Where shall we go?

[pehealey]

My wife and would like to see more of Europe, especially some of the mid and northern countries. Any ideas for a 2 or 3 week trip from the UK? We want to stay away from tourist areas and will probably camp. We've spent the last week trying to decide on somewhere - so please help us :-)))

Also, if anyone is planning on touring the UK and finds themselves in the Southampton/Portsmouth area get in touch - we'll gladly show you around, buy you a , maybe help out with a nights accom etc.

cheers.....

[Nick1150gs]

Depends how far afield you want to go, but Romania is well worth a visit, would be happy to give you more details if you are interested

[gav_xjr]

Can second Nicks recommendation...visit romania, the hidden jewel in the crown. nice ride down, stop off at www.bikercamp.hu in Budapest.
good roads, amazing people, rich heritage, cheap for westerners. not a scary place.

if you want some advice from uk side feel free to contact me - and will give you phone number.

be warned ..once you have been once you will be back.

gavin

[pehealey]

Thanks for the responses - Romania does sound interesting. I'll email you both later today for more info. The campsite in Hungary looks good too.

I've noticed that there's more and more biker orientated camp sites springing up - esp. in France. They all seem well worth a visit and after a long day in the saddle what better than to relax and socialise with like minded travellers.

[Dicky]

We second Nick and Gavins views on Romania and are going back at the end of August beginning of September. This time on a R1150GS (Nick and Gav, we saw the light and are following your choice after doing the last trip on a Pan 1300STX) More giggles per mile on a GS!

Prior to our last trip we popped down to Gav's place and got a great welcome and some cracking advice. Use him but beware,his enthusiasm will rub off on you, which is no bad thing. Nick has also been a boon to two Romanian virgins.

In short Romania is like the Lake District, the Brecon Beacons, the Scottish highlands and the Yorkshire moors all rolled into one with friendly folk and incredible value for money. The journey there is an adventure in itself but is nothing to be feared. Just shed your preconceptions and give it a whirl. You will not be dissapointed.

Feel free to make contact if you need any help.

Regards,

Dicky

[ekaphoto]

I am looking at going to Europe next year for the first time. (nothing defenate yet)What is the riding time from UK to Romania? I prefer to keep away from the big cities and tourist traps so I can meet the people. Also My only language is English, and I don't do well at that . How difficult is it being an english only speaker in the back parts of europe? I know people in Europe tend to be multi lingual more so that the US, would I have much trouble commuticating? Of course that could be half the fun.

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John

"The older I get the better I was"

[Dicky]

Hi John,

We have been all over Europe, East and West,and have managed to get by with no problems. While you can point, mime, draw pictures or gabble away in English most people will understand you. Do yourself a favour though which will endear you to the local populace. Decide where you want to go, pick up a phrase book and learn a few phrases. In our experience people will acknowledge your efforts and then use you as a perfect opportunity to practice their English. You will be impressed, and maybe even humbled by, the natives multi lingual skills.

Regards,

Dicky

[pietro.spera]

My wife and I travelled on our bike in Romania in '99, on the way to Greece. Maybe many things are changed in 4 years, but we hadn't a perfect experience.

The landscape are undoubtedly beautiful and the social aspects of the experience is very interesting, but we had to bribe a policeman (who took our passports) and somebody attempt to steal our backbag, all in only 4 days.

We had probably the wrong attitude (we left with a lot of doubts and fears), but the fact is that we travel on motorcycle a lot (North Africa, Middle East, Iran, Europe) and - so far - we had such bad experience only in Romania.

Pietro

[Dirk/D]

Hi everyone,
besides Romania, what about Slovenia?
Alps, Coast, mid-range price level, heaps of gravel roads...

You may get some impressions here:
http://www.motorradkarawane.de/repo/...php?ber=slow01

I got to know very friendly and helpful people.

Cheers

Dirk

[TChallen]

If you're interested in the Alps try the link in my sig. below.

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Tim [br]www.alpineroads.com

[omar mansour]

hi all
how are you??
plz try to give me more informations for hungary,romania bulgaria,place to go ,sleep and how about prices there ,and the fuel,how much per litre
also if any one had a nice route there it will be great if he can send it to me.
pehealey.when you will start your trip??
i will start early august,from france,so we may can meet ,or ride together for a few days
plz be in touch
thanks