Leaving on Friday - France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany.

[r500sac]

Myself and a mate are going on a little camping trip on friday - me on a '13 GSA, him on a CBR 600. Yes, I'll be performing sherpa duties.

The plan is to get the 7.30-ish train to Calais, then get to more interesting roads quickly - so the initial route if Dunkirk - Lilles - Mons.
From Mons, we'll go through Beaumont - Dinant - Hamoir, staying in Stavelot. Hopefully the weather will be kind, the nights are still below freezing...
Day two is Stavelot - Trier - Saarbrucken - Baden Baden - Freiburg, we then stay near Frieiburg for two nights, spending day three riding round the local area.
Day Four is either reverse of the above, or head west through the Ardennes, saying for a night around Saint Quentin. Final day is a dull ride up to Calais and home.

I'd expect it to be about 1800 miles with no more than about 6 hours riding per day, so it should be quite a relaxed trip. Fingers crossed the weather, I'll give an update when we are back.

 

[dave hendy]

Have a good trip looks like it might be slightly warmer by the weekend

Sure you'll have a good time, watch out for speed traps on B500 after Baden Baden the speed limits rediculusly low these days

 

[Deleted account Cooperman]

Have fun and let us know how you get on

 

[donnie]

Have a good one.

 

[kurienp]

What he ^ said ... and don't forget to post pictures . Enjoy, ride safe and may the riding and weather gods be with you.

 

[Wapping]

Moved, in anticipation of a trip report.

 

[Tarka]

Moved, in anticipation of a trip report.

But it isn't one,is it ?

So you could do with moving it again.

 

[r500sac]

i'll do my best to turn it into a trip report and will take plenty of pictures!

 

[kurienp]

Moved, in anticipation of a trip report.

maybe too much pressure for the op to handle

 

[r500sac]

Pre-ride - packing and stuff

OK, I'll try to do this properly. Pictures to follow.

I thought I'd start with some information on what I'm taking with me, as I like to be prepared and don't pack light!!
The bike is a 2012 GSA triple black with aluminium luggage and tank bag.

BMW large Tank bag - BMW Pro-Rain suit in here, so it is easy to get to and won't get anything else wet. Maps in the zipped bit (just back up for Zumo 660). Copies of documents and route plan in the clear bit. Torch and mobile phone in the removable pocket. Mobile phone charged from USB plug in rear accessory socket.
Rear seat - Thermarest Mondoking XL sleeping mat with a sheet, and a pole for the tarp. I won't skimp on comfort when I camp and the mondoking is great, if a bit too bulky for a bike trip really. Both are in a large waterproof bergen liner, held on by roc straps.
Left pannier - Stove is a MSR Dragonfly with 2 bottles of fuel. Some tupperware with tea bags, cutlery, etc, etc. Some empty water bottles. 5 cartons of UHT milk (for tea). MSR pots, cups, bowls.
Right pannier - Wild Country Duolite tent with footprint. DD 3mx3m tarp. Thermarest compressible XL pillow. Thermarest Regulus large camping quilt (I find it much better than a sleeping bag but packs quite large).
Top box - clothes. Won't be taking much. Pair of shoes, few pairs of pants, fleece, plenty of spare pairs of socks in case it rains, pair of jeans, spare t-shirt or two, etc.

Riding gear is an old twat suit (without liner) and EDZ 2-piece undersuit (not thermal) as the forecast is OK at the moment. I tend not to get too cold anyway, although I may take some warmer undies if the forecast is bad. Boots are an old pair of Sidi sports bike jobs, gloves old Hein Gericke ones, because I am particularly tight. Helmet is a Schuberth C3 pro with SRC.

The plan is to meet near M3 j3 at about 5.15 friday. Pics to follow.