Bike Trips on your own

[Daimo]

Anyone done it?

Fancy getting away by myself for a few days, tent, me, stove, food, beer and the bike.

Any real issues with riding into Europe by yourself? Probably just france due to timescales, but anyone do it?

Risks ?

[zsv650]

Anyone done it?

Fancy getting away by myself for a few days, tent, me, stove, food, beer and the bike.

Any real issues with riding into Europe by yourself? Probably just france due to timescales, but anyone do it?

Risks ?
+1 i'd be interested how everyone sorts the logistics and everything of it as i want to do something similar on the sv good post daimo.:D

[Skip]

Not personally done it but a good friend here at work has. He went camping (the tent kind ;) ) all round Europe on a Honda Hairnet completely on his own for about 7 days - he even dropped it on a hairpin in the Alps and had to wait three days while it was repaired. He said the riding bit was great but sometimes the chill-out in the evenings was a bit boring - but given another chance he would do it again.

[husky03]

think this would be the nearest you could get to total freedom-if i was single with no ties i'd be off on my travels on my tod-go for it

[pencil shavings]

are camp sites easy to find in europe (france)? do you need special maps?

[Essex of Essex]

I've done it round Ireland using B+B's and had a great time allways someone to talk to in an Irish pub,

[rob13]

Im off myself in June without the missus so I might have a go at this too. Been looking at some very small 2 man tents which are quickly pitched. Just have to think about where I want to go.

[Richie]

i did New Zealand, north island & south Island back in 1990 for 6 month on a gs550es.
Loved it.
logistics, stow as you go, pack small & tight, ride lite.
YHA's are your friends, dear I say it, topbox, panniers & a tank bag + rucksack are your friend. (small rucksack)
always have a full E111 (if they still have them)
anda cash card that works abroad,keep your ticket & passport safe... (also keep a copy/note of the passport / ticket number).

plan ahead so you know where your headed and seek out fuel stops in advance.

most of all

enjoy it !

[Luckypants]

Anyone done it?

Fancy getting away by myself for a few days, tent, me, stove, food, beer and the bike.

Any real issues with riding into Europe by yourself? Probably just france due to timescales, but anyone do it?

Risks ?

Yes done it a few times (billy no mates) and it is not really that hard. I tend to plot a route for the following day, ride it or wander off if something looks interesting. I stop at the next decent sized town when tired or hungry.

One risk, wild camping at the side of the road is illegal in France and Austria (I think). Avoid Switzerland as they have speed Nazis and loud can Nazis that make ours look tame.

+1 i'd be interested how everyone sorts the logistics and everything of it as i want to do something similar on the sv good post daimo.:D

Book ferry, get insurance (travel and breakdown), get money, load bike, go

are camp sites easy to find in europe (france)? do you need special maps?

Camp sites in general are easy to find if you just have a tent. In France, the municipal campsites tend to be very good and cheap. Arrive somewhere before 5 then go looking for the Office du Turisme who will advise you where to find camp sites. They usually speak really good English, but you should try your French out first!

A map of the country you are in is very helpful :D. I have the Michelin A4 Spiral bound road atlases, very clear, fold in half without breaking and fit in the map bit of my tank bag - so I can consult. while sat on the bike

[cb5_keith]

I did France in summer, heading down to Bordeaux, across to Montpellier, Marseille, Geneve, Reims, and Calais home again, for about 8 or 9 days. Campsites are dead easy to find, there's tonnes everywhere, especially around the west coast and south. Spent most of the days in and around Grenoble, Annecy and Geneva and the boarders. No real risks I think, just have decent insurance/breakdown cover, and a credit card ;) Ferries are cheap even if you don't book, so don't worry about logistics too much. A bit of French goes a long way....

[pencil shavings]

are tents like this what you should be after?

http://www.outdoorworld.co.uk/aztec-rapido-tent-p-38.html

are backpacks better or soft paniers?

[Daimo]

Interesting note about no "pitch up in a field and tent" rules in France. See thats the kinda thing I was thinking about, rather than spending a few hours each day looking for campsites (could pre sort out where I guess).

Got hard luggage on the bandit, went to france with friends last year (no tent) and had loads of room on the bike.

Really fancying this idea. Might join friends for their rideout, and spend a day or 2 by myself coming home again (they are going all the way down south france into italy over 3 weeks, I can only do a week max).

[Luckypants]

Tent looks good. It's worth checking how small it packs down or how to break it up to distribute around the bike. I have a Gelert 2-man tent that works well.

Panniers are way better than a back pack. The bike carries the load and not you, you can get off for a comfort break / food / petrol with ease. I have hard panniers on the VFR for clothes, sleeping bag, food etc. Tent, sleeping mat, gas, non-essentials go in a duffle type dry-bag strapped across the rear seat. I wrap my security chain around the dry-bag to make it easy to carry. Waterproof over suit is also under the cargo net on the rear seat. A Tank bag has essentials needed on the move, map, travel docs, phone, spares, tool kit (VFR has not room under seat) etc.

This is the VFR loaded for two week trip

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w111/luckypants_photos/France%20Trip%202007/2007_0718FranceTrip0001.jpg

[Luckypants]

Interesting note about no "pitch up in a field and tent" rules in France. See thats the kinda thing I was thinking about, rather than spending a few hours each day looking for campsites (could pre sort out where I guess).

Strongly recommend the Municipal campsites then. Quiet secluded and normally 'just a field' with a decent toilet block and good grass coverage. €2-€6 covered it last year (for my son)

[Sudoxe]

Go for it.

As well as camp sites Europe has a lot cheap low star hotels, for example F1 (http://www.hotelformule1.com/formule1/index.html). I was able to find somewhere for under 30euros a nigh in most places I went to.

Dan

[rob13]

Im personally looking at the Vango Banshee 200. Packs up really small and its very light. Inner pitches first which is the only downside but quite roomy.

[pencil shavings]

Im personally looking at the Vango Banshee 200. Packs up really small and its very light. Inner pitches first which is the only downside but quite roomy.

yep that looks nice.

I cant really see the need to bring too much stuff on a biking trip when you are just going for the riding :smt017

just be smelly for a week :thumright:

[Tau Gee]

Been riding in France, Spain and Italy by myself before and planning a trip late August. I really enjoy it. I've found that it's easier than you think. A set of good maps, a rough idea of where you want to go and be flexible so you can stop off if you spot a good place. Don't take on too much mileage in a day and leave time in the afternoon to get booked in at a camp-site or bed & breakfast. I usually set off around 9:30 and looked to stop around 3:30. Practice a few sentences in french for ordering food and drink, that usually goes down well with the locals! Use the local convenience stores if not confident as you can pick up all the food and drink you need and just look at the till indicator to see how much you have to pay.

Risks; don't get caught speeding-it'll cost you. Over 100mph and you're likely to have your bike impounded. The french are getting really serious about speeding.
Have your bike serviced, the usual checks before a long journey. Take a few extra tools, set of light bulb spares.

ps imo soft panniers are better if you don't intend touring often. That and a rucksack or £10 water proof bag from Hein Gericke or similar to sit over the top.

[rob13]

I reckon a pair of shoes, pair of jeans, pair of shorts, couple of tshirts and maybe a fleece/light jacket, small Towel, shower gel toothpaste and toothbrush plus enough pants & socks and thats me done.

[Tim in Belgium]

Both of my big trips were by myself, quite enjoyable, ride at your own pace, go where you want to go, meet complete strangers, get ****ed with french electricians, chat to nice Swiss girls, drink wine with french mountain climbing primary teachers in a mountain hostel in Chamonix, be billy no mates some nights, crash outside french restaurants full of workers having lunch then race a Kwak up passed Val D'Isere etc.

Although I did stay in hotels/hostels/pensions(B&Bs) etc. which helps to meet people.

Just go.

[embee]

All good advice given above.

The Michelin maps are about the best IMO for France (surprise), I like the spiral bound A4 ones (W.H.Smith have them), you get all of France for around £15 or so. The towns with campsites have a "tent" sign against them so you get a good idea of choices, a good few sites aren't shown on the maps so more choice in reality. Municipal sites are generally good and cheap. Watch out in very touristy areas there can be a "forfait" or minimum charge for a camping place on private campsites, can be steep. Municipal ones don't do this.

The Tourist Information offices are your friend, very many towns will have one ( an "i" sign), they are extremely helpful, it's what they are there for. If weather is rubbish or you're getting pushed for time, the cheap motel chains are a good fallback (Formule1 etc, check out their website, you can book online and get prices etc). I've used truckstop transport motels too, they'll very often find a safe place (garage etc) for the bike.

Be flexible, have a good idea where you want to get to but don't be too ambitious on mileage.

The laws do apply to you even if you are British ;) , and the French police don't have a sense of humour. Be polite and dead straight, they do quite a lot of routine traffic checks so it's quite on the cards you might get stopped. Stop signs mean stop, not just slow down a bit, they'll do you for it, put a foot down to be sure.
Make absolutely sure you have all the correct original documents (but carry a spare set of copies too, just in case). Get your EHIC (http://www.ehic.org/?gclid=CPvNgOTUvJoCFWVM5QodAT7Ebw) card for emergency medical cover (National Health equivalent).
Personal travel insurance is strongly recommended especially for travelling solo, I use the Post Office, make sure biking is not excluded (check the exclusions list, most policies are available online to check out first).

Petrol stations usually close Sunday afternoons except on big main roads and motorways, don't get caught out.

Camping gear - the most important aspect for bike touring is packed size, not weight.

Autoroutes can be useful if you want to cover ground but you'll get all the enjoyment from the A-roads (or "D" roads in France). Stretches of autoroute acting as by-passes for major towns are usually free (i.e not "peage" or toll), tolls for bikes aren't that horrendous but can add up. Example Calais to Reims, around 160mls, something like Euro12 IIRC. The Michelin maps show which autoroute stretches are toll-free, the numbering is colour coded, there are quite a lot of toll-free sections.

If you need to cross a large town, avoid 12 noon and 2pm, start and finish of lunch-time. 1pm is a good time, everyone is eating/sleeping.

You'll be treated very well as a biker, not like in the UK. Cross country road traffic is pretty light and road condition is generally excellent. Just be respectful, take care, and enjoy the experience.

[DarrenSV650S]

Nothing compares to being away on your bike on your own abroad. Sounds sad but it's not, it's brilliant. It's such a great feeling. Can't wait to go on another holiday

[Stu]

Bike mag this month - Loop of Scotland in a weekend - Very tempting :D

[Demonz]

Take a phone and charger (make sure it will roam) - It will get you out of any problems. Always watch the fuel situation. Take breakdown cover. Dont bother booking accommodation as the weather and roads will dictate the pace. I prefer camping as you can sleep next to your bike and it is cheaper. Get the smallest, lightest tent you can find/afford, and a comfy mattress.

[chasey]

Bike mag this month - Loop of Scotland in a weekend - Very tempting :D

I've seen that and am thinking exactly the same thing!! Start off small and work my way upto going into the mainland by myself!

[gettin2dizzy]

It's great by yourself. I use a similar set up as LP.

Tent + sleeping bag in waterproof duffle bag on the back.
Valuables in Tankbag
Rest it in panniers

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t226/gettin2dizzy/panniers.jpg

Never had any issues with space at all. Even two-up there's loads of space.

Advice Id give about choosing a tent , is DON'T get the smallest one you can. You're not hiking, or carrying it on your back. a 4 man tent is only about 25% bigger than a 2 man... and having to have all of your bike gear in your sleeping compartment will just **** you off over time. There are loads of tents with large 'porch' sections which are brilliant for storing luggage/cooking/swigging beer in. I have a vango omega 250 tent that fits the bill perfectly. I bought it for two of us to stay in, but to be honest I'm going to ditch my one-man tent as this one takes up very little extra space, and it makes the whole trip more pleasurable being able to shelter from the elements in comfort.

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t226/gettin2dizzy/tent.jpg

For roadmaps i use these: http://www.mapsman.com/
They're waterproof, rip proof, have speed cameras on, and mark out the road well worth riding. Overall very impressed with them

[yorkie_chris]

Lol. We have same tent for same reason.

[gettin2dizzy]

It's ace! I barely ever find a tent I can lie flat out in; and this ones roomier than my bed :thumbsup: This is my one man ... not the red 2/3 person tent. The brown glorified sleeping bag :lol:

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t226/gettin2dizzy/IMG_2534.jpg?t=1242391008

[yorkie_chris]

Though my scabby SV looks far more at home in a field than your striple lol.

[yorkie_chris]

http://forums.sv650.org/picture.php?albumid=114&pictureid=699

Loadsa room for kit.

[Spiderman]

i
always have a full E111 (if they still have them)


Yes they do and a great bit of advice this is. Not enough people know about this card or its uses. Its now called the EHIC.

back when i first got one it was just the back page on the info leaflet that was stamped for you at the post office.

now its a credit card sized card so far easier to carry and use.

You can find out more info and apply for one here http://www.travelhealth.co.uk/advice/ehic.htm

[gettin2dizzy]

Yes they do and a great bit of advice this is. Not enough people know about this card or its uses. Its now called the EHIC.

back when i first got one it was just the back page on the info leaflet that was stamped for you at the post office.

now its a credit card sized card so far easier to carry and use.

You can find out more info and apply for one here http://www.travelhealth.co.uk/advice/ehic.htm
I ordered one last month and it took about 10 days to arrive. No fuss or hassle :thumbsup:

In France you won't even need one tbh. Just walk in like you would in the UK.

[arcdef]

when you thinking of going?

[Luckypants]

Yes they do and a great bit of advice this is. Not enough people know about this card or its uses. Its now called the EHIC.

Good call, I generally assume everyone knows about this as almost every travel website mentions it, but if you've never been abroad before - then you probs wont!

[ranathari]

How do you keep your luggage safe if you're using soft panniers? I'm thinking about things like leaving it in a car park when stopping for a drink or on the ferry.

[drumwrecker]

I did a 2500 mile round trip in France 3 years ago. I went out with MSL ttours for the Coupes Moto Legend at Dijon and carried on from there. The event was well worth it. I did have relatives to visit in St Antonin Noble Val and Brillac near Limoges.
I found it OK for a time enjoying the luxury of being able to go where I wanted, to stop for any reason, the first stop usually to put my ear plugs in.
Camping was a doddle bearing in mind this was June before the season starts.
Security can be a problem i.e. not having anybody to look after kit whils in the bog.
the big thing for me was missing my wife and I couldn't wait to get home so sid the last two legs 630 miles in one hit. Not bad for a 60+ on a K2 650s.
In short if you can find company great, if you can't still do it the chance may not come again.
Since then I have visited a friend in Germany and done the Pyrenees.

[Tau Gee]

How do you keep your luggage safe if you're using soft panniers? I'm thinking about things like leaving it in a car park when stopping for a drink or on the ferry.


When I tour abroad I keep all my valuables and docs plus a small wash bag in a daysack. I then place my daysack into the larger bag I strap over the pillion seat and soft panniers. So if I stop for a short time I can take my daysack from the main bag nice and quick and be confident I'm carrying the stuff I value. (I kept copies of my passport, drivers licence etc separately in the panniers). If I'm on the ferry I can take the main bag and just leave the panniers on the bike. I pack low value stuff in the panniers, clothes, chain oil, maybe some food, water or drink and, eventually all my dirty laundry! You could place your daysack with all your goodies in one of your panniers and be able to take them with you without having to remove your panniers.

[drumwrecker]

http://www.bikersoracle.com/vfr/forum/showthread.php?t=58679

I think this check list just about covers just about everything.

Don't forget spare keys.
I got hold of a couple of canvass money belts and stitched them together and wore them like a bandelero. I kept my passport, documents, money, spare keys etc so I knew exacly where they were.
Also as I have my own web site I made up a page with copies of all my documents, so if all was lost and I needed details and numbers etc I could access them. Only I knew the link to that page of course.
I have heard of people keeping money etc under their knee armour in case of emrgency.

[BanannaMan]

Go for it mate!! You'll be glad you did.

Seek advice on good routes from others and places to see, places to avoid.



I take long weekend trips alone several times a year.....in fact.....

I'm going on a 900+ mile 3-day weekend trip through the mountains......1 week from today!!! :smt041
No need for any security or worries about keeping things safe on this trip. LOL
I'll be mostly traveling through dense forests and along high mountaintops....(see avatar, 'tis where I'm going)...and I get on well with the locals.
No cities on this trip and only 3 small towns along the way.
Getting new tyres fitted tomorrow!!!!
Can't wait!!!

[Demonz]

How do you keep your luggage safe if you're using soft panniers? I'm thinking about things like leaving it in a car park when stopping for a drink or on the ferry.

It was a problem I had as well as I was always worrying about kit. I had a small zip off tank bag for valuables and you just trust no one will nick your tent and sleeping gear and be selective where you park. I wouldnt leave on city streets but terminals and tourist stops were fine. But even then worst case scenario of loosing kit wasnt the end of the world...

[Luckypants]

How do you keep your luggage safe if you're using soft panniers? I'm thinking about things like leaving it in a car park when stopping for a drink or on the ferry.

If you are genuinely concerned about this, take a look at pac-safe

http://www.pac-safe.com/www/index.php

But in my experience, folks abroad tend to respect bikes and leave them alone. Big towns / cities may be different, but they tend not to have any exciting roads, so I avoid them. :D

[Cazza]

The other handy thing to do with tailpacks and panniers is to keep the waterproof covers on them and then, certainly with the tailpack, a cargo net over the top of that.

It means another few minutes of faffing when you're loading / unloading; but I do think it makes the whole lot look less instantly-nickable to any opportunistic bods.

[drumwrecker]

I got and smalltop box and bolted it through a rear seat. It was then locked to the bike and I used the carrier for my camping stuff.

[arcdef]

Bike mag this month - Loop of Scotland in a weekend - Very tempting :D

I saw this too, want to give it a bash lol??

[Jamiebridges123]

So the idea is to go off and find a field somewhere and sleep in it.

You go by yourself? You take a tent and camp overnight and go someplace new? Sounds like a great idea. Another thing to add to my list of things to do.

[ranathari]

If you are genuinely concerned about this, take a look at pac-safe

http://www.pac-safe.com/www/index.php

But in my experience, folks abroad tend to respect bikes and leave them alone. Big towns / cities may be different, but they tend not to have any exciting roads, so I avoid them. :D

I'm not that paranoid about it but thanks for the link. Think Cazza's waterproof covers and cargo net suggestion's a reasonable bodge when the bike's on the ferry and while I'm refuelling en route to my destination.

[Cazza]

Think Cazza's... suggestion's a reasonable bodge...

Good. I have a reputation to maintain!

As Spiderman has already mentioned, we did the whole 'get on the bike and just ride' idea last year. This was huuuugely different from my natural desire to organise and plan everything in advance. At times it worked better than others, but that was all part of the adventure, and I'd certainly do it again - either with a friend or two, or on my own.

[Thingus]

This sounds awesome. My friend is insisting me, him and 3 other ppl go off to Holland and around Europe in 2 weeks. Lots of driving and lots of nights on towns. I follow on bike :p i love the idea but i don't know about planning it... riding Europe is a must do for me.

[BanannaMan]

So the idea is to go off and find a field somewhere and sleep in it.



:smt009
Sorry.....No.
Not my idea.... Hotel is the word.
AC/heat, TV, phone, etc.
Yes Sir, hotel is the word.

But each to his own...

I usually go for a bit more modest fare but this weekend...
I'm off to a old resort originaly built in the 1940's and located high atop a mountain, absolutely as deep as one can get into the forests of western North Carolina. (USA) (pics forthcoming)
Breakfast and dinner at the restaurant on site are included with the room.
Great mountain top roads during the day and a bit of relaxing and chatting with the other guests in the evening. :-D
I can't wait!! :-D
(but hoping the weather forecast improves) :rolleyes:

Sorry for the derail...I just can't help myself.
Is it Saturday yet?????:smt041

http://cenvachristiansportbike.homestead.com/files/431.gif

[pencil shavings]

:smt009
Sorry.....No.
Not my idea.... Hotel is the word.
AC/heat, TV, phone, etc.
Yes Sir, hotel is the word.

But each to his own...

I usually go for a bit more modest fare but this weekend...
I'm off to a old resort originaly built in the 1940's and located high atop a mountain, absolutely as deep as one can get into the forests of western North Carolina. (USA) (pics forthcoming)
Breakfast and dinner at the restaurant on site are included with the room.
Great mountain top roads during the day and a bit of relaxing and chatting with the other guests in the evening. :-D
I can't wait!! :-D
(but hoping the weather forecast improves) :rolleyes:

Sorry for the derail...I just can't help myself.
Is it Saturday yet?????:smt041

http://cenvachristiansportbike.homestead.com/files/431.gif


It alawys makes me laugh when Americans say that things from the 1940s (or there abouts) are old. lol. that isnt old. lol

[Spiderman]

It alawys makes me laugh when Americans say that things from the 1940s (or there abouts) are old. lol. that isnt old. lol

Its old in context to them i guess. Dont forget that less than 200yrs ago they were still riding about on horses and shooting each other in the back over a game of cards, so its pretty relative.

Over 3,000yrs ago my ancestors were sitting on beaches and studying the night sky and stars to try and undersatnd the passing of time :)

Sorry for the derail there... the other option if you're worried about leaving gear on your bike is to pack as light as possible and take it off the bike when you do stop. Bit more faffing about but at least you know when you wake up in the morning the stuff will still be there.

Touching on Demonz post, i make sure i have a small waterproof bag with me. In this goes passport, mobile and emergency stash of cash and a credit card. My gear is well waterproof but no good if i go and fall in a lake with the bike is it? I keep those vital items on me at all times so if god forbid the absolute worst should happen, i KNOW i have these vital things no matter what.

I know its not nice to think the worst may happen but my attitude is that by planning for it at least i'm readier than if i didnt plan for it. My worst scenario is parking up the bike to go in somewhere and ask directions or something and come out and find no bike at all. All the well thought out packing and securing in the world wont help you then, lol. But that bag of vitals just might mean you can get home and sort it out rather than being stranded for a few days trying to sort it out in a country who's language you may not speak.

[Daimo]

Some good advice here :)

I'm joining my friends on a 5 day trip to France. Hoping to make Switzerland, before i head for home on day 5. They are carrying on for another 2 weeks but I can't get the holiday from work, so gotta come back by myself. Probably straightline the way home to save time (Switz to Calais in 1 day, with ferry home, easy enough?).

220 mile tank range will come in handy ;)

[gettin2dizzy]

Here's a much better picture of my setup.

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t226/gettin2dizzy/30042009152-1.jpg


I have a full set of camping equipment, all my stuff, and a whole spare set of leathers and a spare helmet there.
Loads of room!

[BanannaMan]

It alawys makes me laugh when Americans
say that things from the 1940s (or there abouts) are old. lol. that isnt old. lol

Its old in context to them i guess.
Dont forget that less than 200yrs ago they were still riding about on horses



Not to mention this is the land of no architectual style.
Sure they've had some at times but they've torn down nearly every buliding ever built.
Any building over 150 years old is probably a national monument. LOL
It's very rare to see an example of the style buildings they had in the 1940's.





Dont forget that less than 200yrs ago they were still riding about on horses
and shooting each other in the back over a game of cards, so its pretty relative.

Over 3,000yrs ago my ancestors were sitting on beaches and studying
the night sky and stars to try and undersatnd the passing of time :)


I'll have you know 200 years ago my entire family was living in Wiltshire.
It was less than 100 years ago we were shooting up courthouses in Virigina. :oops:

The most accurate version of which is here.
http://www.theroanoker.com/favoritearticles/hillsvillemassacre.cfm (http://www.theroanoker.com/favoritearticles/hillsvillemassacre.cfm)


:eye: Ouch ....you got me there Spiderman.
Dang...I am a typical feking american. :(







Here's a much better picture of my setup.

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t226/gettin2dizzy/30042009152-1.jpg


I have a full set of camping equipment, all my stuff, and a whole spare set of leathers and a spare helmet there.
Loads of room!






Looks ace!!! :thumbsup:

[Spiderman]

:eye: Ouch ....you got me there Spiderman.
Dang...I am a typical feking american. :(


PMSL! I think you're safe. To know that there is such a thing as a "typical" american...and not wanna be classed as one is your saving grace.

Saying that if you ever voted for GWB then all that goes out the window of course ;)

[BanannaMan]

PMSL! I think you're safe. To know that there is such a thing as a "typical" american...and not wanna be classed as one is your saving grace.

Saying that if you ever voted for GWB then all that goes out the window of course ;)





NO NEVER!!!

GWB should be on trial for war crimes and for nearly collapsing the entire world economy....
But his IQ isn't high enough to be classified mentally competent to stand trial. :p

[Jamiebridges123]

Here's a much better picture of my setup.

I have a full set of camping equipment, all my stuff, and a whole spare set of leathers and a spare helmet there.
Loads of room!

You have both the single best touring layout ever, and also the single worst tyre choice, at least on your front end. :rolleyes:

(sorry to offtopic) :cool:

How is handling affected with all that stuff?

[gettin2dizzy]

You have both the single best touring layout ever, and also the single worst tyre choice, at least on your front end. :rolleyes:

(sorry to offtopic) :cool:

How is handling affected with all that stuff?
It's fine like that. Even with a (light) pillion, the thing handles just like it should. With the front sprocket down a tooth, and all that weight on the back makes it hard not to wheelie off every roundabout. You get some looks pulling a huge wheelie whilst two-up and luggage!

I'm currently building some big tin panniers from two huge ammo crates I've got. That setup will be perfect... who needs a GS eh ;)

[drumwrecker]

It alawys makes me laugh when Americans say that things from the 1940s (or there abouts) are old. lol. that isnt old. lol

I'm from 1940 and I don't feel old at all.
Planning another trip to France and maybe Germany.

[Daimo]

Im off next Friday :D Can't wait......


Stint from Geneva to Calais will be undertaken on my own as i've got to come back early due to holiday... The other 2 will carry on for another 2 weeks :(

Still, got 5 days with them at least. Lake Geneva here we come :)

Serviced, valves checked, new rubber coming saturday, check the chain, load up and ready to rock n roll :D

[Luckypants]

Stint from Geneva to Calais Wooo! N5! Yeah baby!

[Daimo]

N5, good/bad road then?

Plan on sitting about 80-90mph, leaving at 7am.

Trains booked for (check in) 6.20pm. So just over 11 hours...

Easy, I can do 200+ miles per tank so don't need to stop often.

[Luckypants]

N5, good/bad road then?

It's really quite good :smt038:D :D :D From Nyon on Lake Geneva to Poligny in France. You can jump on the A38 there if you have to Autoroute it up to Calais.

I tend to Autoroute to Dole on my way out to the Alps and pick up the N5 at Dole before heading over to Nyon - gets me in the good stuff early :D

[Daimo]

We were nosing the maps, and the N5 runs literally 5 miles from us so we'll now be taking that all the way down to the lake. Cheers for the heads up :D

[Daimo]

Well I is back.

Cheers for the heads on the N5. Road wasn't the greatest by far, but what made the day was coming into a town at the top, to find hundreds of bikes. We stopped to find a classic road race up the hill was taking place, so we watched that, which was great.

Roads on the other side of the lake though :D :D :D :D :D :D

Suppose i'd best get some piccies up.

Im gutted, they are going through the alps, and im home. 780 miles in 1 day by myself, whooop whoop. Done it fairly easily. left at 6.30am from Lac Du Annecy (stunning place) and got to Calais at 3.30pm :D

[Luckypants]

glad you had a good time. Lets see them photos! :D

Well I is back.

Cheers for the heads on the N5. Road wasn't the greatest by far, but what made the day was coming into a town at the top, to find hundreds of bikes. True, but sure beats the hell out of the motorway :D

[Daimo]

I had to straightline the way home, I had more time than I thought but we did use it on the way down.

Friends are currently in nice :(

Piccies though are uploaded :D

http://public.fotki.com/DaimoB/general_me_-_pastti/franceswitzerland-b/

[RichT]

You might want to change that link Daimo - Girlies???? :D

[Daimo]

What about it? The link is fine.

[RichT]

Yeah no objections, but I can access all folders... not sure you intended that.

Looks like you had a real goodun.

[Daimo]

Nahhh they are public galleries. All my private stuff is very much locked away on that site ;)

Was good till I got home, whilst my friends have found some of the best roads ever down to Nice :(

All good, but im not there, im stuck at sh1tty work :(

[RichT]

Know that feeling...

Got a couple of mates leaving for the Ring today...

[Tim in Belgium]

Some great pictures there!

Loving that classic hill climb, I want all those bikes, especially the BMW based sidecar outfit!

[Daimo]

Old Nellis for me :D Sounded immense.

I'll have more, but got to wait for the other two to get home.

Thing is you don't get the piccies when your on the road as your enjoying yourself. So don't get 90% of what you really get up to :(

[pencil shavings]

Just did a test run with paniears and a tank pack + pillion and it was fine. Look out Europe :)

[Ian P]

got to get some panniers for the summer then its france here i come