Who fancies a European/North African bike trip in August?

Godfather
Godfather
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I've been wanting to do this trip for years and now it's time.

Date: August 2012

Route: Switzerland, France, Spain, Gibraltar, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Sardinia, Corsica, France, Switzerland.

Leg 1: Geneva to Gibraltar (boat to Morocco)
Leg 2: Morocco to Tunisia (boat to Sardinia)
Leg 3: Sardinia to Corsica (boat from Sardinia to Corsica and Corsica to France)
Leg 4: France to Switzerland

Very rough calculation is about 3500 miles/5600 km plus getting to and from the UK. Geneva was picked as the start point for no other reason other than it's fairly close to me and has good road links.

I envisage a group of 2-4 people doing this trip. I've done trips before with big groups and they get complicated.

This is not a risk-free trip with the route passing through Algeria, but all though the FCO advice is full of warnings a northern route through the country minimises risk.

This is just the outline idea but I'm up for some adventure this year. Who fancies coming?
 
Godfather
Godfather
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No idea on cost. Many things to consider - tents/hotels or both. Duration I guess would be around 2 weeks possibly 3. Early stages, but up for it.
 
Soldato
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Depending on how much it would cost, this is definitely something I'd be up for.

If it was much more than say, £3000, then I wouldn't be able to do it. Anything under that and I'd seriously consider it.

Time off work wouldn't be an issue but I'm only 21 and although I have a full unrestricted UK license and passport, I'm not sure what the complications with me riding abroad are?
 
Associate
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I'm interested but depends upon the length of the trip, 2 weeks or 16 days sounds fine. Costs will be an issue as well, £200 per day sounds fine.

The only issue is Algeria.
 
Man of Honour
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Omg that would be an awesome trip. No way could I afford it or get the time off work. Not when I'm in the states in June.
 

dsb

dsb

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I would be up for this, however the dates dont suit, already going to Spain in September, Santander to Girona, all through the Hills.

If you do it next year let me know.

But need lots of notice due to work.

Also due to work I will need to get clearance to go through Algeria, especially Algiers.
 
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Godfather
Godfather
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I'm hearing reports that the border between Morocco and Algeria is closed. Also that vehicles traveling through Algeria need an official escort. Both sound rubbish!

Going to have a rethink.
 

dsb

dsb

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Tell you what i would be up for, Riding to Valencia for the MOTO GP in Nov. Making a trip out of that, would have to be camping all the way with odd B+B thrown in.
 
Soldato
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I'm hearing reports that the border between Morocco and Algeria is closed. Also that vehicles traveling through Algeria need an official escort. Both sound rubbish!

Going to have a rethink.

You will also have to think about security - both you and the bike.

Bikes are so easy to pick up and nick in a van it's unreal.... and if you sleep in a tent somewhere will it be safe? i.e. Algeria
 
Associate
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I would be up for this, however the dates dont suit, already going to Spain in September, Santander to Girona, all through the Hills.

If you do it next year let me know.

But need lots of notice due to work.

Also due to work I will need to get clearance to go through Algeria, especially Algiers.

Tell you what i would be up for, Riding to Valencia for the MOTO GP in Nov. Making a trip out of that, would have to be camping all the way with odd B+B thrown in.

Dear Mr. Dsb,

Both these trips sound brilliant and it must be said less likely to result in death than Spie's one :p
 

dsb

dsb

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Valencia is a bit of a dream as like i say already away in September, this is my route, 3 days to do the 550 miles, 7 days in a villa then the motorway route back to Santander.

the route http://g.co/maps/9tj32

Will be 2 up with the wife using hotels along the way.

If anyone is serious about Valencia will deffo try work it out.
 

dsb

dsb

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I think we should plan a euro trip for next year, camping all the way so fits all budgets. Maybe get a GP race in on the weekend.
 
Associate
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You will also have to think about security - both you and the bike.

Bikes are so easy to pick up and nick in a van it's unreal.... and if you sleep in a tent somewhere will it be safe? i.e. Algeria

if four people are going you just need to get a big F$£% Off chain and link them all together... no ones gonna lift 4 bikes into a van :D
 
Associate
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This has been linked to by a friend on fb, now this is a trip I'd love to do!!

http://toughmiles.com/


Id also love to go on Spie's little adventure, however the turbo gsxr is taking priority this year as I want that running this year!

So many trips id like to do :(
 
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