Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Europe
Europe Topics specific to Western and Eastern Europe, from UK to the Russian border, and south-east to Turkey.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Like Tree1Likes
  • 1 Post By hurricanemax joko

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 29 May 2017
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Malaysia
Posts: 17
1st timer riding in Poland

hello and greetings to all.
I am planning a 2weeks ride to Poland in mid June. I intend to start at Szczecin to Gdansk. Warsaw and Krakow before returning the bike to Berlin.
I would appreciate and in need of a bit of advice;
- I read conflicting news that i would be needing safety warning triangle & fire extinguisher (?)
- Are the traffic police stringent with motorcyclists? and make unnecesary hassles? Are they biker friendly?
- Any link to camping sites or bike friendly guest house/B&B with secured parking, without breaking the ba
Thank you.

Joko
p/s I am looking forward to meet any Biker in Poland to get some tips on interesting places/routes and swap bike tales over coffee or . Thank you.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 30 May 2017
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 2,134
I doubt very much that a motorcycle needs to be equipped with either a safety triangle or a fire extinguisher. The requirement for these two items is common in Europe, but only for four-wheel (or more-wheel) vehicles, not for motorcycles.

What you probably do need to carry is a safety vest (reflective vest) that you can put on over your jacket if you have to stop at the side of the road. This is a common requirement for motorcycles in European countries. I don't know if it applies in Poland, but it makes sense to carry such a vest in your saddlebag.

I have ridden in Poland many times and never encountered any difficulties with police. My experience is that it is quite a friendly place to visit. I was stopped once in a 'routine' traffic check, and the police officer was very polite - he looked at my documents, found them all in order, and wished me a pleasant vacation.

Go wherever you want to go, and enjoy yourself without worry.

Michael
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 1 Jun 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Gatwick UK
Posts: 500
Hi beware there are massive road construction programmes going on north the south and west to east , your sat nav and map may well be out of date already . Poland is a cracking country to ride in , my only advice is that they can be total wanxxrs when it comes to road works of closed lanes they will not yield even to the point of crashing . Other then that learn the speed limits there are several and it can b confusing
Have ridden pretty much the entire country , the bike scene is huge and they love it if u try to speak their language ..... Enjoy its s smashing country
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 5 Jun 2017
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 2,134
Joko:

I just finished riding across Poland during the past 6 days - I entered from Ukraine, and exited into Germany.

Polish roads are in extraordinarily excellent condition compared to what they were like as recently as 7 to 10 years ago. The motorways are on par with the German autobahns and have a posted limit of 140 km/h. All the other primary & secondary highways I travelled on were also in excellent condition - I think just about every road in the country has been rebuilt to first-class standards sometime in the last 15 years.

I passed a few police who were at the side of the road with a radar gun - in each case, I was at or under the speed limit, and they had no interest at all in me.

Concerning places to stay that have secure storage for your moto, just about every guest house, pension, or B&B that exists will have a garage or barn out back (or perhaps a gated & locked up compound) where you can store your motorcycle without needing to worry about it. Just ask what facilities for secure storage exist before you check in.

Michael
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 8 Jun 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Homeless bum ((
Posts: 60
I live in Wroclaw (Breslau) but I'm in Turkey at the moment. Could be back bu the time you are passing by. Give me a buzz if you want to meet or or need a place to stay.

I thing the riding in the South of Poland is more interesting than the rest. Less flat, more curvy. Just my opinion. I've never had any issues with police.
Stop by Zamek Czocha before going back in to Germany if you can. Nice place. Cheap. Beautiful. Lake. Forest. Nice B and C roads.

Quote:
Originally Posted by hurricanemax joko View Post
p/s I am looking forward to meet any Biker in Poland to get some tips on interesting places/routes and swap bike tales over coffee or . Thank you.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 15 Jun 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Warsaw, Poland
Posts: 37
no problem with police until you respect law. Roads are quite ok. No triangle or fire e(...) needed. People are friendly, mostly in small towns and villages (english is not common there)
We have quite a few nice places to visit. You are welcome, let me know, I will invite to to hang around Warsaw
Cheers - Romek
__________________
Romek'65 @ r1150gs adv'03; k1200lt'06; v65c'84
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 15 Jun 2017
Endurodude's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Middle England, UK
Posts: 457
I also rode many of your suggested destinations and had no issues with any Police. Lovely country (as most are!). My only issue lasted about 2 minutes when a slightly inebriated gentleman at a roadside cafe wanted to take my bike for a ride. Thankfully, standing proved difficult for him! My most amusing memory was largely on the road from Gdansk to Berlin, where I encountered many a young lady trying to gain my attention by the side of the road at regular intervals. You don't get that on the A47!
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 15 Jun 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Warsaw, Poland
Posts: 37
Good idea is to travel in Poland on B or C class roads. Mostly they have very good surface, no traffic, and you will see "real" Poland. Sure average speed is rather low in this case, but ... You are on holiday right
__________________
Romek'65 @ r1150gs adv'03; k1200lt'06; v65c'84
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 15 Jul 2017
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 3
I love it

Hi, I been there last year and I love it. From Gdansk I tried to cross the border to Russia but no luck (don't try to bribe them .. doesn't work lol).
Then down to Lithuania for the day. Then following the border with Bielorussia until Ukraine where I crossed without problem, was a long queue of cars but bikes can pass n front, really, very friendly border police too.
Then down to Slovakia, Check republic up to Germany (a visit to Auschvitz really worth) and back to Uk. 3000 miles in 10 days.
North east Poland hotels are really reasonable prices and are very nice. Friendly people all the journey and lots of people can talk English.
Police are good too, I got a fine for speeding (I deserved !) but I pay on the spot and managed to have a discount too from a beautiful police woman.
Never been ask about triangle or whatever.
Take your own spares light bulbs and documents with you but remember , a smile and respect worth much when travelling abroad.
Wish you all the fun I got from that journey.
All the best, Renato
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 14 Sep 2017
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Malaysia
Posts: 17
Thank you all

Thank you all for advice. I took the recommended b & C roads and have had a great 3 weeks in Poland. The Polish people are friendly and helpful too. Language is not an issue amongst the younger set. Dziekuje to all!

Yes, roads got upgraded or even built, and many a time my 2006 garmin GPS got me riding on blank space! I have to use my Euro Sim carded mobilephoen loaded with the latest MAPS.ME to navigate.
Btw, MPS.ME is reliable and is free.
Have a great ride ahead. Ta.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Riding Around Sri Lanka deelip Ride Tales 10 1 Oct 2017 17:27
Riding to Central America March 1st. Wanna GO!! LifeOfAnAdventurer Central America and Mexico 4 13 Dec 2016 02:48
Riding South for Fiestas. UK to Spain Ian T-J Ride Tales 8 1 Feb 2014 11:17
Riding solo in Mongolia Kilian Northern and Central Asia 18 8 Mar 2013 14:46
Riding in Cuba markharf Central America and Mexico 5 3 Mar 2013 02:54

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 14:07.