I've been thinking..... next year

[Adrian]

I really fancy finally taking my bike over the water next year.
I've never ridden in Europe before
I'm thinking, ferry from Plymouth to Santander. Then ride home through a bit of Spain then France.
Maybe 6 days 'ish

What ya reckon guys
Any advice gratefully accepted (thumbs)

Ade

[Heff]

Just do it (thumbs)

In the planning stages of a wee outing to the Pyrenees next year myself with a few other ABRs from Northern Ireland (thumbs)

Cant wait :woohoo:

[sprintster]

Yeah,just go for it,I'm sure you'll have a great time! I've only ridden abroad once before myself,eight years ago but I'm going back again next year as this is the first time I've had enough money to go back since.I never really found it a problem riding on the opposite side of the road apart from looking the wrong way at roundabouts a couple of times,but no harm done! (thumbs)

[Spike941]

I always like the idea of the long ferry crossing at the end of the trip. Consider the Dover-Calais outbound route and head south. 6 days is long enough so as not to need the motorways, perhaps via the western side of the Massive Central, then onto Andorra followed by an east to west traverse of the Pyrenees bringing you nicely on to Santander. Should be good weather anytime between early June and late September for that sort of trip. Go for it, and enjoy.

[Stray Dog]

What ya reckon guys

Ade

Go for it you'll love it.
I regularly ride in France......Mind you I live there/here... :silly:

[africajim]

Hi Ade, Fiona and myself are planning a similar route next summer, not sure about just getting a return from Santander though.
Depends on your timescales etc, we've nothing set in stone, you're always welcome to join us mate.

[Adrian]

Ah, top man, cheers Jim.
I've not planned anything yet old pal. No dates or anything so I'll keep my options open. I'm hoping to drag my old mucker Ian along (he doesn't know it yet!)

Ade

[Willandkate]

Why wouldn't you?

[Adrian]

I have to say that these things are a big deal to me.
I have my fantastic wife, two boys and very little time off from work for myself.
So the chance to have a trip like this is great and I'm grateful for the opportunity.
I'm sure one day when the boys have flow the nest we'll have more chances for adventure but for now I have to be happy with the occasional trip that fits in with a busy family/work life

Ade

[92kk k100lt 193214]

There are some great routes up through France.

No problems riding there, just remember to ride on the right!

The only thing is to watch your petrol situation and buy it when you see it, not when you think you need it. If you have gone 80 miles and see one, refuel. They are far apart and on motorways the non motorway service areas are not signposted even if they are near the motorway. Only the motorway fuel stops are signposted. Off motorway its a bit easier but same rules apply. Sundays can be difficult as many are closed. Most now have card operated pumps but we found the card recognition/rejection rate poor despite lots of funds on them. If you are travelling with someone refuel together, nothing worse than refuelling and then 40 miles later your travel mate wants to stop for juice.

As long as you don't try to do too many miles in a day then you will be fine. Take some time to enjoy the places you go to.

There are other posts here with lots of advice about what to do to the bike, camping, hotels or whatever. If you are moving every day there are very cheap hotels like B&B, Formule1 and so on, some at under €30 for a room. In May we found some lovely camp sites €6.50 a night. With good camp gear we could set up and decamp quickly but that's not for everyone. We ate by day with the 'Menu du Jour' for about €12-13 for a 3 course lunch. While having longer would be nice 6 days is quite workable. We had 7 for our trip.

Panniers are great, keep everything nicely tucked away. You don't need to go into a panic about what to do to the bike, realistically you wont be doing mega miles in the time you are there but good as in new scrubbed in tyres are great for confidence on the road. Fast motorway riding in hot weather eats tyres up very quick so don't be tempted to go on a half worn rear tyre. I use my K a lot, front tyre gave me 11 months, rear I reckon about 9.

Take the opportunity and enjoy it.