Advice on traveling through UK

[D K]

Hello

I'm planning on picking up my X Challenge from Manchester in the next month and driving through Scotland, then to Germany.

I've never been to the UK before, and unfortunately this time I only have a few days to do this. I work on a large megayacht and we are in the middle of a very busy season, so the bike has been sitting for quite some time. Now, I'm finaly able to pick it up and would like to hear from some of you where to go and what to see?
I'm also a little weary on driving on the left side of the road since I have very little experience with this - Carribean mostly.


Cheers.

 

[Timpo]

Try to keep your bike out of sight of other when in hotels, etc. Lock it when ever left out of sight.
The left hand driving is over come with time, so slow and steady at first. The real difficult bit is the natural reaction when an emergency stop occurs. Single track roads will see you reflex into the path of the oncoming vehicle You'll stab for the right and they'll be going their left), so take it ver y easy on the single track roads.
You'll be travelling light, so plenty of micro fleece layers and a waterproof over suit of some discription. It can rain for days the further North you go, and it ain't much better in the South at present.

Enjoy it.....

Timpo.

 

[Hustler]

When you stop for petrol use a garage on the left side of the road as this helps as you rejoin the road on the correct, left, side.

 

[MattW]

I tie something to my mirror stem (left in your case) and mentally 'weld' it to the nearside kerb whenever I approach tricky junctions / roundabouts etc.

As others have said, the worst time is when you've started to get used to driving on the 'wrong' side of the road and relax a bit - your natural instincts can then take over if you lose concentration.

Enjoy the trip

 

[D K]

Thanks very much guys.

I hope I get lucky with the weather...

 

[illustratedman]

UK

Not too far North of manchester you have the lake district which is definitely worth a look if you are passing by that way. It's well signposted from the M6 motorway, head for windermere if you only have a few hours, touristy but pleasant enough.Then take the A592 kirkstone pass to penrith and back to the M6 to Scotland. The roads get quieter generally the further north you go beware of sheep wandering onto the road in rural areas.

 

[iftikartaxis]

holiday

have a really fantastic holiday
bikers usually nod there heads to say Hi !!!!
keep smiling

 

[D K]

Lake district was actually one of the places I wanted to check out, so this is perfect!

Awesome stuff.

D

 

[jonnie comet]

I tie something to my mirror stem (left in your case) and mentally 'weld' it to the nearside kerb whenever I approach tricky junctions / roundabouts etc.

I have one of those curly, bright green disc lock reminder things, twirled 'round a mirror. When you park up in Euroland, wrap it from one mirror to the other.....like right across the speedo etc.... Next morning (the real killer) you can't miss it.

Works for me......

 

[ONYERBIKE]

Good idea about tying something to the mirror to help you mentally remember which side of the road you are on. I drive artics and have driven both left and right hand drive.
When I first went out in a left hand drive truck in France I had a instructor next to me for the first few trips. Needless to say, on a narrow road, first sign of danger saw us heading for the ditch at the side of the road, scraped all the side of the shiny new truck on a tree
The instructor told me to drive only with my left hand on the wheel instead of my right, naturally pulling me away from the edge as well as reminding me which way I should go in an emergency.....I know its different on a bike but the same principles apply.....the more you do it, the more normal it becomes.

Places to visit......A82(off the top of my head)....the road between Loch Lomond, Glencoe Mountains and Fort William.

 

[Aloonatic]

New to driving on the left.....in the UK! Rather you than me....I've lived here all my life and dread to think what the chavs and mobiemums are going to do to you.....I'll pray for you :yes:


I keep practising driving on the right.... I don't half get some strange looks!

Enjoy the bike matey

 

[D K]

cheers for that. thanks guys.

I have a very minute amount of experience of driving on the left even though I might not be all that proud to admit it (has to do with a stolen taxi and some strippers in the Caribbean...), so yes, I'm very axious, but I'm sure it will be allright.
I am so exited about going to Scotland (wanted to for so long time) that I'm not too wrapped up about it...

Thanks again.

D

 

[ONYERBIKE]

cheers for that. thanks guys.

I have a very minute amount of experience of driving on the left even though I might not be all that proud to admit it (has to do with a stolen taxi and some strippers in the Caribbean...), so yes, I'm very axious, but I'm sure it will be allright.
I am so exited about going to Scotland (wanted to for so long time) that I'm not too wrapped up about it...

Thanks again.

D

You can't just leave it like that my man..........forum rules state that a full ride report with pictures are required............in the Caribbean you say

 

[D K]

You call it rid report. I call it incriminating evidence

 

[Tarka]

Don`t expect other road users to be anything more than irresponsible,reckless,impatient,incompetent and homicidal maniacs.

I`ve mostly found in Europe that drivers treat bikers with awareness and respect.......but not here.....so beware.

Never think that your bike is safe when parked.
The moment it leaves your view,it is at risk....even outside a shop or paying for petrol at a service station.

Don`t trust anyone...but don`t get paranoid either....and enjoy yourself.

 

[earthmover]

The amount of traffic you are likely to encounter near to towns and cities should keep you on the "correct" side of the road. It's when you get into rural areas, if you manage to, that you'll need to keep your wits about you.
Perhaps we can come to some arrangement, I'll escort you around this wonderous Isle, in exchange for a couple of weeks on the yacht.
Mark

 

[mirboo72]

The amount of traffic you are likely to encounter near to towns and cities should keep you on the "correct" side of the road. It's when you get into rural areas, if you manage to, that you'll need to keep your wits about you.
Perhaps we can come to some arrangement, I'll escort you around this wonderous Isle, in exchange for a couple of weeks on the yacht.
Mark

Watch out for Nissan Micra's..

 

[WindyChuffer]

Stay away from Liverpool if you value your bike. And your wallet.

 

[D K]

I don't know about a couple of weeks....but maybe a day cruise or something like that....

The amount of traffic you are likely to encounter near to towns and cities should keep you on the "correct" side of the road. It's when you get into rural areas, if you manage to, that you'll need to keep your wits about you.
Perhaps we can come to some arrangement, I'll escort you around this wonderous Isle, in exchange for a couple of weeks on the yacht.
Mark

 

[mikeTR]

As said earlier traffic and lane markings will keep you generally ok. The only time I have a problem in another country is mini roundabouts when it is quiet!

Depending when your collecting your bike, it would be a pleasure to show you some of the best roads in the lakes. Away from the traffic, on single lane tracks so nothing to worry about.

I will be in Barcelona shortly - Whats the traffic like? and how safe is the bike overnight? (have an hotel booked)