Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Europe
Europe Topics specific to Western and Eastern Europe, from UK to the Russian border, and south-east to Turkey.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 12 Jan 2007
DaveSmith's Avatar
Slacker supreme
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Sacramento, California
Posts: 410
England to Italy (slow bike route)

Howdy,

I need to make it from England to Sicily for the Motogiro race in May. I think I'll only have 2 or 3 weeks to get there. I think my bike shows up around May 1, and the Motogiro starts May 18. I'll be on an old Ducati 250cc so it's not that fast. Any route recommendations?

After the Motogiro I'll have all the time in the world to explore, but I don't want to miss the Motogiro.

Kind of thinking of going to Tunisia, Algiers, Morrocco, Spain to Portugal before the Isle of Man Grand Prix.

--Dave
__________________
Not Ted Simon since 1970!
http://nokilli.com/rtw
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 12 Jan 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Nantes, France
Posts: 391
Thumbs up

Don't use a map. Follow rivers. They always have a centuries old road next to them that is still small and charming - the traffic goes on the big highway ten klicks away. Won't be a straight line though...

Simon
__________________
Simon Kennedy
Around the world 2000-2004, on a 1993 Honda Transalp
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 12 Jan 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Sevenoaks, Kent, UK
Posts: 6
In Italy, be sure to use Super Strada 1 - the old coast route from somewhere around Genoa south. It is a blast. Don't do it on a Sunday, though - the local boy racers are scary.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 12 Jan 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
Depending on which ferry you use, i might be able to accompany you for some of the way, if you wish.. I ll just follow you, was always sweeper when riding as a group back in the old days
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 13 Jan 2007
muthaf9cka's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: London
Posts: 124
A few months ago, I went from London to Monza for the F1. I went Calais, Le Mans, Magny-Cours and then Milan. This only took 5 days by Route National clocking up around 200-300 miles a day, so Sicily in 18 days should be more than possible. I recommend that you skip out France altogether (no petrol stations and the roads are actually quite boring outside of the Alps)and go through Belgium, Germany (Eiffel Mountains) and definitely Austria (Alps) and then Venezia to Bologna (Ducati factory) to Roma, Napoli and down that way. Rome will be a nightmare, but there are plenty of forgotten ruins nearby for lunch/fag breaks and Naples has Vesuvius and Pompeii for a good half day stop. Personally, I am now debating whether to join you...
__________________
"On that? You're nuts!" - My cousin's boyfriend

Current Bikes - Kawasaki KLE500 '05 (May 06)
Previous Bikes - Hyosung GF125 (Oct 05 to May 06)
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 17 Jan 2007
DaveSmith's Avatar
Slacker supreme
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Sacramento, California
Posts: 410
It's a 40 year old 250cc, so I expect that it will continue to break every day. So far, that hasn't been a problem since I've been able to fix the problems (up until the piston fell apart). Crossing mountains will be neat as I'll be learning how to figure out which jets to change to.

Once I make it to the Motogiro, then I'll have months until IoM Grand Prix. The top speed is about 60 mph/95 Kmph. I'm not sure any of you can put up with me riding so slow, but if you think that won't bother you, I'm up for anyone who wants to go riding.

muthaf9cka's route seems neat to me, but so does Simon Kennedy's plan of just following rivers. I'll just combine the two.
__________________
Not Ted Simon since 1970!
http://nokilli.com/rtw
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 1 Feb 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Berkhamsted, Herts, England
Posts: 9
I've been thinking of going to the Motogiro d'Italia but getting rather apathetic responses, could be an opportunity to meet up.

You're obviously taking part? Sounds pretty adventurous for a little Duke, I'm sure the classic mags would be interested in your adventures. Keep us posted of when you arrive in Blighty, May's gonna be around faster than you imagine.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 1 Feb 2007
DaveSmith's Avatar
Slacker supreme
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Sacramento, California
Posts: 410
I'll post when I'm showing up. I'm hoping May 1.

I can't believe it's already Feb. So much stuff to do and to figure out how to do it, and so little time.

--Dave
__________________
Not Ted Simon since 1970!
http://nokilli.com/rtw
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 10 Feb 2007
DaveSmith's Avatar
Slacker supreme
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Sacramento, California
Posts: 410
I'm not going to be able to leave in 2007. It'll be 2008, to ride cross the US and ship my bike from New York to England. Then figure how to cross Europe and Asia seeing how many World War sites and museums I can.

Damn.
__________________
Not Ted Simon since 1970!
http://nokilli.com/rtw
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Bike hire in Italy Claire Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 4 26 Oct 2015 17:58
Suggestions for a first bike stfox Which Bike? 2 16 Oct 2005 03:40
NEWBIE bike missionary needs help and advice TresMon Europe 4 27 Feb 2005 02:22
Dirt road riding techniques - your input please. gmarch Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 4 23 Dec 2002 19:53
route planning from europe to south Africa with bike andries lategan Route Planning 0 3 May 2001 02:49

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 12:31.