Driving to France - Inc the Alps - When?
Discussion
Hi folks, just in the process of getting my hands on a 2nd TVR. Been without for a cupla years. Once i've 'de-acclimatised' myself from cooper 's' driving, i intend to take off to France (maybe france, etc) in the Tiv. Is it just idiocy to expect to be able to take a chim to ski towns in winter? I used to live in the pyrenees, as a kid, and there i think you could have, more damp, really. Anyone got winter alpine driving experience over there in a TVR? Should i just wait for the snowdrops to poke out?
It'd be great to do the whole bond lotus thing, but with a bit more....well....noise. I firmly believe this shall render ski bunnies helpless. Avalanche ho!!
Thanks in advance.
Rob.
PS, how easy is the chunnel for cars, anyone?
It'd be great to do the whole bond lotus thing, but with a bit more....well....noise. I firmly believe this shall render ski bunnies helpless. Avalanche ho!!
Thanks in advance.
Rob.
PS, how easy is the chunnel for cars, anyone?
I did a trip to the Alps with Driving Adventures this year that was a wonderful experience.
You may have read about it in the TVR Car Club magazine?
A lot of fun in driving with other like minded people and I didn't have to worry about any aspect other than the car!
Drop Darren (the owner) a line, I'm sure he'll be able to help you out.
It's a must do though. It brought a whole new delight to ownership!
You may have read about it in the TVR Car Club magazine?
A lot of fun in driving with other like minded people and I didn't have to worry about any aspect other than the car!
Drop Darren (the owner) a line, I'm sure he'll be able to help you out.
It's a must do though. It brought a whole new delight to ownership!
I'll be in the Alps for a few days from the 3rd of Jan, look out for me! I have had no experience driving the Chim in real Alpine conditions but have received good advice from people who have who basically advised plenty of caution and... enjoy. Before I set off I'll be testing it first in the relative safety of local slopes with a 2 day trip! I am very excited about the whole thing, really hope I can have the roof off at some point and enjoy the scenery. I have driven through Europe many times but taking the Chim out was an experience on another level, not just because of the performance, because of what it is.
If I understood your question correctly, asking about channel tunnel, there are no difficulties unless you have lowered your ride height.
Oh and depending on the size of your skis you might be able to get them in if the passenger doesn't mind sharing some of the foot-well with them.
If I understood your question correctly, asking about channel tunnel, there are no difficulties unless you have lowered your ride height.
Oh and depending on the size of your skis you might be able to get them in if the passenger doesn't mind sharing some of the foot-well with them.
The tunnel is the only way to go! I have traveled to Europe many times on the tunnel and not had a problem. I always ask for the bottom deck though.
As for driving in the Alps, snow chains are a must (and a legal requirement in some country's), just check you can get them on the rear wheels without fouling the arches. Also, maybe some winter tyres, although this is not a cheap option.
Best of all, take it steady and enjoy......and don't forget to post some piccys when you get back!
As for driving in the Alps, snow chains are a must (and a legal requirement in some country's), just check you can get them on the rear wheels without fouling the arches. Also, maybe some winter tyres, although this is not a cheap option.
Best of all, take it steady and enjoy......and don't forget to post some piccys when you get back!
I did Courchevel and back last year in the Tuscan with a snowboard + girlfriend + luggage. Car was nice and full and the roads were a blast. Got a lot of attention, including the guy who runs Gumball calling the snowchained, snowboarded Tiv "very cool" indeed and giving me some freebies.
Snowchains that fit the 18" wheels & Toyos were REALLY hard to find. Couldn't find any in the UK; couldn't find any at the autoroute stops or in Chambery. Had to drive up to the resort (1850) without chains and it was no problem at all. After a few days I found some mechanics there who altered some standard chains slightly to fit my tyres.
That then made it a right royal p.i.t.a to get them off again on the way down the mountain at the end. Took about 45 minutes, in the dark with the standard instructions clearly being of no use whatsoever after the alterations!
Three other points to note:
1. It's likely to be the case that, where you're going, there will be (like in Courchevel) a sheltered car park that will cost about £40 for the week. Good value I think for keeping the car warmer and free from snow and grit. Try and book a space before you go if you can;
2. When manoeuvring in town, expect to be impeded by lots of ogling locals;
3. DO NOT BE AFRAID TO SLOW DOWN TO 5MPH OR LESS on your way down the mountain before pulling off into a lay-by to remove your snow chains. 12-15mph was very, very nearly too fast to be able to stop in that snow! The car came to rest a yard or so from the edge, just as I was about to slam it into reverse...
Snowchains that fit the 18" wheels & Toyos were REALLY hard to find. Couldn't find any in the UK; couldn't find any at the autoroute stops or in Chambery. Had to drive up to the resort (1850) without chains and it was no problem at all. After a few days I found some mechanics there who altered some standard chains slightly to fit my tyres.
That then made it a right royal p.i.t.a to get them off again on the way down the mountain at the end. Took about 45 minutes, in the dark with the standard instructions clearly being of no use whatsoever after the alterations!
Three other points to note:
1. It's likely to be the case that, where you're going, there will be (like in Courchevel) a sheltered car park that will cost about £40 for the week. Good value I think for keeping the car warmer and free from snow and grit. Try and book a space before you go if you can;
2. When manoeuvring in town, expect to be impeded by lots of ogling locals;
3. DO NOT BE AFRAID TO SLOW DOWN TO 5MPH OR LESS on your way down the mountain before pulling off into a lay-by to remove your snow chains. 12-15mph was very, very nearly too fast to be able to stop in that snow! The car came to rest a yard or so from the edge, just as I was about to slam it into reverse...
Thanks, guys. This is all really good stuff. AND no nae-sayers!!! Wheeeee!!! Now, i just need to find the car. Hope to buy Chim no. 2 in the next month. 450 if i can find one. Nice xmas gift for me!
Not sure, however, the skis will fit. Boots, yes.
I will post my progress, on the hunt, etc!!
Not sure, however, the skis will fit. Boots, yes.
I will post my progress, on the hunt, etc!!
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