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[AndyMc]

Well, tomorrow night I set off to Krakow from Liverpool on my C5 Classic.
My route is Liverpool, Harwich, Hook of Holland, Gauda, Lingen, Wernigerode, Gorlitz, Krakow, Zgorzelec, Bischofroda, Welver, Urtecht, Liverpool.

I will be avoiding motorways as much as possible and will cover about 3000 miles. I aim to cover 200-250 miles a day at a gentle cruise. I hope my bum can take he punishment. I have booked all my accommodation through Airbnb.

The bike is as ready as it can be with some of the previously suggested mods carried out. The throttle rocker is very useful and the 19t sprocket has made a big difference. Throw over panniers and a tank bag give me plenty of room for my stuff. Ive got spare plugs, clutch cable, inner tubes and a bit of oil. Breakdown insurance will hopefully deal with any other eventualities but I don't expect to find many enfield dealers to cope with anything serious. Fingers crossed.

I will post any interesting events here to hopefully keep you entertained. It will give me a good opportunity to assess the mpg

If anyone has any suggestions for places to visit on my route please let me know

[Leon Novello]

A word to the wise; make sure the throw-over saddlebags are balanced and secure, as mine slipped down onto the muffler and melted the ar, er, bottom of the bag. Took ages to remove the melted plastic substance from the muffler. Anyhow, have a good trip.

[Revband]

Have a great trip Andy, you will find drivers over there are far more friendly and obliging to bike riders, 3000 miles? no problem on a well maintained bike.

[ric]

Have a good one. 3,000 is a good number.

The only thing I brought with me on top of the standard tool kit was three 1/2" drive sockets and an extention bar to adjust the chain more easily when required and some electrical tape which has nearly all been used up! Came in very handy when the rack failed last weekend and again today when the Hi-Lo rocker switch failed which I've now jerry rigged so just the dip beam will work for when riding back through France.

[Beezabryan]

Safe travels Andy

[AndyMc]

Well, the story so far. 40degs in the shade, blood boiling in my leathers but who cares its not raining. So far the only thing not working is the back light to the spedo but I'm using the satnav anyway. Had a minor fright in Gouder when there was a sudden clicking at traffic lights, it caused me great consternation as it didn't increase with revs and only happened when stationary. Out for a pint later and crossed the road, the lights must have a mechanical time.

[AndyMc]

Cont.... That gave me a fright. The baffle in my previously wonderful sounding exhaust must have come loose as it now sounds like a tin can full of stones. In parked up at a hotel for dinner earlier next to another RE. This one was a 500/diesel with a belt drive owned by a German guy on his way to Essen for the GP. Converted in Germany of course with an R E gearbox. Looked very good. I'm in Lingen Now. The roads are great and the beer is good but not at the same time. Bye for now

[Mark M]

Well done Andy, good luck with the rest of the journey. REgards, Mark

[AndyMc]

Quick update. Fuel consumption averaged 82mpg over @ 800 miles. Best day was today 91mpg 234 miles. Used approx 350ml of oil over the journey, until today when I bought some more (took 500ml) and of course .. Not used any today!! Much cooler today so maybe that made a difference as it hasn't used much in the past.
TTFN

[ric]

Amazing how different these engines are . My current oil has done over 3,000 miles and I've not topped it up at all. I'm currently in Basque country slowly making my way home and unless something goes pear shaped I won't need to buy any either. Mpg is still over the 100 mark but I will verify the accuracy of my odometer on my return. Initial pen and paper workings show a 4% over-read so it's touch and go if I average over or under 100 by the end of this trip,2/3 of which will have been with luggage