A short guide to motorbike touring across Europe
Riding a motorbike across Europe is a fantastic way to enjoy an exhilarating holiday. The adventure of the open road and the freedom that comes with it is a tempting choice. Europe is a great continent for motorbike riders. It is incredibly diverse, there is history all over, and the Alps are probably the most beautiful mountains to ride through.
Firstly you need a reliable and comfortable bike; you should have it thoroughly maintained before setting off. Your bike will need to be serviced and new tyres are necessary as well as modification of the headlight dip beam. It is also a requirement to display a GB sticker on your bike €" this can be on your number plate or fixed to a mudguard.
Luggage should be carried in a good quality pannier, lay everything out before packing it. Items required will include practical riding clothes, tents and toiletries. Critically appraise each item and evaluate its need for your trip.
The next question is €where to go?' Careful planning is vital before setting off, you should work out how many days you have available and draw up a step by step route. Maps should be organised and kept in a practical place along with passports and money. Look at various different maps before buying one; it is a good idea to have one that has campsites marked out.
Plenty of research on the internet will provide you with possible routes across Europe. A good example of a route for a ten day holiday would start from the English Channel then over to Santander in Northern Spain. The route could then take you all the way across Spain, Portugal and Morocco (as a day trip by bus €" not your bike).
Germany is the country of the Autobahn, giving the motorcyclist the opportunity to drive at any speed without limits, but be warned not all roads are limitless. Other roads in Germany have maximum speed restrictions and penalties are high, you could lose your licence for going over the limit by 30 kilometres. The Eifel is loved by motorcyclists, not only because it's the home of the Nurburg Ring, but also because there is a great variety of roads from race-track to unpaved.
France is four times the size of the UK and has around the same population making it an ideal place for a motorcycle holiday. You can enjoy relatively empty roads with stunning scenery and a warm welcome. Travel across France, stopping along the way at campsites of your choice sampling the coffee and croissants. France makes for a great location to enjoy a very relaxing motorcycle ride with pleasant weather conditions.
Firstly you need a reliable and comfortable bike; you should have it thoroughly maintained before setting off. Your bike will need to be serviced and new tyres are necessary as well as modification of the headlight dip beam. It is also a requirement to display a GB sticker on your bike €" this can be on your number plate or fixed to a mudguard.
Luggage should be carried in a good quality pannier, lay everything out before packing it. Items required will include practical riding clothes, tents and toiletries. Critically appraise each item and evaluate its need for your trip.
The next question is €where to go?' Careful planning is vital before setting off, you should work out how many days you have available and draw up a step by step route. Maps should be organised and kept in a practical place along with passports and money. Look at various different maps before buying one; it is a good idea to have one that has campsites marked out.
Plenty of research on the internet will provide you with possible routes across Europe. A good example of a route for a ten day holiday would start from the English Channel then over to Santander in Northern Spain. The route could then take you all the way across Spain, Portugal and Morocco (as a day trip by bus €" not your bike).
Germany is the country of the Autobahn, giving the motorcyclist the opportunity to drive at any speed without limits, but be warned not all roads are limitless. Other roads in Germany have maximum speed restrictions and penalties are high, you could lose your licence for going over the limit by 30 kilometres. The Eifel is loved by motorcyclists, not only because it's the home of the Nurburg Ring, but also because there is a great variety of roads from race-track to unpaved.
France is four times the size of the UK and has around the same population making it an ideal place for a motorcycle holiday. You can enjoy relatively empty roads with stunning scenery and a warm welcome. Travel across France, stopping along the way at campsites of your choice sampling the coffee and croissants. France makes for a great location to enjoy a very relaxing motorcycle ride with pleasant weather conditions.