North European Trip

[Shumba]

Having done trips to Europe in 2008 and 2009 I didn't get the chance in 2010. So really need one this year to justify having the bike!

Thinking of Home (Hampshire) to Folkestone, tunnel to Calais, keeping first day mileage down stop in Bruges. Second day visit the Overloon WW2 museum and stay somewhere in Arnhem (for more WW2 related visits and cause I was last there as a kid). Then off to Hannover for night three. Short trip to Hamburg for night 4. Don't want to do many really long rides, and some days will keep it down like this 70 miles.

Then via a ferry up to Copenhagen (Denmark). One night, next day over the amazing Orundsund (spelling may be off) tunnel/ bridge to Malmo Sweden (night 6). short run but can spend the day exploring Sweden. Different ferry route to Germany and down to Berlin as I haven't been there for years (night 7). Onto Prague (night 8). Then down to Munich (might change that as I have been there over this winter) for night 9.

Then depending on how much leave I can get, either a longer route into Austria and North Italy, coming back up through France (another 4 nights); or a shorter route across North France 2/3 nights.

First I also have to decide whether to do it on the Sprint or go and buy a new Triumph Tiger 800xc, this will depend on selling the Sprint as trading in loses too much money.

Either going to wait for the good weather in July for this or if it's dry in April take advantage of the close bank holidays; the royal brat getting married and a bit of leave and do it then.

Anything on this route I really should see / do?

Anywhere to avoid?

Any suggestions at all on travelling in this part of the world?

[Gone]

I may well be heading through Sweden and over the same bridge, heading the other way at around the same time. Keep the details posted and we might managed a remote BCF meet up for a beer somewhere.

[instigator]

[Phoenix]

Scandinavia is one are of Europe that is on my list but i've not got around to yet, from what i've read however, for biking, sweden especially in the south if very flat and boring, unless it's just Copenhagen you want to see i'd question whether it's worth the distance for just a couple of days.

[Tiff]

Hannover isn't worth an overnight stop I'd say- I'd rather have a couple of days in Berlin. If you like WW2 stuff, Bergen Belsen is in between Hannover/Hamburg.

How about a run to Gdansk/Gdynya from Berlin, then down to Prague? I'll hopefully be doing this route this year at some point. Been all over Northern Germany a few times, and Poland once. Denmark and Sweden are very expensive I hear.
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1996 Kawasaki GPZ1100s,1996 VFR750,1980 BMW R80,1982 Kwak Z250B,1992 ZZR1100C,1996 BMW K1100LT,1994 Kwak ZZR600E,1993 BMW R1100RS,1992 ZZR 600D,1988 BMW K100LT,1998 Aprilia Pegaso 650,1994 Suzuki RF900,1991 Yamaha XJ600, 1988 Honda Dominator,1992 Kwak KMX125,1987 Yamaha RD50MX,1984 Honda MBX50.1984 Honda Superdream 125

[Gone]

[Shumba]

[Shumba]

[Tonka]

Trip sounds great and having recently test ridden the Tiger 800 I was sold - such a lovely bike to ride! My mate ordered the XC when we got back from the test ride and the delivery date is July 2011, so bear that in mind!
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'The core of a man's spirit comes from new experiences'
Suzuki SV650S (Clean); Yamaha XT250 Serow (Dirty)

[Shumba]

[Skudd]

How easy is the tunnel on a bike and what sort of prices? Tried the online thing but just reverts to car prices.
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[Gone]

[c-m]

This trip seems very odd. Are you not spending more than 1 night in place?

[Shumba]

I might have a couple of days spare depending on final route and getting leave from work; and will use those if one stop is really worth staying longer for; or if the weather is too crap to keep going.

But the idea is a resonable ride first thing; into the next stop in the afternoon, see the place, get out in the evening for eating and few drinks, crash in cheap hotel and then on again the next morning.

I do a few city breaks each year and use those for longer stays; this really is about the road..

[Deano_44]

I agree, I only usually stay at a place to sleep. It's night time and dark. Get up early and go. Sight seeing along the way in daytime.

[clancy]

sounds like a good trip id do it on the sprint rather than get a tiger, i think the sprint would be more enjoyable.

no idea on what to see and do though get some photos and stuff though, will make an interesting read looking to do a tour of some description in 2012
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KLX 300r

[Shumba]

[rachelstevens]

Obviously, you check your tires, including spare parts, brakes, all lights work, radiator check for leaks oil, including the axes that show no lines no wear and tear that the timing chain OK looks like when you can see it, the clutch cable for all be worn. Screen washer bottle full and working.
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