They will give you a strap when you park the bike on the boat, when strapping down make shoure the rachet (the thing that tightens the strap) is on the side stand side, so when you tighten it up, it then pulls the bike on to the side stand, and not away from it..
If you have never done this before just ask one of the others that have.
Noddy there are loads of straps on a rack where we park.. Theres a padded bit thats on the strap that goes over the seat, and as Pete said, you ratchet it on the stand side
Yep, it's better to secure your own bike yourself, even if you see the Car-deck crew approaching to strap down bikes...This is because they tend to overtighten across the saddle and squash the daylights out of it (ripped mine once) and also they tend to route straps or ropes across bits of your pride and joy that you would have rather they didn't...petrol tanks... front screens...tail-unit sections....A good tip is to bring some bits of foam strips, or that rubber sheeting that's now available to put under soft luggage when against the paintwork of your bike to protect it, I think M&P may sell it, it stops ropes/straps chaffing the paintwork, it's then easily stored in/ on top of/ your kit...Oh, and don't forget to leave the bike in first gear too (stops it rolling forward and off the stand in heavy weather) And if you don't think that can happen, you haven't been on vehicle ferries when trucks had their mirrors smashed because heavy seas moved them sideways so much...(been there..seen that many times..)
Remember that trying to claim for damage to vehicles from ferry companies is very difficult and costly, so check to see if you own policy covers damage whilst at sea, and remember the bike really is your responsibility to secure as safe as you can, given what's available.
All very civilised now compared to when I first started overseas travel and you had to ride/push them up a slippery 'gangplank from the Quayside and on to the 'Fore-deck' and then, on the crossing, watch the sea spray/waves breaking over the bike if the crossing was rough...great fun drying out a magneto when you arrived at the port...usually on a mid-winters night....happy days....
'Noddy 1'... no...not at all!! Be positive!! All will go just great...the tips for the rubber matting/leaving bike in gear etc... were intended to ensure your pride and joy stay just that...your pride and joy! Your all going at a nice time of year as well, and, added to which, Germany will be really nice at this time of year too, before the summer season, and Continental heat kicks-in!
Only jokin gypsyspirit, not worried about the bike......I cant swim which is a bigger problem ......need a list of all of you who are lifesavers....can I bring my armbands please?.....hahaha........are we nearly there yet dad?
Any problems on the ferry gimme a shout and I'll get you sorted What some do is put their gloves on the corners of the seat where it meets the strap. There is padding there so will depends on what's on offer but gain I've never had a problem with ferries if you take your time.
I use ratchet straps alot in my line of work (truck driver) i will of course assist anyone who is unsure of the mechanics of these pesky things. Another 'tip' i heard which can be useful is to have a small piece of rubber tubing or a small 'bungee' to secure the front brake lever to the handle. Even in gear and having the front brake secured will stop the bike from moving forward and back and with a ratchet strap holding the bike down. It will stay still even in the roughest of crossings. See you all soon peeps
If you see the 'Kapitan' sitting in the bar with his arm around a young blonde 'twenty something'...start looking for a life-jacket....hahaha....oh, and make sure your grab some bottles from behind the bar before legging it to the lifeboats....lol.....
Can't sleep Chris? ........your getting nervous?.......come on keep it together we need a strong leader, don't worry too much it will soon be over......I bought a rubber ring just in case!!! haha
Hi all
just been down and up the A1 past Pontecarlo, and noticed that although the map shows it as J40. the road signs dont when you get there - its known as the Darrington turn, so looking forward to seeing you there Chris.
Just been to Aldi and got some of their windproof long johns, not that we will need them I am sure as its gonna be SCORCHING!
not at all excited lol!!
Graham
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