We had to leave a hotel in Bordeaux very early in the morning before sunrise after an unexpected and somewhat intense mosquito attack. This was after being in Madrid the night before at a wedding. We were totally exhausted and all of us at some point admitted drifting off whilst riding up through France. It's a bit of an extreme example but dark visors certainly didn't help on that occasion. As my friend said 'always expect the unexpected' he is a bit of a twat though. Good luck with your trip, looking forward to your photos.
I’ve been caught out a few times. I have safety glasses with a foam insert, they are kind of a hybrid between glasses and goggles so keep the wind out. Can’t remember the last time I had a clear visor, must be well over 10 years ago
No problem @Dave, if you take a more direct route, try and squeeze a bit of the N625 in if you can, it's very good north of Riana . See you Sunday, we'll have a beer waiting.
Just looking at BBC weather app, while the temps are all OK (below normal for this time of year though) , the longer winter looks like the odd damp patch may catch us. What are folk taking for bike gear? I'm thinking Kevlar jeans and packing light water proofs. Tempted for some lined textiles warm stuff, but don't want too much weight on the bike.
Weather has looked dreadful the last few days as a storm has swept across the region. Looks like most of it has cleared by the time we arrive. Riding in one piece suit. Carrying waterproofs, I'll waterproof bag all my stuff in the panniers. If it gets cold I'll put on a few t shirts, doesn't look like the temp drops too low
IME (and to my cost) always take a spare clear one just in case you get caught late in the dark or heavy rain for hours!!
Just dug all my unused clear visors out. Not sure which lid to take. My nicest one (Shoei) is my Aussie helmet. Has a Australian standard sticker on it not a Gold sticker.
Right thats me all sorted, well until I caught my numberplate when locking the chain and snapped it in half FFS. Job for father tomorrow keep him busy. Ill be in one piece with waterproofs with dark visor. Weather is shit until Friday and then sun and temps picks up next week so maybe a shower at worse hopefully. 5 hour trip down with the detour for Andy so leaving here about 8.30/9 to miss rush hour then should be there for 2/2.30 for the Guinness at 3!
I'll wear my Klim textile armoured two piece shell. It is 100% waterproof but with great venting as well. Wicking long johns and top underneath and a heated jacket that I can plug in for the 5am and 8pm trips to and from the ferry in UK. With heated grips as well, this kit has coped with year-round weather in the UK, plus trips to South Africa and down through Spain to the Moroccan Sahara ... so I should be comfy no matter what. Smug? Me? Yep ;-)
I was wondering about adding these to my packing list ... but the crossing looks good for Friday and Saturday http://www.myweather2.com/Marine/Sea-Areas/Bay-Of-Biscay/Biscay-Lat-4750-Lon-600.aspx?sday=1