Travel Tips

Your Bike: At the risk of stating the obvious, it is essential that you ensure your bike is in the best condition it can possibly be, before setting off. This may sound obvious, but it is amazing hown many people we see on our motorcycle holidays that have breakdowns and cause delays due to bad bike preparation. Ensuring your bike is in tiptop condition can avoid uneccessary delays and expense.

Ideally this prep should start weeks before departure date, with getting the bike serviced, checking there is enough tread on the tyres to last journey...and then some, as well as checking all and any nuts and bolts which can come loose.

Choice of motorbike tour: The key here is whilst we all like a little bit of adventure, don't bite off more than you can chew. For example, if this is your first motorcycle holiday abroad, don't jump in and choose our two week European Motorbike Tour. Maybe you would be better off trying a 5, 6 or 7 day tour first. Or, if that still seems too much, then why not try a long weekend tour to France or even a 2 or 3 day tour to wales.

Clothing: The right clothing for the right destination is vital to make any motorcycle tour as comfortable as it can be. Even in June July we can encounter snow in the mountains of Spain and Italy. Remember the higher we go the colder it can get. We will always advise you on clothing depending on which motorbike holiday you book. If in doubt, please ask.

Get Bike Fit: This is one of the biggest issues we encounter on our motorcycle holidays. Too many think that because they have done a tour last year they can just jump on the bike and do it again. Some think that because they ride every weekend that they can just jump on their motorbike and ride 150-250 miles a day for 5, 6 7 or more days in succession. Our advice is try and get some longer runs under your belt before the tour. maybe get a long weekend of 150+ miles per day. Time in the saddle before the tour is time well spent.

Tolls: In many countries toll motorways are not uncommon. In France the word 'péage' (toll) is clearly marked on the approach to the autoroute. On or after joining an autoroute you will see a row of tollgates across the carriageway. Some of these gates may be marked with a large 'T'. These are "telepéage" gates and are an automatic system for local drivers. Do not enter the T gate - it will generally set off red flashing lights and cause all sorts of confusion. Use the other gates, take a ticket and keep it securely in your tank bag or somewhere handy for easy access at the next tollgate - or your intended exit from the autoroute.

The toll amount will be displayed on a small screen just below the cashier's window. Do not go through the telepéage gate or head for the one inviting you to pay by credit card. There may be no queue at that gate but the machine does not know you are on a bike and will charge the toll price for a car.

The typical toll for a bike after 85 miles on the A26 (from Calais) is less than €5 ( £4.20). For more info check out www.autoroutes.fr

Note that in France, in wet weather, the speed limits are lower than in dry weather.

Insurance: It's imperative that you have sufficient cover for the countries through which you will be travelling.

Packing: Most people tend to pack too much into panniers, bags and on racks. Don't run the risk of overloading the bike

Even the largest of touring machines may not be able to carry everything for a long tour. Plan accordingly.

Try and work out exactly what the minimum amount of clothing is that you will need each day. Study the tour programme carefully and if there are nights in a mountainous areas, warmer clothing may be needed.

Check the hotel's/B&B details and facilities. Some have swimming pools and/or saunas.

Rolling clothing rather than packing flat takes less room and makes for less creases. Put items such as cameras, pens, adaptors, mobile phones etc somwhere handy with easy access. Shoes are useful storage containers for small items like adaptors, pens, socks, underwear etc.

Waterproofing: There is nothing worse than wet kit. Particularly if you are camping and it's your sleeping bag that gets soaked. If you are camping we would recommend dry sacks. Inexpensive and very handy. Pick them up on ebay.

heavy duty or lightweight

For smaller items you can use ziplock bags available from most supermarkets. If travelling in wet seasons or particular areas reknowned for the rainfall, don't under estimate it and waterproof whatever and wherever you can. Always keep at least one complete set of socks underwear and maybe a t-shirt completely waterproofed.(Even if it means waterproofing dirty clothes, keep them dry)

Toilet bags are usually bulky and heavy. Take smaller quantities of toiletries in small plastic bottles but bear in mind that 90 per cent of hotels supply soap and shampoo etc in all bathrooms.

An essential piece of equipment is a tank bag.It doesn't have to be huge. Not only can it hold and display maps, route details and compulsory paperwork but it's also useful for carrying a surprising number of items that are essential on any tour. It also helps to balance extra weight between the wheels. Full suggested packing lists are included in our information packs.

As so many other long distance motorbike tourers before them, when Ewan McGregor & Charley Boorman did their Long Way Round they learnt a lot of lessons regarding what to pack and what not to pack. Some long distance motorbike/motorcycle tours have support vehicles for amongst other things carrying luggage. Do not rely on it. Even support vehicles can break down so prepare for the trip as though you will be carrying everything on the bike.