Scary stuff, and I should know. I was riding through Yosemite with the misses on the back 4 years ago, when a rather large bear jumped out in front of us and crossed the road. Grabbed a hand full of front brake and heart stopped. Recorded on video by my mate riding behind, but slightly too far back ...

First question / observation: Do you / your friends have any decent maps, beyond those on your PC / satnav device? No? OK, now remedy that by going out to by one or two. You are all going a long way, across a big country so buy a copy of Michelin's excellent 1:200000 scale map books for the whole c...

Ok, I'm your man. Lived down that way for a while and riden many a good route in those parts. As others have mentioned, steer clear of the coast and the likes of Canne and Nice etc. Worth visiting, but expensive and busy in the summer months. Yes by all means wizz down to Millau and turn left. Follo...

1) My 'Aquapure' water bottle.
2) My sheepskin seat cover.
3) My small padlock and wire for securing helmet and/or jacket to bike when stopping for a coffee.
4) My on board comms.

Great little vid, from someone else currently in SWF.

Is that not a straight lift from the Hovercraft forum?

Yep, an everyday occurrence of a mistimed overtake. Making a mountain out of a mole hill me thinks. Plenty of room and good visibility. Usually self preservation kicks in by one or other of the road users and therefore avoiding many potential accidents. I personally would have backed off for many of...

I've not tried meditation or chemical, legal or illegal, but motorcycling is my drug of choice. Gives me a great trip every time. Not sure if beer counts as a legal chemical in this case.

Does anyone know if the 'Avon dry oil spray' works in Scandinavia? I've heard the SAS use it in the jungle, (so the wife tells me) and it also contains citronella.

I was on the island last September with a mate, and although we were hoteling it, we teamed up with a yank who was camping. He was always able to find a cheap basic campsite nearby to where we stayed. Although I don't know, I'd guess wild camping isn't permitted, and to be quite honest, I wouldn't w...