The
UK is overcrowded, over policed, wet and full of traffic jams.
Pack your credit card, your lippy and a couple of pairs of knickers
into a backpack and get across the Channel for some blissful
riding.
How
to get there The Chunnel:
This is by far the quickest and most convenient method of travel.
You also get to stay with your bike so there's no unpacking involved
and you don't end up worrying if it's come to harm. The big disadvantage
is the cost, but if you can book
ahead then there are deals to be had: I just tried a quote
for July booking 2 months in advance and it was under £100
- pretty good I think. The journey takes ½hr and although
you only need to check in ½hr before, it can get very busy
on the UK side so may be best to leave yourself more time. The
Channel Tunnel runs from Folkestone to Calais. A
Ferry: The tried and tested method of getting across the
drink. Advantages are the many routes and cheap deals. You can
get a bunk on a ferry to Bilbao and be in the wonderful biking
roads of the Pyrenees the next day, fully rested (unless you hit
the bar of course...). Disadvantages: in bad weather your crossing
may be cancelled; on rough seas you might be sick. Caution:
your bike will be tied down and left in the hold - some ferry
staff are not very good at strapping bikes down. Use your gloves
to protect your paintwork from scratches from the straps. By Plane: Well you can fly somewhere
and hire a bike, or get your bike shipped out and meet it out
there (useful for European track days). European flights can be
so cheap it's a shame we can't sneak bikes into the hold. Caution:
Airport security are very funny about taking helmets on as hand
luggage. It can be done but it's better not to risk it and pack
it in your hold luggage amongst plenty of soft clothes and towels.
Riding
on the right
Try to remember to do this!!! You may find that it starts to feel
more natural than being on the left after a week or so. The most
awkard moments are coming off the chunnel/ferry (though generally
there will be enough traffic around to give you a big clue) and
turning out a a T Junction on a quiet road. If you're really worried
about it then try putting a big sticker on your clocks as a reminder.
Fuelling
up
Fuel is much cheaper on the continent so don't fill up before
you cross (this keeps the weight and flamability down for the
crossing too). On quiter routes you will often find that the attendant
will fill up your tank (unless you beg to do it yourself). "A
plein" = "fill her up" in French. Always make sure
you have some Euros with you as not all petrol stations take cards
and they can be few and far between on quieter stretches.
What
to pack Waterproofs:
OK, it's likely to be warmer than the UK the further south you
head, but you'd be foolish not to pack your waterproofs. E111 form and medical insurance:
Get the E111 from the Post Office and get them to validate it. Green
card: Check with your insurer whether European cover is
included. It probably is if you're fully comp, but if you're 3rd
party you probably have to pay extra for a green card. Breakdown
cover: You really should cover yourself unless you're happy
to take the risk of being stuck out in the middle of nowhere with
not enough language skills to get help and not get ripped off. Phrase book: Make a few bike related
notes on the inside cover, e.g. where can I buy a bike tyre? Where
is the nearest bike garage? . Map(s):
Take maps and stick some basic directions to your tank (don't
refer to them whilst riding!). Tool kit: You should have some
basic tools with you in case you get into mechanical trouble -
the standard tool kit should be fine, but make a pack up if you
haven't got one. Add a small tyre pressure gauge, a small roll
of tape and a few cable ties.
Speeding
It's not big and it's not clever, but the roads are wide, straight
and empty so it's bound to happen on the odd occasion. Bear in
mind that if you get caught over the speed limit you are likely
to get an on the spot fine. If you are in a group it may be a
good idea to pool any fines you attract to make it a little more
fair (unless you have a nutter in your midst of course).
The
attitude
Europeans are generally far more accepting of the motorcycling
fraternity than stressed non-biking Brits. You will be welcomed
with open arms and great interest far more often than you expect.
The Eurpoean biker to biker salute is the holding out of the left
arm - it's really easy to do because it's your clutch hand, and
almost everyone will do it. Sometimes the left foot is waved if
the clutch hand is busy. Get with the locals and get waving!
Wearing
a helmet
It is illegal to ride without a helmet anywhere in Europe, and
it's also pretty stupid.
Autoroutes
/ Autobahns etc
The Motorways of Europe are generally much less traffic laden
than the UK unless you are close to a city in the rush hour. Speed
restrictions do apply, although on the German Autonbahn these
are not mandatory.
In France your speed on an Autoroute may be measured between collecting
a ticket and paying for that ticket - so don't speed if you have
a ticket in your pocket (or plan a fuel/loo stop to counter your
speed).
Loos
European toilets do not have the best reputation in the world.
If you haven't visited Europe before then prepare yourself. Comparable
to the portaloos at a Donington race meeting, and often worse!
You will very often be faced with 2 foot plates and a hole in
the floor. That's really hard to negotaite in leathers, especially
a one-piece suit. This is one of the few disadvantages
of being a woman. Get some upper thigh work in at the gym before
your trip - it may help a little!
If you find a nice, clean loo then tell all your friends about
it - everyone will want to visit after days of nasty, smelly holes
in the floor.
