Plan the ride ride the plan. Bollocks no plan survives first contact what with the amount of traffic and road works around these days you have to be patient and adaptable.
The last three rides i have done 1 IBA, 1 trip to Yorkshire, 1 to Scotland i started at midnight The M25 is almost enjoyable at stupid o' clock AM with only night trunk drivers and a smattering of other suspicious characters it's a good time to make progress and get away from the south east usually a good plan but it can come back and bite you unfortunately the authority's like to close the roads and put in diversions i am convinced there is a secret committee in Whitehall dedicated to the frustration of all road users.
Allow time to get off the motorway/major trunk roads for fuel there can be as much as 5p per litre difference in price or plan your refuel for when you are off the major routes to save you diverting from your planned route it does keep the cost down.
On the subject of costs i run an 11 year old BMW R1200 GS with 56K on the clock averages 50MPG does not burn any oil but i am replacing worn parts so far final drive, front wheel bearings, rear master cylinder expensive and bloody annoying but still cheaper than buying a newer model which i would do if the finances would allow.
Despite all the above traffic, road closures, mechanical problems, fuel costs, it's still enjoyable including occasionally meeting the other daft buggers who do this long distance lark.
The last three rides i have done 1 IBA, 1 trip to Yorkshire, 1 to Scotland i started at midnight The M25 is almost enjoyable at stupid o' clock AM with only night trunk drivers and a smattering of other suspicious characters it's a good time to make progress and get away from the south east usually a good plan but it can come back and bite you unfortunately the authority's like to close the roads and put in diversions i am convinced there is a secret committee in Whitehall dedicated to the frustration of all road users.
Allow time to get off the motorway/major trunk roads for fuel there can be as much as 5p per litre difference in price or plan your refuel for when you are off the major routes to save you diverting from your planned route it does keep the cost down.
On the subject of costs i run an 11 year old BMW R1200 GS with 56K on the clock averages 50MPG does not burn any oil but i am replacing worn parts so far final drive, front wheel bearings, rear master cylinder expensive and bloody annoying but still cheaper than buying a newer model which i would do if the finances would allow.
Despite all the above traffic, road closures, mechanical problems, fuel costs, it's still enjoyable including occasionally meeting the other daft buggers who do this long distance lark.