Security precautions whilst in Europe?
Discussion
None of the Old Gits, in 24 years of trips, have ever experienced any issues. In fact, we've even had people come and find us because one of our group left his sat. nav on the bike when we went of coffee and cake in a town on Spain.
I won't say there are no issues but the perception of the risk by UK riders is generally significantly higher than the actual risk. Take a disk lock you can tuck into your tank bag and I'd suggest that's more than enough.
I won't say there are no issues but the perception of the risk by UK riders is generally significantly higher than the actual risk. Take a disk lock you can tuck into your tank bag and I'd suggest that's more than enough.
As David suggests, I take an alarmed disc lock - it fits under my seat - but I've only used it outside hotels in northern France close to the motorways which are often in industrial areas and possibly not so pleasant. Once 300km or so into France, apart from in Paris, I don't bother using it. Same in Spain and Italy etc. The UK is significantly more risky than most of western Europe.
I've been touring in Europe for over 20 years and never had any issues with security.
When I book a hotel via booking.com, I do ask if there is any "nice" parking for the bike and I usually get a space/garage/town hall to keep it.
There are lots of hotels with parking available for a bike, just ask nicely...There is a place in Bormio with a garage set up with air lines and tools too, as well as a washing bay, but you wouldn't know to look at the hotel.
The hotel I use in Baden-Baden allows me to use the family garage and I put my bike beside his..
When getting petrol/having a rest...I have no issues with leaving my helmet, jacket,bags etc all on the bike.
I do take a disk lock with me, but the only place I tend to use it is in Amsterdam...
When I book a hotel via booking.com, I do ask if there is any "nice" parking for the bike and I usually get a space/garage/town hall to keep it.
There are lots of hotels with parking available for a bike, just ask nicely...There is a place in Bormio with a garage set up with air lines and tools too, as well as a washing bay, but you wouldn't know to look at the hotel.
The hotel I use in Baden-Baden allows me to use the family garage and I put my bike beside his..
When getting petrol/having a rest...I have no issues with leaving my helmet, jacket,bags etc all on the bike.
I do take a disk lock with me, but the only place I tend to use it is in Amsterdam...
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