Pullman Seats

[Haynesemail]

I'm planning a two week bike trip around Europe in August and am considering taking the ferry from Barcelona to Genoa (Genova). It's an 18 hour crossing and the choice is either a 4 berth cabin (too expensive) or a Pullman Seat. Has anyone here had any experience of trying to sleep on one of these? If it's anything like my armchair after a few beers I should imagine it's the most comfortable thing in the world to fall asleep on until you wake up in the middle of the night thinking b*!!@cks I should have gone to bed.

[veodoble]

Hi there

I did exactly the same trip in 2002 when I had my good old Guzzi, sitting in pullman seats, and was not an awful thing; similar to the trips to Balear islands, which are usually 8h travel, you only use the seats for sleeping, occupying 2 or 3 sorrounding seats for your comfort, or just lay on the ground over your mattress and sleeping bag; one of the things I've learnt through many travels all around, specially by boat, is that you MUST bring with you an Ipod and/or earplugs, so no noise will bother you, nor will the deep rumble of the ship's engine. The rest of the time you spend it at the bar with drunk truck drivers telling stories, and in the morning you swim in the pool No joke, at least back in 2002 they filled the pool with sea water and you really had waves and all. Back then you got in the boat around 10pm, and you drove out already on your bike around 4-5pm the day after. In 2002 this was the best way to get to Italy from Barcelona without having to drive 1000km through France. This was with Grimaldi lines.

I think now they have Barcelona-Rome also with Grimaldi Lines, I don't know if that suits you. Other than that, maybe Valencia-Rome?

Hope this is useful for you, post anything if you need further info

BTW, if you have to spend some time here before you embark, don't hesitate and call me, we can have some pints in a bar close to the ports!

[Haynesemail]

Great advice, you've convinced me. As it currently stands I'll be coming over the Pyrenees from Limoux on Wed 19 Aug to get the 3pm ferry from Barcelona. So yes, if I get there with a bit of time to spare, it would be great to meet up at the ports for a drink.

The tips about other Italian ports sound great but for this trip I need to go to Genoa as I plan to meet these guys in the Dolomites on Fri 20 Aug: Italian Dolomites meeting in August

Thanks for the help.

Jason

Originally Posted by veodoble

Hi there

I did exactly the same trip in 2002 when I had my good old Guzzi, sitting in pullman seats, and was not an awful thing; similar to the trips to Balear islands, which are usually 8h travel, you only use the seats for sleeping, occupying 2 or 3 sorrounding seats for your comfort, or just lay on the ground over your mattress and sleeping bag; one of the things I've learnt through many travels all around, specially by boat, is that you MUST bring with you an Ipod and/or earplugs, so no noise will bother you, nor will the deep rumble of the ship's engine. The rest of the time you spend it at the bar with drunk truck drivers telling stories, and in the morning you swim in the pool No joke, at least back in 2002 they filled the pool with sea water and you really had waves and all. Back then you got in the boat around 10pm, and you drove out already on your bike around 4-5pm the day after. In 2002 this was the best way to get to Italy from Barcelona without having to drive 1000km through France. This was with Grimaldi lines.

I think now they have Barcelona-Rome also with Grimaldi Lines, I don't know if that suits you. Other than that, maybe Valencia-Rome?

Hope this is useful for you, post anything if you need further info

BTW, if you have to spend some time here before you embark, don't hesitate and call me, we can have some pints in a bar close to the ports!

[veodoble]

19th of August, not very sure if I'll be here, anyway leave a message and we'll sort it out. HAve a nice trip!

BTW, I've been poking in your flickr gallery and I've notice that we've got the same bike, even the color is the same!, And amazing pictures, I love the feeling when you camp free and get up and take that snapshot from inside the tent.

One thing, as you've got the tall windscreen, have you noticed any positive change at speed higher than 120 km/h?

[veodoble]

Oh, I know this is not the topic, but let me ask:

by seeing your pics I've noticed that you camp everywhere, regarless if it's an organized campsite or not, so: is it allowed to camp free in UK??

not in Spain, where you're allowed to camp only overnight if you're in need or something...

[Haynesemail]

Thanks - will get in touch nearer the time. And cheers for spending time on my photos and the advice. I'll be booking the ferry tomorrow.

Completely agree about the morning view from a tent - very satisfying. This was one of my favorite moments last year:

John O'Groats on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Noticed you're a photographer - would be interested to see any of your bike pics too.

For me the screen (it's the Honda one) has been a big improvement and with ear plugs I can comfortably ride distances at 80-90mph (about 140km/h, I think). However, I'm only 5'8" and I've heard taller people moan about the buffeting.

As far as camping wild goes, to my knowledge in the UK you can only do it legally in Scotland. There are some rules about it there but it's just common sense stuff (avoid enclosed fields, hunting estates, residential areas, fires, nesting birds; don't leave litter; and don't choose a toilet spot within 30 metres of a water course). That said, if you pick a spot that's tucked away in England or Wales and leave early enough you should be alright. Or ask a farmer.

All the best.

Jason

[Haynesemail]

Flipping heck. They require a Passport number and mine's off being renewed. Hopefully there will still be a Pullman Seat when I get it back!