First Trip Advice

[Sunny]

Most important thing is to relax and enjoy it. It's your trip, you can go where you like, stop when you like, and change your plans if you want.
It can be overwhelming planning your first one, but as soon as you get off the ferry and away from the port, I guarantee your concerns will disappear

[gremlin]

Thanks everyone for the replies.

Still not decided exactly where I am staying, but likely in Donegal somewhere.

Booking.com or similar makes it easy. When looking for somewhere to stay, get on Google maps, looks for somewhere nobody else is going and zoom in.
Pack light. If you're missing anything, you ain't up Everest so there'll be shops. Little sample bottles cadged from dept stores are good for odds and sods.
Pack a couple of bungee cords.
Have fun, leave time to mooch about places - if you're travelling alone you'll get chatting to to all sorts of weirdos. I attract 'em. Post photos and a let us know how you're getting on.

[tricol]

I've sorted somewhere in Letterkenny, thanks @Skub

I'm pretty shy, so unlikely to be mingling with the locals. My plan is a ride to Scotland via some Lakes roads on Saturday to catch my ferry, then Sunday a local ride, then Monday and Tuesday to Donegal.

[Trinity765]

Motorcycling, the perfect hobby for shy people. Even if you're in a group you don't have to talk to them for half the day

[gremlin]

I've sorted somewhere in Letterkenny, thanks @Skub

I'm pretty shy, so unlikely to be mingling with the locals. My plan is a ride to Scotland via some Lakes roads on Saturday to catch my ferry, then Sunday a local ride, then Monday and Tuesday to Donegal.

Stop for a pint in local pub somewhere outside a city and you'll be engaged in conversation before long. Add into the mix that you're a wind-swept, mysterious and devil-may-care biker on a solo bike adventure, longing wistfully for the distant horizon and you'll soon be the centre of attention.

[Cousin Jack]

Bikes are a fantastic ice-breaker in pubs, cafes and similar places.

Blokes admire the bike, old blokes reminisce about their bikes, old ladies remember old boyfriends who had bikes, young ladies think of young lusty lads (when you take your helmet off they get disappointed that you are not 19), and kids just want to know how fast it goes.

[Noggin]

Bikes are a fantastic ice-breaker in pubs, cafes and similar places.

Blokes admire the bike, old blokes reminisce about their bikes, old ladies remember old boyfriends who had bikes, young ladies think of young lusty lads (when you take your helmet off they get disappointed that you are not 19), and kids just want to know how fast it goes.

When I thought I could register the Monster here, I sad to someone in resort that once I get out on it I'll make friends easily cos I'll chat with people wherever I stop.

She replied with "what makes you think you'll get talking to French people just because you are on a bike?"

Yeah -

Classic Ducati Monster - not often seen out and about (any time I rode through a village on it, all the guys stopped and stared!!)
Girl riding it
Said girl has pink hair - probably not French = interesting/different
Girl biker has stupid smile on cos she's riding a bike again = not scary looking!!

Yup - no problem finding people to talk to !!! (the person that asked isn't a biker )

[tricol]

Weather looking okay at the moment. Bike washed tonight. Will sort panniers and bags tomorrow for an early start on Saturday. Have kept my smaller screen on, was going to put the bigger screen back on. At least this will be a good test of it.

Almost cancelled, but more to do with personal situation.

[Dodgy69]

Don't cancel, you'll love it once you get going, especially first morning after hotel refresh. Weather looking ace.

[gremlin]

This thread has got me thinking. Six bloody years since my last trip to Italy on a bike. Too long.

[Yorick]

This thread has got me thinking. Six bloody years since my last trip to Italy on a bike. Too long.

I bet they're celebrating

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[Skub]

Weather looking okay at the moment. Bike washed tonight. Will sort panniers and bags tomorrow for an early start on Saturday. Have kept my smaller screen on, was going to put the bigger screen back on. At least this will be a good test of it.

Almost cancelled, but more to do with personal situation.

The June weather here has been shite,but you've timed it to perfection,as it looks set fair from Saturday on.

[gremlin]

This thread has got me thinking. Six bloody years since my last trip to Italy on a bike. Too long.

I bet they're celebrating
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images-1.jpeg

That's the low-key reception I get when I turn up. Bit embarrassing but...what can I do?

They love me in the Land of Pasta and Vino. I get free breakfasts off random strangers.

[Falcoholic]

The ferry operators from Cairnryan are used to lots of bikes on board and will assist with strapping your bike down. Leave it in gear and bungy the front brake for added security. They'll cover your seat with a bit of carpet so the straps don't gouge out your seat.
In my last 2 trips to Spain I just rode all day and booked accommodation using booking dot com or such like around the 4pm mark depending how much further I wanted to ride.
I don't use tech such as Sat Nav and comms so every night I planned the following days ride using a map, yes a paper one, and google maps and noted all the route changes on a notepad displayed on top of the tank bag.
The NW coast road from Larne to Portrush is not to be missed
Sheep Island View Hostel in Balintoy is great cheap accommodation and a couple of local pubs do great food and beer
Have a safe trip

[tricol]

Looking forward to the Antrim Coast road. Last time I did that I think I was on a 125, many years ago.

Weather is looking decent, a bit of luck I could do with right now.

Hopefully take enough photos to do a report after.

[Dodgy69]

Just looking on map, from Donegal I went west on N56 and followed it through Dungloe then took the R251 into the mountains, superb road. Then continued on to Letterkenny .

From there up to the " Inn on the coast " Hotel for the night, NW200 trackside Hotel between Portstewart and Portrush. Good place to stay but a bit of a walk to either town. Bar and food on site.