Nick, I booked in Cattolica, at the Luxor Beach. I was guessing where ever you go there will be lots going on away from the circuit. The hotel parking made it for me. Somewhere to leave the VW once the bike is out and about Been in Rimini on a motogp weekend and it can be a nightmare to park, now with another 40,000 bikes, it will be impossible.
last time we had hotel just on outskirts of town on main road (Cattolica) it was a 15 minute stroll into town , air con didn't work and was noisy with traffic , this year we have sea views and in town - so guess will be screaming engines and pissed folk Its great there - loads of awesome places to eat , plenty going on. Some hotels have parking - some also have swimming pools :wink:
Yep on the sea front too with parking, and a pool. Most prob end up passing out on the beach and not knowing where the hell I am. Would not be first time strolled along a beach looking at lights in distance and finding out 5miles in wrong direction. Lol
Ducati Factory and Museum tour now confirmed for 3.30 on Wed 16 Jul, a bit of a break on route to Misano
Blimey, you lot are well organised! I have booked the time off work and have gained permission from the real boss. Would appreciate some advice on where to book, where the bike will be secure overnight. I would also like to join others as I have never ridden in Europe before. I might struggle with 500 miles per day. I'm ok to take up to 2 weeks.
Stressed Hippo - no need to worry about riding in Europe. My WDW 2012 trip was my first time riding over there (although I've driven in Europe a few times before). I found riding a bike on the continent much easier than driving a car on the wrong side of the road. I tied a red string around my right hand mirror as a little reminder to ride on the right! My first night on the continent I stayed in an Ibis hotel in Troyes which had an underground car-park with barrier entry. You had to pay extra (about 9 Euros) to use it. (There was on-street parking right outside if you're less paranoid). I'm quite happy with Ibises, but I know there are plenty who want more "character". I'd definitely recomend riding the Route Napoleon - one of my best days riding ever - perfect sweeping bends, mountain scenery, hardly any traffic ... I stayed in another Ibis in Mouans Sartoux (which had a "Etape Motards" poster outside - "biker stop-off") and then in a slightly quirky traditional French hotel in Lans en Vercors (just north west of Grenoble) the next night.
Looked at the mileage and it's about 1000 miles from London. I thought about trying to get down there quick, but now looking an alternate. I will be using a VW Caravelle transporter for the long motorway parts then off load the bike at key points Stage 1: Ring.....Will wait for dates to be published for Nurburgring. Hoping they will be open for the weekend before. Stage 2: Lake Como.....Then head down to the alps via Basel, Lucerne and Lake Como. Night stop. Off load bike again and then do the Saint Bernandino pass, plus a few other routes, taking in lunch and hopefully some great views. If the weather is poor, make a decision on stay or move on.That should take me to Tuesday. Stage 3: Italy.....Then it's one more night in the North, either at the Lake but most prob nearer Milan/Monza. I have a Ducati Factory tour confirmed for Wed 3.30pm, so may go all the way down to Misano and ride back to Bologna during the day via San Piero In Bagno, Soci, Borgo San Lorenzo, Mugello, then up the E35 back to Bologna. If time is tight then no detour to Mugello, but go direct to Bologna, and do the Mugello trip on Thursday. Stage 4: WDW.....Back to Misano and check in hotel for Wed night. Lots of fun during the day and night. Option trips, or rest up in town soaking up the atmosphere. Stage 5: Return......Misano - Dijon outskirts. Overnight stop, then back home to London Tuesday. Back to work Wed. Nick, maybe we can travel in convoy on the way back.
So, all I need to do is book somewhere to stay near mugello, plan my route there and back and book stop offs accordingly, and make sure I can splash and dash at all points along the way. Anyone want to join me, or would allow me to join them? I'll do any amount of research, planning etc. required, but I don't think I can go there and back on my own.
Hippo, pretend that's where you meant all along, they are only about 60 miles apart ! A brilliant road seperate's them as well.
Will be riding down from Sweden, 2 days each way will be enough. Probs stop overnight somewhere in Black Forest around Baden Baden. Have always stayed in Cattolica for racing etc at Misano. (Been a dozen or so times now). You can walk from the far side of town to track in 45 mins, and the near side in less than half an hour. Means you can have a day or two with beer if you like. Rimini is more of a trek, and needs wheels every time.
My bike will be going there and back with three others in a Sprinter van being driven by a couple of mates. I'll ride there and back one day but I don't have the time this time so I'll be flying in and out. Last time I went I stayed in Misano Adriatico which was nice. This time we are wondering about San Marino instead - something very different.
I've just realised I can't go as I have a nephew's wedding on the 18th July next. I am gutted. Seriously. :frown:
