For a lot of, occurring a motorbike vacation with your pals is a pipedream. With the ability to line up all of your schedules for an ideal week of path driving hardly ever occurs. However what should you’re capable of?

Bikesure Normal Supervisor Rob Balls and his buddies did simply that, as they set off on a touring journey in Portugal with Intrepid Trails. Right here he tells his story.     

I used to be on the Bikesure Bike Dwell Present on the NEC in November final yr and as I often do, I spent a while visiting the stands that had guided journey bike expeditions to faraway corners of the world. 

It’s been 15 years since my final actual journey, touring the Himalayas on Royal Enfield Bullet 500s, and the pull of the opportunity of one other journey was sturdy.

Usually, I decide up some leaflets, dream after which nothing materialises. This time I occurred to fulfill Steve of Intrepid trails and he’s a kind of guys with what looks like boundless vitality, enthusiasm and an actual ardour for what he does. 

Rounding the fellows up for an thrilling bike journey in Portugal

What was on provide appeared to tick quite a lot of the packing containers; good worth, not too far-off, one thing we might do on an extended weekend, good climate and a few nice driving. This felt like one thing accessible the fellows might get on board with, and would hopefully reignite their sense of journey for a much bigger, extra bold journey within the coming years.

As everyone knows, turning desires into actuality typically entails appreciable effort. So started my mission of persuading my buddies (or their companions), negotiating schedules, and planning the specifics of our journey. Steve was instrumental throughout this course of, seamlessly arranging every little thing from sizing our driving gear to reserving our airport transfers and offering the lodging within the biker/surfer-themed “paint store” hostel.

Getting settled and getting ready for our tour with Intrepid

The time for the journey quickly got here round and upon arrival, Steve got here to fulfill us, had beers, chilled and waited, prepared to provide us a tour of the lodging, a lowdown on the world and the itinerary for the times forward.

It instantly felt proper and we knew we have been going to be in for an excellent time. Steve has constructed up quite a lot of native information in his time at Figuira da Foz and the lodging is a comparatively brief stroll to the colourful metropolis centre and to the large, sun-kissed seashores. We had a day and night to discover the native space and head out for just a few beers and a night meal.

The next day, after an excellent breakfast, Steve got here and picked us as much as take us to his base (and household dwelling) the place all of the bikes and kit are saved. We have been launched to the entire household and have been kitted out in some nice high quality gear earlier than assembly our Sherco 250 and 300 SEFs that Steve makes certain are all prepped and able to experience.

Driving on intrepid trails in Portugal 

What adopted have been two days of driving on the most effective trails I’ve ever ridden. What a buzz!  There was such all kinds of trails; from woodland, actual sandy tracks, unmade roads, trails that wanted gradual and technical driving to people who have been quick and livid, in addition to single observe and wider lanes too. 

Steve knew simply the place to take us based mostly on the power of the group, to provide us an excellent take a look at and push us out of our consolation zones. There have been enough trails to provide you 4 stable days of driving with out doing the identical path twice, and Steve is aware of them just like the again of his hand. 

The bikes didn’t miss a beat and it’s unimaginable what they’ll do so long as you place your religion in them and provides it a little bit of fuel!

As you’d count on from Portugal, the world has some improbable seashores, and if you wish to break up the biking with some browsing, classes can be found for that too! There’s a three-day seaside get together yearly and 120,000 folks descend to benefit from the get together and a few of the finest DJs on the scene.

My expertise general: I couldn’t fault it! 

I actually couldn’t fault the journey in any respect. The lodging was comparatively primary, however it had every little thing we wanted in addition to a pool desk, bluetooth audio system and an honesty bar, creating an important vibe with a heat and welcoming ambiance. 

The gear and bikes have been nice. The times have been the right combination of driving, breaks to catch our breath and delightful surroundings. The realm had sufficient bars, eating places and locations of curiosity to discover along with the superb driving that was on provide. 

Steve made us really feel like a part of the household, sharing his vibrant life with us. After this journey, we left with unforgettable reminiscences and a little bit of “life envy,” longing for our subsequent journey.

No matter whether or not this journey results in greater and bolder adventures, we’ll positively return to Intrepid Trails to do all of it once more, and hit these routes we didn’t get spherical to the primary time.

Does my bike insurance coverage cowl me for touring Europe?

If you happen to’re going by yourself tour, or touring by way of an organization, you will want to make sure you have the proper insurance coverage. While quite a lot of complete bike insurance coverage insurance policies have some primary measure of EU cowl of round 90 days, it’s all the time finest to double verify your particulars earlier than setting off in your travels.   

Insurance policies have a tendency to provide you third-party cowl in Europe for as much as 90 days. This covers different riders and their property, not your personal. That additionally means in case your motorcycle is stolen whereas driving overseas, your coverage won’t cowl you.

Some motorcycle insurance coverage suppliers would possibly provide enhanced European cowl.

Which paperwork do I must take for a European bike journey?

When you might want to journey mild, sadly there are some paperwork that you will need to take as you tour Europe. These embody:

• Passport
• V5C doc or logbook
• Legitimate tax and MOT certificates
• Certificates of insurance coverage
• European breakdown cowl coverage paperwork
• Worldwide Driving Allow (IDP) – this will depend on which international locations you’re visiting

What do I must take for a European bike touring vacation?

This varies from nation to nation, however relying on their guidelines (that are topic to alter), there are some objects which might be required for driving in Europe. In any other case, chances are you’ll be liable to a superb or worse.

It is best to all the time verify earlier than visiting a distinct nation, however usually you must have the next.    

Breathalyser package

If you happen to’re stopped by the police with no breathalyser package, chances are you’ll be fined relying on the nation you’re in. 

Hello-vis jacket

If you happen to’re motorcycle touring in France you want a hi-vis jacket. Within the unlucky occasion you endure a breakdown, you will need to put on it. There are fines for not following the authorized necessities for driving a motorbike in France.

GB or UK stickers 

Riders with GB plates can purchase a brand new UK plate or repair a UK sticker over the GB image. Any further GB stickers will must be changed with a UK sticker.

Spare bulbs

In most EU international locations you will need to carry these for the entrance and back lights of your bike. 

The place can I get European street journey cowl?

Wherever you select to go on a European bike journey, be sure you take bespoke Bikesure bike insurance coverage with you. Our insurance policies can embody journey in European Fee international locations for as much as 90 days.

For a swift no obligation quote, please name 0330 123 1028 or prepare a callback at a time that’s extra handy for you.