First adventure to Europe: what do I need to know?

[Gingerbiker67]

After passing my test earlier this year I have now booked the ferry from Hull to Rotterdam in July.

My plan is to ride to a town near Frankfurt: my youngest is a dancer and has qualified to perform in a European comp with her friends #prouddad. Her mum is traveling by plane with 20 other cheerleaders and a dozen parents.

I’ll obviously sleep on the ferry both ways and stay with them for the weekend, so won’t need to carry a lot of stuff.

What else should I consider while I plan my journey, take with me?

Bike has been serviced recently and in good condition.

It’s a long day ride from Rotterdam to Frankfurt. Any places worth a stop on the way? During lockdown started listening to the ‘We have ways of making you talk’ podcast- a diversion to something historical/ WW2 related would be interesting.

Have only done some 300mile days in the UK so far.

Thanks in advance

C

[black-k1]

Firstly, as regards packing, this is the list we use as a reminder of what to think about. http://www.old-gits.org/checklist.htm

What you don't say is how many days you'll have to get there/get back. There are loads of things to see/visit, especially WWII related, on the French/German/Belgium border, such as Maginot Line forts, the abandoned German tanks, memorials etc. but they're a little off the main Rotterdam to Frankfurt route and would take a few days.

[the cueball]

You need to know that it's just like riding in the UK.... only for the most part, nicer and more fun.

As above, you need to work out the number of days you have and what kind of ride you're wanting to do.

One of my regular routes is Amsterdam to Baden-Baden, but I just hit the motorways and can do it in around 6-8 hours..

I don't stop for sightseeing or anything like that though as I have 1 day.

B500 road is close-ish to you, nice ride.. watch the cameras.

Dutch and Germans are fine with bikes and filtering.

I always take my original documents as well as having them on my phone - never needed them though, even all through covid.

You need a sticker on your licence plate... UK, England, GB, whatever it is this week...

and don't ride like a dick, you'll be fine..

[Gingerbiker67]

black-k1 said:

Firstly, as regards packing, this is the list we use as a reminder of what to think about. http://www.old-gits.org/checklist.htm

What you don't say is how many days you'll have to get there/get back. There are loads of things to see/visit, especially WWII related, on the French/German/Belgium border, such as Maginot Line forts, the abandoned German tanks, memorials etc. but they're a little off the main Rotterdam to Frankfurt route and would take a few days.

Thanks, that checklist is really helpful, just what I needed.

[Gingerbiker67]

the cueball said:

You need to know that it's just like riding in the UK.... only for the most part, nicer and more fun.

As above, you need to work out the number of days you have and what kind of ride you're wanting to do.

One of my regular routes is Amsterdam to Baden-Baden, but I just hit the motorways and can do it in around 6-8 hours..

I don't stop for sightseeing or anything like that though as I have 1 day.

B500 road is close-ish to you, nice ride.. watch the cameras.

Dutch and Germans are fine with bikes and filtering.

I always take my original documents as well as having them on my phone - never needed them though, even all through covid.

You need a sticker on your licence plate... UK, England, GB, whatever it is this week...

and don't ride like a dick, you'll be fine..

It will be possibly two days there/ one day back. Thanks for the reminder re a sticker on the plate!

I think I’ll do a decent amount on motorway first, then look at a bit of variety further into the day. Wifey has prohibited any riding like a fool

[shirt]

as others, depends what you want to see/achieve and how long you have to make the journey. a straight shot will be 6-6.5hrs with rest stops and as dull as can be.