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19 Jul 2013
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That sounds really good ! I guess that if I don't find a companion pretty sharpish, I'll have to take a wander alone, and I'm not too sure how I'd feel about it, as previously I've either been with my friend (who now is without a bike and also has work commitments) or I had a definite destination in mind, meeting up with a foreign penpal etc.
I guess if I pre-book hotels, cover for breakdown and all eventualities, then it's my first step towards being able to ride away from work for a short while. I think my first trip will probably be less than a week, and I'd like to see some of the Swiss and Italian mountain roads.
I've previously been to Germany a couple of times, and down through France and Spain to Gibraltar, but do you think a Swiss/Italian solo tour should not be too taxing ?
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23 Jul 2013
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Location: Dunedin, NZ
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul2129
...if I don't find a companion pretty sharpish, I'll have to take a wander alone, and I'm not too sure how I'd feel about it...
....do you think a Swiss/Italian solo tour should not be too taxing ?
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Ah, now it's a bit clearer
I'm no solo riding expert but I have done 3 EU trips on my own & spend most of my UK riding alone. I don't prefer it, it simply works out that way and I've learned to enjoy having "me" time.
Riding to Italy would be a great first time solo trip. If you are restricted on time there are auto trains which go to Italy & the cost may be worth arriving relaxed than with neck ache again.
Alternatively, consider going to Spain via the Portsmouth to Santander ferry. I did this last year and it was fantastic! The Picos mountains are wonderful and in easy reach of the ferry. Plenty of small-bike friendly roads to explore
There are many biker-friendly hotels, some with full garage facilities. Have a google & you'll find a few web sites that list them.
When are you thinking of going?
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Elaine
Striving to live the ordinary life in a non ordinary way
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23 Jul 2013
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The original plan was in August, but my 185 mile ride on Sunday has caused me agony, I think I need to get back to the doctors !
When I told them that I only got the pain when I we t motorcycling, they simply told me to stop motorcycling ! Idiots !
One of the things I will try next is the lightest crash helmet I can lay my hands on. The Caberg Justissimo is no lightweight, and it must be helping the issue. The flip front is also weight biased towards the front, increasing neck strain
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9 Aug 2013
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul2129
I think I need to get back to the doctors
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Hey Paul
knowing that MX riders have access to neck braces, I did a brief google on neck support system & found 2 that may be of interested to you:
the first is simply extra padding but may offer extra comfort:
MADHEAD Neck Support
this one is a fully integrated system but not sure it's in production yet - perhaps you could ask Dainese to test one for them!
Dainese - Neck
I have a Caberg and it's probably one of the heaviest I've ever owned. A lighter helmet may help but it's doubtful.
Have you considered seeing a private osteotherapist? I had a very bad shoulder issue last year but my GP would only refer me to a physio who was beyond useless. After a 6 months of pain, I paid for private osteo treatment followed by 2 sessions of acupuncture & it seems to be fixed!
Good Luck!
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Elaine
Striving to live the ordinary life in a non ordinary way
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9 Aug 2013
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Your advice is great ! Thank you so much. The neck brace looks like a good cheap temporary fix, but you're right about further treatment, and you're right that physio's can be a waste of time !
I'll certainly look into this
Thanks for taking the time to reply, very useful information
Paul
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