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Category: Tourism & Travel

  1. Motorcycle routes in Europe that are a must

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    One great thing about Europe is the diversity in scenery within a relatively small area. One day you can be motorbiking through the Alps and the next day you are cruising along the coast. The winding European roads are a lot of fun to drive, so if you’re looking for the next big route, you need to check out the ones on this list.

    The Amalfi Coast, Italy     Amalfi Coast, Italy - deposit-photos

    What better place to start than southern Italy, arguably one of the most beautiful places in the world with one of the most incredible drives you’ll find anywhere. The trip from Naples to Salerno going around the Amalfi coast is absolutely stunning, and the best part is it can be done in a few hours if you drive straight through. Starting from the chaotic city of Naples, you’ll drive past Pompei and Mt Vesuvius and through the coastal town of Sorrento before arriving at Salerno. There are plenty of great cafes to stop, have a coffee, and take in the sights, so you can choose to take an afternoon, a whole day, or even spread it over a weekend!

    From Cabo de Gata to Granada, Spain

    From southern Italy to southern Spain, our next route takes you from the coastal town of Cabo de Gata to the city of Granada. What’s great about this journey is that you’ve got two choices - depending on what you want to see. You can drive across the southern coast of Spain before heading north and passing the Sierra Nevada mountain range, or you can head north, driving through the beautiful Parque Nacional de Sierra Nevada and getting a great view of the mountain range from the other side. Both journeys will take 2-3 hours if you don’t stop, but if you take the coastal route, we recommend stopping at one of the beautiful seafront cafes to take in the view.

    The Cat and Fiddle run, England   Cat and Fiddle Road, A537

    The next route on our list is often described as the most dangerous road in Britain and is ridden for the challenge rather than for the scenery. That said, it does go through the Peak District, which is a beautiful part of the country, but you’ll be too busy focusing on the road to truly enjoy it. The road is constantly climbing through a series of sharp bends until you reach the Cat and Fiddle Inn at the summit. From there, you begin your descent into Macclesfield through another series of sharp (and often blind) corners. Local motorcyclists often consider the road a gamble, especially in wet conditions, which are common in the UK. For a safer way to spend your time, give an online casino UK site with exciting casino games a go.

    The Transfagarasan Highway, Romania

    The last route on our list is one that visitors to Europe often overlook: the Transfagarasan Highway in Romania. This 90km stretch of road snakes up through Romania’s highest mountains, giving you fantastic views of the country. As well as stunning views, it’s also a challenging ride, with sweeping turns, tight hairpins and long dark tunnels to navigate. The best time to take the journey is during the week, as it often gets busy over the weekends. The Highway is generally closed from late October/early November through to June due to the ice and snow at the summit. If you can get over for the summer, it’s a route you won’t want to miss.

    Conclusion

    These routes highlight the variety of journeys you can find across Europe, from treacherous mountain roads in Romania to leisurely coastal drives in the south of Italy. There are plenty more stunning routes around the continent that we haven’t mentioned, including the Furka Pass in Switzerland, the Antrim coast road in Northern Ireland, and Bergen to Geiranger in Norway.

     

     

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  2. How to Plan a Bike Road Trip

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    The UK is an amazing place to take a road trip no matter how many wheels your vehicle has. This country is home to winding routes, spectacular landscapes, amazing scenery and some of the best roadside pubs and restaurants to stop off at. If you love the freedom of the open road, then the UK is an ideal place to be. From the coasts of Devon and Cornwall all the way to the Scottish Highlands, you can find smooth roads and stunning views. No matter which region you choose to explore, some foresight and planning will help you put together the best trip. With that in mind, here are some of the main tips to keep in mind when you plan a motorbike road trip in the UK.

    Be Flexible with Planning

    First of all, it’s a good idea to have a general plan in place, including a detailed route of any roads that you are going to be taking and where you are going to be staying, so that you can get the most from your trip with a smooth and stress-free experience. If you’re going to be staying on the road overnight, it’s a good idea to book your stays in advance as the last thing that you want is to end up struggling to find somewhere to stay after a long day of riding. It’s also a good idea to check the weather in advance and plan your trip around it, as you will want to avoid getting caught in any storms.

    However, while careful planning is essential for some aspects of your trip, it’s also good to have some room for flexibility. When you’re on a motorbike road trip, it’s good to be able to keep your plans flexible as much as possible as you never know when the weather might change or when you might want to stay somewhere different to where you had originally planned if you’re too tired from driving or have found somewhere else that you like better. Try to book places to stay with free cancellation or amendments.

    Breakdown Cover and Insurance

    Before heading on a motorbike road trip across the UK, it’s important to protect yourself and your bike in the event of an emergency or accident. As a motorbike rider it’s hard to ignore the statistics that prove accidents and fatalities are more common on motorbikes compared to in cars, which is why it is so important to make sure that you are safe and have precautions in place to protect both you and your vehicle. Driving on roads that you are not familiar with can increase the risk of an accident, so make sure that your motorbike insurance is valid and up to date.   How to Plan a Bike Road Trip - motorcycle-breakdown-cover-uk

    Along with checking your insurance, you should also make sure that you have valid motorcycle breakdown cover for the duration of your trip. If you are unlucky enough to have your bike break down in a remote location, you will want to know that somebody can come to help and take your bike to the nearest place where it can get repaired.

    Communication, Navigation and Entertainment

    Once you are on the road and exploring the country, it’s important to have a good system in place so that you know where you are going, especially if you are travelling somewhere you have never been before. A good GPS system is one of the best pieces of equipment that you can have on your bike.

    Along with this, you should make sure that you have enough data on your phone so that if you need to stop and check Google Maps to figure out where you need to go, you’ll be able to do so easily.

    If you don’t already have unlimited data on your phone, most networks will allow you to purchase an add-on so that you can use as much data as you like. This is definitely worth paying for as Wi-Fi might not always be available everywhere you go, especially when you get to the more remote areas. 

    Clothing

    Making sure that you pack the right clothes for your motorbike road trip is another part of planning. While you might not be able to fit everything that you want to bring, you should make sure that you can carry any indispensable items with you, especially clothing items that are designed to protect you against the often unpredictable weather in the UK. If you don’t already have one, it is worth investing in an outfit that is lightweight, high quality, breathable, waterproof, and designed to be worn in all weathers.

    You may want to consider getting a good quality jacket that is fitted with a removable fleece or thermal liner so that you can easily be comfortable in all weather conditions. Invest in biking jeans or trousers that are designed to not only look cool but also offer the utmost protection in the event of an accident. Consider getting an undergarment that’s designed to absorb moisture and is breathable as this will make it easier for you to enjoy a ride that is more comfortable and less sweaty. And last but not least, invest in some heated gloves if you are going to be travelling during the autumn or winter.

    The UK offers some of the best roads for a motorbike road trip with everything you need no matter where you go. Whether you’re exploring the Scottish Highlands or the coasts of the UK, keep these tips in mind to plan the road trip of a lifetime.

     

     

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  3. Motorcycle safety campaign Live Fast Die Old launches new film

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    The new film from motorcycle safety campaign Live Fast Die Old by The Scottish Government and Road Safety Scotland*, launched today.   Motorcycle safety campaign Live Fast Die Old launches new film

    Part of the campaign’s Breathtaking Roads series, the film highlights the thrill of riding while also reminding bikers to enjoy Scotland’s roads safely.

    Despite accounting for less than 1% of all road traffic in Scotland bikers account for 7% of casualties1, with bends and overtaking among the riskiest manoeuvres. 2

    Shot on the scenic Isle of Skye, the short film uses striking slo-mo footage to highlight the importance of considering the entire picture and every potential hazard before making the decision to overtake. It urges bikers exploring Scotland’s roads to ‘take your time to take it all in’.

    The film is available to watch here – Watch the Breathtaking Roads film

    The film can be downloaded here – Download the Breathtaking Roads film

    The dedicated Live Fast Die Old website and Facebook page offer rich and engaging content, with films and blogs from Scottish bikers sharing first-hand experience and tips with peers, as well as route inspiration and best practice advice. 

    To find out more about the campaign and join the conversation, visit the Live Fast Die Old website www.livefastdieold.scot or Facebook page - facebook.com/livefastdieoldscotland

    The Live Fast Die Old campaign is looking for bikers across Scotland to get involved by sharing their experience, advice, top routes and ride-out tips with other bikers. If you’d like to be part of the campaign, follow Live Fast Die Old on Facebook and or get in touch on [email protected].

     

    *Road Safety Scotland is part of Transport Scotland

     

    Scotland’s Road Safety Framework to 2030 (February 2021)

     

    Reported Road Casualties Scotland 2020 (October 2021)

     

     

     

  4. 6 Tips for RVing with your motorcycle

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    Having a motorcycle and a camper is a dream come true for traveling around the country. One of the best things about it is the freedom to explore the country and go to places that you might not see otherwise. The only thing that can potentially ruin this dream is if the motorcycle can't go where you want to go. So, here are some tips on picking the right RV and loading your bike to make your dream vacation a reality.   Tips for RVing with your motorcycle

    Inspect and repair your vehicle before making it pull the trailer

    First of all, it is crucial to have your vehicle in good working condition before you attempt to tow a trailer. Do not rely on your vehicle's factory-installed system, and make sure that your RV and tow vehicle are compatible. Make sure to follow the Ford E-Series Van service manual if you're using that vehicle or any other to make repairs the correct way.

    Whether you're towing your vehicle behind your motorcycle or towing the motorcycle behind your vehicle, a qualified technician should inspect your vehicle and trailer rig before you hit the road.

    Choose your routes

    There are many options for you when traveling with your motorcycle. You can take your bike on a plane if you are going long distances, or if you are traveling short distances, you can drive your motorcycle on a trailer. When you are traveling with your motorcycle, you need to consider how much it weighs and how much you can carry. If you are only going to be traveling with a small amount of gear, you will need to rent a trailer in order to transport it. Always remember to plan your trip and check the weather before you leave.

    If you are planning a trip, you want to make sure to plan everything out in advance. The last thing you want is to run into a situation and not know where to go or what to do. Plan out your trip and know that you will be able to get to your destination in comfort. If you are planning a long trip, you may want to seek out a place to rest your head at night. You can search for campgrounds online, or you can check out RV parks. You may want to consider getting a generator for your campsite. This will give you the electricity to run a few appliances in your RV.

    Planning is definitely the most important aspect of any trip or vacation. You should find a destination and plan your route. Once you've found a destination and planned your route, you need to make sure that you have all of the necessary supplies you will need.

    Pick an RV that is suitable for your bike

    For most people, the decision of whether to purchase an RV is fairly easy. It's an expensive purchase, so most people want to be absolutely sure they want the lifestyle before they commit a large sum of money. But when you add a motorcycle to the equation, things become a lot more complicated. Not only do you need to find an RV that will meet your needs, but you also need to find one that will be able to tow your motorcycle.

    You should pick a motorhome that is suitable for your motorcycle. If your bike is too big, it will not be able to fit. You can check the motorhome's floor plan to see the dimensions. Also, ensure there is enough space to store your motorcycle. Most vehicles can store your bike in a separate compartment, or you can use a tow bar to tow it behind the vehicle.

    Use the right kind of mount or lift for mounting a motorcycle

    If you are living in an RV, traveling with a motorcycle can be tough. You have to find ways to get the motorcycle up onto the RV. If you have a motorcycle and you are an RV owner, then you have probably found a way to transport your motorcycle with your RV. There are many different ways to do this, but you have to think about your safety first. You want to make sure that your motorcycle is secure so you don't have to worry about it falling off the back of your RV.

    Prep your RV

    Are you a motorcycle enthusiast heading out with your bike in tow? RVing with your bike is a great way to experience the freedom of the road. However, there are some things to consider when preparing for your trip. You need to make sure your RV is prepared to hold your bike, and you need to make sure your bike is prepared to be on the road for a long period of time. Before you strap your bike to the roof of your RV, make sure it's in good working order and that you have all the parts you need. If you're not mechanically inclined, find someone to help you out. Also, make sure that your bike is in good working order and that you have all the parts and equipment you need for a cross-country trip.

    You can't just toss your motorcycle in the back of your RV and hit the open road. You need to make sure that your motorcycle and vehicle are compatible (not all are) and that you have all the items you need to transport your bike. If you are purchasing a tow vehicle to haul your motorcycle, be sure to get a vehicle that has plenty of horsepower, towing capacity, and room for your bike and equipment.

    Pack

    If you have ever gone camping before, you know that you have to pack a lot of stuff. I mean a lot of stuff. You have to pack clothes, food, a tent, sleeping bags, pillows, a cooler, a stove, pots, pans, and a million other things.

    The first things you need to pack are your motorcycle and your belongings. You can use a traditional trailer to transport your motorcycle and your belongings, but it's best to use a tow-behind trailer with a motorcycle carrier on it. You can find a good tow-behind trailer at most major retailers, such as Walmart.

     

     

     

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  5. Top Apps to Have on Your Phone When Riding

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    As motorcyclists, we know we have to do a lot more preparation before heading out on the open  road compared to a car driver. While those on four wheels can just get in and drive away, we need to at least don our protective gear before firing up our bikes.  Top Apps to Have on Your Phone When Riding

    If you’re travelling with others, you’ll likely need to test your communications equipment and discuss what route you’ll take.

    You might also want to consider using some apps as part of this preparation as they can provide us with crucial information about road conditions, help us find the best roads for biking, and keep an eye on us while we’re riding.

    Social Apps

    One of the best things about riding a motorcycle is the community of other riders that share the same passion. Of course, there are many cafes, bars, and rest stops where you can almost always find bikers congregating, social apps add a new element to this experience.

    Kappa, Riser, and Rever are all great options for this. Most include planning and tracking features, but they also include social features like friend tracking, challenges, message boards, and community areas.

    This is especially great for when you’re heading on multi-day rides and you want to get tips on where to stay or advice from those that have ridden the route before you.

    Entertainment

    In that same vein, if you’re riding for more than a day, you’ll need to spend some time resting to ensure you’re fresh for the next day in the saddle. Thankfully, there are thousands of mobile entertainment options that cater to just about every taste.

    If you’re kicking back in a hotel, you might want to put your feet up and watch a movie. In which case, apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or Britbox are great options. There are plenty of motorcycle shows, movies, and documentaries on all three of these platforms.

    Alternatively, you could use the MotoGP app to watch the latest shows including live coverage of races and exclusive interviews with people close to the sport. Those that enjoy betting on MotoGP races while they watch could also download the app of one of the many bookmakers that cover motorbike racing. You can improve the experience even further by creating an account with one of the companies that also offer free bets or one that offers live race updates right in the app.

    Navigation Apps   Great navigation apps that motorcyclists can use while riding

    There are plenty of great navigation apps that motorcyclists can use while riding. They all connect to your smartphone’s GPS to give you a precise location and most will also give you indications of the traffic locations.

    The most commonly used apps are Apple Maps and Google Maps, depending on which type of smartphone you own. These are great and will serve most people well, however, you may want to give Waze a try.

    Waze uses the same traffic data as the other two apps do, but adds in community reports to alert you to stopped vehicles, police cars, accidents, road closures, traffic cameras, and more.
    This means you’ll get faster notification of incidents on your route than you would with any other app.

    Tracking

    Tracking your riding stats has become a popular hobby among bike enthusiasts in recent years. There are plenty of apps out there that will track your route, speed, and even lean angle.

    Apps like EatSleepRIDE will then give you maps that let you see your route, the changes in elevation you went through, and other interesting data. You can then share it to social media or keep a record in case you want to retrace your steps.

    Safety

    Safety is important when riding. Much of that is your own responsibility, so apps like Autoist can help keep track of your servicing and MOT so you never forget to get your bike checked.

    Some apps, including the tracking app EatSleepRIDE, also feature an automatic crash detection feature. This will use your smartphone’s sensors to pick up if you’ve fallen off or crashed your bike and will begin a countdown timer. If you don’t cancel it, the app will automatically alert the emergency services to your location so help can be summoned if you’re incapacitated.

     

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