- Travel light. Forget camping gear, use hotels or B&Bs - you'll
be a lot more comfortable and you won't upset the handling of your
bike so much with less luggage. Remember, there is no such thing as
100% waterproof bike luggage - put your clothes in strong plastic
bags inside the luggage to make sure they stay dry. Make sure your
waterproofs are easily accessible and if you have leather boots
that leak in the rain, take a pair of overboots as well. I
personally find tank bags a pain - they get in the way of your
arms when hanging off the bike - so I put mine on the seat behind
me.
- If you go in peak season, book your hotel or apartment in
advance. Off peak, for example, in April, it is not really
necessary - you'll be able to find somewhere with space.
- Choose a hotel or apartment with secure bike parking. If not,
make sure they at least have a parking area away from the road so
your bike is out of sight. Chain it to something solid or to a
mate's bike and use disk locks. Remember - bike theft is a
national pastime in a lot of countries in Europe.
- If it's wet, stick to the motorways to clock up the miles -
you'll have plenty of time for scratching once you've reached your
destination - it's more fun without luggage anyway.
- Your chain will get very hot with all the mileage and the
warmer weather in the south and you'll get through a lot of chain
lube. Fit a ScottOiler instead, preferably with the touring
reservoir. A standard ScottOiler will last two to three tankfulls
of petrol between top ups and the touring reservoir should last
the whole trip (don't forget to fill it up before you go!).
- Swap spare keys for your bike and your locks with a mate. That
way if anyone loses their keys or has them nicked, they won't be
stranded.
- When filling with petrol, save time by filling two or three
bikes from the same pump and take turns paying.
- If you're planning some serious rides out once you're there,
use the first day to rest. It's also a good idea to have a rest
day the day before you set off home.
- Beware of local bikers hanging around near good stretches of
road looking for a race. By all means, have a go, but remember that
they will have been practicing that particular stretch, and it's
probably the first time you've ridden it so they have a distinct
advantage. Don't be tempted to go faster than you feel comfortable,
especially if you're carrying luggage. If you fall off, it'll ruin
your holiday.
And finally ...
- Ride fast, drink loads (not at the same
time) and have fun.
Trip Index
Things To Take
Fantastic Roads