31-12-11, 12:55 AM
Never taken the bike over to Europe (other than delivering one to Paris a couple of months ago) but go over by car at least every couple of months. Don't be swayed by the thought that the Tunnel is quicker than the ferry. Yes it is but bear in mind that you will need to eat at some point. I used the tunnel once but you spend the crossing sitting in the car in the train (no idea where you sit if you take a bike, on it I suppose?) rather than sitting in the restaurant having a meal and a rest. Remember, you're planning on riding 300 miles or so immediately you get off (or in my case, driving 800 miles) so you may as well be comfortable. You've got to eat at some point so why not use the time on the crossing as a meal break?
I would also advise using hotels rather than camping. Hotels are everywhere and if you are running late or have strayed from your planned route, you'll find one easily. Campsites are a lot less plentiful and, as has already been mentioned, there is no guarantee of good weather. I once drove from Calais to Sofia in Bulgaria. Although it was September, it started raining just as I got off the ferry and didn't stop until Hungary!
I would also advise using hotels rather than camping. Hotels are everywhere and if you are running late or have strayed from your planned route, you'll find one easily. Campsites are a lot less plentiful and, as has already been mentioned, there is no guarantee of good weather. I once drove from Calais to Sofia in Bulgaria. Although it was September, it started raining just as I got off the ferry and didn't stop until Hungary!