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  #1  
Old 17 Jun 2008
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First Time Tour
Hey there,

Am planning to go on a two week tour of europe in the first two weeks of August. This will be not only my first time abroad on a motorbike but I am also doing it solo.

My thoughts are to cross into The Netherlands, down into Belguim, across to Germany down through Black Forest, over the Swiss Alps, arround the Italian Lakes, along the Med coast to Nice, up past Geneva to Ardennes then take the Tunnel home to the UK.

For most of it am going to saunter along with no hurry and camp when it gets dark. The return across France will probably be done quite quickly as I have penty of experience of France and want to see new places. Just wondering if anyone had any recommendations about motorbike friendly campsites anywhere along the route. Have found a few so far but you can never have enough options
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Old 17 Jun 2008
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Awwr man, wanna take me along?

Baume les madame has a nice easy going campsite, camp d'ille if I remember correctly. I used several through the black forest - muchos good riding to be had. Try and end up in Tittisee as its simply gorgeous there. where possible, avoid bodensee to get into austria as its a chocker road and not that nice to ride on when your eyes are stinging from diesel fumes..
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Old 17 Jun 2008
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Moto BOTC motorcycle campsites have a look here, i have found a nice hotel in Bavaria on this site we are going to use in 3 weeks time
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Old 18 Jun 2008
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Did a similar trip a couple of weeks ago, taking the Newcastle-Amsterdam ferry.

On the way into Germany, I stayed at Campingplatz Marienburg at Punderich on the Mosel. I stayed here on the way back too. Ride into Punderich, down to the river and you can't miss it. There's nothing there to see or do in particular but it's a nice place to chill out and the lad who runs the site/bar is good crack and speaks excellent English. 10 euro's per night. Tell him Craig with the green Kawasaki sent you.

In the Black Forest, try Campingplatz, Camping, Natur, Freudenstadt, Schwarzwald.
Also 10 euro's per night and they seem to get a few bikers. Spent my last night there talking bikes until quarter past ridiculous with 2 lads from London (Mick and John, GS Adventure and K1100LT) who've stayed there every year for about 20 years. If you do stay in this area, don't forget to ride the B500 Schwarzwaldhochstrasse that runs from Baden-Baden to Freudenstadt.

Totally agree about avoiding the Bodensee/Konstanz area, though the alpine road heading from Lindau to Fussen, Reutte and the Fern Pass is awesome.

I'd stay away from the more touristy areas of the Italian lakes, such as Riva del Garda and Sirmione. Riva used to be one of my favourite places, now just overun with coach trips.
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Old 18 Jun 2008
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You mention motorbike friendly campsites. Once on the continent of Europe you will find attitudes towards motorcyclists markedly different to those in England (Scotland and Wales are not as bigoted as England) in that there is no discrimination; the motorcycle is your chosen mode of transport. No problem. Have a good trip.
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Old 18 Jun 2008
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He's right. Never been turned away from a campsite or even a hotel for that matter, in mainland Europe because of the bike so finding somewhere "motorcycle friendly" isn't really an problem.

I did find a couple of so-called campsites (Satnav POI file downloaded from the 'net) that were caravans/motorhomes only but they're in the minority. If you like the look of the place, stay there. If you don't, move on as you'll easily find another.
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