Triumphrat

gladgd · 01-21-2006, 09:23 AM

Later this year (probably April or May) I shall be trundling around various bits of Europe for a couple of weeks with friends. The initial, very rough, overall route is almost circular and starts in Holland. We thought about Holland, through to Germany and down through Bavaria, on to Austria, Italy then across to Spain via France and the Pyrenees. We'd then take a ferry home from Spain, or ride through France.

Does anyone have any good suggestions for places/sights to see? I'm also very interested in any advice for travelling and especially peoples comments on different countries (problems, things to look out for, etc). I've heard a few bad things about Spain - is this justified?

Thanks in advance folks - really looking forward to this.

Greg

LOWEY · 01-21-2006, 11:18 AM

Hi Greg,

I rode around Europe last year, I had only past my bike test 6 months but had to go.

Never encountered any problems but was only over there for 8 days to do 7 countries!

Caught the boat back from Bilbao in Spain to Portsmouth and had no problems in Spain.

I loved the passes, Stelvio pass Italy, and the well known Grimsel pass through the Alps, try to do these if you like the scenery.

And just remember dont pack to much! it just weighs you down just the bare minimum.
If i can help you anymore let me know, glad to help but can only go on my one previous experience.

gladgd · 01-21-2006, 01:08 PM

Thanks Lowey. What I had heard about Spain was people having their vehicles tampered with at petrol stations (tyres, etc) then mugged down the road when they had to pull over.

Equally a mate of mine had no trouble at all.

I think the Stelvio pass is a good idea but I'd not heard about the Grimsel pass, so thanks for that one. I'm only too aware about the packing side of things and also from my experience when touring around Scotchland I would recommend people invest in some wonderweb to avoid scratching paintwork:

Paintwork woes

Other than that I had possibly my best holiday ever and would recommend Scotland to anyone. Did 2K miles in a week, including 500 in a day, on the D600 without any aches. I've only been as far as Holland in Europe so far. Pics from Scotland are here:

Scotland pics

Greg

LOWEY · 01-22-2006, 07:39 AM

Its funny you should mention Scotland Greg, as am in the process of planning a trip there myself and a couple of friends in July.

Thanks for the photos,

About the scratching paintwork! i have been looking at past postings and noticed that someone in the U.S.A sells a vinyl protector for the tank so may myself look into purchasing that.

If i am right the Grimsel pass was between INNERTKIRCHEN and GLETSCH road number 6.

Think it was like 7000 feet and views were spectacular, i know the bike knew it was climbing :-D

Another one was the ARDECHE GORGE, close to the PYRENEES.

YOU WILL HAVE TO LET ME KNOW HOW YOU GET ON.

HiDesert · 01-22-2006, 08:34 AM

I moved to Austria last summer. Got my bike in September or October, and now I'm living for spring!

Here in Austria, the law requires you to remove your helmet when filling up at a gas station. Policemen can ticket you and the attendant if you don't. I don't know how common that is throughout Europe, but until I find out I'll probably just make it a habit all the time.

My big trip for this summer is going to be Vienna to Switzerland and then back through northern Italy. I haven't worked out the details much past that summary, but I do know it will definitely include http://www.grossglockner.com/
Check out that web site, and I'll bet you'll want to work it into your trip too!

hinkleyboy · 01-22-2006, 11:34 AM

funnily enough i am going to scotland in july as well from the 8th to the 14th and staying in aviemore
cant wait