London to Italy and back - Winter riding
 

Just did a small trip from London to Padua (North Italy) and back.
3,200 Km (2,000 miles) on a Yamaha TT 600, over Christmas.

Here's the map of the route I did, and a few snaps, if you fancy viewing:
http://www.mymotorcycletours.com/

Happy new year to all motorciclists
Diego

Well done!
 

Beautifull photos, looks like you had a great trip!
How much fuel did the tt use?

I enjoyed that, thanks. That may be a "small" trip in June but not so small in December! Did you have heated grips? And no handlebar muffs either, you must have froze. It was great to see the town squares at Christmas and the mountains covered in snow.

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it, guys.

My TT does just under 20 Km on a Litre, so with a full tank (10 Lt) it does about 170 / 190 Km ...depending on average spead.
As I don't want to change tank into a 25 Lt one, at least when I ride in europe, I carry a little 5 Lt. jerry tank on the back, for 'emergencies'.

and no, Flyingdoctor, I didn't have handlebar muffs (don't like the look of those), nor any wired heated stuff, gloves / grips nor jacket....
really hardcore uh?! ;)
But really, with some antifreeze undergloves and body winter pro-skin, I was fine.
and when the fingertips get too cold, it means it's time to stop for a hot chocolate!

I normally take it very easy. prefer the minimal riding, simple bike and simple packing, just an 'old fashioned' map and not a satellite GPS either :)

Nice pictures Diego - Must have been a great ride :mchappy:

It would probably have been my last though (if I had tried it) since I can't take the cold :scared:

Being curious: How did it feel to ride in minus 14c ?

Loved the pic's, thats what this site is short of. Well done.

thank you all.

riding below the zero is fine, really, i wasn't even wired up.

the body, legs and arms are always fine, as long as you wrap up well (under layers of antifreeze undergloves / socks / knees - lycra winter body 'pro-skin', etc).
the hands are the most critical bits: having chosen not to have any electrical device, I had put inside my gloves those hand-warmers sachets you can buy at outdoors shops, which worked well, they last for about 7 hours.
still, the finger tips get cold every one or two hours, but riding slow and stopping frequently for hot drinks is the key... taking it easy in general, enjoying the views and avoiding highways :)