Touring
The world holds countless exciting, exotic and fascinating possibilities when you’re on two wheels – and Pit-Stop Training is here to help you discover them. From taking your very first steps to setting off on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, Pit-Stop Training will be with you.
We’ve helped many riders embark upon their motorcycling adventure. They chose Pit-Stop Training because we offer good information, which has been tried & tested by them.
Fancy touring Europe ?
Admin
Maps – Large scale maps, AA book is good
GPS – Load with EU maps, maybe plan the route on the computer then transfer onto the sat nav, follow your chosen route, be flexible though dont be afraid to stray away.
Licence – Both copies and photocopy 3 times, you have a copy to give the police should you be unfortunate.
MOT – Up to date, make sure the bike is in a roadworthy state.
Registration docs – Take it and have 1 photocopy, then have them in seperate places.
EU motorcycle insurance – Check with your current provider to see if its covered, most cover for 30 days in EU, but again check the countries it is covered for.
Travel insurance – Ask for repatriation for you and your bike (leave your bike behind in a incident, you may not see it again.)
E111 medical card – Have it in your possession (obtain it online, its free)
Credit & Debit cards – Can you use them abroad? Will they charge you per transaction? Nationwide cards do good deals.
Some Euro Cash – Enough to pay for anything you instantly need.
Your passports – Take a copy place it in seperate place, in case it is lost or stolen.
First Aid kit – Place it somewhere immediately accessable, top of panniers etc.
Paperwork – Can be a good idea to leave a copy with a friend at home who can scan and email or fax.
Guidebook
Rules of the road for each country:
www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/overseas/countrybycountry.html
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Clothing
Waterproof protective bike gear
Comfortable bike boots
Good pair of warm motorcycle gloves – heat pads for pillion.
Warm/ thick pair of socks
Thin layers so you can adapt to temperature change
Neck gaiters are very useful
Base layers are a must.
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Kit
Tyre weld – a canister that you spray into your flat tyre that will seal the puncture. It will limp you to your hotel, destination or nearby garage.
Tyre repair kit – We take Gryyp’s Cargol Turn & Go system, due to the ease of use. http://www.gryyp.com/web08/home-en.html
Electric pump – buy one and dismantle it from the casing to make it small as the palm of your hand
Camera with spare batteries and plenty of memory on cards
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Bike & Spares
GB sticker (if GB is not shown on your number plate, 2x Breathalyser, Bulb kit, Hi-vis vests for both you & passenger should you break down. Fail to have any of these will result in a fine if you are stopped by the police.
Food & drink that is readily accessible, especially on long journeys.
Give your bike a full service at least one month before you go, prevents any nasty last minute surprises. Final oil & tyre check before you set off.
Duct tape, cable ties, some basic maintenance tools.
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Luggage
Touratech – Ortlieb bag is extremely big and very good. Pack strap down & you’re off. http://shop.touratech.co.uk/packsack-ortlieb-rack-pack-size-xl-black.html
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Travel
Ferries
Eurotunnel – www.eurotunnel.com
Motorail for bikers – www.railsavers.com
Up to date road alert – Frixo (http://www.frixo.com/) is a free service
road travel reporting website, that provides users with the most up-to-date
road traffic information. The data is updated every 5 minutes using sensors
placed on motorways and common A / B roads.
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Hotels
Hotel Enzian, Landeck, Licheinstein – Biker hotel, fantastic for touring the Alps in Austria, Switzerland, Italy & France, visiting the famous Stelvio Pass. http://www.hotel-enzian.com/start.php?site=ehome&lan=e&ss=home#top
Ibis Budget hotel – Stuttgart, Germany, has an underground car park. http://ibisbudgethotel.ibis.com/gb/hotel-5441-ibis-budget-stuttgart-city-nord-ex-etap-hotel/index.shtml
Hotel Baren, Black forest, Germany – Biker hotel. Fantastic for visiting Freiburg, Black forest, Stuttgart (Mercedes & Porsche museum) & B500 road which is one of the best in Europe. http://www.baeren-lossburg.de/