Touring next May- europe for a month *route added*

[quik_d]

Hey i'm thinking of doing a solo trip to europe next may, i've never done any travelling but been riding for 5 years. I run it past my dad and he said i should go with someone else and i'm foolish to go on my own in case something happens. Kinda pissed on my fire but maybe he has a point. Does many other people go on their own? I dont have any mates that ride bikes unfortunately otherwise i would ask them.

Cheers
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[pjb120]

If you have a read of nate's (I think that was his username - can someone confirm/ disconfirm this?) blog of a solo trip round europe, it might rekindle your spirits for solo riding.

Personally, unless you've got a close riding mate/s (who rides in the same way + know your going to get on with), I'd ride solo. Riding solo means you can ride where you want when you want + there are plenty of fellow travellers to talk to/keep you entertained whilst you are there.

Don't worry too much about what your dad says - if you feel ready for going it alone + have weighed up the pro's + con's properly, then go for it!

Be sure to get breakdown + health cover just in case something does happen though.

Have fun!

[map]

If you've a mate (or mates) who want to go along then a compromise could be to ride solo (i.e. at your own pace and own routes) but arange to meet up at night (or whenever) and spend some time together. That way you avoid the stress of travelling together, it's sometimes a pain to keep checking, but still have the benefits. Best of both worlds.
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[UglyFish]

[Rift.]

Yea im thinking of going solo too...but obviously need more then one person, your dad is correct and so is my bro.

My brother did the same last year with a couple of people from this forum, (Maurice and Mike)

They went for two weeks on their 400s and went all the way down to italy..in the summertime.

They had a great time, thats why i want to go. I have a dr650 at the mo but will be getting a 600 tourer for europe,

Really have to go with someone, Are you still up for it Quik_d??

Anyone else want to travel the vast open Europe? Give us a PM or reply to this post.

The details need to be sorted out quite early if this is going to happen.

Many Thanks
Rift.
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You only live once so get a bike and ride

[Dave_ZedDragen]

Jumping head first into a month long solo euro trip is a bit much and maybe you could get a feel for it first by doing some touring in this country. Theres lots to see and enjoy yet you still have the advantages of not being too far from home if a problem arrises. It would help give you an idea of some of the potential troubles and problems you could face, it also gives you an idea as to what equipment you really need to pack and take with you, also how to pack and stow your luggage.

Remember all problems are made worse if your on your own in a foreign country, where you arent sure of the local customs and language. Remember that it is mostly something you didnt anticipate or even consider that will go wrong.

Do you really think your ready? ....to go touring solo around europe for a month???

Do you have the riding skills, life skills and researching skills, the experience, knowledge of europe countries and local customs, some fundamental foreign language skills, practicality for fixing your bike, and resourcefullness for this type of trip?

Only you know the answers to thse questions.

I'd recommend you begin with some small UK based trips, research your idea thoroughly, try to get some biker friends (either through BCF or a local bike club) and try to tour with someone or as part of a group. Get some experience first. Touring the UK and touring with friends can be great fun.

I'm certainly not saying you shouldnt go....just make sure you are as ready and as prepared as you can be. Go get planning and researching and learn all you can about local knowledge and customs, languages, and bike maintenance.
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Dave_ZedDragen - (2005)Z1000

https://i622.photobucket.com/albums/tt306/zeddragen/zeddragensig-1.jpg

[colin1]

preludedragon is probably right, but if your bike is fairly reliable and you have european breakdown cover, a mobile, a charger for the mobile that will run from your bike, i would have thought you would be ok

maybe replace some consumables such as tyres, chain, brake pads etc b4 you go
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colin1 is officially faster than god

[niff5855]

I'm off to France the 1st week in September with a bunch off here mate.

I was in te same boat, none of my mates are into bikes so I put a post on here asking who was interested, you could try that. My only advice would be to take what people say with a pinch of salt as people drop out at the last minute. If you're booking any accommodation/ferry crossings etc.. dont count your chickens until you've got a deposit etc...

For the record, I might well be interested in coming next may, although a month might be a bit ong for me, we'll see.

Anyway, good luck.
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Live fast - die....erm...well...old !!!

[Dave_ZedDragen]

[Rift.]

Yea thanks for the great information guys...I never really wanted to go solo but i might not have a choice. If i cant find anyone to join me...that is.

it'll be a great learning curve and even though i have been ridin bikes for about 3 years i know im not experienced enough yet (infact im rubbish at riding compared to more experienced riders..)

A credit card will definatly help, along with money saved from months of hard work.

Do you have the riding skills, life skills and researching skills, the experience, knowledge of europe countries and local customs, some fundamental foreign language skills, practicality for fixing your bike, and resourcefullness for this type of trip?

Answer : No, im 19 but have been round Europe serveral times with parents and am quite capable of understanding alot of german and spanish (French is hard) and whilst my speaking is not up to scratch, most European countries have a bit of leway for the English vocab into their culture.

I done a mechanics course on cars for 2 years, and regularly service my own bikes, any way it cant be that hard to stick some luggage to your bike and set off.....

I admit the touring round the UK sounds like a good idea, "Anyone up for a tour of UK?" doesnt sound as interesting as "Anyone want to join me round Europe?"

But if anyone does want to go round the UK im easily persuaded. It'll probably be cheaper, easier and apart from the weather its not much different.
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You only live once so get a bike and ride

[Nath]

If you want to tour solo, don't back out just because your family are trying to put you off.

I thoroughly enjoyed my solo tour of spain last year, and am currently 1 and half months into a mamoth European tour, again travelling on my own (posting from gibralta).


I have certainly had times when I would have loved to have a campanion, but a lot of the time I think another person would just be a hinderance.
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Hard livin', hard luck.

[Rift.]

Thats good to know, thanks.

Your trip sounds amazing, you're going to have to write a post about it when you get back..

Im now thinking of getting a thundercat and first going to scotland and around the UK for a bit, to rack up some miles and get used to the bike a bit.

Then Europe (hopefully on same bike) solo or with people its s not difference.

Thanks
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You only live once so get a bike and ride

[Dave_ZedDragen]

Good for you rift

The thundercats were good bikes and only looked down on because it didnt live up to its hype of beating the cbr...but instead it is a very practical and useable road going bike. It also shares many parts with the fazer so that may make things easier if you get into trouble.

Glad that yoour going to get some miles under your belt first with a Scotland/UK tour first.

When you get yourself together with that your welcome to give me a shout as I now live up in Glasgow and if I cant join you up I could at least give you some info and recomendations for routes and accomodation etc.

best of luck
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Dave_ZedDragen - (2005)Z1000

https://i622.photobucket.com/albums/tt306/zeddragen/zeddragensig-1.jpg

[Rift.]

Excellent news about thundercat sharing parts with fazer..Its also great because its not too sporty for touring.

Yea thanks I will definatly "give you a shout" when im up north. You sound like a real "sound" guy.

Should be selling my dr650 soon and moving up onto the yzf, then right after will be riding around uk for a week or so.

That reminds me I need a credit card...ummm.....first credit card, errr....??

Thanks Preludedragon.
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You only live once so get a bike and ride

[quik_d]

Dragging up an old thread but i've been looking more into the trip and getting certain stuff in preperation. I think i've sussed my intended route now, i'll draft up a map soon and see what people think / suggest. Any input would be appreciated.

Does anyone want to come along? initially I wanted to go solo but i think it might be cool to have a few of us. Rift for one - You interested?

If you can't do the full journey no problem come out for whatever you can.

Either PM me or reply to the thread.

Cheers

Dean
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[quik_d]

This is the intended route, anyone interested at all?

Any suggestions as well?
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LOOK AT DAT M8 WELL LUSH A PARROT INT IT

[mark83]

I've just done one myself mate!!

Check out the pics....

https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=97828
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[Itchy]

[quik_d]

Sounds good itchy, initially i was looking to do it solo but i changed my mind and thought be good to have 3 or 4 of us doing it. Get saving
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[Nb]

How many days you reckon to do this?
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Colin1 wrote 'Im grateful for what i can get, which isnt all that much.'
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[colin1]

ive noticed a few people doing a similar route to that including korn

it makes me wonder, is there a special reason i dont know about for avoiding spending much time in france ?
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colin1 is officially faster than god

[quik_d]

[Itchy]

A month! ,

thats wayy too long gotta come back and work , as said I'll meet you here and there but I reckon I can do that route (the original) in 6 days.
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Spain 2008France 2007Big one 2009 We all die. The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create something that will. In the end, your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it is worth watching.

[McJamweasel]

[quik_d]