Forum

[Paulk]

Given the advice on E10 fuel and my impending European trip I thought I'd start a new thread. In September I will be taking the ferry to Bilbao, zig zagging the Pyrenees to the coast near Barcelona(4 days), resting a week then up through France etc. to Rotterdam for the ferry to Hull (three of us on three bikes, 2 new Triumphs and a BMW). Now I've done an amount of continental riding (Alps/Southern France) but that was a few years ago. If any of you would like to suggest any hints/tips and massive no-no's I'd appreciate it. I know you an get this by web search and reading books but there's nothing like actual experience. I promise to disregard most safety tips :-)Thank you.

[Haggis]

Try and get onto the N260 from Biescas to La seu d'Urgell, excellent road. You can't go wrong really. Personally hated Lourdes but I like Andorra which lots of other folks hate. Lots of fun to be had on some the amazing climbs you see on the tour de France.

[2cvandy]

Odd ball French rules ;-

breathalyser must be carried (but the fine for not doing so is 0 euro, so nobody bothers).

Helmets must have 4 reflective stickers, front, back and sides. Some come from the shop with them on, some supply the stickers with the lid. Lots of folk don't bother, I've never heard of anybody being pulled over for the lack of them.

High viz vest must be carried, not worn, just carried in case of breakdown. The fine for not wearing one if broken down at the side of the road is 135 euro (note, pedestrians do not need to wear them, it is unclear just how far you need to be from your bike to qualify as a pedestrian!).

Gloves must be worn by rider and pillion, and they must be CE approved. My missus and I have 6 pairs between us, only 1 pair of the 6 is CE approved, in common with thousands of other French bikers I will replace them when they wear out and am confident of not getting pulled over in the meantime.

Have a great trip, San Sebastion is worth a stop off if you have the time, as is Rocamadour in France if it's not too far off your route.

[Paulk]

Haggis,2CV, Thanks for the advice - I'd heard a little about the glove thing in France - looks like I'll be shopping, most of my existing stuff comes from Army/Navy shops. Do Luftwaffe gloves have the correct CE markings? I'll check and let you know. Have to wear gloves!!!! what a pain - have they no idea how hot it is. I can get a Hi-Viz from work, so I decide to stop - not broken down - do I have to put it on then? I suppose it's a bit like hazard lights, deploy if a hazard.(Don't get me started on people that use then when illegally parked and not a hazard - or a delivery). So I have to wear gloves but I can get away with no jacket?? I'll check out the N260 - I was hoping to do the smallest twistiest road I could find that weren't dead ends. These are rhetorical questions but please feel free to respond if you wish people. Any more insight folks. Thanks again.

[2cvandy]

"Do Luftwaffe gloves have the correct CE markings?"

No, but gardening gloves do, how are you with needle & cotton,,,,,,,,,,,, Or just tell them "the CE markings were on the packaging officer, honestly".

Thankfully we are still allowed to ride sans jacket in hot weather, you won't see a biking Gendarme wearing one if the temps in the 30s.

TBH, most French drivers are very good with bikes, they'll often move over to let you pass, not always where a pass is safe or sensible mind, but at least you'll know they've seen you,,,,,,,,,

Don't know if you can say the same for Spanish, especially after "lunch",,,,,,,,,,,,, be safe.

[ric]

When using French 24/24 petrol stations your debit card company will see this as a cash withdrawal and will probably take the opportunity to charge you (> £1) for the pleasure of letting you move the fuel from the pump to your tank!

[Paulk]

Thank you gentlemen.

[Paulk]

All back safe and sound. What a fantastic experience. Brittany Ferry to Bilbao was "entertaining", some fantastic roads in the Pyrenees, did a good section of the N260 from Sort to Besalu as recommended (by chance actually - following someone else's Sat Nav) Did much smaller roads at the western side. Went through a couple of ski resorts - that should of been open, it was that cold - brrrr, but soon warmed up as we dropped down. Andorra le Vella has about eight big motorcycle accessory shops???, which came in handy after I discovered my ten year old waterproof leggings weren't. If your thinking of doing it - go for it, you won't regret it. The "mad dash" through France to Zeebrugge on the way home wasn't as bad as expected, can't remember the last time I did 75-80 mph for several hours/days, but I would recommend avoiding Paris - they are all suicidal (or so it seemed) with bikes been the worst. Smiles. Paul.

[2cvandy]

Glad you had a good trip. IMHO, avoiding Paris is always good advice,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[p]

Re the hi viz waistcoat; I ride in Spain regularly and have the yellow colour one rather than the orange. Through the eyes of the average half concentrating Spanish driver this makes me look like a policeman and I find that they give me much more respect/ wide berth/ don't pull out in front of me whenever I wear it, so in the interest of remaining in one piece I wear one to ride! The difference is astounding, and I would recommend anyone riding in Spain to wear one as an outer layer whatever is underneath.