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Old 10-11-09, 22:15
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Tony660x Tony660x is offline
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Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Staffordshire, UK
Posts: 569
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My first ever trip abroad

Well I got the bike (Tenere) and the enthusiasm to actually do it. I have finally decided to dip my toe into touring. The plan is to take a two week holiday in south east Spain (Summer 2010). I will ride down hopefully taking in the scenery and meet up with the family at the villa we are staying in. I want to enjoy the travel experience so I shall be taking my time there and back. Hopefully 7 days riding on the bike and 7 days holiday with the family. The wife is happy for me to do this so all I have to do is plan.

I feel better if I plan so to that end I have formulated a check list. The items on it with a question mark are "do I really need it". Thats the reason for this post really. I am looking for you experienced and not so experienced lot to state the obvious if I have missed it off or dont really need it please offer your oppinion.

Another thing is as part of my return to fitness I have become addicted to cycling again so plan a UK holiday from John O'Groats to Lands End ride solo (100 miles per day stints) in Summer 2010 as well. That means the list is dual as riding a motorcycle and bicycle are pretty similar! I am currently in training and am currently at 50 miles per day. Man do I ache!

I have read ALL posts on here relating to travel and that has massively helped generate a comprehensive list. The major thing I have not yet decided on is do I camp or B & B/motel it for both motorcycle and bicycle trips. That will have a massive impact on the kit required and to be taken.

Anyway the list.

Bike fully serviced and ready to go!
Luggage System (panniers/topbox or soft luggage) ?
Satnav or maps which one do I choose?
Bike lock
Centre stand - should I fit one thinking is how to repair punctures on the road?
Campsite guide/B&B info ?
Camera and spare batteries
Mobile phone and charger
Bike spares consisting of:
Front and rear inner tube
Puncture repair kit
Throttle cable ?
Clutch cable ?
Engine oil ?
Chain lube
Fuses - assorted ?
Bulbs (head lamp, indicators, side lights) ?
Spark plug
Cable ties
GT85/WD40 - small
Insulation tape
Rag
Latex gloves x 3 pairs
Grease - small tube
Tools for all repairs consisting of:
Tools to remove front and rear wheels
Assorted tools
Spark plug spanner
Tyre pump (manual/12 volt or Co2 system) ?
Tyre levers
Legal travel documents consisting of:
Passport
Driving licence (both parts)
Bike Insurance certificate including european cover
MOT - if applicable
Bike registration documents
Breakdown cover including european cover
Money (Uk � and local currency/Credit card)
Travel insurance
Ferry or tunnel ?
Personal items consisting of:
Included on my list but deleted in this post as not relevant and I am certain I need all the items!

Clothing consisting of:
Glasses/shades
Ear plugs x 5 sets or reuseable ?
Waterproofs
Neck roll
Spare gloves
Socks x pairs
Underwear x pairs
Light under trousers/jeans x 1
T Shirts x
Fleece
Trainers
Hi-viz vest ?
Wolley hat

Camping gear consisting of (assuming camping is the preferred accomodation):
Tent
Sleeping bag
Ground mat (Thermarest)
Head torch inc spare batteries
Tea towel
Cooking facility and fuel
Matches - wind proof/water proof type
Mess tin
Knife/Fork/Spoon
Metal mug
Cooking pan
T bags in sealed pot
Sugar - small pot or sachets
Milk - UHT shots ? How do i get my milk!
Dehydrated food packs
Chocolate bars/energy bars
Washing up liquid - small ?
Sponge - to clean pan/mug/cuttlery ?
Waterproof bags - multiple
Water container ?
Mosquito net/repellant ? If applicable

I know the list is crazy and I need to thin it down but its on the list for consideration. Please offer your oppinions and feed back. I can then refine the list and be happy knowing I have thought of enough to make both holidays enjoyable.

Cheers.
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