Beginnings

[XS904]

Little intro, I've been riding for 25 years, mostly sports bikes.
Did a fair bit of racing, not too shabby at it but not the next Rossi.
I've done distance, the in-laws live in the south of France and I've taken the bike over there.
Now I wan't to start stretching my legs and touring more. I haven't a clue about bike, gear, what I need or don't need, so to start with I'm going to use my 20 odd yr old CBR600, some throw over panniers, a tent and stick to Blighty (the UK) where I live.
I'm determined to start off in the spring and go explore over weekends different places, and what I do and don't need to go touring.

The CBR will do until I decide what I do want to ride, and what would be best for what I want to do. I'm probably thinking Versys or similar, then modify it for my needs, but thats another day.

Any idea's, thoughs or suggestions please feel free to advise, as I'm not too shy to say I'm a novice in this field of biking. Also, come spring time, if anyone is up for a ride out in the UK over a weekend, I'll be posting up.

Thanks in advance.

Rob