A different kind of ride planning...Europe

[Dirt_Dad]

I have never tried to stuff our riding gear into suitcases to plan the big summer ride.

When we left Alaska we just kept most of the stuff on the bikes as they were crated to ship home. Today I learned we have enough existing suitcases to get our gear to the starting point.

Been talking about this for months, but finally pulled the trigger on making it happen. We've done a lot of North America. Time to try Europe. I've never been father east than Newfoundland, so this is a bit beyond my comfort level. But I'm assuming it won't be all that different (comfort wise) than heading up to familiar ol' Canada for us.

The pictures look inviting, so DM and I will be riding a couple of BMWs around the Alps. She's requested the same bike she owns, and I'll be trying a F 850 GS.

All pavement, but the kind of pavement I do love to ride.

Yes, CW...suitcases. DM was not at all enthusiastic about your method of getting gear across the pond. I loved it, but it was clear that DM wasn't going for it.

 

[Nikolajsen]

You may have a really nice trip

 

[Cycledude]

I anxiously look forward to hearing how everything goes.

 

[gunner]

Are you renting the bikes and doing it on your own or are you using a touring company?

 

[Dirt_Dad]

We're cheating and using a tour company. We're both completely unfamiliar with travel outside of North America. Need to get one under our belts before we have the comfort to try something like this on our own.

 

[bigbob]

I have never tried to stuff our riding gear into suitcases to plan the big summer ride.

Yes, CW...suitcases. DM was not at all enthusiastic about your method of getting gear across the pond. I loved it, but it was clear that DM wasn't going for it.

Come on Jon we need details. Cardboard boxes? Plastic garbage bags? Plastic tote bin?

 

[Boris]

Stunning part of the world. I’m sure you’ll have a great time.

Done lots of that region numerous times, including last year. Any questions, there’s plenty of us over this side that should be able to answer.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

Come on Jon we need details. Cardboard boxes? Plastic garbage bags? Plastic tote bin?

To be honest, we were both completely shocked that everything fits into just 2 of the hodgepodge, mismatched luggage pieces we've collected over the last 30+ years. When you consider it's all Klim, Sidi, Arai, and Shoei, I'm not thrilled with the potential loss if the airline loses a bag. That could really hurt.

 

[bimota]

same as boris,

down that way most summers you,ll love it.

rob

 

[Champagne InHand]

Sounds fun. Watch your seed in Switzerland as they take it very seriously. Other than that enjoy everything there is on the German bikes.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[MIKE R]

You'll enjoy it.

The Grossglockner High Alpine roads is one of my favourites in the Alps

Mike

 

[EricV]

We've done suitcases and another time a military duffle bag. both worked ok. I've worn gear on the plane too, and put the helmet as carry on in a helmet bag, (flight attendant: "who has the bowling ball?!"). In the duffle bag, I packed electric jacket liner on top, and at the top of the bag, a big note saying all the wires are my electric heated jacket liner! Worked fine. No issues or complaints from the airline.

I hope you two have a great, fully epic time. However, rules for riding in the Alps:

Get an early start.

Do not kill bicyclists! You laugh, but you will feel the urge. Thus the get an early start.

Buses have right of way. Especially the one's coming down hill when you are going up hill.

Buses have the right of way. Especially when they swing wide coming up hill and you are going down hill.

Fucktardians live at altitude. Every moron wants to act like a hooligan on the twisty alpine roads. Especially the bus drivers.

Even off season, traffic is usually crap. Try to accept and enjoy the best you can.

 

[ballisticexchris]

How come not a gear bag?

 

[Dirt_Dad]

I've worn gear on the plane too, and put the helmet as carry on in a helmet bag, (flight attendant: "who has the bowling ball?!").

That was the advice CW offered me that DM really didn't want to do. Had to drop that idea early on.

Do not kill bicyclists! You laugh, but you will feel the urge. Thus the get an early start.

It's like you know me. I'd like to think I've calmed down a lot since then....I'd like to think that.



Appreciate all the advice and suggestions from everyone. It's appreciated.

As far as a gear bag...never needed one. When I used to go to MX tracks I had a 14' enclosed trailer all set up for the day. Klim wants $250 for a gear bag...thanks, but not interested. Never serious enough in my dirt bike days to get one. Even when I did Baja, it was just an oversized duffel bag. The overwhelming amount of time I need gear on a trip...I put it on at home and leave for the ride.

 

[VRODE]

I’m sure you’ll have a great time. The tour route is good as it’ll give you an idea of what you really need to travel while taking care of the food, lodging route planning,etc.
Oh...and I think you’ll really like the food too.

 

[ballisticexchris]

As far as a gear bag...never needed one. When I used to go to MX tracks I had a 14' enclosed trailer all set up for the day. Klim wants $250 for a gear bag...thanks, but not interested. Never serious enough in my dirt bike days to get one. Even when I did Baja, it was just an oversized duffel bag. The overwhelming amount of time I need gear on a trip...I put it on at home and leave for the ride.

I could not go without a gear bag. Been using them for over 20 years. Always ready to go. Grab the bike, ramp, stand, fuel, and gear bag. Load up and roll.

 

[Don T]

Been talking about this for months, but finally pulled the trigger on making it happen. We've done a lot of North America. Time to try Europe. I've never been father east than Newfoundland, so this is a bit beyond my comfort level. But I'm assuming it won't be all that different (comfort wise) than heading up to familiar ol' Canada for us.

We're cheating and using a tour company. We're both completely unfamiliar with travel outside of North America. Need to get one under our belts before we have the comfort to try something like this on our own.

It's perfectly fine that you have booked with a tour company if that makes you feel more comfortable going for the first time, but traveling in central Europe is easy-peasy.
The only challenge for you compared with traveling in North America will be language, and that is easily overcome with the right attitude - Europeans are used to communicate with people speaking different languages.

You will probably experience that people in some countries drive/ride more "aggressively" than you are used to. You just have to understand that they are not aggressive in a negative way, there just is another approach to navigating traffic over here - especially in the south of Europe. Personally I love the traffic mentality in southern Europe. People don't focus that much on rules but is attentive and do whatever makes the traffic flow. Go with the flow and you'll be fine.
The only thing to look out for (as already mentioned) is speed cameras. They are everywhere but especially in and around populated areas. The fines can be VERY expensive! If you want to speed, do it where the locals do it (again go with the flow) as they know where the cameras are located.

I'm sure that you'll have a great time, but next time skip the tour company and travel with an open itinerary and no fixed route. Europe is an amazing playground on two wheels - especially when you start exploring the roads less traveled.
If you want to add an extra layer to the experience use the "Tent Space Map" on Advrider and stay with like minded locals - this way you become a guest instead of just a tourist in the countries you visit.

 

[EricV]

I could not go without a gear bag. Been using them for over 20 years. Always ready to go. Grab the bike, ramp, stand, fuel, and gear bag. Load up and roll.

Right. Exactly none of which applies to this scenario.

Gear bags are over size for carry on, and scream 'open me up and steal my gear' in checked luggage. At the price of dirt bike gear, if you were flying somewhere to ride dirt bikes, you could pack your gloves in your helmet and buy everything else new on location for less than the cost of one good touring jacket.

 

[Boris]

We've done suitcases and another time a military duffle bag. both worked ok. I've worn gear on the plane too, and put the helmet as carry on in a helmet bag, (flight attendant: "who has the bowling ball?!"). In the duffle bag, I packed electric jacket liner on top, and at the top of the bag, a big note saying all the wires are my electric heated jacket liner! Worked fine. No issues or complaints from the airline.

I hope you two have a great, fully epic time. However, rules for riding in the Alps:

Get an early start.

Do not kill bicyclists! You laugh, but you will feel the urge. Thus the get an early start.

Buses have right of way. Especially the one's coming down hill when you are going up hill.

Buses have the right of way. Especially when they swing wide coming up hill and you are going down hill.

Fucktardians live at altitude. Every moron wants to act like a hooligan on the twisty alpine roads. Especially the bus drivers.

Even off season, traffic is usually crap. Try to accept and enjoy the best you can.

Have you had a bad experience in the Alps? I’ve ridden the Alps, and lots& lots of it, many many times, probably comfortably in excess of 20 trips. Your experiences are not the same as mine.

Crap traffic - yep, at times on the most popular passes, particularly those made “must do” by TV shows. However, there’s dozens and dozens of other passes that are at least as good as the more famous ones, that have very little traffic on them. And it’s likely any good tour company will include many of these.

Buses/Coaches - technically they don’t have right of way, but I get your point. However there’s not that many to be of concern on the twisty roads, and you’ll encounter most of them away from the hairpin bends, so not an issue. I can honestly say, I don’t give buses/coaches a second thought on my Alpine trips.

Cyclists - Yep, they can irritate, but they’re not a problem.

Early start - usually between 8:30 and 10:00, never a problem.

You are very very very unlikely to need heated gear in Europe between June and late September.

The Stelvio in a lot of places is a narrow road pass, most are not this narrow and traffic flows without any problem, both ways. The Stelvio is not typical of Alpine roads, most are better and more enjoyable, IMO.

The Alps cover a very large area and the scenery is spectacular, as are the roads. All the countries you’re visiting, drive on the same side of the road as you. There’s absolutely no need to be apprehensive or nervous about riding there, it’s fine and straightforward, especially so if you’re an experienced motorcyclist, which I’m guessing you are.


Always good to be a little cautious, but don’t be put off by nonsense. I can almost guarantee that when you’re heading back home you’ll say, I really can’t see what all the worry was for.

 

[ballisticexchris]

We're cheating and using a tour company. We're both completely unfamiliar with travel outside of North America. Need to get one under our belts before we have the comfort to try something like this on our own.

I think going with a Tour company is a fantastic idea. I know that's what I would do. When I traveled in different countries as a young man, I would seek out locals to show me all the good spots. In the Philippines I hired a taxi driver for a full day and let him give us a tour From Subic Bay to Manila. Rota Spain same deal. When you are stationed in one spot for only 3-8 months at a time, that's the best way to go.

Not trying to be preachy but 2 things that will keep you and your wife out of trouble. This goes for any country on earth. Do not discuss politics and do not gamble.

Also take the time to learn the basic customs of the country you are traveling to. With the advancement of internet it's just a click away. When I was younger, I actually had to go to a library and get a book. Good luck with your travels. You are going to have a blast!