Bike trips... looking to travel from UK

Chindian · 10-26-2004, 6:09 AM

Hello!!

I am going to attempt to see Western Europe on my bike next year and am wondering if anyone has done the same or has done short trips in and out of the UK.. i will be starting from the South East UK and have a route planned that will take me through France, into Stivale, Italy, then make my way to Vieste to stay with a friend and finally back up through Germany and then laterally back to the UK however, this is a possible route and not one that has been tested or done by anyone I know and could end up being a bad idea for me... i will most likely be making this trip alone on my blade and am new to europe, well i've never driven in europe let alone ridden outside UK..

sporky · 10-26-2004, 6:15 AM

nice trip...but don't you feel bored alone?

Chindian · 10-26-2004, 6:25 AM

well it's really all I can do, I have friends here in the bike community but i haven't known them for long and most of them wouldn't be able to do what i'd want to do.. they've either already done it, don't want to do it, work too much or are getting out of riding...

I sometimes prefer doing things like this on my own as I can travel at my own pace and I'm a single guy as well so that leaves lots of room for improvement

besides, I make one of the worst roommates ever, i'm too particular about certain things, i keep cleaning my bike all the time and everything has to be perfectly neat.. friggin Virgo characteristics.. perfectionist at work, get outta my way

954ie · 10-26-2004, 6:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chindian

Hello!!

I am going to attempt to see Western Europe on my bike next year and am wondering if anyone has done the same or has done short trips in and out of the UK.. i will be starting from the South East UK and have a route planned that will take me through France, into Stivale, Italy, then make my way to Vieste to stay with a friend and finally back up through Germany and then laterally back to the UK however, this is a possible route and not one that has been tested or done by anyone I know and could end up being a bad idea for me... i will most likely be making this trip alone on my blade and am new to europe, well i've never driven in europe let alone ridden outside UK..

I did a trip around Europe this summer. I went across England, channel tunnel to France, across Germany and Austria to Innsbruck, St Moritz, south through Italy to the med, Monaco, antibes, Perpignan, Andorra, dordogne, Loire, Normandy and home via Roscoff.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45994

The trip was over 3,000 miles. I brought a tent camping was very cheap, €10 a night, when the weather permitted.

a good site for travel advice is

http://www.bikersoracle.com/vfr/forum/index.php?

go to the biking abroad section and you will find loads of help on planning your trip.

ps, i have sold the vfr and am back on a blade, new 954.

I hope this helps

Chindian · 10-26-2004, 6:36 AM

that's some great info...

did you do your trip solo or were you in a squadron?

954ie · 10-26-2004, 6:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chindian

that's some great info...

did you do your trip solo or were you in a squadron?

I went with a friend but would have no problem going on my own,

oldfogey · 10-26-2004, 7:46 AM

954ie got there first with the bikers' oracle site recommendation, it's a good source.

Touring on bikes is easier than with cars from the UK, no problems changing side of road for riding and overtaking.

Familiarise yourself with the various speed limits and rules of the road before you get there. Give way to the right in France comes as a shock to anglo-saxon riders.

I'd advise taking out some form of get you home insurance (AA, RAC, Direct Line) if you're on your own unless you're a competent spannerman and carry obvious spares. You need a spare bulb kit for some countries.

Ensure your mobile phone has roaming rights in the countries you may visit before you set off.

Be aware of tolls for motorways in France, Italy and the (expensive) annual motorway sticker for Switerland.

Check weather conditions before attempting alpine passes except in summer.

Remember accident rates are much higher in latin countries, so double caution necessary with other road users.

In general, you'll be treated much better as a motorcyclist in mainland Europe than in the UK, both on the road and in hotels / restaurants you visit.

Enjoy thinking, researching and riding!

Chindian · 10-26-2004, 8:02 AM

Cheers for all that info mate! gives me lots to work with

Newfie TLR · 10-26-2004, 3:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sporky

nice trip...but don't you feel bored alone?

That may be a subject for a poll.

I have done long trips alone, and with another bike or two. Both have their merits, but I think I prefer alone.

Go when you want, stop when you want, eat when you want, etc.

Fire929blade · 10-26-2004, 5:44 PM

I have done been on two rather long trips in Europe alone, and one with a friend from work.

If you plan to go with a mate, make sure your bikes have roughly the same tank range, and more important that the mate can keep up with you/you can keep up with him/her without being stressed. It's no fun for the slowest of you if you have to ride in a way you don't feel comortable to keep up with the faster one. I quickly got anoyed by having to stop for fuel/food/water a few km's after the last stop and waiting for him to catch up..

I'f you are a guy that has no problems with getting to know new people, I would recomend going alone. Evenings can get boring (but you are usually to tired to be bored after a long day in leathers and +30C), but the riding is best alone

I used a tent on my first Euro-trip from Oslo(Norway) to Faro(Portugal) and will not do that again. I have no problems with camping, but all the extra gear you have to bring is a real hassle. The only exception would be if you are staying at one place for a longer period. If you plan your trip either before or after August, finding cheap rooms/Bed&breakfast is not a problem. Most people are nice to nice bikers, and will help you find a safe place to lock up your bike for the night.

Things to think of concerning the bike/riding:
-Use good gear/leathers even when it's very hot!
-Inspect tires on each stop if going high speed on autobahn.
-Lube chain before you lunch when chain is hot, let it dry while you eat/drink.
-Drink LOTS of water.
-Check "dead angle" before making lane changes on autobahn.
-Don't use a tankbag if you are planning to use autobahns like they were meant to be used (a fast but boring after a while way of getting from A-B)
-Obey posted speed limits on the sections of the autobahn that have limits!
-Buy a good map of the area, to find the best roads.
-Do as many mountain passes as you can.
-Avoid the long tunnels.
-Look out for diesel on tight turns right after tank stops.
-Bring both a clear and a tinted visor for your helmet and something to clean them with.
-Make sure fuel tank is full before siesta time if going on minor roads. Some gas stations close for siesta.
-Visit the "Nordschleife"/Nürburgring if you are in the area!
-Bring a camera, and use it a lot!

Nice places : Nürburgring, The Alps (all of it), Lake Como in Italy!

I'm sure there are lot's of other great tips, but these were some of mine

Have a great trip!