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Moved this to a new thread to try and garner interest :)

As the winter milieu sets in I find myself sitting at the computer dreaming more and more of the perfect road. It's spurred me into looking to Europe for a 7-9 day exploration of some of the finest roads Western Europe has to offer.

Thoughts so far involve heading off in the spring, probably during the month of May and heading to a region of W. Europe. I'd prefer to travel light and head for a really nice region where I can make a base and explore for 5 days or so before heading home.

Bavaria and Austria look wonderful as do sections of the Southern French Alps, I love Spain for many reasons and it would be grand to do some biking there. The Swiss Alpine passes look fabulous. In fact I'm spoilt for choice and thats were you guys come in. ;)

I've not done much in the way of touring and find myself in need of advice from the community. General touring advice would be great but I'd really love to know of the regions you have explored by bike and the amazing tarmac (or not) that you have found there.

I don't have any luggage gear either, so it would be really helpful to get suggestions on SV650 luggage set-ups and equipment. :)

Oxford Sports Lifetime panniers, tail pack and tank bag have served me well for several years and a number of European and British jaunts. Work well on the SV.

Try looking at the Massif Centrale region of France. Hugely under explored and a great riding area from the Maritime North to the Mediterranean South. Loads of fantastic roads especially around the area of, and including, the Gorge du Tarn.

Gary, many thanks for the response, I checked out the Oxford stuff online and it looks great. I've got time on my side so let the ebay hunt commence.

I also need to make a list of 'must have' maintenance and emergency kit to take with me. Advice on that very welcome also :)

If you ever fancy a longer trip further afield then the people who I do my Thailand trips with are fantastic. The Mae Hong Son loop is known as one of the best bikes rides you can do.

Me and my mates go ever other year to Europe and in the past have always camped and travelled to new place every day. We usually cover about 3000 miles in week it's great fun but my advice would be find a central location to an area you want be in and do day trips from there.

Next year we are going to the aoasta valley in Italy in an apartment. It costs about £300 for the week and you can travel into switzland, Italy and franchise alps with easy, the bonus of this you don't have to pack up your camping gear every night and you will save money on panniers and tank bags as you will only need a tail pack.

Anybody got any recommendations for a decent place to stay the night not too far from Calais, Fr.? I keep thinking about heading towards the Black Forest, Germany and since I live in NW England I reckon the run over to Calais on day 1 will be enough riding for one day.

I've used the Youth Hostel at Dunkerque before. Can be a little noisy if there's a school party in but it's cheap, clean, and they have lockable underground storage for your bike.

Quote:

Originally Posted by garynortheast (Post 2923637)

I've used the Youth Hostel at Dunkerque before. Can be a little noisy if there's a school party in but it's cheap, clean, and they have lockable underground storage for your bike.

Gary, cheers for that :D I wonder whether you or anybody else can suggest a basic tool and spares kit for a 3500 mile ride to Europe and back?

Btw, got an Oxford Lifetime Sports tail pack and panniers today, brand new for £58 off ebay. Okay, they're in red and I would've preferred blue to match the bike but £58 seemed too good to walk away from. Anyway, the contrasting colours might look alright, haven't tried them on yet. Just need a tank bag now and that should complete the luggage set.

Oh, and my very cool brother just bought me a powerbronze double bubble dark tint screen for crimbo :cool:

Living in Essex we don't normally stop near Calais.

I can heartily recommend Mike's place, Rivervalley guesthouse, as a stepping stone on the way down. Basic but the great price reflects it and Mike is mad on bikes so you will be well looked after. Secure bike parking etc. http://www.river-valley-guest-house.co.uk/ I always make sure to nip through Luxembourg on the way there to make the ride interesting - as the ride is the Holiday!

I can recommend the A99 road in Austria - simply stunning and lasts for ages! Start at the southern end (Lieserhofen?).

Chris

Chris, that's great, many thanks for the info. Just taken a look at Mike's place, looks great.