Getting Prepared to Go.

The Bike Contrary to popular belief any machine can be used for touring, although some are obviously more suited than others for long distances and carrying luggage. Whatever bike is chosen it should be serviced and thoroughly checked over beforehand. Time spent in a workshop is not time wasted at the side of the road! One area to be particularly careful of are the tyres. Make sure there is sufficient wear left to do the entire journey and get you home again without the tyre becoming illegal. Adjust the pressures to deal with the extra weight in accordance with manufacturers recommendations. Obviously anything that looks worn or likely to fail should be replaced beforehand. At the very least make sure you have a basic toolkit, especially if the bike is chain driven as this may need to be adjusted en route. While modern bikes are very reliable some basic spares are always handy bike levers just in case the bike gets dropped, or bulbs to deal with failures, but do not get carried away and load yourself up unnecessarily, invest in a good service beforehand. The suspension should also be adjusted in-line with the manufacturers recommendations to take account the extra weight of the luggage and or pillion. A spare key is always worth considering, especially if you have a pillion who can keep it safe for you. Unless your number plate incorporates a GB identifier you will need to attach a GB sticker to the rear and a headlight converter at the front to dip to the right avoid blinding drivers at night.

Riding gear will always be a personal thing, but you need to plan for all types of weather. Being too hot is just as dangerous as being too cold and if you are wet through, it can lead to loss of concentration. With modern synthetic materials you can now get base layers that breathe and deal with temperature variations and are easy to wash and dry overnight. Maybe a good idea to buy waterproof socks if your boots are not designed for touring with waterproof membranes. If leather is you choice, you will need a good over-suit and a spare pair of gloves are a useful addition, preferably of a different grade (warmer -cooler) to the ones you will be using. Most people find modern Gore-Tex fabric suits with built-in armour are best so as not to have to carry over-suits, or having to stop every time they encounter a shower. If riding at cooler times of the year or heading for the mountains consider electrically heated garments and or heated grips for greater comfort and machine control. If you are touring a pair of trousers and or shorts and a fleece and a pair of trainers will deal with most evening activities and cut down on the amount of luggage you need to take. Thin fleeces can always be used to bulk up riding gear if the temperature drops dramatically! For general touring a 'Flip front' helmet provides the best compromise as it does not have to be removed every time you want to speak to someone, of just get an extra deep breath of mountain air when stopping to take photographs. If you are using a helmet with a tinted visor a clear spare is a must. Likewise a pair of sunglasses if using a clear visor unless your helmet has a built in sun visor. A cleaning kit is also useful to maintain it in a clean safe condition. If you are carrying a pillion you may wish to consider an intercom system so you can communicate on the move. Alternatively it can be used to get verbal directions from any Sat Nav in use. Any item of clothing should be well worn in and comfortable as there is nothing worse than new boots rubbing, or finding a new helmet is far too tight when the temperature rises!

Basic toolkit Bike levers Spare bulbs Tape & cable ties Chain lube Tyre repair kit First Aid kit A spare key Hi-visibility jacket GB sticker Carrying luggage falls into two basic categories, hard luggage which is fitted to the bike or soft luggage attached temporarily to the machine. Nowadays there is plenty of choice available of both types and your choice will probably be made by the type of machine you are using. The advantages of hard luggage is of course it tends to be more waterproof and secure and can often be quickly detached and carried into an hotel like a suitcase. You can also get insert bags which are often easier and a cleaner option to take in rather than detaching the whole box. They are also more secure as they are generally locked to the bike. Soft luggage is far more flexible and of course cheaper, but will need to have any items carried in waterproof bags inside in case it leaks, even those with waterproof covers! Small padlocks will help to make is less removable. It is very important though when strapping this type of luggage onto the bike, either by its own straps and or 'bungees' that it is secure and will not move. The very last thing you want is something falling into the back wheel and locking it up throwing you from the machine! Always read any manufacturer's instructions and try and put it low down so as not to affect the centre of gravity and thus the machines handling. Use netting, sticky plastic film or similar to avoid damaging any paintwork or seats. Stay warm and weather proof Waterproof jacket and trousers Woolly hat, gloves and sunhat Suitable footwear for evening Spare underwear and socks Lightweight and fast drying materials Sun protection and sunglasses Any toiletries you would usually use: soap, shampoo, conditioner Any regular medicines Hand sanitiser and antibacterial wipes Face masks to wear in communal areas Insect repellent Tooth brush and toothpaste Micro fibre Towel

There's always something that gets forgotten when packing for a camping trip. Having a well thought out camping checklist can help you to prevent this from happening. Here are our recommendations of camping essentials to take on any trip. Shelter and Comfort Checklist Tent and groundsheet a definite must ! Sleeping bag Pillow Sleeping mat or camp bed Camping chair Mallet, spare pegs and puller Spare batteries, portable charger and cables Torch and head torch Tent repair kit, paracord, gaffa tape, cable ties, sewing kit Air pump if needed for an airbed
 Kitchen Checklist Stove Fuel Lighters or matches Pots, pans and kettle Plates, bowls and mugs Cooking and eating utensils Dish cloths and sponge Tea towels Washing up liquid and bowl Rubbish bags Tin & bottle opener

Sat nav use has revolutionised motorcycle touring in the last decade or more, newer units have a wide range of different features that we can’t even begin to go into on these pages but there are plenty of videos on you tube of how to set this up or we can meet before hand and help you through it.

All riders on tour must have valid insurance for themselves and their pillion riders in the countries that we ride through. Take copies of your registration document (V5C), a letter of authority to use the bike if it is not yours, Insurance Certificate and MOT if applicable. ​ Make sure you have your European Health Insurance Card which are available to download from the department of health Ehip card only covers basic health care needs. Please make sure your travel insurance covers any hospital treatment, stay in hospital and repatriation back to the U.K. ​ We require that all customers have breakdown cover for their motorcycles, this must cover repatriation of both them and their motorcycle in case of accident or breakdown. Ideally it will also include replacement with a rental vehicle if not fixable within 24 hours so that you can continue your tour.