Bruges

[Marv]

Does anyone have a list of the shizzle I need to drive in mainland Europe. Do I really need to buy a breathalyser?

No, you don't need a breathalyser. The French government abandoned that silly idea.

[Mito Man]

I’ve seen European kit bags in Halfords which have everything you need. And being a good shovel to beat the immigrants off if they start trying to climb on your car.

[McSwede]

Also cruise control is banned on some roads - "Cruise control
A round sign with a red line through the words 'cruise control', means that you are not allowed to use cruise control until the next intersection."

Fire extinguisher & first aid kit
For all drivers it is mandatory to have an approved fire extinguisher and first aid kit in the car. (Vehicles registered in Belgium must carry both, but this is not compulsory for vehicles registered abroad)
Warning triangle
In case of a breakdown or accident, you need to place the warning triangle approximately 100 m behind the vehicle when on a highway and approximately 30 m in the case of other roads. Within an urban area, you might possibly need to place the triangle on top of the vehicle depending on the situation. Even with the hazard warning lights on, the use of a warning triangle is mandatory.
Safety vest
If you have to stop aside the road in case of an accident or breakdown, a driver is required to always wear a safety vest (reflective jacket) when leaving the car. This rule applies for both day and night time. It is recommended to carry safety vests for every person in the car.

[Rich B]

Traveling? Me?

Oh - I meant using the internet to learn things for himself, not using the time of others because he can't be arsed. He's a fucking pilot for Christ's sake!!

exactly, irony that a pilot is asking about travelling!

[JLv3.0]

My turn for a Whooooosh then mate - apols

[IanF]

I am using the internet, and starting a conversation. Do we need to do this every time someone asks a question JL? You do understand you don’t have to respond?

[GG.]

I am using the internet, and starting a conversation. Do we need to do this every time someone asks a question JL? You do understand you don’t have to respond?

Look at the leaderboard of posts... JL does have to respond.

[Marv]

Traveling? Me?

Oh - I meant using the internet to learn things for himself, not using the time of others because he can't be arsed. He's a fucking pilot for Christ's sake!!

exactly, irony that a pilot is asking about travelling!

I guess Ian can throw in his car the same spare bulbs, high vis vest and warning triangle he uses for his aeroplane, right?

[JLv3.0]

I am using the internet, and starting a conversation. Do we need to do this every time someone asks a question JL? You do understand you don’t have to respond?

Just stirring, but point taken.

[duncs500]

I am using the internet, and starting a conversation. Do we need to do this every time someone asks a question JL? You do understand you don’t have to respond?

Just stirring, but point taken.

p1lot0wn3d

[IanF]

Took the F430 to Bruges; epic trip, 450 trouble-free (mostly) high speed miles. Packing was easy, I reckon it has more space than the M4 if you want the roof down:



M25 was unusually quiet and we got to the Eurotunnel with minimal fuss, although people do seem more willing to let you out than when in a BMW. Also, paid 160.9 for super at M25 services - was a bit sickening.



We had a pitstop at Dunkirk to pay our respects. It was extremely quiet and very moving tbh.



Then it was on to Bruges; God the roads in Europe are well maintained.



Bruges is beautiful, and we were lucky with the weather.





And, with Swerv’s recommendation, popped into the Duvelorium. It was the perfect start to the trip! (Thanks bud!)





Dinner that night is at a place called Filet Pur. Having looked the next day, google doesn’t rate it highly, but a friend had recommended it, so we went. It was an extremely good meal (I’d recommend the Chateaubriand), with good service and we left pretty pissed.



Ended up in the bar a couple of doors down (Bar Des Amis) before meeting some locals who took us to a club. It was a good night, but 3 people ended up back at our hotel drinking until the sun was coming back up! Tbh, I’ve not laughed so much in years!

The next day was “man-the-fuck-up” time, and we were back on it by 12pm. Tried a couple of bars and had a disappointing Moules at the In Den Wittenkop , although the service was excellent.

Spotted this in the hotel car park, (plus a R26R and RS6 )



The journey home was fine although I was glad to pull into my driveway, mostly from fatigue, but I’m not sure I can blame the car for that!

[duncs500]

Sounds like a fun trip. Drinking until the sun comes up never ceases to impress me, by 10pm I usually start to flag these days.

[JLv3.0]

Just driving when it's dark is too much for me, always has been. Driving through the night? Couldn't even do this as a teenager.

[ZedLeg]

Sounds amazing, I like a good road trip.

Also 10pm Duncs? the party's barely started by that time at my house .

[Swervin_Mervin]

Sounds like a fun trip. Drinking until the sun comes up never ceases to impress me, by 10pm I usually start to flag these days.

What Duncs said. By the time it gets to midnight that's it for me these days! Drinking in Bruges to that time is going some.

Glad you liked the Duvelorium - we found it a fairly lethal place to start drinking, once ensconced on that balcony overlooking the square. Nearly missed our evening meal booking when we were last there as we'd gone back to the hotel, utterly pished, to get changed but the wife fell into a coma face first on the floor and I nearly drowned in the bath after falling asleep.

[mr_jon]

We were also there on tuesday this week - slightly less supercar orientated and more P&O but worked out really well. Lovely place.

[GG.]

Looks like a great trip! Ferrari, beer and Chateaubriand!

[IanF]

It certainly wasn’t rubbish. I’d highly recommend it to anyone.