Having passed my test in February last year, Ian decided that our riding trip to France, I could ride my own bike ... this was less than 4 months after passing *gulp* I thought.
To be honest its not that different, ok yes the going the 'wrong' way round roundabouts takes a wee bit of getting used to, but the whole experience was worth it.
Just ride for yourself as you would in the UK & don't let car drivers intimidate you
Be aware of whatever country you are going to, what the rules of junctions and roundabouts are !!!
In some countries you do NOT have right of way when you ON the roundabout. The vehicle ENTERING the roundabout has right of way.
Get a basic knowledge of the road signs.. ie, in France some speed limits are subject to change during rainy weather.
Also traffic emerging from some side roads have right of way.. I've forgotten what the road markings are now, but look them up.
Make sure you have easy access to change for Toll Bridges etc.
remember by law you have to carry spare bulbs, and hi viz vests in case you break down , that includes the pillion , tie a piece of ribbon on the kerb side mirror to remind you which side of the road you should be on .and the obvis one your head light needs resetting..
and its kmph not mph...and not all german motorways are unrestricted ,,you could end up coming home without your bike..
Tony is dead right!! Here in Holland people have the RIGHT OF WAY WHEN JOINING A ROUND A BOUT!!! So if you're on the roundabout then you have to let people ONTO it if they approach it.
The exception to that here in Holland is if THEY have little white triangles pointing towards them at their junction. Also, if you see yellow diamond signs along the side of the road then this means YOU have right of way. If it has a black line through it then you DO NOT and you have to let people pull out of side streets! It's ridiculous I know.
It's also important to remember that when driving a CAR here, you are always aware that it's not the UK cos you're sat on the other side of the car. BUT, on a motorbike you're always in the middle and sometimes you might find yourself drifting to the wrong side of the road, ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT when there are no other cars to follow.
Be very careful driving at night because it's not so obvious that you need to be on the right. During the day just follow all the other cars, around roundabouts etc for example. But pay extra attention when theres nobody else around (like smaller roads also).
invalid characters In: West Sussex
Posts: 647
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Be aware of current terrorist threat levels.
The English are feeling the pinch in relation to recent terrorist threats and have therefore raised their security level from "Miffed" to "Peeved." Soon, though, security levels may be raised yet again to "Irritated" or even "A Bit Cross." The English have not been "A Bit Cross" since the blitz in 1940 when tea supplies nearly ran out. Terrorists have been re-categorized from "Tiresome" to "A Bloody Nuisance." The last time the British issued a "Bloody Nuisance" warning level was in 1588, when threatened by the Spanish Armada.
The Scots have raised their threat level from "Pissed Off" to "Let's get the Bastards." They don't have any other levels. This is the reason they have been used on the front line of the British army for the last 300 years.
The French government announced yesterday that it has raised its terror alert level from "Run" to "Hide." The only two higher levels in France are "Collaborate" and "Surrender." The rise was precipitated by a recent fire that destroyed France 's white flag factory, effectively paralysing the country's military capability.
Italy has increased the alert level from "Shout Loudly and Excitedly" to "Elaborate Military Posturing." Two more levels remain: "Ineffective Combat Operations" and "Change Sides."
The Germans have increased their alert state from "Disdainful Arrogance" to "Dress in Uniform and Sing Marching Songs." They also have two higher levels: "Invade a Neighbour" and "Lose."
Belgians, on the other hand, are all on holiday as usual; the only threat they are worried about is NATO pulling out of Brussels .
The Spanish are all excited to see their new submarines ready to deploy. These beautifully designed subs have glass bottoms so the new Spanish navy can get a really good look at the old Spanish navy.
Australia , meanwhile, has raised its security level from "No worries" to "She'll be alright, Mate." Two more escalation levels remain: "Crikey! I think we'll need to cancel the barbie this weekend!" and "The barbie is canceled." So far no situation has ever warranted use of the final escalation level.
Perhaps the best tip I could give someone about to ride abroad for the first time is to go with others that have done it before and make sure they're aware you're an "abroad virgin".
Other tips; try and get clued up to the rules and regs of the road of the country /countries of where you're going (the AA have a lot of info on their website). Remember that many countries have been cracking down on UK drivers breaking the law for a while now, so speeding etc is done at your peril. Being stung for a £250 (500 swiss fr) on the spot fine for an illegal exhaust ain't fun. I know lol!
Other than that, be sensible, take it steady and have fun. Travelling abroad by bike is probably the most fun thing you can do on a motorcycle* and I'm sure you'll love it.
*Apart from when you get a £250 on the spot cash only fine and get the option of paying or facing a night in jail. Lol!
all of above good, but poss also;
main thing to remember, WHEN YOU GET HOME! ride on left, and turn left at roundabouts, usually you relax, get of ferry, ride (drive) most of way home on motorway, and at 1st roundabout have effectivly been on a single sided road (motorways tend not to have folk coming towards you?)
it`s really easy to relax and forget, especially as you have been concentrating all the previous holiday to turn right at roundabouts.
also, when at t junctiong on hol, its easy to turn right, you have only your traffic from the left to worry about, but when turning left be careful that you not only cross the carageway and turn onto the oposite side (i.e. so your again on right) but that the life saver you do, as well as any quick glances you do for traffic, are down the correct side of the road! we tend to glance down just the oncoming side quickily, and remember this should be the far side!!
failing all this , follow someone who`s been before,
carry your documents/passport/phone/money alltimes (some countries crush bike if no docs)
a phrase book makes any locals a lot friendlier,
smile,
set yourself shorter distances over there to alow for tourisim, being lost, having fun, searching for toilets n cake shops, riding slow to look at the view!
do it!!
Remember when someone is turning left and your at junction goin straight or left do not move -the person in vehicle has to pass you before turning left.
I nearly moved and came a cropper doh!
take your time and dont let anyone hassle you ,ENJOY
@ Matt
When you are using a roundabout where the 'enter-ers' have 'dragons teeth' is there any indication to the RA user that the 'enter-ers' would have to yeild to you?
Or do you just assume they are gonna enter & you are ready to yeild?
hi viz vest only applies to car drivers not motorcycle riders.
it would be a lot easier if the uk was to change over to the right same as rest of europe
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