![Reply](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/buttons/reply.gif) |
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
16 Nov 2010
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Brisbane Australia
Posts: 193
|
|
6 week Euro vacation
Hi all
Coming over next year for a 6 week tour and am looking for some tips.
First 2 weeks will be spent in the Uk with the 2nd week at the IOM TT, then back to Silverstone for the moto GP before heading across to Sth France, Italy, switzerland, Austria, back to Italy for the moto GP, then back to London and home.
Some questions that you my be able to help with.
Will have gps, but is there a good motocycle atlas/ map pack
My bike is being shipped to Felixstowe and I will arrive at Heathrow. How do I get to Felixstowe?
I would like to buy some gear mainly a new pair of boots when I arrive. Can you recomend somewhere? in the vicinity of Heathrow or Felixstowe
Have paid a deposit on the ferry tor IOM, but all accom is booked out, so will bring some camping gear. Can anyone reccomend a good place to camp. Is there a campground guide available for all of Europe.
My wife will arrive at heathrow and I will meet her at Silverston. How does she get there?
Which ferry across to France. Do ya need to book or just turn up.
Is it possible to completly avoid toll roads in Europe. (its this thing I have)
Have friends we need to see in the sth East of France.... I think its St Maxine, any reccomendation on a nice route to get there.
And finally (for now) I would love to visit the KTM factory in Austria, but cant find any info on the website. Anyone know how to do this?
sorry for so many questions, any and all info appreciated.
I am sure I will have more ![beer](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/smilies/beer.gif) chug
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
16 Nov 2010
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Staffordshire. uk
Posts: 766
|
|
Saab, as is the way with things I googled heathrow-felixstow and got this thread from the HUBB!
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...lixstowe-41894
this may help...
Travelling to Airports - IBPTS Public Transport & Travel Consultancy
As for boots. If you need your gear before you pick up the bike I'd go to London first, there's plenty of options there. If not then there will be decent bike shops in Ipswich, Colchester and Cambridge on your route.
"From both airports in London, you can take the subway to the London Central Station. From there you can take the Midland train to Northampton where you can switch to the bus (number 66 or 68) to circuit Silverstone"
Copied from this site...
2011 Formula 1 British Grand Prix - Tickets
Megabus.com run buses to the F1 GP maybe they will run them for the MotoGP, you'll have to enquire.
http://uk.megabus.com/default.aspx
For ferry travel, if you're using the Dover/calais route you can just turn up. If you use the Tunnel then it's better to book online at least the day before you travel. Depending where you want to start from. I like the Portsmouth-Le Havre route which is an overnight ferry but it get's you into France at 0800 which gives you a good start to cover some distance south in one day.
As for avoiding tolls, this is easy with a GPS. You can use the autoroutes as a lot of them are toll free. Your GPS will direct you off before the toll sections and get you back on afterwards. However, sometimes it's better to bite the bullet and pay the tolls, they're not too bad for a bike.
South east France has some amazing roads. Head south to Lyon-Grenoble-Gap and Aix en Provence. The N85, Route Napoleon is superb...
France Motorcycle Roads & Routes - Route Napoleon - N85 | OpenRoadJourney.com
I wish I was there now!
Have fun.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
16 Nov 2010
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 74
|
|
Don't assume there will be adequate bike clothing outlets in every large town.
I don't know about Ipswich, but there's only the Kawasaki Centre and a few small shops in Colchester and Cambridge much the same.
Braintree does have a BMW dealer and also Heine Gerick. But niether of these always have all the sizes in stock. If its not on their shelves, they can get it in a few days, but that won't help much if your on the hoof.
Maybe you could check out which Heine Gerick gear you need from their on line catalogue and make sure they get it in for when you arrive.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
16 Nov 2010
|
![KennyE's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/customavatars/avatar20768_1.gif) |
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Gold Coast Australia
Posts: 194
|
|
Hey Guy, I have a Garmin SD card for Europe if you need one. Gimme a ring and I will organise to get it too you. Getting to Felixstowe is easy - I just jumped on a train.
Kenny
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
16 Nov 2010
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: King's Lynn UK
Posts: 424
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by saab463
Hi all
Coming over next year for a 6 week tour and am looking for some tips.
First 2 weeks will be spent in the Uk with the 2nd week at the IOM TT, then back to Silverstone for the moto GP before heading across to Sth France, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, back to Italy for the moto GP, then back to London and home.
Some questions that you my be able to help with.
Will have gps, but is there a good motocycle atlas/ map pack
My bike is being shipped to Felixstowe and I will arrive at Heathrow. How do I get to Felixstowe?
I would like to buy some gear mainly a new pair of boots when I arrive. Can you recomend somewhere? in the vicinity of Heathrow or Felixstowe
Have paid a deposit on the ferry tor IOM, but all accom is booked out, so will bring some camping gear. Can anyone recommend a good place to camp. Is there a campground guide available for all of Europe.
My wife will arrive at Heathrow and I will meet her at Silverston. How does she get there?
Which ferry across to France. Do ya need to book or just turn up.
Is it possible to completely avoid toll roads in Europe. (its this thing I have)
Have friends we need to see in the sth East of France.... I think its St Maxine, any recommendation on a nice route to get there.
And finally (for now) I would love to visit the KTM factory in Austria, but cant find any info on the website. Anyone know how to do this?
sorry for so many questions, any and all info appreciated.
I am sure I will have more ![beer](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/smilies/beer.gif) chug.gif" border="0" alt="" title=" ![beer](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/smilies/beer.gif) chug" smilieid="249" class="inlineimg" />
|
Accommodation at the TT. This could help.
Forums - The official Isle of Man TT website
As for map's and such like. Don't go rushing in to just any where and get what you think you need. Take your time and have a look for a book shop that is selling discount book's. For example. I brought two good map book's one of all of Europe for £2, cover price £20. And a large scale map of France £1.50, Cover price £7.99. That was from a book shop in Norwich. There are a few of them around it's a case of keeping your eye's open. They don't go by any name. As you will usually find they are all independent shop's.
Heathrow to Felixstowe? Tube in to London. Then it's a main line train to Felixstowe. Or you can hunt round for a coach that will cost you less than half of the train fair. But will take about half as long again to get there.
If I was you I would not buy boot's as soon as you jump of the plane. You will only have to lug them around with you until you get to Felixstowe.Put this in to Google map's, Motorbike dealers Felixstowe and one will pop up not far from the dock's. So you will only have to carry your boot's less than a mile.
Use P&O or Sea France. Book on line. The price is the same for an out ward trip as it is for the return. If you are not sure about the return trip. You can change the ticket when you arive for your return crossing for a small charge. Booking on line a few week before you cross will give you a big saving. If you arive on the day and pay for a crossing you will be looking at about £70. Book before on line and it's about £10 each way.
Toll road's in France. Yes it is possible to not use them. If you go that way add about an hour per hundred mile on your journey time.
Is this the Place you are looking for in France???
St Maximin - Google Maps
KTM???
Try this.
KTM-Sportmotorcycle AG (Headquarter)
Stallhofnerstraße 3, A-5230 Mattighofen
Tel. +43 7742/6000-0, Fax. +43 7742/6000-0
John933
__________________
To buy petrol in Europe. Pull up at station. Wait. Get out a 20 Euro note, then ask someone to fill up the bike. Give person money. Ride away. Simple.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
17 Nov 2010
|
Gold Member
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Colorado
Posts: 55
|
|
My wife and I are heading over to europe this summer for several months. We will start our trip touring Great Britain. We might cross paths so keep in touch. You have already received some good advice. As you do your research, you will answer more questions than you though to ask. I find reading the many trip reports on Horizons Unlimited as very valuable. Based on your questions, I might add the following: First, I purchased the 2010 Collins Europe road atlas (8 l/2x11). It has been very helpful during my planning stages. Second, A newly published book (2010) by Toby Ballentine called Motorcycle Journeys through Western Europe. His routes have beem intergrated into the natural and historical beauty of europe using the secondary roads, camping sites, supported by easy to follow personal maps and directions. His photos inspire your desire for summer to come early. Both books were purchased at Amazon.com. Third, in addition to Horizons Unlimited, I have been using UKGSers.com website. It has a section on biker friendly accomodations. If you don't camp, a significant amount of money can be spent there. Have you already determined your shipping agent? Since my bike will be in Germany, I will probably be using the tunnel train service from Calais to Dover. However, like one contributor mention, I will be using a ferry service, probably from Portsmouth to the Normandy area, on the return trip to western europe. Good Luck.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
17 Nov 2010
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Brisbane Australia
Posts: 193
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by KennyE
Hey Guy, I have a Garmin SD card for Europe if you need one. Gimme a ring and I will organise to get it too you. Getting to Felixstowe is easy - I just jumped on a train.
Kenny
|
awesome kenny
You coming to Imbil this weekend?
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
17 Nov 2010
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Brisbane Australia
Posts: 193
|
|
Thanks for the info John & Joe . Good stuff.
|
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
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
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...
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.](/stuff/ripcord/ripcord-logo-250.jpg)
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!](/stuff/grahamfield/graham-field-2021-280.jpg)
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.
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.
|
|
|