Solo London - Vienna - Spain - London

[charliefirpo]

Hi

I am planing to go to Spain from London via Vienna (home town)

It'll be a long trip. I'm planing about a month.

I already made a route for it:

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=zRKfZaclVbf8.kHwPuDF8YQho

It's just rough and doesn't include Vienna yet. I want to go back from Spain to London via ferry.

My questions: What does a naive first time big trip rider need to worry about on such a trip in general and in Spain n particular.

Any ideas and tips will be greatly appreciated!

[barrkel]

Make sure you have breakdown insurance that covers everywhere you're going. Get at least an EHIC card, or get travel insurance that covers riding motorcycles.

If your bike is liable to snap levers when falling over, consider bringing spare levers, unless the bike is common enough to have spare levers in stock at dealers.

Why are you worried about Spain specifically? Fantastic roads, the best in Europe are in northern Spain, IMO.
____________________
Bikes: S1000R, SH350; Exes: Vity 125, PS125, YBR125, ER6f, VFR800, Brutale 920, CB600F, SH300x4
Best road ever ridden: www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2MhNxUEYtQ

[charliefirpo]

Cool thanks, I'm already looking into travel insurance.

I am not negatively concerned about the country. I just know very little about it as of now. I know about the rest of Europe since I have already traveled quite a bit there but Spain is new and different. Also because of it's desert like climate in certain areas. I was told by local friends that there are often longer stretches of road where there isn't much population and overall it's one of the least populated countries in Europe. Obviously the high temperatures are also something that I am thinking about. It's different to what I am used to being used to alpine temperatures more than anything. My friends said to expect 35 to 40 degrees. And that they (riders too) used to feel like their skin was burning off on the road in August riding in the afternoon at 40 to 50 kmh. They advised me to get a camel bag which I will certainly do. It's just these particular details about a foreign country that I am looking for. I'm not negatively concerned. It's Europe after all and yes I heard that our EU tax payers money went into the fantastic roads they have there so I'll look forward to seeing where my money went .

[barrkel]

[rawdred]

Hi there
I rode through Italy last August and it was HOT.
When I rode on the Motorways I wore my gear, but when I got into small towns or chilled out country roads I changed down and enjoyed the view.
I decided that was a compromise, fast and safe, slow and cool.

Here's what really helped though.
The whole time on the road I snacked on dried fruit, nuts and seeds.
I kept my fluids down to water and a lunch time fruit juice.
Lots of water.
I froze bottles of water when I could and kept a small cooler bag (4x250ml) in the top box.

I stayed away from cokes, red bull, fatty take out and heavy 'go to sleep' carbs which your body doesn't really need as you're sitting down most of the day.

If your burning up resources then fine, protein youself up and burn it, but for me, mental stamina was the key.


Good Luck

[Enduro Numpty]

[charliefirpo]

Thanks for your valuable advice guys! Very helpful!
I'll get a camelbak and I'll take a look at cooling vests. No idea how much that can cost..
Also thanks for the tar snakes advice. Would not have thought of that.
And I would have thought that the air flow cools you down and I was happy that my new Klim Latitude which has good vents will be great... I haven't actually bought the Jacket but I was going to. I think I still will because these weather conditions are not my usual riding environment but that's very good to know. So how do I make myself wind proof? I can only think of closing all vents and sealing the sleeves. But then I will bake wont I?

[rawdred]

I was looking up your new purchase when I found this awesome tent. I know it's not what your looking for but I had to share
https://m.gooutdoors.co.uk/vango-turini-200-touring-tent-p290272

PS: Safe trip

EDIT:
Sorry guys, Im such a nonce,.. I posted this onto the wrong topic.

[Peirre oBollox]

Evap cooling vests are around £40, have a look for "techniche hypercool" they contain a gel layer that when soaked in water draws the heat away from you. I took 1 with me on a 5000km trip around Spain/Portugal last year. Combined with a full mesh suit, underarmor "heat gear" base layers and a 2 piece rain suit to act as a wind breaker. The evap vest also doubled as an insulation layer when dry. You'll need good airflow through your suit for the vest to be effective. Hence why I used a full mesh suit. This combo worked a treat even in 40'C+ down in Murcia/Seville.
I also took a 3ltr camelbak with me but found it uncomfortable sometimes, however and alternative idea could be a 1 gallon insulated jug with a camelbak tube/bite valve (see https://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1058738) these jugs can be bought for under £20 locally, you can fill them with ice water etc. I'd also suggest looking at adding some dioralyte powder (https://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/sis-go-electrolyte-16kg-id13043.html) the powder mixed with your drinking water will replace lost body salts
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I accept no responsibility for swearing, drinking, motorcycle riding or your pregnant teenage daughter.

[Heatwave]

I will be doing a trip through Spain from London…..towards end of June….what dates are you planning….perhaps we can hook up for part of the ride..?