Going to be heading to Europe in August using the Superfast ferry deal (bikes go free)..... but never been on the bikes before...

Anybody got any advice/tips for heading over, places to go to, etc etc......??

We are basically there for 5 days, so would appreciate any comments...
Thanks
Paul

Make sure you carry a complete set of replacement light bulbs, and all bike documentation.

Make sure you carry some engine oil. (It might be difficult to find some if you need it).
Don't forget to tape off the dip section of your headlight.
Running on dipped headlights is a legal requirement in France.
If one has a breakdown on the roadside wearing a yellow reflective waistcoat is now a legal requirement in France.

Don't bikes in Europe use oil then...?

Could try Foreign Office Europe Advice. General info and specific links

Yes they do, but finding somewhere to buy it may not be all that easy. (It isn't in Britain if you are in a strange area).

Make sure you have a E111 card. The E111 paper version is no longer valid.

Are you camping or staying in BnB's?

If you are camping there is an island off the coast West coast of France called Ile de Re and another just down from it called Ile Deloron (excuse spelling)

They both have camp sites. Ile de Re is lovely. I have been there twice now, once on the bike. Just off Ile deloron is Fort Bouyard where they filmed the TV quiz and you can take a boat trip out to it, and the beach is golden sand etc etc (and plastered in jelly fish the size of car wheels when I went)

If you are into standing stones and stuff try Carnac (again on west coast of France). there are rows and rows and rows of stones. Also huge beach.

If you are camping there are loads of campsites on the South Coast, good way of doing St Tropez, Cannes, Monaco etc on the cheap.

Go to Holland, Stay at the bike motel, as per PM

Go via Assen and stay at Linny600's place.

Me and Michael did France few months back and must say that biggest suprise was the fact that 'english credit cards/debit cards' as in visa & mastercard were not accepted in the small local petrol stations and I almost run out of petrol because of this. These little local ones has not staff in there, so does not help to have cash on you either.

Small tip:
If you're going to visit Hungary, make sure you do not have any paprika on you when entering the country. Even a tiny amount is considered Importation Of Paprika, which is a criminal offense out there, apparently.

I'm a little concerned that nobody's said "drive on the right"...

already been offered via PM.

try this Mav....

Links n tips for biking abroad

Specially for touring in Europe. If there's anything in Dutch you need translated, PM me.

You learn that one fast enough anyway, but we wanted to save it as a surprise!!!