Faro, Portugal

[christhedivvy]

I'm thinking of joining a group (who I know) on a trip next year to faro. I've never ridden overseas yet so I think it'd be the perfect opportunity to gain the experience. Has anyone any tips?

Am worried about long distance after I shattered me elbow 3 years ago :-\

[Tigger]

Stay on the right!

[tomcat]

Find out how many miles each leg/day of the journey entails. Providing these fall within your comfort parameter there shouldn't be a problem.
The problem with riding to a much warmer climate is the gear you need to carry. You'll need to carry a full waterproof over clothing kit to cope with the weather the Uk is likely to throw at you en route to and from the ferry port and to cope with odd rain showers whilst over there. You will also need some protective light riding gear to combat the heat whilst your over there. I used a perforated leather jacket and kevlar jeans whilst in the heat and a one piece over suit and waterproof over mits to cope with this side of the pond. A flip front helmet is very useful as you can keep it lifted at town/city speeds and keep cooler.
I too, was a little concerned prior to departure about riding on the other side of the road and counter rotating on roundabouts. Within minutes though, it felt perfectly normal.
Mainland europe seems to have a better attitude towards bikers from motorists than here. often they move over to allow your progress rather than try and be awkward as is sometimes the case here.
We're talking faro, Portugal? I'm told Portugese motorcyclists ride in a similar manner to Italians. Speed limits, broken white, solid white and double white lines are regarded as road decoration and disregarded by the local motorcyclists. You may at times get swept along with a group of locals "making progress." Remember to switch back to normal mode when returning to the Uk or you won't survive the journey home!
This year was my first foray by bike into mainland europe. I can't wait to return again next year though. You'll love it.