North London to Milan in one day...

[AngelGrinder]

Been working out here a few weeks, and works told me they will fly me home next week for a few days to have a break, then fly back out here.

Problem is, where I've been staying, due to the expo and other exhibitions, it's impossible to get a hotel in Milan at the moment, so I'm staying 40km away in a distinctly boring town. Currently it's taking me about 1hr30 to 2hrs each way to get into and out of work, could probabaly do it in 40mins on the bike.

I've checked the euro tunnel, and can do it for £100 and it's bout 830 miles, at 50mpg on the FZ6 works out about £100 on petrol. Journey time about 13hours. Looking at the 6/7am channel crossing. Obviously will be longer ride due to multiple petrol stops and eating. Was thinking of saying give me £250 and I'll make my own way there.

I'll have to see what prices the boss comes up with for flights, if they're mega cheap next week then he probably won't be interested.

Anyone done the journey? Which would you chose?
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Currently Riding - 2002 Aprilia RSV1000 Mille

[gorillaonabik...]

Gel and padded underwear and learn to stretch.

For me, the big issue is fatigue. I regularly pop down to Geneva etc... and while I kinda like it, I often need to take a little snooze. Although the boat is slower, it gives me time for half an hour of zzz which is invaluable.

Am gutted some idiot knocked my bike over (London bike parking) as instead of going down to Geneva for the bank holiday weekend, I'm stuck in London repairing it. Still, could be worse....
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FZR400 (blown engine), ZXR750 (blown engine), ZX6R (accident), CBR600 which had engine issues after which I learned to change gear..., CBR900, CBR924 (stolen), CB600, CB1300 (everything blew up), BMW K1300GT (written off, hit from rear while stationary), Bandit 1250 for a couple of months, Triumph Sprint ST 1050 (nicked) and somewhere in there, I wrote off a Ducati 748 at Cadwell.

[rawdred]

If you travel to quickly between toll gates you will pick up a fine in France.
Brussels on the other hand.. no tolls and cheaper petrol.
See if you can get more than £250 as bike maintenance is also a factor, oil, tread and mileage all add up against you in the long term.

Good luck

[c_dug]

What does the rest of this thread say? I can't quite make it out.
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I am a bellend, I am a man of constant sorrow, I am a gummy bear, I am a rock.

[ScaredyCat]

I used to drive from Suffolk to Holland every two weeks, after work. Journey time was about 6 hours without traffic (always traffic :/ ) - 652 km each way. No stops. Your journey is much longer.

Even in a car, with perfect temperature control, the radio heated seats etc.. at the end of the journey I was b0rked. You'll need a day or so to get yourself back together again after a journey like that. For me going home was easier because it'd be a Friday so I had the weekend. The trip back was harder, I'd get into the office at about 4am and sleep at my desk til 8am.. Occasionally I'd hear chuckles from the other side of the room during the day - I'd fall asleep mid-sent...
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Honda CBF125 ➝ NC700X
Honda CBF125 ↳ Speed Triple

[Peirre oBollox]

[rawdred]

[Peirre oBollox]

I was told not to speed between tolls the 1st time I rode the autoroutes and believed they could time me from point to point.
But as more and more tollbooths are automated, your more likely to be pulled for speeding by the gendarmes who hide in lay-bys along the road
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I accept no responsibility for swearing, drinking, motorcycle riding or your pregnant teenage daughter.