Just now bikers are hearing the call of summer roads far away. John Wheeler looks over the options
How time flies! Already it's that time of year when, for many motorcyclists, the lure of taking the bike abroad turns from dream to reality.
Pulses race at the thought of heading off to distant parts, better weather and roads so good you think you are dreaming.
The options are bewildering. Britain, given common language and driving on the left, is popular. The Yorkshire Dales, Wales and the Scottish Highlands offer scenery as dramatic as anything further afield.
Summers can be superb in Norway, Sweden and Denmark, but if you like it hot, like really hot, Spain, Portugal and the south of France are among Irish bikers' most popular choices. And that's just for starters.
The success of any trip lies in the planning. First, does your licence cover you? Technically a provisional licence is valid only in the issuing state, a fact that is widely ignored.
Does your insurance fully cover you? If you have comprehensive cover, check that it's comprehensive while abroad. Don't think of entering Spain without a bail bond from your insurer - without it, in the event of an accident, you could get free accommodation courtesy of the police while they take their time to sort out the facts.
A well-maintained modern machine should be no more likely to break down abroad than at home. But, what can't happen does! It's worth checking the cost of recovery with the AA or Europe Assistance.
Hopefully, you won't need medical attention but it's worth taking your European Health Insurance Card, which entitles you to free treatment throughout the EU. It's obtainable on line from www.ehic.ie
Inevitably your bike will be laden. There may be a passenger as well as luggage. A trial trip, fully laden, is advisable to check out the suspension adjustment and security of the load as well as the often, markedly, different handling characteristics.
Are your tyres up to the job? Bear in mind that tyres sold in Ireland have a compound designed for our climate. In the intense heat of southern Europe and with the extra load they will wear far faster than at home. Heading back home in pouring rain on a fully laden bike with tyres as smooth as a baby's bottom is not funny.
Is your silencer the manufacturer's original part? We had a desperate cry from an Irish biker stranded in central France. The local gendarme took exception to his "loud can", impounded the bike and refused to let him leave until it was fitted with the original part. The police are more conspicuous than back home and substantial, on-the-spot, cash fines are common. Don't mess with them! If stopped, helmet off, smile, politeness pays. The Irish are not unpopular, but the days when "Jack Charlton" or "Eurovision" were international passwords lie in the past. Now unfortunately we're better known as the cubs of the Celtic Tiger; the rich kids of Europe.
The effects of the sun and scorching heat are of an order that our maritime temperate climate has not prepared us. Deep south, with the sun on your visor, without Factor 25 sun block on the nose can leave you skinned and blistered in half a morning. And there is the effect of booze; wine by the jug full, more variety than you can shake a stick at, and cheaper. Now add the intense heat and the result can be an experience best not repeated.
Most Irish riders heading abroad tend to go in a group. Great to have like-minded company but riding in a group can be dangerous. There is the inevitable tendency to show off, to "push the envelope". Do not get drawn into riding beyond your comfort speed or your abilities.
Riding on the right is not difficult. Most major roads are dual carriageways. The first two or three roundabouts simply require some intense mental adjustment. Be extra careful on single carriageway roads when leaving a café, filling station or whatever. Think, watch the local traffic. It's all too easy on quiet roads to set off riding on the left and a few yards later wonder why that huge timber lorry is heading straight for you! Red stickers on the left hand side of your screen and one on the left mirror, green ones on the right, have saved many a heart stopping moment. Red is for blood, for danger. Green is for go, for grass. It reminds you that the verge should be on your right.
Have a safe trip.