1st time in europe

[bristolsaint]

Thanks again to all who have taken the time to reply.

There are a few common denominators appearing, primarily, just do it!
I like the 4 pm rule. The vague plan, if something so vague can be called a plan, is to find a base for 2-3 days, explore, then move on. This has worked on GB trips.
It seems that wherever we go there will be good bits and as all will be new to us I am sure we will not be disappointed.
Satnavs are a non-starter. I try to avoid technology and I already have a sat-nag. (I hope she doesn't read this)

Keep the tips comong and I will post later if the plan develops (it will) and again after we return.

BTW, I spell checked this post and it advised "Satan's" to replace satnavs. Point proven

[Mark H]

Satnav is your friend. When touring Europe, you can get hopelessly lost - which is how all the best bits are found. Then you can easily get on your way again. They're also spectacularly good at giving you an idea of how far you are in terms of both distance and more importantly time from your destination.

They're staggeringly simple to use. To get the best out of them, you DO need to know where you are and where you are going. They DO NOT replace a map. However used in conjunction with a map and common sense, they add to a touring journey greatly.

My advise would be - try one, you may even like it....

Touring Europe? Yes, just go for it. Take the worries away by making sure you have a decent set of tyres and the bike serviced, Europen break down cover is good to have and gives confidence and if possible, travel insurance. Get your E111 card sorted out - it's free so why not? Travel insurance doesn't hurt - an annual policy is worth having if you're going to travel more than once a year. Be aware of the legal issues in each country (the RAC website gives a simple breakdown) That said, in thousands of miles of European travel, I've NEVER had a problem.

People are really friendly and can rarely do enough to help and there are some great places to see. 

[The Prodded Dog]

That said, in thousands of miles of European travel, I've NEVER had a problem.

Now New Zealand,, that can really fuck you up!!!

TPD

[Bodysurfer]

Satnav is your friend. When touring Europe, you can get hopelessly lost

All very good advice from Mark, but the above is the best bit. I've only been a satnav user in the past 18 months. For me they will never replace maps and signs. I don't have mine plumbed in to my helmet I don't like voice prompts. The first big plus is that if you pass a good looking road that you didn't plan for, there's no problem taking it for an hour or two and sod the plan. Just enjoy the ride. When you are lost the satnav will get you out of the shit and at least point you in the right direction. The second big plus is the 4pm rule as mentioned. So you get to a big city but spend the next two and a half hours finding the hotel.....no fun, it's worth it's weight in gold.   Even a cheap secondhand ebay special will do these things. 

[jp]

I too no longer have the audio on, after all on a bike you can be on your own, even with a pillion! I travel often the 9 miles between Truro and Falmouth and try to take a different route each time. Satnav's great for this, it allows you to find out of the way places even in your own back yard, and the grass is very lush on some of those roads. satnavs ability to find a petrol station or a hotel is also very useful in the boonies.

[Mark H]

Best bit regarding a sat nav for me is the "get me to my ferry on time feature". So, on the way to Ireland, I set the ferry terminal in Hollyhead as the destination - but I've got all day and don't want to go the boring way, I want to go via mid Wales and Snowdonia. I head West and get more and more into the back of beyond and all the time, the Sat nav is telling me where I am and vitally, how long it'll take me to get to the ferry. As you pass roads heading north, it recalculates and you can then decide if you want to ride on or loop back and run for it. Great.

[Mark H]

Now New Zealand,, that can really f*** you up!!!

TPD

Thanks... there are also a few bits of scenery in the UK that have done similar things. We're heading back down south soon - and you'll all no doubt be amused to hear that this time I will be on a Goldwing...

[Barber]

.... We're heading back down south soon - and you'll all no doubt be amused to hear that this time I will be on a Goldwing...

yes, but probably not as amused as the mondeo  :rofl

[Mark H]

yes, but probably not as amused as the mondeo  :rofl

Hey, at least we never fell off it...

;-)

[Barber]

Hey, at least we never fell off it...
;-)

Indeed I wonder how McV is ....... nor did you get tugged by  :police: in possession of a set of horns near the rest and be thankful <dance> that however is another story  <yikes>

[The Prodded Dog]

Thanks... there are also a few bits of scenery in the UK that have done similar things. We're heading back down south soon - and you'll all no doubt be amused to hear that this time I will be on a Goldwing...

Please, Please, Please post a photo, I will treasure it forever.

Is Liz going to be selling Ice cream out the back of it??

He of long memory


TPD

[Harv]

this time I will be on a Goldwing...

Is this the same MarkH that took the pi$$ out of my Wing....complaining that it was overtaken by the local Clio in Honfleur.....

[Mark H]

Is this the same MarkH that took the pi$$ out of my Wing....complaining that it was overtaken by the local Clio in Honfleur.....

The same indeed. It wasn't however a Clio. I could have lived with that. It was a Micra!

You see I've learnt my lesson - I'll be touring with anouther couple on another Goldwing; I've learnt that Goldwings and KTM950's do not play well together.

[LazyRider]

You see I've learnt my lesson - I'll be touring with anouther couple on another Goldwing;

Very middle aged.   Has Liz got her twin set and pearls and WI membership?  If you need any tips re pipe racks, let me know

[Mark H]

Have no fear in order to make myself young again, I plan to ride a dirt bike across the Carpathian mountains later in the year..

;-)