Travel Features

Wheelies & Wobblies

YOUR IDEAL MOTORCYCLING HOLIDAY

When it comes to holidays (and biking ones in particular) what type of person are you - free spirit, bold buccaneer or precision planner? Whatever your inclination the choice is yours. But "just in case", here are a few tips to help you on your way.

The opportunities for biking travel have never been greater - from an abundance of website and hard copy advice and research to specialist biking travel agents and tour operators. Basically there are three options:

Option one: "Bold Buccaneer" (or just saddle up and go)

	Advantages		Disadvantages
Great highs when you get it right Thrill of the unknown Flexibility		No place on the ferry No room at the Inn - after a 400 mile ride and soaked to the skin!

Option two: Planning your own

	Advantages		Disadvantages
You go exactly where you want When you want Within your own budget		Language difficulties Lost accommodation bookings Wrongly judged route planning

Option three: Organised Tours

	Advantages		Disadvantages
No experience or organisation needed Help at hand when something goes wrong Social bonding with other bikers		Lack of flexibility The feeling of being "herded"

	Do ensure the financial security of operator/agent (see section on Tour Operators)
	Don't just book - research and talk to agents, operators and friends
	Do make sure your bike is serviced and up to scratch
	Don't overload the bike - one week's clothing is quite sufficient
	Do ensure you have full and proper insurance and breakdown cover for both bike and person
	Don't override - 1,000 miles a day may sound wonderful - but you are there to enjoy the scenery

The above tips are not exhaustive. We will be pleased to advise further. We acknowledge the help of our friend David Grist of H C Travel. David is one of the country's leading motorcycling travel agents and tour organisers. He will be pleased to assist with your problems and can be reached on +44(0)1256 770775 or www.hctravel.com