Boys and Girls......
I know this is NOT a definitive list and some of you may not take "this" or "that" but as I prepare for France in a couple of weeks I just thought I would share my "old" list with you ... take from it what you will but for me it has worked over the last few years with an alteration here and there .... so here we go .....
Paperwork.
Passport, Tickets, Insurance, V5, Bike Manual, E111 ( European Blue Card for their version of NHS treatment ) ICE sheet for everyone. ICE... In Case of Emergency ... a sheet with YOUR details on....Full name, date of birth, blood group, home address and postcode, Bike details and Ins details ... wifes' mobile/work number , her full name etc etc ...give a copy of this to everyone in your group !
Spending.
Any cash left over from last year, coins etc for toll roads at the very start of your journey ... cash, charged up cash card, credit card ( let them know you are going abroad )
Clothes and Toiletries.
That really is up to you ... we are all grown ups. Don't even try to think for your other half ..... just give her a pannier and say " fill that " !
Bike Stuff.
Helmet cleaner/cloth, Earplugs, Sat Nav, Map of country you are going to,( just in case the Sat Nav goes tits up ) sunglasses, neck tube/headscarf tool kit, camera and NEW batteries, mobile with charger and European adaptor plug, pen and paper.
Tent Stuff.
Tent, pegs, sleeping bag, Therma Rest mattress, head torch. 1st Aid Bag ... again it's all very personal, but I add surgical gloves, plasters, Nurofen, anything to stop the shits, and a couple of sharp blades.
Cooking Stuff.
Gas Stove, ( don't think The Chunnel like you taking extra gas canisters on board ), lighter, matches, pans, cutlery, T bags and bottle of water for that late stop/early morning where there are no taps !
That is really about it ... not a huge list, I think you can easily go overboard, but just a few pointers !
It matters not wether you are going abroad or staying at home .... have a lovely time and share it with us all on your return ! ;D ;D
Hi
I have attached a couple of documents that people might find useful:
1) Touring - The Essentials - covering the paperwork aspects
2) Touring - Hints and Tips - what it says on the tin
I originally produced these documents for the Knights Templar MTC
Steve
There is some very useful info in this thread so I'll make it into a sticky
Some very good ideas there, I'll print them off and adapt them for my trip next week.
They are both great lists and properly typed out too !! When I can get my printer to work ( ! ) I shall print them off ... thanks a lot, that should be the " Basic Standard " for this Forum. Good effort !
Hmmm.... your bike (Yeah, really!), passport/creditcard, mobile... that's it.... 8)
Well, a few more things perhaps, but quite a few things on the list above are better (and cheaper) purchased abroad when you need them unless you travel to Mongolia perhaps. They do have supermarkets and drug stores in mainland Europe too, you know.
As a note and something I learned earlier in the year, the E111 scheme is now called an EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card).
You can apply for it on-line and through my own experience was delivered within 7 days: http://www.nhs.uk/nhsengland/Healthcareabroad/pages/Healthcareabroad.aspx (http://www.nhs.uk/nhsengland/Healthcareabroad/pages/Healthcareabroad.aspx)
Beware that some websites are legally allowed to charge for this service but by using that NHS link it is completely free, just as it should be.
its a good idea to include a punture repair kit and a mini compressor, or buy a kit with those disposable mini air canisters! its only temporary but its better than waiting at the side of the road for god knows how long for a breakdown truck to arrive. better to have the tyre replaced when at your convenience, it would most likely be a lot cheaper and you dont take the risk of some ham fisted monkey loading your bike on the back of a vehicle and removing chunks of paint or worse when changing the tyre.
Quote from: 2kwacks on November 06, 2011, 10:51:40 AM
its a good idea to include a punture repair kit and a mini compressor, or buy a kit with those disposable mini air canisters! its only temporary but its better than waiting at the side of the road for god knows how long for a breakdown truck to arrive. better to have the tyre replaced when at your convenience, it would most likely be a lot cheaper and you dont take the risk of some ham fisted monkey loading your bike on the back of a vehicle and removing chunks of paint or worse when changing the trye.
2nd ed, I've had puntures on the last 2 european trips and the temp repair kits have gotten me out of trouble. I use the Dynaplug tyre kits. as they dont require 'reaming' which means there is no problemo putting a 'mushroom' patch in later ;)
have used this type before, its very effective and dose the job. and for the price why wouldn't you pack one!
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Motorcycle-Scooter-Quad-Co2-Tyre-Punture-Repair-Kit-/320762915263?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item4aaef5a9bf
Can anyone help with a definite legal answer for this. Does the GTR need headlight defelectors fitted to tour in France. I am in the UK but can't find a definite answer.
I havent fitted them previously but want to know what the legal situation is for the GTR.
Any help please.
Quote from: Foody on February 21, 2012, 09:45:34 AM
Can anyone help with a definite legal answer for this. Does the GTR need headlight defelectors fitted to tour in France. I am in the UK but can't find a definite answer.
I havent fitted them previously but want to know what the legal situation is for the GTR.
Any help please.
maybe this link will help you :smiley: it covers everthing and also the headlamp question.
http://www.adventurebiketours.co.uk/motorcycle_touring_guide.htm
Just looking at the head lamps I can't see anything in the glass that would deflect light like you see on single lamp bikes or cars.
This area is usually triangular in shape and needs to be covered up.
:listencarefully: On the GTR the lenses seem to be just plain and look the same on both sides so no obvious place to stick a triangle on.
My best guess is that Kawasaki never made different lamps for left and right hand traffic.
Most likely in the UK and other countries with left hand driving the left lamp is just adjusted slightly higher than the right.
And that can be easily changed without tools.
As suggested in the article just drive up to a wall in the dark and have a look at the light pattern. :yes:
warning triangle , I thought that it was not compulsory for bikes ? the adventure site suggests it is,
Quote from: viper on February 21, 2012, 02:25:30 PM
warning triangle , I thought that it was not compulsory for bikes ? the adventure site suggests it is,
Its not. Not in Europe anyway, if you are really worried about it H.G. do a hemet bag with a flourescent triangle on it for under a tenner.
Quote from: Ubertours on February 21, 2012, 02:43:30 PM
Its not. Not in Europe anyway, if you are really worried about it H.G. do a hemet bag with a flourescent triangle on it for under a tenner.
Fanxs :punk:
Quote from: Ubertours on February 21, 2012, 02:43:30 PM
Its not. Not in Europe anyway, if you are really worried about it H.G. do a hemet bag with a flourescent triangle on it for under a tenner.
Do they do inner bags with a warning triangle on the side..? :nono:
Quote from: cpettifer on February 23, 2012, 02:15:17 PM
Do they do inner bags with a warning triangle on the side..? :nono:
Yea but that would make all HG innerbags obsolete overnight.
And, most importantly, a copy of Alistair Sawday's book : Nice Places to Stay in France. Best B/B guide ever. Photos of the properties, a write up on the owners etc etc all in English. Perfect for those times when you fancy a night in a double bed under a tiled roof and, depending on the place, a good evening meal with wine.
If you get near Chardonnay Village, there is a great, one sitting per night, restaurant. Reasonably priced , Burgundy speciality and a good place to stay nearby.
Quote from: Nok12rs on April 05, 2012, 12:46:24 PM
And, most importantly, a copy of Alistair Sawday's book : Nice Places to Stay in France. Best B/B guide ever. Photos of the properties, a write up on the owners etc etc all in English. Perfect for those times when you fancy a night in a double bed under a tiled roof and, depending on the place, a good evening meal with wine.
If you get near Chardonnay Village, there is a great, one sitting per night, restaurant. Reasonably priced , Burgundy speciality and a good place to stay nearby.
I thought we were all boycotting France,
great food, great women, great wine, great roads, SHIT Anti-biking Government
Coman
I thought we were boycotting Scotland :huh:
Quote from: coman37 on April 05, 2012, 01:09:04 PM
I thought we were all boycotting France,
great food, great women, great wine, great roads, SHIT Anti-biking Government
Coman
:shocked: :sad: :mfr_lol:
I am clearly not up to date. What is the French Government up to ? Rode through last year on the way to Italy and was not aware of any changes in biker policies.
Only vibe I have picked up is that they are not as tolerant of hyper speeding as they once were.
A Frenchman once explained to me why, for the most part (which has been my experience over many years) their motorists are sympathetic to and considerate of bikers. It is because, he said, most of them rode a moped as a kid and now have kids on two wheels.
On a dark and wet February evening (before satnav) I found myself lost on a D road; I had planned an Autoroute avoiding journey back from Besancon.
Not a house or a light in sight (Sunday in France -CLOSED) my map sodden from the rain (feet dry thanks to Daytona boots :rolleyes:) but otherwise feeling quite miserable.
A car appears. Stops. Guy and girl, mid thirties. Ascertains my predicament. Gives me a plasticised map of France and then leads the way for fifteen minutes to an A route. Brilliant :clap:
As a national pastime we knock the frenchies but I have had so many good experiences with the folk of that country. :yes:
People are people the world over and if your lucky, you encounter the nice ones.
Oh, it does help if we behave nicely too.
Now! Scotland.........................................
Hi-Viz jackets, satnavs with "safety" camera alerts banned plus all manner of other petty regulations,
as stated not got a problem with the French people,food or countryside, just their pompous leaders
Coman
Quote from: coman37 on April 05, 2012, 06:35:08 PM
Hi-Viz jackets, satnavs with "safety" camera alerts banned plus all manner of other petty regulations,
as stated not got a problem with the French people,food or countryside, just their pompous leaders
Coman
I can't stand that pompous Hungarian dwarf either. :single fuck:
Quote from: mecki on April 05, 2012, 07:01:42 PM
I can't stand that pompous Hungarian dwarf either. :single fuck:
:mfr_lol: :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol:
Quote from: mecki on April 05, 2012, 07:01:42 PM
I can't stand that pompous Hungarian dwarf either. :single fuck:
you'd do his wife tho' wouldn't you ?
Coman
Quote from: coman37 on May 10, 2012, 11:10:38 AM
you'd do his wife tho' wouldn't you ?
Coman
:agree: She would do :mfr_lol: No longer first Lady to First Laddie. Will she stick around or go off with a biker :biker3:
Form an orderly queue :grin:
Quote from: mecki on September 15, 2011, 04:27:02 PM
Well, a few more things perhaps, but quite a few things on the list above are better (and cheaper) purchased abroad when you need them unless you travel to Mongolia perhaps. They do have supermarkets and drug stores in mainland Europe too, you know.
Except Sunday.
Quite a few years ago, I was given a packing tip.
When you come back from a trip, make three piles of the stuff that you took.
1/ Stuff you took and used
2/ Stuff you took and used, but could have left behind
3/ Stuff you took but did not need.
Next trip, take pile 1, a selection from pile 2 [ might include waterproofs for example], and leave pile 3 at home.
After doing this a few times you will have a pile of items that you always use, and no excess items. When I pack for holidays, Mrs Doebag always say's 'is that all you are taking' and the answer is 'yes, I won't need any more'
Luggage wise, I bought these recently
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0013KBX5W/ref=fb_lfb_prodpg_3
The size in the link are just right for fitting in the top box [ too big for side cases] and help share out limited space with Mrs DB !
This website [ I am sure there are others] helps with hints and useful items, if you can ignore the on page adverts and links.
http://www.onebag.com/
we use 'vac pac and roll' :mfr_lol:
Just been on Amazon and although the 3 pack of different sizes in no longer available scroll down and there is similar, but in 3 bags the same size, the larger ones, in horrid different colours !! £10.79 a set of 3 .. I purchased 2 sets in bright ORANGE ... :eek: :eek:
What a really useful bit of kit that will be .. now you can see what you have and where it is .. no more guessing .. excellent stuff ... come on boys .. order yours NOW ! :grin:
Dont you dare bring them to the Cotswolds! :mfr_lol:
Oh !! And I thought you would like them ! :laugh: :laugh: ... I could bring them along for you to have a look at Mr Wolf ... they will easily fit into my EMPTY panniers :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol:
You can by all means put them in your very useful, (thats why Kawasaki included them on the bike panniers), but please ensure they stay in the panniers. :popcorn:
There will be penalties for anyone who doesn't fit their panneirs to the GTR on this trip. :mfr_lol:
I had thought of coming completely naked ..... NO BOXES AT ALL !! OMG !! :death: :death:
Computer says, "NO".
:mfr_lol: :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol:
After talking to one of the senior AA reps at the head office who looks after the website for compulsary equipment in europe i can confirm the following. If you take what the french authorities need then that will cover you for all of europe, mostly
Original bikes docs , v5, insurance ect, not copies,licence
GB sticker
bulb kit
headlights on at all times
high viz vest to be worn if immobilsied on a main carriageway.
beam benders not required for bikes, the law is not to dazzle, so only headlamp height adjustment could be challenged
warning triangle , not compulsary for bikes
reflective jacket, only an area of 150 cm sq has to be reflective ( ave cig packet size )
first aid kit, only comp in austria and croatia
fire extinguisher , no
twin pack NF approved breathalyser ,
For those that were interested, I notice the E-bags packing cubes are available again on Amazon
http://www.amazon.co.uk/eBags-Packing-Cubes-3pc-Set/dp/B004YLIS9Q/ref=pd_sim_sh_1
Quote from: viper on June 10, 2012, 08:41:07 PM
twin pack NF approved breathalyser , not til nov 2012
:yes:
The French Transport Ministry confirmed that the regulation was passed into law on the 28th February and will be effective from 1st July - however it won't be enforced until November. :yes:
Hey folks, I'm in France right now. I tried to get a pair of breathalysers and there just aren't any available. They are in 'rupture de stock'. Furthermore, I have been told by several people that the date that the law will be enforced has been put back from 1st Nov to 'at least' the 1st March 2013.
So there ya go!
Ros
Thanks Ros
Try ebay when you get home.. Thats where I got mine from :yes:
Or Amazon.
Alan
No need yet. And anyway, there is some doubt as to whether or not this will actually end up being enforcable anyway, due to lack of supply. Only a couple of my frog mates have them...
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/9625403/France-delays-breathalyser-fine.html
Found this...
just done some maths on these breathylisers, there are approx 35 million cars owned by french people and probably the same amount of vehicles and lorries passing through the country on route to other destinations. These kits have a shelf life of 2 years , i doubt most will never get used and if they are used get replaced , so thats anything between 50 and 70 million of these being produced pointlessly and going into landfill sites every two years
Quote from: viper on June 10, 2012, 08:41:07 PM
After talking to one of the senior AA reps at the head office who looks after the website for compulsary equipment in europe i can confirm the following. If you take what the french authorities need then that will cover you for all of europe, mostly
Original bikes docs , v5, insurance ect, not copies,licence
GB sticker
bulb kit
headlights on at all times
high viz vest to be worn if immobilsied on a main carriageway.
beam benders not required for bikes, the law is not to dazzle, so only headlamp height adjustment could be challenged
warning triangle , not compulsary for bikes
reflective jacket, only an area of 150 cm sq has to be reflective ( ave cig packet size )
first aid kit, only comp in austria and croatia
fire extinguisher , no
twin pack NF approved breathalyser ,
I just red this post and can say, 100 %, that First Aid Kit is not obligatory for motorbikes in Croatia :grin:
Quote from: viper on November 04, 2012, 09:41:34 PM
just done some maths on these breathylisers, there are approx 35 million cars owned by french people and probably the same amount of vehicles and lorries passing through the country on route to other destinations. These kits have a shelf life of 2 years , i doubt most will never get used and if they are used get replaced , so thats anything between 50 and 70 million of these being produced pointlessly and going into landfill sites every two years
Rumour has it that the manufacturer of those things made a large donation to the Sarkozy election campaign fund. :2guns:
Quote from: mecki on February 07, 2013, 12:36:49 PM
Rumour has it that the manufacturer of those things made a large donation to the Sarkozy election campaign fund. :2guns:
:mfr_lol: