Anyone up for a europe trip late july/early august???

[chris1201]

Folks

Just thought I'd open this matter for discussion in case anyone may be interested. So here's the plan (or the lack of a plan might be much more accurate!!)..............

Each year since 2002 I have headed off to mainland Europe on my bike from my home in Northern Ireland. Sometimes I'm with others, sometimes I'm not. The length of the trips have depended on the fun I'm having but due to the ferry costs etc. it's not worth my while going for any less than 2 weeks because of where I live. You southern mainland UK folks don't know how darned lucky you are! This year I have bought a 2003 Transalp and am keen to get going again. At this point I have no idea where I'm going and it's something I'm very open-minded about. To be honest, part of the fun is not knowing! So far I have been to France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Switzerland, Poland and Italy. Whether you are a first time European traveller or have a number of trips under your belt is totally irrelevant to me. For the inexperienced I'm a good tutor and for the professional I'm a pretty good comrade.

So who is this crazy Irishman?
You might want to know a few things about me before you say yea or nay!!

• I'm a very youthful single 42 year old (don't worry I'm not looking for dates here!!).
• I hate camping but don't plan to stay in 5 star hotels either. Having said that, last year I found a campsite which had little cabins with decent beds.........and that was OKish.
• I don't go to bike rallies and talk about who has the biggest exhaust pipe.
• I don't particularly like whingers.
• I am unlikely to get on with people who want to see art galleries and museums all the time.
• I am not a vegetarian and don't want to be told that I should be one.
• I don't do drugs (except cigs).
• I love beer (but only when riding has finished for the day) and have been known to get a bit drunk on occasions.
• I'm not aggressive or nasty (or any of those other bad things!).
• I love my mummy.
• I don't go to bed at 10pm (but I don't stay up 'til 10am either).
• I am most likely to get along with people who are spontaneous and just a little bit crazy. Complete and total wildchilds need not apply!
• I obey some/most laws and I have NO criminal record!
• I dont like being too dirty when biking and I do like a daily shower.
• I am a rubbish bike mechanic (in other words, I know nothing!)
• I am planning to do this trip on sensible money.
• I like kittens but heavy rock music just pisses me right off.
• I can make great tea/coffee/soup on a stove.
• I can read upside down (try it, it ain't easy!).

So there you go. I reckon I've alienated about 99% of normal people with the above list, so if you're one of the 1% remaining then you could do much worse than reply to me. Honestly!!

Chris

[Snaphappy]

I just wanted to say my kettle is always on and your welcome to a Bed if your nearby
I'm on the safehouse list if you find yourself in this area

[Jacqueslemac]

I reckon I overlap with you on about 80 per cent of your list!

If you're flexible on dates, there's still room on my trip later this month.

[chris1201]

Hi Jacqueslemac

I had a look at your trip details. I won't be going on it because........

You seem to have it all planned out very nicely. Hats off to you in that department (but it's way too organised for me!)

Your trip looks like it will be a blast coz you're fitting so much into it (but it's way too organised for me!)

You're going soon (and that is DEFINITELY way too organised for me!)

Good luck to all who join you on this trip and may your journey be a safe one.

Chris

[cookingfat]

Jacqueslemac certainly has done a great job of organising a 1st class route. (Bet it gets used by plenty of bikers from many forums in the future) However, good old serendipity always adds spice to even the best laid plans.

If the people involved have the right outlook on life, are tolerant, have a sense of humour and are gregarious which I’m sure we are, we are in for a cracking week.

I have already bought a packet of chicken nuggets to sacrifice to the weather spirits.

UP THE WORKERS!

[choobidoobi]

Hi Chris. I can also read upside down.

I am also: not gay, 42, a lucky southern-dwelling fek, with a wee easterly trip in mind of my own, so could surely benefit from your roadwise experience and good nature. Hope I can make up for a bit of mechanical know-how (tho not much) and good improv skills. Smoke like a lab monkey and sometimes not all that adverse to a pinta and a laugh myself. Have travelled far and wide, but not clocked up many miles on the AT yet!.

The only pitfall in our relationship is timing. I am loosely planning just a two week stint last week Aug - 1st week of Sept and aim to make it to Berlin to stay over with an old buddy - who Im sure will help us out with accommodation for a night or two. Tho Im sure its no palace! And so what if I dont make it – Ill go as far as I can get in the time that Ive got and thats that.

But if your itchin to get on your TA and not prepared to wait for me Ill understand!

(But you know what – Ill be Ok!)

[ross1176]

if you are passing my place pop in over night a BB no probs my good man..might even put the bags on the bike and come as well..

[vinas]

Hi Chris. I can also read upside down.

I am also: not gay, 42, a lucky southern-dwelling fek, with a wee easterly trip in mind of my own, so could surely benefit from your roadwise experience and good nature. Hope I can make up for a bit of mechanical know-how (tho not much) and good improv skills. Smoke like a lab monkey and sometimes not all that adverse to a pinta and a laugh myself. Have travelled far and wide, but not clocked up many miles on the AT yet!.

The only pitfall in our relationship is timing. I am loosely planning just a two week stint last week Aug - 1st week of Sept and aim to make it to Berlin to stay over with an old buddy - who Im sure will help us out with accommodation for a night or two. Tho Im sure its no palace! And so what if I dont make it – Ill go as far as I can get in the time that Ive got and thats that.

But if your itchin to get on your TA and not prepared to wait for me Ill understand!

(But you know what – Ill be Ok!)

Hi choobidoobi!
Just reading this post and funny enough I’m going solo to Russia v UK – Germany, Poland, Ukraine on 19th of this month Dublin-Holyhead then to Euro tunnel to Calais.

[choobidoobi]

Hi choobidoobi!
Just reading this post and funny enough I’m going solo to Russia v UK – Germany, Poland, Ukraine on 19th of this month Dublin-Holyhead then to Euro tunnel to Calais.

SO yuv only a week to go. U ready?

shame I will be a week behind ya. – Unless you get caught up by the 24hr Berlin wild lifestyle in which case Ill maybe se you there!

[vinas]

SO yuv only a week to go. U ready?

shame I will be a week behind ya. – Unless you get caught up by the 24hr Berlin wild lifestyle in which case Ill maybe se you there!

Yeah mate!!!
Couple days and I’m off can’t wait, don’t sleep ah h h. Watch out for white @ with black side panniers and white top box. Have good trip your self, never know Berlin small place...