Cycle World Tour Guide To Europe
CYCLE WORLD TOUR GUIDE TO EUROPE
A comprehensive guide to touring Europe by motorcycle might occupy a large volume or even more. This bulletin does not purport to offer more than general information and some useful facts. Notwithstanding, it should prove of much assistance to those considering a two-wheeled journey in Europe and to provide shortcuts to obtaining further and more detailed information. Although the compiler, Mr. Ken Craven, has taken all reasonable care in its preparation, no responsibility can be accepted for possible errors or inaccuracies that might have crept in.
Visitors to Europe must first have a valid passport — allow two to three weeks from the time of application. No visas are required for any country in Western Europe, but visas must be obtained through the appropriate consulate for all East European countries. The procedure and time involved in obtaining a visa for Yugoslavia is simple and this can be done through any Yugoslav consulate in any country in Europe. The Yugoslav Travel Office in New York will be pleased to supply the details.
KEN CRAVEN
WHEN OBTAINING A MOTORCYCLE in the United Kingdom, the dealer will undertake most of the formalities for you. They are: provision of a G.B. number plate, payment of road tax (minimum period four months), and entry of the new owner's name in the log book, and its registration with the licensing authority. (Similar procedures are followed in other European countries.) An American driving license is valid in Britain, but most other countries require an International Driving Permit (IDP). No additional documentation is required for travelling between countries of Western Europe, apart from IDP and Insurance, as below:
An IDP is obtainable through the AAA in the USA, or their offices in Paris, Rome or London (15, Pall Mall, London, S.W.I), or in England through the A A (Automobile Association) or the RAC (Royal Automobile Club), or through other European motoring organizations. INSURANCE: Virtually all countries in Europe make insurance compulsory to cover damage or injury to a third party, and the supplier of the vehicle will arrange this. British rates are reputed to be among the lowest, but there is quite a heavy additional loading for the issue of a "Green Card," the document valid for all countries in Europe.
Some travelers prefer to pay insurance at the frontier of each country, and though this is probably more economical, the cover is minimal and delays are involved at each frontier crossing. Typical examples of premiums charged at frontiers are:
Note: These policies are issued by the respective Governments (1966 Quotations). HOW TO OBTAIN YOUR MACHINE: Obviously, it will be necessary to make advance arrangements and it is best to allow as much time as possible. All models
are in somewhat short supply throughout the peak summer months, and this is particularly so with Triumphsand BMW's. The approved procedure is to arrange supply through the USA distributors.
On the other hand, there are firms in London with the experience of meeting overseas requirements. They are:
Harvey Owen, Ltd., 181, Walworth Road, London, S.E.17.
Gus Kuhn, 277, Clapham Road, Stockwell, London, S.W.9.
Slocombe's, 239-271, Neasden Lane, N.W.10.
Longstaff's, 108, High Road, Woodford, London, E.18.
The above firms (and other main dealers also) have large stocks of used machines, a frequent procedure being to sell back the vehicle after the tour (which, making due allowance for depreciation and wear and tear, is akin to renting a motorcycle). These firms can also supply the necessary documentation to enable the new motorcycle to be purchased free of British purchase tax (25% of the wholesale price), subject to a signed undertaking that the vehicle will be shipped out of Great Britain within a stipulated period. FREIGHTING TO. U.S.A. From Britain, the Bristol City Line of Steamships Ltd., 129, Cumberland Road, Bristol 1. (also 9/13, Fenchurch Buildings, London, E.C.3) have offered concession rates for uncrated motorcycles amounting to approximately $60.00, inclusive of insurance
for a large machine to New York docks. The machine must first be steam washed, and this can be undertaken by A. Weatherhead & Son of 68, Port View Road, Avonmouth. On the Continent of Europe proper consult any shipping agent, or try Gondrand Freres, who have branches in most main cities.
VEHICLE FERRY SERVICES TO EUROPE: These are far too numerous to list here, but when obtaining details from any travel organization or agency, either USA or any country in Europe, it is useful to have an idea about what is available. There are numerous sea ferry services operating between British ports and nearby ports in France, Belgium and Holland. There are services from London (Royal Mail) and Southampton (Swedish Lloyd) to North Spain and Portugal, which take two or three days, and other services from British Ports to the northern countries of Europe. Frequent Air Ferry flights operate from England to the Continent. For instance, the Southend/Calais service costs $16.00 for rider and motorcycle not exceeding 250cc, an additional $5.60 for machines exceeding 250cc. Vehicle ferries operate between Brindisi and Greece six nights per week, and ships running from Venice to Greece meander down the beautiful Yugoslav coastline.
CURRENCY AND FINANCE: The usual practice is to obtain Traveller's checks, cashable at any bank or agency abroad. Most hotels will also cash them, but they usually offer a lower rate. American Express Traveller's Cheques are obtainable from all A. E. offices and most banks. American Express have about 1*50 Branch offices in Europe to help the tourist with every type of assistance and information. Thos. Cook/Dean and Dawson also issue Travellers' Cheques from their offices in most main cities in USA. They are the largest travel people in England and Europe itself. The loss of Travellers' Cheques can cause much temporary inconvenience. If a long trip and a lot of money is involved, it is advisable to arrange for a transfer of part of it to be held as credit at an agency or bank.
ARRIVING LONDON? In spite of the immense number of hotels in London, the stranger, as in any great metropolis, faces a problem in his selection. Recommended: Alexandra National Hotel, 330, Seven Sisters Road, London. N.4. Telephone: STA 8090. Price of single (including full English breakfast) $7.00; double, $13.00 (equiv.) plus 10% service. The hotel is in a relatively quiet area but only 15 minutes by direct tube (subway) line to Piccadilly and the bright lights. Enclosed parking and covered garage (by request); this is a most important feature for those purchasing a motorcycle in London. Cheaper accommodations can be found, of course, but this is a newly built establishment with all amenities and is an excellent value. TELETOURIST: For main events of the day, in and around London, telephone ASK 9211; Road weather, ASK 6611. You can even try Ken Craven, NOR 5656 between 10:30 and 6:30 weekdays, and he will be glad to assist with advice and won't give a blunt New York answer. Other sources of information are: Tourist Information Center, MAY 9091; Mo-
toring advice and information, Royal Automobile Club, Pall Mall, S.W.I and Automobile Association Fanum House, Leicester Square. Branches are located in London and elsewhere. Consult telephone directories.
GENERAL HINTS AND TIPS
CHOICE OF ROUTES: The major interconnecting arterials and throughways, which are boldly indicated on maps, are very useful for getting from one main area to another, but they are not the best way of visiting any country. Select — where possible — a minor, scenic road, less liable to be congested with traffic. Above all, avoid the temptation to try to see as many places as possible in the shortest possible time! The purchase of some reasonably detailed maps, both route maps and physical ones, is a wise investment, and studying them will provide countless hours of happy anticipation. Map reading is an art and a science: to the perceptive they will provide nearly as much information as a guide book — indeed, more, if you take the time to analyze it. During one's travels, one can obtain large-scale regional maps from Shell filling stations, free of charge (though not in the U.K.) and many other main brands also offer similar services in a number of countries.
LUGGAGE: Another aspect which requires advance consideration is the selection of one's requirements for the journey. It is a common error to attempt to carry too much, and to become a slave to possessions. Apart from adequate riding apparel, and fully effective rain kit, the inconvenience of taking too little luggage is preferable to being over-burdened. In any case, you can always purchase a missing item, and probably for less than you would have to pay for it in the U. S. Garments should be selected on the basis of minimum bulk, freedom from creasing, and — where applicable — should be easily laundered or drip-dry. Protect important items in polythene bags, which help to keep them free from friction or stains and creases. Footwear is bulky, so select a lightweight type for wear off the motorcycle; shoes are cheaper in Europe, anyway. Admittedly, camping equipment has its own special problems, but the keen camper is prepared to contend with the inconvenience and sorrow of his bulky load. The novice who has not camped before and intends to do so, had better start selecting and pruning out his gear long, long in advance.
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS: All kinds of lodging establishments exist in profusion throughout most of Europe and can be found easily in any place from a hamlet upwards. The most typically regional hosieries with atmosphere are more likely to be located away from the main traffic arteries. Hotels in capital cities and famous resorts are, of course, likely to be relatively more expensive.
YOUTH HOSTELS: There are hundreds of Youth Hostels throughout Europe which provide dormitory accommodation, camping facilities, and simple nourishing meals. This non-profit organization was initially created for hikers, hillciimbers and peddle-cyclists, and arrival at their doors by motor vehicle is frowned upon: so it is tactful (and usually acceptable)
to leave your bike in a garage in the nearest village and walk the remaining distance, where possible. Available for both sexes, but in view of the segregation in dormitories, it is best suited to bachelors or tired honeymooners! Youth Hostel members are usually very friendly and pleasant. It is by far the cheapest method of travel. For details of membership, write to American Youth Hostels Inc., 14 West Eighth St., New York 11, N. Y. LANGUAGE PROBLEM: Do not let this put you off. Approximately the same language is spoken in Britain! English has replaced French as a second language in most European countries, and is spoken extensively, particularly in hotels, etc. Anyway, with so many languages involved in a small continent, Europeans are adept at conversing in sign language, and it is usually possible to put across the message where spoken language fails! A good multi-lingual phrase-book is useful, however, so why not "have a go" at someone else's tongue?
CLIM ATE: The northern countries of Europe, U. K. and adjacent regions of Europe for about 200 miles inland are affected by variable weather conditions coming across from the Atlantic. Although there can be prolonged periods of rain and overcast, the average hours of sunshine in summer months are not drastically lower than the Eastern Seaboard of the U. S. London, incidentally, is a thousand miles north of New York and, consequently, the area, as a whole, has a much lower average summer temperature than the U. S., but the day, particularly in June, will be very much longer. In fact, if you proceed northward to the top of Norway, there will be sun at midnight. Mountainous regions in almost any part of the world are subject to sudden storms and quick variations in weather. This also applies in Europe but, depending on luck, one can expect to find fine weather from June to mid-September.
The main mountain regions are the Pyrenees on the borders of France and Spain; the highest Alps are in South East France and extend through six countries in all, ending in Northern Yugoslavia. Mediterranean countries and regions range from warm to hot, with prolonged sunshine and little rain. Northern Italy experiences heavy rainstorms which can sometimes be prolonged due, no doubt, to the impressive Dolomite Alps on its border regions.
In the thumbnail reviews of the principal touring countries in Europe, the price of super grade gasoline is given to the nearest round figure in cents per U. S. gallon. The distances in mileage are by reasonable route from main centers. The first figure is the one roughly North to South; the second from East to West. Since European countries are not conveniently rectangular, the figure quoted is not necessarily the maximum one, and the sum of the figures may not coincide to the total area. The hotel costs quoted are for dinner, room and breakfast for establishments offering a good standard of food, accommodation and service, but not in the luxury category. Inevitably, there is a wide variation in hotel costs. The high figure given is the price one will probably pay in
capital cities and main resorts.
AUSTRIA: Gasoline approximately 55<¡a gallon. It is 200 miles x 300 miles, although it is only 50 miles from Germany to Italy across the mountainous neck. Main tourist region is the western neck; mountainous including the Tyrrol and Dolomites. D.R.B. $5.00 - $6.00. For the best value, look for Gasthaus in small towns and villages. This is a delightfully picturesque country with every amenity for the tourist. The Gross Glocker, a toll road, is one of Europe's most spectacular roads which rises to 8,400 feet.
FRANCE: Gasoline 80C per gallon. D.R.B., $6.00 to $10.00. The 740 miles from Dunkirk to Nice, averages 400 miles wide. The largest country. Hotels, though numerous enough, tend to be somewhat shabby in their appointments and plumbing is prone to be old-fashioned. By European standards, France is expensive. This applies to most things, including meals, but food is of a sophisticated and generally high standard. The northern regions of France are not particularly interesting, but the landscape steadily improves as one progresses south. There is a good network of reasonably fast main roads, but avoid N. 7 from Paris to Nice which is inadequate for the traffic it bears, and is probably the most lethal stretch of road in the world! Main tourist regions are the border area to Spain, the famous French Riviera, of course, and the high Alps on the southwest borders of Switzerland and Italy. The highest mountain road pass in Europe is Iseran, some 9,085 feet high.
GERMANY (WEST): Gasoline 65c, D.R.B., $5 - $7. It is 500 miles x 300 miles. There are plenty of good Gasthaus throughout the country which offer a pleasing atmosphere and good value. The Autobahn offers a very fast route from Holland or Belgium to Switzerland and Austria. Main tourist regions are Rhine Valley and the wooded, hilly or mountainous areas at the south.
ITALY: Gasoline 75<'\ (Limited issue of tourist vouchers available at frontier entitles visitors to reduced rate of just over 60c.) D.R.B, runs $5 - $8. Hotels are plentiful in the tourist regions, but are somewhat variable in standard and value. Nevertheless, one can do very well by being selective. Main tourist areas are Italian Riviera, lakes, Dolomite Alps and Venice. Although 700 miles by road to the toe, Italy is only 75 miles across at its narrowest point. There is a fast network of autostrada; the only main roads, apart from the autostrada, are very congested and the standard of driving is alarming to the initiate, although prospects of survival are reasonably good.
SPAIN: Gasoline 65c, D.R.B. $4 - $6, and it's 600 miles x 350 miles. The most popular tourist attraction is the 650-mile stretch of coastal road from France to Gibraltar, on which there is a whole string of popular resorts. There are a few resorts on the eastern end of the Pyrenees and Andora; incidentally, the tiny republic between France and Spain, should not be overlooked. The coast road as far south as Valencia, is somewhat congested. There is a vehicle ferry from Algeciras to North Africa. To visit Gibraltar, leave motorcycle in Al-
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geciras and take ferry to rock across the bay. The inland regions of Spain are somewhat arid, and few amenities are laid on for tourists. A visit to inland cities is rewarding, however, for the more adventurous who would like a change from developed areas.
SWITZERLAND: Gasoline 50tf., D.R.B. $5 - $7. The country is 120 miles x 220 miles. Tourism is a major industry in this small country; hotels of all grades are numerous and of a consistently good standard. It is a picturesque country of lakes, woods and mountains. The high mountains are in southern half of the country. Their mountain roads offer supreme views, but avoid the St. Gotthard Pass, where there is nose-to-tail traffic throughout the season.
UNITED KINGDOM: Gasoline 60 é. D.R.B., $5 - $8. It is 600 miles from northern Scotland to southern England. Although there is little grandiose scenery in the United Kingdom, there is a most picturesque and appealing countryside and coastline away from the main connubations. Country and market town hotels are also public taverns, and food and accommodations are generally of very good standard. The cost of restaurant meals is probably the lowest in Europe. A functional adequate meal at transport cafe costs about 50<^. One can lunch well for $1.00 — sumptiously, in an excellent inn or restaurant for $2.00. Apart from the frequently congested main highways linking the cities, there is an immense network of well-surfaced secondary roads. Britain is one of the few remaining places where traffic travels on the left and where currency does not conform to the metric system. This together with its weights and measures, is retained to confuse the foreigner, and gives the island race a sense of superiority! Actually, driving on the "wrong side of the road" is likely to cause less confusion than it may first appear, as one quickly adapts oneself to conform with local custom. The mastering of coinage appears, however, to cause some difficulty, but it is unlikely that the visitor will be fleeced in the interval of mastering the intricacies. Unchilled draught beer, served at cellar temperature and with little effervescence, like many good things, takes an acquired taste, but it is worthwhile persevering.
YUGOSLAVIA: Gasoline 45(¡:., D.R.B., $4.50 - $5.50. The lush Alpine region of the north is appealing. Lake Bled is worthy of a night stop. The main tourist attraction is the coastal road which extends 450 miles down to the medieval city of Dubrovnik. The Adriatic coastline, with its innumerable inlets and islands, must be almost unique. There are many small, unsophisticated coastal resorts possessing newly built hotels which offer a good standard of accommodations and food, although the latter is somewhat uniform and lacking in variety, and tends to become monotonous after a number of days. Yugoslavia, along with Spain, is for most things the cheapest country in which to travel.
The roads in the northern region are mainly excellent — of concrete — and bear relatively little traffic, though the surfacing tends to disappear as one progresses southward. The adventurous can depart inland from Dubrovnik and make their way overland to Greece.
MEDICAL SERVICES: Medical and surgical treatment is up-to-date throughout most of Europe, though in the less advanced countries, facilities may be limited and scattered. Charges made are generally much less than the U.S., but cautious travellers will consider the advisability of insuring in advance for such contingencies. In Britain, emergency medical and hospital treatment is available free to all visitors, in the event of illness or injury sustained within the confines of U. K. Charges are made at the discretion of the doctor for the treatment of visitors suffering from chronic ailments.
Mr. Ken Craven will be pleased to meet American motorcyclists and assist them with general advice or guidance. Although he will answer all correspondence, he regrets he will be unable to deal at length with letters requiring detailed or comprehensive replies. Better still, compose a questionnaire which can be completed and returned, and address it to: Craven Equipment Ltd., 61 Eden Grove, London N.7 (Telephone NORth 5656).
TRAVEL OFFICES IN U.S.A. OF MAIN TOURIST COUNTRIES. These will supply travel brochures and information free of charge by mail or personal visit. AUSTRIAN STATE TOURIST DEPT. 444 Madison Ave., N. Y., N. Y. 10022 (Murrayhill 8-0355). Pacific N/W Alaska: 2433 N. W. Lovejoy Street, Portland, Oregon 97210 (228-3351). Pacific S/W: Suite 400-402, 1959 S. Beverly Dr., Beverly Hills, Calif. (Bradshaw 29354 or Crestview 15278) or 332 S. Michigan Ave., Room 1401, Chicago 4, (phone 4279629).
BRITISH TRAVEL ASSOCIATION 680 Fifth Avenue, N. Y., N. Y. 20. 612 S. Flower St., Los Angeles 90017. 39 S. La Salle St., Chicago 60603. FRENCH GOVT. TOURIST OFFICE 610 Fifth Avenue, N. Y., N. Y. 20. 18 South Michigan Ave., Chicago 3, 111. 323 Geary Street, San Francisco 2, Calif. 9418 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 314, Los Angeles 36.
GERMAN TOURIST INFORMATION BUREAU
500 Fifth Avenue, N. Y., N. Y. 10017. ITALIAN STATE TOURIST DEPT. ENIT, 626 Fifth Avenue, N. Y., N. Y. 20. ENIT, 203 Michigan Avenue, Chicago, 111. PORTUGUESE STATE INFORMATION & TOURIST OFFICE 447 Madison Avenue, N. Y., N. Y. 22. SPANISH NATIONAL TOURIST OFFICE
485 Madison Avenue, N. Y., N. Y. 22, 23 West Jackson Blvd., Chicago 4, 111. 453 Post Street, San Francisco 2. 1418 Commerce Street, Dallas 1, Texas. W/SS NATIONAL TOURIST OFFICE 10 West 49th St., Rockefeller Plaza, N. Y. 20.
661 Market Street, San Francisco. YUGOSLAV NATIONAL TOURIST OFFICE
509 Madison Avenue, N. Y., N. Y. 22. ■
