Autobahn service areas

[bgfs]

I'm due to go on a Bandit 650 SA K9 to Austria for a couple of weeks . Max range 150 miles. It would be really useful to have some way of finding and plotting service areas in France, Germany and Austria on my map before I go so I can plan stops before travelling ( so I don't run out of fuel!). Any ideas of any site that show maps of service areas
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BGFS

[doggone]

You're trying to plan too hard, you will not run out due to being unable to find fuel, even if you go on reserve which would be kind of careless.
Only weekends be a bit careful not to get low late in the day - same as here really, but motorway stations will be open anyway.

[BanditJeff]

[Grazoid]

Stick to this simple rule of thumb - stop every 100 miles or two hours, whichever comes first to fill up. Fill up again before you look for that nights stop.

That way you always have fuel and can get some miles done in the morning before the first stop.

[c-m]

[Grazoid]

Yup C-M it does sound like we do it differently.

To em touring in Europe is special as I don't use motorways unless I have to.

Once you get off them and take time to follow your nose and just enjoy the journey it is so much more fun.

For example the Tours Dijon road that follows the Seine to it's source, will be down that way in a few weeks and will take the 5 minute side trips off it onto roads to see the things you will not have seen as you flashed past. Towns that still have medieval shop fronts, amazing monuments carved out of cliff faces, and some great coffee stops.

It sounds to me the way you tour it would be more beneficial to fly then hire a bike at the destination.

To me that is not touring, screaming as fast as you can to a destination, more like a package holiday than a tour but to some it is their definition. C'est la difference!

Anyhow 10 stops in 1000 miles makes sense, as 10 shorter stops are safer than 3 longer ones.

Ask any experienced long distance rider and the 2 hour ride then stop for a quick 10 minute break rule is a universal way of staying alert, getting some fluids in and having a stretch and a pee. Only the terminally stupid and less experienced DR's ignore it... and look at their attrition rates.

Anyhoo with a tiny tank range like 150 miles I would stop and keep the tank topped up every other petrol station!

[c-m]

For this thread the guy specifically asked about Autobahn service stations.

Usually I try to get East or South as soon as possible. Then enjoy a slower pace on twisty roads and through small villages once in my preferred region.

Its difficult when you only have two weeks off work and your preferred areas are 1000miles away.

I like the idea though of filling up before you get to your accommodation, so you are good to go the next day (or whenever you leave).

Always nice to encounter differing styles.

Good stuff.

[Grazoid]

[c-m]

I agree with that.

Hydration is usually key on long rides during the summer.

Thought about a camel pack as its always better to drink in small amounts, but i've never tested the concept of drinking while riding (as in on the bike, not stopped).

I think you sometimes have to do a mixture of both. I've traveled from Ancona to Turino on back roads and Monaco to Ancona on the Autostrada. Both served a purpose.

You cant beat Croatia for getting off the motorway though. You either have the breath taking coastline or the tight twisty mountain roads inland.

Enjoy your trip bgfs - Austria has some great roads. Especially towards Salzburg. I'm actually riding Grossglockner in a few weeks.

[Grazoid]

One really good tip is if you have a hydration pack in the summer keep it on top of a tank bag and get a 90 degree bite valve.

That way it stays in some of the air flow and stays cooler, and the 90 degree valve , as long s you have left it easy to access,means you can take a qiuick drink without taking your lid off. Done this at busy junctions hard shoulders, traffic lights etc... really helps. Touratech actually do an add on for their tank bags now, which is a hydration pack you can attach under the map pouch.

As regards hydration when on the move, same rule as for hiking and any other exertions... if you really feel thirsty you are already dehydrated... it's when you feel peckish shortly after eating is when you need water!

Keep yourself filled with water every time you fill the bike , limit the coffee,redbull and sugary drinks and watch your pee. It should be straw coloured or clear if you are okay.When it turns dark yellow drink as much water as you can as soon as possible. You are heavily dehydrated and stand a good chance of falling asleep or losing concentration... both deadly on a bike.

[Phoenix]

[Grazoid]

Like I say , it's all a matter of choice.

I will be spending two weeks around Europe in July , as I am off to take part in the Stella Alpina meeting ... so that will be around 2000- 3000 miles of riding door to door depending on the weather as I may decide to take in the LGKS and a few other high trails as I will have around 10 days in the Alps. Based on the past thirty odd years of riding in Europe and many trips to the Alps,Pyreness,Vosge,Ardeche,Eifel,Rhine,Mosel,Blackforest,and bike rallies all over Holland and Belgium I doubt if more than 400 miles in total will be spent on Motorways.

It is possible to clear Northern France in a morning and be on to outstanding D roads all the way to the Alps for the next two days... I only use motorways and peages if pushed between 11- 2 o'clock as the French lorries are all pulled over for lunch and the local roads are full of wine fuell'ed Frenchmen coming back from their lunch, and les flics on the lookout for speeding and drunk drivers.

The 100 miles stop usually equated to non-motorway as for years I have logged time taken over distance... and guess what it averages at 50mph ... even over passes

Two hours as well is logically the time taken for your body to process the last drink... it can chafe somewhat if you try to keep going longer

[bgfs]

Thanks for the advice. Just need the AA european breakdown cover people to pull there finger out and get my documentation to me and I'll be fine. They can't even manage to email it!
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BGFS

[Marmalade]

[c-m]