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Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

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


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



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  • 1 Post By Threewheelbonnie

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  #1  
Old 13 Jun 2014
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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
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  #2  
Old 13 Jun 2014
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Location: SoOrange NJ USA
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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
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  #3  
Old 13 Jun 2014
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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.
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  #4  
Old 13 Jun 2014
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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:
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  #5  
Old 13 Jun 2014
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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.
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  #6  
Old 30 Jul 2014
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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.
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  #7  
Old 30 Jul 2014
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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
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  #8  
Old 30 Jul 2014
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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.
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