First big tour

[guest3074]

Download their Compulsory equipment list and it says you don't. So who knows.

Well given it's on more than one site I guess the new law is fact.

[guest2360]

Just found it on the RAC sheet, so it's possibly true.  I think if you use a high vis jacket anyway you would be OK .


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[UKDucatiman]

Just my luck, the French go strike crazy as I'm due to depart (Friday). Anybody got contacts in France who know the actual situation on the ground. Is is really the case that the fuel stations are running dry all over the country? Plan B would be to by-pass France and get to Italy via Belgium, Austria & Germany, which I think would only add about another 150 miles to the journey.Talk about an adventure ; )

[guest3074]

You're lucky you have the option to use Belgium, a friend goes next week Portsmouth to Caen so if it continues that's them stuffed 

[guest3074]

http://www.thelocal.fr/20160523/which-p ... l-shortage

[guest2360]

We are off on Saturday.  Intend to turn left after the train and work our way through Belgium/Germany.

[UKDucatiman]

We are off on Saturday. Intend to turn left after the train and work our way through Belgium/Germany.

We are also crossing the water on Saturday. Taking the early P&O ferry @ 7:35.

[guest3074]

We are off on Saturday.  Intend to turn left after the train and work our way through Belgium/Germany.

Went Belgium\Luxembourg on route to the Black Forest a fortnight ago, stopped here in the medieval town of Vianden on route which turned out to also be the local bike meet location 

[guest2360]

Went Belgium\Luxembourg on route to the Black Forest a fortnight ago, stopped here in the medieval town of Vianden on route.

That's where we will be based for 5 nights next week.  Good location for exploring the Eifel, Mosel area and the Ardennes.

[smileymiley]

Yep, Belgium, Luxembourg is the way to go... Lovely twisty road following the Meuse river, OK,  a little bit in France! Then the Semois river to the very nice town of Bouillon then onto the N83, N4  into Luxembourg.  Very nice

[Sleuth]

Main things are obvious
Carry original V5 licence and insurance.
European medical card. (free from the Post Office) or on line.
Addition medical travel insurance. ( many won't cover you on big bikes)
Breakdown cover.
The absolute minimum kit you can get your pillion to pack.

I would query about the medical travel insurance, as certainly in Belgium you get the right to the same health care as a national - though you do need the E111 (European Medical Card.) 

I would also make a few comments. 

If you are using a GPS.  Be aware that in France having the exact positions of speed cameras is not allowed.  Germany, & Switzerland also do not allow Speed camera warnings on the GPS.  Of course they have to catch you first!  :silence:

Hopefully you will have a good trip there, and back.

Best regards
Sleuth

[guest2360]

You do need medical insurance as the card does not provide  repatriation etc and they tend to make you pay for all medicines

[UKDucatiman]

Arrived in Arbois this afternoon. No issues getting fuel on main roads. Just one station out of town which was - super unleaded. No queues anywhere which was a relief.

[Steve F]

Glad to hear you had a trouble-free journey South. What's your next destination en route to the Italian lakes?

[Nobby]

I've toured with Bike Normandy before: they're an English couple living in Normandy who arrange lots of tours on the continent.  Here's a link from their site on what is compulsory and what isn't. It might clear up the confusion in people's minds.


http://www.bneuropeantours.com/advice/