Never Assume Anything - September Tour 2022 - Poppy Baker

Published on 24 September 2022 at 10:10

Never assume anything….

With the usual nerves I strap the final bag onto the bike at 5am..several loo trips later I wave bye to Dad from his driveway and head towards the port in Poole, only 10 mins down the road (lucky me).
Met up with the fella on his Guzzi and couple of family on their Harley, all very excited that the weather forecast was good and the crossing would be calm.
As previous years, I’d convinced my fellow travellers that we would ride and book accommodation daily, only the ferry sussed in advance. Brittany Ferries are very affordable, good at looking after your bike….they strap the bikes down with big cushions and off you trot to the cafe onboard for breaky.
It’s roughly a 4hr crossing so I always take my boots off and chill. When we arrived in Cherbourg, the exiting was easy and with a quick flash of your passport we were away.

I knew 2 weeks to get to the Lakes & back meant long days in the saddle but it’s the biking that is the holiday. Regardless, bum ache happens in abundance but coffee, fuel & lunch stops all help weather your body in.

Just in case you are considering a tour here’s a few know hints:
Google, Apple maps do not match a Sat Nav.
4.5hrs journey is more like 6+ (need to add in stops & weather conditions)
Short lunch breaks are never short, you’ll be convinced the 3 course special @ €19 outweighs the toastie you originally wanted!
Weather in northern Italy is biblically stormy & then sweetness in the sunshine (great opportunity to try out all that wet weather gear)
Do not pack wet weather gear at the bottom, even on promised sunny days!
Take your original V5, bill of sale, licence, passport all at a reachable distance.
Use credit cards in gas stations or cash if there’s a shop, many are self automated.
Forget your school French, it’s bloody useless…..use Google translate!
Personal choice, buy cheap knickers, socks & bin them when used, washing is a faff when constantly on the move.
Don’t forget your 2 pin plug adapters.
Make sure your mobile is data friendly, many Wi-Fi in B&B/Hotels are rubbish.
Take 100’s photos, if like me you forget as so much happens.
Insurance…..boring but get it in place, do research & make sure it covers your needs. (Could write a whole blog on Insurance….but bit sad)
Get your beastie serviced as close to going, ensures everything is well lubed & in good running order.

So we rode right through France, sort of as the crow flies, crossed the Petit St Bernard Pass, border France/Italy. Loads of hairy pin bends, always worrying for me with heights. Had a giggle at the Lakes a few rest days, then put it all into reverse, just hitting different towns & accommodation…..2000 miles later I pulled into Dads driveway……”home Dad, can you help me clean the bike?”

If you ever stop somewhere & it ticks an amazing time, share it folks!
Recommendation is an excellent way & allows questions.
Mine to follow….