Best way across the cut

[Dog Tyred]

Sorry if this brings up an old topic but a mate and I are off the 'Ring' in September and currently checking out best way to get to get to Europe. Neither have travelled abroad by bike previously so would be grateful for advice as I know a few of you have gone that way recently.

I have already established that the train is more expensive but also understand that the train is less 'stressful' on the bike and of course takes less time.

Ferry would be a nice way to start the trip (subject to weather of course) but am slightly concerned about some hairy a*sed sailor strapping my bike down with a 3" webbing ratchet strap as I have no centre stand. I have also read that P & O now refuse to strap bikes down, insisting that travellers bring their own straps and strap their own bikes down! Can anyone confirm if this is the case.

Any other useful advice would be much appreciated.

Nu2

[PBBoxer]

Hull to Zeebrugge overnight is a nice way to start, 8pm to 8 am ish with a bunk to sleep and a bar to get a nightcap. Fresh start in the morning.
From Calais to teh Ring by Bike is approx 300 miles and a bit boring, from Zeebrugge just a bit less.

Ive done both ways and the most relaxed was the Hull crossing, as it gives a nice break from the riding and a fresh staret in the morning.
On teh way back there's a place called the Biker Barn, to stay, which is a complete hoot and less than 30 mins from the ferry

[herrman]

I'll second what PB said, Just love the Hull/Zeebrugge, Hull/Rotterdam crossings. The fact that its less than a mile from home to the Ferry may have something to do with it. I used to hate getting off the ferry in Dover and having a pretty boring 260 mile ride home. Less than 48hrs until I'm making the short trip down to the dock again!!!

Back to subject, Don't know if P&O refuse to tie down, I always take my own straps and tie the bike down myself.

Peter.

[winger]

I've never been via Hull,going north to go south has as much to do with were i live and Nu2 will be the same in Tamworth.

If you go Dover on the ferry,go M6 A14 and then either A1 or M11 hardly inspiring but beats the shit out of the M1,don't forget the Dartford Bridge(going) and the Tunnel coming back is free on a bike.

Ride down to Dover evening time,cross over 7/8 with the crossing time and extra hour it'll be 11'ish when you get off,pre-book a hotel,loose the hour in your sleep and 8'ish start you'll do the ring easy,pick your route you can do as much or as little motorway as you need to do depending on the weather.

[Boxered]

Another vote for Hull/ Rotterdam, 9pm sailing for an 8am docking, nice and fresh for the ride ahead. I went in may and although I did the strapping myself, and there were signs up telling you it's your responsibilty to make sure your bike is secured, the crew were on hand and offering assistance (straps were provided, but like Peter, I always take my own). We went via the boring m/way, but were at the Ring (we stayed in Cochem ( pronounced cockheim by locals) which is ten minutes from the ring and highly recommended) by early afternoon.

HTH

Steve

[PBBoxer]

Crikey Steve, Cochem ten minutes from the RING??? Its 50KM!!
We stayed there last month too.

[Boxered]

I stand corrected Paul, I thought it was more like 30k? good road though eh!

Steve

[PBBoxer]

Oh yes, great road

[SteveH]

One other option might be Harwich-Hook of Holland. I've done this one many times and the journey each side (for me near Northampton) is such that with a 4 hour crossing I could do the whole thing in one day (to Mainz, about 90miles further than Nurburgring) without being too knackered. Plus points are it is not so far as Dover, and you avoid all mention of the M25 Also the roads through Netherlands and Germany are very direct and the journey shorter than from Calais. Minus points are the potential traffic bottlenecks on the A14 at Cambridge and again by Rotterdam. Since I was doing this regularly Stena Line have removed from service the fast craft (4 hr crossing) which for me removes the route's main benefit, so I have not used it for the last year or so but if a 7 hr crossing , with bunk, is for you, this might be one to consider. Stena provide straps and advice but you secure the bike yourself which is easy to do even if you have not done it before.

[MG]

NU2

I recently travelled with P&O from Dover to Calais with no problems, they strapped the bike down carefully on the side stand which I think is better than the centre stand anyway. make sure your luggage is locked and I'd reccomend removing the gps and tank bag if you have them.

mike

[andrew s]

Nu2,

As MG has said it is best to tie your bike down on the side stand and not the centre stand as the bike can then only go one way (unless the side stand snaps, only joking)

The P&O ferry from Hull is the only ferry I have travelled on where they don't tie your bike down all the others have. The Hull crossing does supply ropes, well I hope they still do as I am on it a week Saturday with Ian.

See you in Italy Peter/Alan, make sure the weather is good for us.

Andrew

[stoney]

Hi NU 2

I'm going September 6th. When are you going?

We're going Hull/Zeebrugge and have planned a nice 270mile route to the ring, where we're staying at Sabine's hotel - the Hotel am Tiergarten.

Basically you just head for Aachen and then take the the tiwistier road to the Ring. Like Steve said it's just a few hours ride and quite nice once you actaully get into Germany.

[hjr1100s]

Less than 48hrs until I'm making the short trip down to the dock again!!!

Peter.

When landing in Holland and if you fancy a cup of tea and don't mind a detour you guys are welcome to come and visit the lovely town of Holten on your way to Germany, France, Italy or where ever you're heading.

HJ

[stoney]

I always take my own straps and tie the bike down myself..

What kind would you recommend taking?

[PBBoxer]

chunky ratchets
Sticky back plastic
cornflakes packet