Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Route Planning
Stupid or what??? Stupid or what???
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Like Tree1Likes
  • 1 Post By Threewheelbonnie

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 13 Jun 2014
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Gothenburg
Posts: 6
Stupid or what???
Hii.

I got some time off in coming winter. I havea crazy idé about a trip from Denmark, Holland, Belgium and France, following the cost to Biaritz.
Any one done that? And after that I would like to ride to Nice north off the Pyrr. and the Riviera.
Is that possible or is it stupid or what??

I have tryed to get info about the risk off snow but have yet not got anyone that now how it usually looks that time off the year.

Any input id welcom.

Stefan P
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 13 Jun 2014
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: SoOrange NJ USA
Posts: 296
go to
Weather Forecast & Reports - Long Range & Local | Wunderground | Weather Underground
or any good weather website
plug in any location(s) on your itinerary
go to the historical data, e.g., from last year, dates of your travel
you will find temp/ precipitation/ etc for any location
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 13 Jun 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wessex, UK
Posts: 2,136
You don't say when or for how long this trip is planned but I would suggest an alternative of flying to India or SE Asia, renting a bike and touring there instead. The living cost in these places are a lot cheaper and help pay for the ticket, it will also be warmer, drier and a lot more culturally stimulating than Northern Europe at any time of the year.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 13 Jun 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: My place and other places.
Posts: 172
Quote:
Originally Posted by mark manley View Post
You don't say when or for how long this trip is planned but I would suggest an alternative of flying to India or SE Asia, renting a bike and touring there instead. The living cost in these places are a lot cheaper and help pay for the ticket, it will also be warmer, drier and a lot more culturally stimulating than Northern Europe at any time of the year.
Have to fully agree with you there.

Personally I find a long ride/drive through the EU has only two things to recommend it at any time of year
(1) Good roads so you can cover a lot of ground quickly.
(2) If you head in the right direction it takes you OUT of the EU to freedom!!
:funmeterye s:
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 13 Jun 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,116
I don't think you'd have much of a problem with snow. You may be unlucky but mostly you'll be facing rain, wind, cold and lots of darkness.

You'll also find that just about everywhere that depends on a tourist euro (lots of coastal resorts) will be shut and their owners (if they've got any sense) will be spending their profits somewhere warmer. So, hardly any campsites, restaurants or other attractions to pass the time while you're waiting for the next storm to blow over. On the other hand you'll probably get cheaper winter rates in the few hotels available and you'll likely have the beaches to yourself.

It's not a stupid idea and if winter is the only time you have available and you really want to do it then load the bike up. Unless you've got a really good reason your biggest problem is likely to be wondering why you're bothering after a few days.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 30 Jul 2014
Gold Member
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 10
Wow ! Some tough comments on Europe here !!! I think that it could be a wonderful ride/itinerary...at any other season but winter. Previous post is absolutely spot on.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 30 Jul 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
Personally I love Europe in Winter, give me the UK coast in the closed season over some steaming eastern slum any day. Good food, good facilities, no hassle with dodgy bureaucrats and beggers, a climate you can control simply by wearing the right clothes. You pay for this of course, no denying you can buy a trip to a different continent for the price of a good fortnight in France.


The coast roads are small and can be great rides and you also have the option to hop on the motorway if the schedule requires it. At sea level the only risk of snow is usually in January or February and then only a few day. In the mountains you need a weather forecast and plan-B from October to May. What you will want to do this IMHO is:


  • A good rain suit.
  • Tyres that work on early morning dampness (M&S rated if they'll fit your bike).
  • A helmet that does not mist in fog (I like jet style).
  • A plan that includes time for days you might only get 250 KM from the start point if it decides to sleet all day or you find the locals holding a nice farmers market or local festival.
  • A heated vest is good but a one piece overall is almost as effective but won't go wrong.
  • Enough cash to take in decent accommodation on days when required, stuff riding in the sleet for 12 hours, go for the hotel pool then a nice restaurant all to yourself.
  • Internet access to find the chains/places that are open.
Not the extreme-adventure-extreme-off-road-long-way-extreme-adventure you can get by flying to India and risking death by having ice in your gin, just a nice relaxing bimble along a decent bit of scenery.


Enjoy it.


Andy
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 30 Jul 2014
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Ramsau Am Dachstein, Austria
Posts: 10
Even in The Alps we see the die hards touring in the winter with specialised events going on such as the Elefant Treffen. They are geared up for it though.

If you have the right gear, go for it but it will probably be hard going. As someone rightly pointed out, many accommodation premises may be closed but the usual suspects such as Ibis, Formula 1 etc are always available. Snow can be a real risk. I drove through a blizzard across most of western Europe at the end of November 2010 to go to the NEC Bike Show. In the UK traffic was almost at a standstill.

Personally my bikes are in hibernation during the winter and my Quad is a good substitute when the sun shines.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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
r100 stupid question about mixure screws paulc BMW Tech 8 27 Nov 2018 03:09
Myanmar with big bikes - it is possible! Heike West and South Asia 61 3 Sep 2014 08:37
Is the world more stupid than 10 years ago? g6snl The HUBB PUB 21 28 Sep 2013 11:33
Maybe a stupid question but... NejcT Middle East 5 6 Mar 2013 09:08
inner tubes omar mansour Tech 17 9 Oct 2012 21:44

 
 

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

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 08:44.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top