First time touring - Europe - Easter

[Cyclingbiker]

Yes I have my first tour coming up very soon. At my workplace, which is a car factory, we have limited periods of factory shutdown where we can take a holiday. There are normally 3 days we get off at Easter weekend (Thursday, Friday and Monday)and 3 weeks in the summer; so since my summer one is allocated to mt LEJoG cycle ride I decided to use 3 floating holidays to get a full week off at Easter and go away on the bike onto the continent.

I've never been abroad before, not even on a summer holiday, so it will be a brand new experience for me. I do have a valid passport but I have never needed to use it until now. I have been reading a few of the rules and regulations about riding in europe and have sorted the following:

*Channel tunnel outward and return journey has been booked
*Insurance has 90 day cover included
*I have European breakdown cover
*EHIC on it's way (need travel insurance though?)
*Reflective helmet stickers on their way for complying with French regs

I still need to collect a pair of breathalysers, again to comply with stupid regulations, a full set of spare bulbs for my bike and also I need to carry out a thorough check of the bike. I know the oil is good as that and the filter were changed the other week, the tyres have plenty of tread in them and the C+S are still in good order although I do require a new set of front pads. Currently I am i'm in the middle of a change of headset bearings which I will have done by Friday tea time.

I still have to make a few basic decisions about what sort of accommodation that I will staying in, such as whether or not to stick with camping or to book cheap hotels and/or hostels along the route. I am unfamiliar with Europe and what is one offer in the areas that I will be visiting. Below I have attached a Google Maps route of my basic itinerary, obviously it will change somewhat in its exact route as I discover some decent destinations along the way and some must-ride roads. I have ordered a Michelin tourist road atlas which highlights certain scenic routes which I may make detours for, this will definitely occur once I get the Alps and have the chance to ride on some of the awesome passes they have in the area

https://tinyurl.com/p3rycox

The route has come out at approximately 2000 miles in total (including the none-riding channel tunnel bit) and that will be covered over 7 days. I aim to reach Germany and get France and Belgium over with in the first day so that I spend as much time as possible on this short trip near to the Black Forest and the Alps. I have a few concerns that doing 3-400 miles a day might be too much and be too wearing on myself, but I plan to carry out a mock tour day beforehand with all my luggage (top box and soft panniers) loaded up and do a 300 mile mix of Motorway, minor mountain roads and A/B roads to see how I cope over long distance. So far the most I have ever covered in a day is 250 miles so not too much out of the realms of possibility, that was really more of a gentle bible in the welsh hills on my 125 any way.

If there is anything I have missed or if you have any suggestions for destination, accommodation or how to best tackle this ride let me know. I am getting excited and am eager to go off exploring, even if it is only for a week
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Honda CB500s (1999) - Honda CG 125 BR-J (1991)

Mod 1 - Passed - 12/11/12 --- Mod 2 - Passed - 26/11/12

[Marmalade]

400 miles per day is a lot if you want time to nosy around as well.
Doing the odd 250 miles is ok but unless you are used to doing these sort of mileages you will get very tired.
Either do a shorter trip or take longer doing it.
Missing the ring and heading straight down to lux and stuttgart will save loads of time, it's a crappy lot of roads from brussels to nurburgring and stuttgart and they take a lot of time to cover for little benefit once you get there.

Unless you specifically want to go somewhere in Belgium, I would go via Lille, avoiding the motorways and south of Brussels, the traffic can be horrendous if you catch it at the wrong time of day.

You don't need a bulb kit, you just need to have all main lights working at all times. If concerned, put in a headlight and tail light bulb.
The fine for no breathalisers is zero euros.

Personally, I would say ditch the camping gear and find cheap accommodation. Booking.com has an app if you have a phone that you can install it on, just find somewhere near where you are each day.
Even in swiss where it is meant to be expensive I got a decent room for less than £30.

Benefits include, less stuff on the bike, more room for things you want to take, without having a bike loaded with stuff, you can park it up without getting all your stuff pinched, camping can cost £20 a night and for a fiver more you can often find a room where you will get a good sleep and be able to have a shower before breakfast.
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Nobby the Bastard: How yo tell the difference between the actual japanese and her just screaming because she's had live fish stuck up her arse? [url=https://www.nicks-shop.co.uk/bcf-goodies-15-c.aspGet BCF stickers and things here[/url] Reflective helmet stickers - Legal requirement in france - Clicky

[Lyam]

Change your roads/route your missing out on some amazing roads like the b500 and the passes in Switzerland, if it was me I'd just head straight to Geneva and do the route des grande Alps

[motobiker]

[Ali in Austria]

I put a list of Touring Tips here https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=283484&start=25

More specific to your trip:

Don't bother with the Breatherlyser kits, there is no longer a requirement to have them in France.

I now live at 1150m in the Austrian Alps so can speak from day to day experience. Easter is still likely to be chilly nights, camping wouldn't be for me. There is also still a strong possibility of significant snowfall. You can hit good weather just as likely as you can hit bad weather. When the sun is out it can be extremely hot even in April. Once moving on the bike you will feel the real air temp.

Most of the high passes will not open until the end of May including France, Switzerland, and Austria. Last year it was well in to June before many of them did. It isn't just a case of clearing snow, they have to make the mountain sides safe from rockfall and avalanche etc...

Even the likes of The Grossglockner and Nockalmstrasse, historically the first high passes to open, aren't opened until May 1st and even then can be closed again due to snowfall.

Don't be put off though, there are still many fantastic roads at lower altitudes. This year has been unseasonably mild for the north side of The Alps. The wind has been predominantly from the south and snow hasn't got here in the usual great quantities. The southern side including The Dolomites and Sud Tirol has had more than its fair share.

Although we are much further east than your intended trip, I do Tour Guiding in the Tirol and Sud Tirol from time to time for a biker hotel over there and can give you some good routes which will be open (fresh snowfall permitting). PM me your email address if you want some.

I haven't looked closely at your route but if you were intending to do Stelvio it may be possible. The north east side will still be closed but the south west side is open almost all year as it is access for the resort on top. The Umbrail Pass is also often open at this time of year which provides an alternative way down. I have done it in April on a few occasions without issue, even when it was snowing.

The B500 in The Black forest is a nice biking road but is now blighted by many speed restrictions and actively policed, even with unmarked bikes. 100 euro fine appears to be the norm for minor infringements. (It is much cheaper to get caught speeding in Austria 35 - 45,- euro )

Be careful in Switzerland. The National Speed Limit on ordinary roads is 80Kph (50mph). The Swiss Police target all motorists with zeal and fines are out of this world, often well in excess of 1000 euro on the spot, even for relatively minor infringements. An instant ban is also common. They appear to Means Test you so play down your job title if you get caught) A defective tyre was attracting 500 euro fine last year. Police on the continent are often well hidden when doing speed traps and there is no warning. Interestingly an Italian Court has just ruled that roads must be signed to say that there may be a speed trap and the trap itself must be highlighted (bizarre or what???)

Easter is a funny time in The Alps. Although it is a holiday, it is almost out of season for the area even in our area where we are geared up for all year round tourism. Being so late this year and due to poor snowfall, many ski resorts will have already closed. You will find some accommodation will have closed for Urlaub (holiday) and refurbishments although at this time of year you should have no difficulty finding ample cheap B&B accommodation.

Haven't looked closely at your route but the area of France you are passing through isn't the best for biking compared to what else is nearby IMHO. If you are using motorways there will be Tolls. I always preferred going back through Bavaria and Belgium, not picking up the Motorway until Mons and then back to Calais (no Tolls either).

I know the trip is not that far away but if you would like to rethink I am happy to help. Same goes for anyone planning an Alps trip, regardless if we are on their itinerary.

You can find us here www.pensionhausmaria.com but I am not encouraging you to come out our way as it is a bit of a haul for a first trip with just a week and the highlights such as The Grossglockner will be closed. But there are many great roads open to you in the Tirol and Sud Tirol as there are here (Rossfeld, Postalm, Gerlos, The Lakes, Wild Alpen, B168 just to name a few )

Your milage is a consideration though. Once you get in to the Alps, 250 - 300 miles is a long day (on the high passes it is almost unachievable and an average of 30mph is good going)). It is also no fun moving on each day. I advocate a base for a few days once you are in The Alps.

As a foot note, the weather here is currently very spring like with air temps in the mid to high teens and clear blue skies. In the sun it is more like mid to high 20's. However, from Sunday to Thursday we are forecast significant snowfall, rain lower down. There have been plenty of bikes out and about, many obviously touring, much earlier than usual.

Long winded as usual but hope some if it may help
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A Petrol Head in The Alps
https://www.youtube.com/user/PensionHausMaria
https://facebook.com/pension.haus.maria

[Cyclingbiker]

Wow what an amazing wealth of information, thanks guys

I have decided to extend my stay somewhat and come back on the Monday instead of the Saturday, this gives me a total of 9 days in which to spread the riding over and make it easier on myself. This is the maximum length I can get off as I am back in work on the Tuesday, hopefully this will be sufficient.

The route I posted was a rough plot which I thought would be a good start to get some idea of where I was heading. Obviously the area around the Nurburgring is out and so it the majority of Belgium. It would be best for me to concentrate on the Alps and Black Forest regions and make the best out of my time down there.

I have scrapped the idea of camping and will stick to whatever cheap hotel/hostel/b&b is available in the area at the time. It will certainly save on luggage and faffing around with pitching and packing away every day, if I had a more relaxed timescale I'd definitely do it but for now I'll stick to building-based accommodation. I do have a smartphone to check availability but will need to confirm data roaming charges for EE or just find some wifi to latch on to, shouldn't be too hard in most public place such as cafes and librarys.[/code]
____________________
Honda CB500s (1999) - Honda CG 125 BR-J (1991)

Mod 1 - Passed - 12/11/12 --- Mod 2 - Passed - 26/11/12

[barrkel]

[Ali in Austria]

You won't find many small and cheap B&B's on the likes of Bookings.com because of the commission they are charged.

It is very easy to find accommodation, especially in The Alps. Just look for the "Zimmer Frei" flags and signs (The Red & White or Red/White and Blue as the new ones are here). If the flags are rolled up they are either full or closed. Many will also have Biker Friendly signs displayed. A bit unnecessary as just about everywhere is but it may mean they have some specific facilities you might appreciate such as covered parking.
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A Petrol Head in The Alps
https://www.youtube.com/user/PensionHausMaria
https://facebook.com/pension.haus.maria

[chickenstrip]

[Ali in Austria]

Here are some High Lights in Austria and surrounding borders. It is not everything by any stretch of the imagination but it takes years to see everything It should be a good foundation for your trip.

https://mapsengine.google.com/map/edit?mid=zllkQBAwv3Mw.kK2oDNPXQ1BQ

As stated many of the High Passes will be closed but there are many others on there. I'll try and add some more roads that will be open.

This will give you an update on Swiss Passes and indicates which are closed over the winter and will most likely still be closed for your trip.

In Austria the ones that will be closed without doubt will be The Grossglockner, Nockalmstrasse, Solkpass, Timmelsjoch, Hahntennjoch, Jaufenpass, Silvretta and in the Sud Tirol, Gavia & the east ramp of Stelvio. Most other roads on the map will be open and clear of snow unless there has been recent snowfall.
____________________
A Petrol Head in The Alps
https://www.youtube.com/user/PensionHausMaria
https://facebook.com/pension.haus.maria

[s1h]

If you're going down to Lake Constance or the Bodensee as the locals,call it and are near freidrichschafen then I'd recommend a look in the zeppelin museum. Think its 8 euros but was well worth a look.

Can recommend this place to stay in the Black Forest.

https://www.pension-williams.de/

[s1h]

[barrkel]

[Ali in Austria]

[s1h]

A good honest answer cheers I think I'll leave it till next year when I'll have 2 weeks available.

[Cyclingbiker]

Right I have taken in some of your suggestion and drawn up what seems to be a good route for the first day. I have it avoiding Brussels and going via Lille to Metz where I plan to stay for my first night. My plan is to cover as many miles as I comfortably can in the the first day of riding. My Channel crossing is approximately at Midday so that leaves me with about 290 miles to cover in the remainder of the day.

https://tinyurl.com/qdyf77n
____________________
Honda CB500s (1999) - Honda CG 125 BR-J (1991)

Mod 1 - Passed - 12/11/12 --- Mod 2 - Passed - 26/11/12

[smob67]

[nelmo]

You see that little patch of green to the left of Colmar on the Germany/France border?

That is the Vosges mountain range - not very high, so no worries about snow and it has some nice roads running through it. Also less traffic and less police because it's not that popular. Closest Alp-like mountain range to Blighty and worth a day or 2 of riding....

If you're not staying up high, I would still personally consider camping - French municipal sites will charge you a maximum of 10 euros for one night and I don't know about you but my tent takes 10 mins to pitch. Campsites are EVERYWHERE (in France, at least), so when you get tired, stop at the first one you find - easy. If you have a sat-nav, there is a free download you can get for all French campsites, which makes it even easier.

On my trip to the Vosges, we did stay in Gites (French B&B) but it was a bit of a pain trying to find them (booked in advance) and French postcodes don't work very well on sat-navs

[motobiker]

I'm heading for the Vosges on the 12th of May as a stop off on my way down to Slovenia/Croatia - been watching the weather and ski reports like a hawk these past few weeks and as of now.. the skiing is completely finished. The snow has essentially gone from the entire region. Similarly the Black forest.. and further east in Austria, all passes below 2000 metres are open. and looking at the webcam today at Zell am See it was saying the temperature was 21c - very warm for the time of year - but it bodes well for the future. Obviously theres always a chance of a cold snap - we're not out of the woods just yet. But its looking very good.

hopefully this time round will be 3rd time lucky for the Vosges - last time it was absolutely bucketing down and the time before it was completely shrouded in cloud - so I didn't bother, part of the attraction for me at least is the view from there - the Alps stretching across the horizon.

https://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w40/motobiker/mountains-1_zps75b443a6.jpg~original
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1999 R1100GS + 2006 F800S
(Nottingham)
Sooner or later opinions fade and the name on the tank matters not. I think that happens somewhere between 3rd and 4th gear. Enjoy the ride... everything else takes care of itself.

[richiec]

https://www.pension-williams.com/

Brilliant place to stay, english hosts who are amazingly helpful and friendly. About 1/2 mile from the B500 and perfect for touring the Black Forest. Always bikers staying over so loads of chatting and comparing notes.

[Ali in Austria]

[chickenstrip]

I did 450 ish miles in Wales last Sunday. Started at 8am and got home 8:30pm. I was so knackered and achey, I threw a sickie on Monday

Ok doing that kind of mileage for a day, but stuff doing high mileages every day. You don't get to really see anything for one thing, don't get to absorb the atmosphere of a place. Just see it all flashing by.

For my tour in July, me and a mate are heading to the Ardennes around Bastogne area, camping. So, day one, ride to there, find campsite, and spend 2 or 3 days exploring that region (got to visit the new museum in Bastogne, looking forward to that). Then off down the Routes des Cretes through the Vosges and on to Switzerland. Nothing set in stone once we get there. We'll probably base ourselves in a place for 2 or 3 days, explore some of the roads, then move on to the next spot. But going to totally play it by ear, do what we fancy, no silly mileages. Haven't even got a return route planned as yet.

Can't wait

[Cyclingbiker]

[richiec]

We stayed in Dinant at this place. Another great stop, the owner Vincent is a biker himself.

https://www.aubergedebouvignes.be/uk/index.htm

[barrkel]