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TRAVEL Hints and Tips Post your TIPS to travellers - all the interesting little tidbits you learned on the road about packing, where to get stuff, and how to cope with problems. Please make sure the subject describes the tip clearly!
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



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  #1  
Old 29 Jun 2009
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1st trip?
Just came across this interesting article for those contemplating their first major trip (and as a refresher for those of us whose memory-skills are wanting - who, me...? )

First-Time Motorcycle Tour Advice from Motorcycle Co UK
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Old 30 Jun 2009
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Fifteen pairs of socks for a two week trip !!!! That dude must have some big panniers.
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Old 30 Jun 2009
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Guys I had a look at that site.......

I think it's a very clear and concise guide with lots of great ideas. Yes, when you read it you do think it's all just common sense and you knew some of it or most of it already but it's certainly helpful to have it all in one place. Most of us don't go camping/travelling 12 months in the year so it's easy to forget the little things from one year to the next, isn't it?

Christopher
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Old 30 Jun 2009
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I think that article is very much aimed at the 2-week "Heros" who blast off to France for a fortnight and then buy a bottle of "Adventure" aftershave on the ferry home !
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Old 30 Jun 2009
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I think that article is very much aimed at the 2-week "Heros" who blast off to France for a fortnight and then buy a bottle of "Adventure" aftershave on the ferry home !
Exactly, Ted. Not everyone goes Transcontinental for that first trip, and a few threads on this erstwhile site are those taking the Touring Plunge for the first time - and more power to 'em.
n.b. anyone tell me how to get this blasted aftershave out of my t-shirt?
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Old 30 Jun 2009
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Originally Posted by pottsy View Post
Exactly, Ted. Not everyone goes Transcontinental for that first trip, and a few threads on this erstwhile site are those taking the Touring Plunge for the first time - and more power to 'em.
n.b. anyone tell me how to get this blasted aftershave out of my t-shirt?
There is no shame to taking smaller, shorter trips !!! My first trip was a blast around Europe for 3 weeks !

I just think that site is going a bit OTT !!! I know people who took half as much for a 5 year RTW trip !!

Just check your oil, stuff your passport in your undies and just head for the ferry....

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Old 30 Jun 2009
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Originally Posted by tedmagnum View Post
Just check your oil, stuff your passport in your undies and just head for the ferry....

You say that now, but for first time riders who previously thought 100 miles in a day was going some, a bit of encouragement can be useful and I'm betting your first trip (like mine) wasn't a passport, toothbrush and ticket type event?

I know the first time I went outside the UK I carried a right pile of useless **** I'd sooner chuck in Hull docks than lug round Europe these days. And OMG, you should have seen the pile I took to Morocco. That Chris Scott bloke's list might just prove he's got shares in Shell or Pirelli or something . I mean, I took a chain breaker . The thing must weigh 5 kg and it's sole purpose was to force the bike hard down onto the sidestand. It wasn't the slightest use when the waterpump went, but it made me less worried about the chain until Rotax's ****y o-rings took my mind off it.

The main purpose of the assorted junk people carry is to sort their heads out. A nice list like that, that stops you worrying about how the Gendarmes (they have guns you know!) might react if your GB sticker falls off, is going to be useful to someone and makes people feel better than us saying "No worries mate, they sell everything in the supermarkets". It's a lightweight read, but a good starter IMHO.

Andy
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Old 30 Jun 2009
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Correct Ted and Andy

I've only been biking abroad a few times and even I know that such an intensive kit is not required. Like you said Andy, first timers need some encouragement and peace of mind.

Christopher

PS.....Where can I get a bottle of that aftershave you're talking about?????
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