Biking in Ireland

Hi all,
Looking for a bit of advice. I'm hoping to take my bike across to Ireland (Southern) for a holiday in September and just wondered if there's anything I need to know beforehand, as I've never taken a vehicle overseas anywhere before.
Also wouldn't mind some suggestions if anyone knows anywhere nice to visit whilst I'm over there
Thanks,
Kayleigh

The only advice i can give is use the ferry, bikes don't float!!


Dave D is your best bet, ask him

Wow all these helpful words from the travel section of the club!

Hi Kayleigh

This may be of help . . .

DOCUMENTS:

PASSPORT - needs to have at least 6 months left to run after your return from S. Ireland

TICKETS


Take the original and copies of the following just in case you need to produce them for any reason (don't let the originals out of your sight):

DRIVING LICENCE - both parts (photo-card and paper part)

V5 (Vehicle Ownership Document)

INSURANCE DOCUMENTS which should include the Green Card
(I know that most insurance companies now include cover for travel in Europe as part of their policies but it is worth double-checking – especially if they limit you to riding a 125cc bike as it has been known to happen!)

MOT – if appropriate

EUROPEAN ACCIDENT STATEMENT

GB sticker – if you can find one small enough or have Euro VRN plates made up.

Lots and lots of beer and food money in both Euros and Sterling !!


GENERAL INFO:

You ride on the left in Ireland (Northern and Republic) so no different to UK . . . .

LUGGAGE - soft or hard panniers, top box - should be packed so that the bike remains balanced.
Roll, don't fold your clothes as they will emerge less creased; pack everything in plastic carrier bags (those from a supermarket are best as they are smaller; bin liners are too big) as water can get into the most unlikely of places! The bags for dirty clothes can be turned inside out prior to being filled as this makes it easier to differentiate when you get home.
Lay out everything you want to take - then halve it!
To save on tops / undies etc. aim to wear clean gear each evening which can then be worn for riding the following day.

BIKING THINGIES:
Make sure your tyres have enough rubber on them to last the whole trip; check tyre pressures; check the brakes have enough 'stopping power' for the whole trip; check the chain tension before setting off; check water and oil levels. Make sure your proposed mileage on the trip isn't going to take you through or over a due service - if so, get service done before you go.

You may like to consider:

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Wily Fox do a package specifically aimed at bikers (www.wilyfoxtravel.com or P J Hayman & Co Ltd - www.tpc-travelinsurance.co.uk ) but there are many other companies out there. Ensure that you have holiday cancellation cover i.e. you may fall ill on the day of travel. It is worth checking on either your Travel Insurance or Breakdown Cover that, should you be unlucky enough to fall ill or (god forbid) be involved in an accident, you, your bike and luggage will be repatriated to the UK.

BREAKDOWN COVER – you never know!!
RAC / AA / Green Flag . . . . take your pick – most policies now cover ‘the person’ as opposed to the vehicle. Mark and I have cover with the RAC for both UK and Europe whether we are in either of our cars or on our bikes. If the case of a breakdown use of either a red warning triangle or hazard warning lights is obligatory.

EHIC (European Health Insurance Card):
With this card you are entitled to free or reduced-cost medical treatment that may become necessary. Cards can be applied for on www.dh.gov.uk/travellers or by calling 0845 606 2030 or by completing an application form (available from Post Offices).

MEDICAL INFORMATION:
ICE card - similar to a memory card - that is worn around the neck (dog-tag fashion). The ICE card can be programmed with all your relevant medical information, next of kin, contact details etc. and, should the worst happen, can be accessed by a doctor (as long as they have access to a laptop or computer). The information contained on the ICE card can be translated into most European languages at the click of a mouse-button. ICE cards cost £24.99 and are available from most good bike dealers or bike accessory shops. The card can also hold copies of travel documentation i.e. passport, vehicle V5 form, driving licence, insurance certificate, MOT etc. which can be encrypted so can only be viewed if the correct password is entered.

ULTRASEAL (or similar gunk) IN YOUR TYRES . . .
Dave's son, Nigel, used to do Ultraseal in the tyres (helps prevent flats); I'm not sure if Nigel still does this so best to check with Dave as things may have changed.

SPARE CHANGE . . .
Handy to keep some loose, easy to get at coinage just in case! A pocket on a tank bag or in the palm area of your gloves!

KITCHEN SINK . . .
This most valuable accessory can contain items such as: waterproofs, spare bulbs, padlock and chain (handy for overnight parking), duct tape, fuses, zip ties, chain lube, chargers for the electronic wizardry bits and pieces, plug adapters, Hi-viz waistcoat (essential if you break down), Warning Triangle, lippy, mascara, hairdryer, hair styling products . . . and you must not forget your sunglasses as it’s going to be really, really, SUNNY!!


Enjoy your trip!

Cathy

Come on every body give her a big hand.

Well done Cathy!!!

Great stuff Cathy.
Hows Mark's infereority counciling going.?

Hi myself and big Jon organised the 2009 club trip around Ireland
, I have 2 large folders of my findings together with all the actual trip bookings etc.

I could bring them to the next Club night if you like and browse them at you lesuere.

....would like them back whenever you have finished with them.
All mapping is included within, as is all the hotels we used and our booking agent who organised it all on our derections of how we needed the trip to materielize.

Hi Kayliegh,
I think the others have covered most of it but one tip is for securing your bike on the ferry,
I always like to use the side stand with the bike in first gear and a thick rubber band ( I use a strip from an old inner tube ) on the front brake lever, this make sure the bike is going nowhere, having said that the ferries are normally good at strapping down.
Regards John.

Thank you for all your advice, given me a lot to think about over the next two months!!
It would be good to have a look through your folders Dave, thanks

Well I'm off to Wales tomorrow to sail on wednesday
Just hoping this weather eases off a bit before then!

Have fun, take lots of pictures.
Ride safe and be careful

Well done Kayleigh and have a great time.

Hi Kayleigh,
All the best for your hols, hope you have a good trip.
Kiss the Blarney Stone for me.
Regards John & Fran.