Many thanks for the advice, really grateful, I am based in Sheffield so basically in the middle from anywhere. Once again many thanks.
Best piece of advice is to relax and enjoy. Riding in much of Europe is on another level of pleasure compared to the UK. Bikes are treated much more positively there. But do not speed, or at least get caught speeding. The police have much more powers to deal with excessive speed over there. Persoanlly i try and keep off the motorways and main roads as much as possible, there is very little traffic on the back roads and police generally are not interested in those roads.
Duke 63 is spot on with the speed advice, the normal A road speed limits are frustratingly low and towns appear far too often but the fines are even more annoying. I was speaking to two gents who were staying at the same hotel as us in Freudenstadt last year. They were spending a couple of days in the Black Forest after riding through France. It got very expensive after "popping" an overtake rather enthusiastically in rural France. From memory around €800 each and they almost lost their bikes. Apparently begging works.
Golden rule - if you are going to speed, do not speed by much. Talking of back roads in France. Heading to Le Mans MotoGP, fairly early morning. Thought to take the back road between Laval and Le Mans - figured it looked nice and straight and unlikely any traffic or fuzz would be along there. Left Laval town and thought time to give it some beans. I was put off by the morning mist that had not cleared - a bit risky - so kept it all civilized. Two Gendarmes appeared out of the morning mist, on bikes. If I had given it the beans it would have been an expensive morning
Pack only essential items then remove half of them. Less is more. You would be surprised at how little you actually need. The only real essential is a a well backed plastic card.
True, keep the luggage to a minimum. I am going to try this for the summer trip - just this. It is only 35 Liter Oxford bag - tied on with Zip Ties - I am going to give that a go (in about six weeks time now )
Currently touring Italy for 33 days with the wife. Clothing is important. On the bike, a layering system such as Knox is great. Off the bike, think about how versatile a piece of clothing is, how easy to dry and does it need ironing. Travel - no more than 250 miles or 5 hours riding. Try and do day on, day off - it means you can enjoy a drink every other night Maintenance - USB tyre inflator, bug & tar wipes for chain, chain oil and of course, tyre kit and basic tools for YOUR bike. We use panniers, top box and 2x 20L Kreiga, with waterproofs (Scotts) and jacket layers going in the Kreiga. Secured with Oxford Tie Wrap locks, which also secure helmets to bike when walking around.
