31-12-11, 12:37 PM
Some interesting thoughts so far.
I haven't ventured abroad on two wheels yet but have done about 3-4 thousand miles each summer with the family camping all over Europe and would love to take the bike at some point in the future. I alo would lean towards camping for the independance it gives and would also feel happier about sleeping next to my bike rather than leave it in a hotel car park away from earshot and view. Have left the car and trailer in that scenario before without event but that's maybe down to good luck rather than anything else.
For destination the Alps are magnificent and hard to beat if the weather is with you. What you quickly learn is how important the weather is when camping. The weather is more unsettled in the mountains and for that reason we have tended towards south of France lately where good weather is almost certain.
Many campers follow the good weather and select their destinations based on current forecasts. I don't think booking onto sites is necessary especially as you will only want small pitches.
Personally I would rather tour in good weather in southern France than in rain in the Alps so pehaps the way forward is to remain flexible on destination?
I also have used both ferry and tunnel (first time on the tunnel last summer cos we took the pooch) and I think I would choose the tunnel for biking, no delays due to bad weather or French fishermen striking and blocking the ports!! There is time to eat on arrival at Folkestone.
I do think the idea of an odd night in a hotel may be good.
I haven't ventured abroad on two wheels yet but have done about 3-4 thousand miles each summer with the family camping all over Europe and would love to take the bike at some point in the future. I alo would lean towards camping for the independance it gives and would also feel happier about sleeping next to my bike rather than leave it in a hotel car park away from earshot and view. Have left the car and trailer in that scenario before without event but that's maybe down to good luck rather than anything else.
For destination the Alps are magnificent and hard to beat if the weather is with you. What you quickly learn is how important the weather is when camping. The weather is more unsettled in the mountains and for that reason we have tended towards south of France lately where good weather is almost certain.
Many campers follow the good weather and select their destinations based on current forecasts. I don't think booking onto sites is necessary especially as you will only want small pitches.
Personally I would rather tour in good weather in southern France than in rain in the Alps so pehaps the way forward is to remain flexible on destination?
I also have used both ferry and tunnel (first time on the tunnel last summer cos we took the pooch) and I think I would choose the tunnel for biking, no delays due to bad weather or French fishermen striking and blocking the ports!! There is time to eat on arrival at Folkestone.
I do think the idea of an odd night in a hotel may be good.