Citroen XM Forum

Here we are at the end of the first day of the Challenge and 200 approx. miles covered. Once again it has been hot up to 80F and as the aircon is u/s it has been all windows open! Amongst the most impressive sights have been the wonderful open straight roads generally with very light traffic and here and there long avenues of poplars and lime trees - all very French!! The car has been a dream to drive, super smooth with loads of power and really does feel at home. Now we are at the campsite chilling out and preparing for another 300 mile drive further south to the town of Espallion. With regards, Matthew T.

MTXM wrote:Well we have just finished our first day although the event itself actually starts tomorrow. The morning was spent driving from Le Havre to the first campsite at Neufchatel and then food shopping for lunch etc. In the afternoon a visit was made to Frederic near Amien that Will had recently seen with an impressive collection of V6 XM including several Multimedia. During tomorrow we head south to Gien but here are some photos of today. With regards, Matthew T.

Oooo a PRV 24V S2 there. Bit of a rareity..

Today (Sunday) we had a longer leg of around 350 miles including some 'off piste' time thanks to excellent map reading by Russ!! The terrain was fantastically varied from more long straight roads criss-crossing an impressive canal for some distance to tortuous steep and narrow passes through wooded hills. The later section included a blast along a lightly trafficked motorway to other steep passes across moorland countryside not unlike North Yorkshire. The campsite tonight at the attractive town of Espalion is thankfully smaller and quieter than our last! Regards, Matthew T.

Yes Paul V6 of all types!! Regards, Matthew. T.

Hi all, I see you have fitted the cars out with what appears to be a cb radio system if so which channel are you using? And if so have you heard anyone from the UK due to skip conditions.

Norman

MTXM wrote:Here we are at the end of the first day of the Challenge and 200 approx. miles covered. Once again it has been hot up to 80F and as the aircon is u/s it has been all windows open! Amongst the most impressive sights have been the wonderful open straight roads generally with very light traffic and here and there long avenues of poplars and lime trees - all very French!! The car has been a dream to drive, super smooth with loads of power and really does feel at home. Now we are at the campsite chilling out and preparing for another 300 mile drive further south to the town of Espallion. With regards, Matthew T.

That BX looks like it's off to a good start

All in all seems a fantastic trip so far Matthew, thanks for the detailed descriptions and updates - wish you were here much anyone

Ciarán

I am so jealous I just booked the ferry to France

Trip like this would be child's play for a well travelled man like yourself Jaap!

Today's drive from Esacallion to Quillon again took us through a great variety of landscapes, from fast flowing winding motorways to coastal lagoons and dramatic mountain passes. There is no doubt that the Milau bridge crossing stole the show that was just phenomenal, a real tour-de-force, wonderfully sculptural and beautiful. Other main highlight of the day was stopping at a Mediterranean resort with a quick walk on the sands and paddle. Once again the car has been phenomenal,eating up the miles and smooth as silk, although if I am honest the roofbox has compromised the handling a bit on the tight bends. Tomorrow we have a day off that includes an optional scrapyard visit and mountain excursions. In response to Norman we do have CB radio tuned to EU band and channel 25,which is another new experience for me! With regards, Matthew T.

The French do know how to engineer things, and create objects of enduring beauty at the same time.
The Millau bridge is pretty good too......!
An amazing trip.