BMW The Ultimate Riding Machine

General tips

Take a mobile phone. It must be a dualband model and have 'roaming' enabled. If you have not used a particular phone abroad before, it is worth calling the phone network to check its facilities. Mobiles are expensive to use abroad but essential if something has gone bang in the middle of nowhere. Remember to pack the phone charger and adaptor plug.

Inhabitants of most countries will respond more positively if tourists attempt to speak the basics of their language. In much of Europe, English is often the second language and getting about is relatively easy. Spain is a classic exception where few people speak English and visits to restaurants with Spanish menus may end in a 'mystery meal'. The use of a phrase book in an attempt to communicate in a foreign language is always appreciated. It is also infinitely better than adopting the American method of shouting louder.

Always take a bike security device with you - a disc lock or something similar. A long chain or cable is handy for locking two bikes together and for securing helmets and jackets (down one sleeve and out the other) onto the bike when on walkabout.

Many small Continental hotel owners have been known to move their car out of a garage so that guests can park bikes. One place in which to take extra precautions is Amsterdam - the bike theft capital of Europe. Even locked bikes disappear in record time. Be on the safe side and select hotels with locked garages or private parking areas.