a 7 hour Ouzo drinking session with the Greek captain and his crew, who, at the moment, need no excuse to sink a few shots.
This is bound to annoy the highly experienced global travelers. They have my sympathies.
|
I also think your story is (partially) made up... Clarkson hates bikes and May is confused. Hammond however likes bikes.
I presume he's on a Vincent Black Shadow (Faster than a F16 until takeoff...): The Great Train Race, part 1/4 (Series 13, Episode 1) - BBC Top Gear
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
Linear Mode
