Long Journey

[samfan]

I will be leaving on the 28 August for a 4 week solo camping trip to south east europe. I planned this as a sort of retirement present at 68. I envisage doing about 200 miles a day and making my way to the Italian lakes and then into Croatia and maybe Albania. This is my first trip to the continent ,and appart from the issue of trying to control my nerves, I am realy looking forword to it .
I would like to hear from others that have done long trips for any helpful advice that you can give no matter how trivial you think it is.
Thanks in advance for any replies

[Deleted]

Sounds like a fantastic trip.

200 miles is a sensible target if you're staying off the motorways. A long way over some of the passes and twisty roads you'll encounter heading through Europe, but should still be comfortable.

Just as a warning by the time you're returning, end of September, you might find it a bit chilly at altitude.

AA or similar, Basic tool kit, carry documents, check Tyres and service bike before leaving ( I had to wait two days to get Tyres delivered in Germany.) Don't carry too much Luggage, you probably only need half of what you think you do. Just the usual advice.

Leave plenty of time on the return to make your Ferry/train.

Hope you enjoy it.

[CD]

Talk to Paddy Tyson of MAG. He's done places like Moscow on an MZ 250!!

Watch out for the weather, some Alpine passes will be closed by snow in September.

[Mike D9]

Sounds like a great trip. Have a great time and keep us all posted on your progress. I am planning on doing a trip to Italy next year on my trusty Divvi - cant wait!

[wightryder1]

The nerves will last until you set off and for the first day or two.. Once you get underway properly all the planning will start to pay off and you begin to really enjoy the trip.

My advice for the camping part is go light. Sleeping bag, tent, cooker etc. I took an old thin foam mat but next time would go for one of those new self inflating ones for a better nights sleep.

Tool kit was just enough to do basic jobs (anyhting more serious would be a garage job anyway), wheel removal and drivers to fit all the bolts I would need to take off. I took a very small 12v compressor and tubless repair kit in case of punctures. Gaffa tape, cable ties, fuses.

Bike clothing was a hard choice. Leather or textiles? I took leathers with a thin waterproof for when it rained hard. They do get hot in summer when you stop or are stuck in traffic but personally I like the protection they afford.

Personal clothing - you really don't need that much, a few t-shirts thin trousers etc you can wash clothes at campsites. Something smart to wear is a good idea for the the occasional night out.

GPS I found invaluable, especially in big cities. I would do a big trip without one now. Great for finding campites late in the day. Although a small notebook type road altas was great for planning. Have a destination and objectives each day, don't push it too hard to often and take the odd day off to relax when you find a place you really like.

Take your time on the first few days driving on the right. Even after a few weeks I need to concentrate hard sometimes and on one or two occasions found myself on the wrong side of the road. Try to do all of your miles during daylight hours and arrive at campsites before it's dark..

Insurance - Check your policy and let you insurer know you are going overseas. I used Carole Nash and my policy came with Euro recovery and breakdown.

Get the bike fully serviced and be completely happy with everything, if something is not quite right it will bug you for the whole trip.

Tape a spare key to the ignition and panniers somewhere discrete in case you lose your main set.

Well I could go on but those I some points I think are worth noting. Hope you have a good trip, let us know how you get on!

[CD]

Dont forget the health insurance and NHS Euro card.

In some countries (Italy for one) tyres can be very costly so fit a new set before leaving. The old part-worns can go back on when you get home.

[ContourMac]

Check your travel insurance because a lot do not cover riding bikes over 125cc.

Check the specific laws for each country before setting off i.e. you cannot use the motorways in Switzerland or Austria without a vignette or you need hi-viz, breathaliser, accident report form & spare bulbs in France.

It's a good idea to have a credit or debit card hidden somewhere so if you loose your wallet you have an alternate source of funds.

Keep to the speed limits. On the spot fines are expensive

Have copies of all your documents in a safe place.

Take lots of photos and post a good writeup

[Deleted]

200 miles a day for a few days will be tiring especially on mountain roads. A day off in a nice town will recharge the batteries.
I think nearly everything else has been covered, but you do need your original documents in some countries.
Nerves? Absolutely natural.
We set off on one of trips and I was as nervous as a kitten. On the way to the ferry a good overtaking spot came up and 3 big trucks were dispatched, nerves gone, replaced by huge grin. Message from pillion via intercom showed she enjoyed it too!
You're going to have a great adventure and you've earned it.
I look forward to the report.

[DahDit]

Try to learn from the Ewan & Charlie's "Moan Way Down" - don't get hung up on schedules - as they can ruin a tour.

Also, consider getting the distance covered early in the day to leave the rest of the day free at your destination.

Of course there are days where the journey IS the main event.......

Have a cracking time

PS. As well as the EHIC, have you got something like a CaxtonFX Euro pre-paid card? You top them up from your UK bank account via the web or an SMS message, the currency on the card is in Euros and withdrawals from cash machines cost you no charge.

[Deleted]

Aug 19, 2012 9:58:59 GMT DahDit said:

Also, consider getting the distance covered early in the day to leave the rest of the day free at your destination.

+1

Soak in the shower or tub, wee kip, off for beer, what could be better.

Mind you pillions can divert you

[Jona]

Consider talking to you local Yamaha dealer & tell them what you are doing & ask them if they will send out parts to you if you need them. I had a breakdown in Germany & Flitwick Motorcycles located a part in Bristol then got them to "over night" it (£95.00 postage) I got it next morning & came home on the bike.
Take a small lap top or note pad then if you find a wi fi hot spot you can keep us informed & get advice if you need it also there are other topics that are none bike related you can read to stop you being lonley when you are away & Remember we are the 1st Divvy emergency service! I do have a few spares so you can email me if you do breakdown & if I have it we may be able to help.
I plan to do the same in a few years God willing so I will be interested in your trip.
take a list of biker B&B they have a lot of local knowledge even if you are noy staying with them. I find most are more than willing to assist & often will help fix the bike as well (there payback is you tell your mates how good they are etc.)

[silverdave]

This may seem trivial but when I was "on the road" I always took a small medical kit, a packet of indegestion tablets, Anadins, and dont laugh a toilet roll (ask any ex lorry driver) not forgetting a tin opener. Enjoy your adventure you deserve it.

[CD]

Get some spare memory cards for the camera so you dont have to worry about downloading files, and spare batteries with a car charger.

[samfan]

Many thanks for all of the very helpfull advice and offer of help.Its all very much appreciated. Will do a few words and some photos on my return. Thanks again.

[sledgegreen]

When planning your route, plan an occasional day where your planned route is a big loop so that start and finish are relatively close together (less than say 50 miles). If you feel the need for a rest day, take the direct route to your next planned stop. It allows you to have an easy day without the hassle of finding and booking a new hotel/campsite etc.