And although you’re thinking “please don’t let me drop it..please don’t let me drop it” the buzz you get for finally being on your way for another great trip is a really good feeling😊
I don't think you mentioned leaving the bike in gear on the ferry. Probably not essential on a smooth crossing, the tie downs will hold the bike in place, but the Bay of Biscay can be pretty interesting, so no harm in leaving the bike in gear to help keep it in place.
Hi, I can only comment on the Pont Aven ferry, Plymouth to Santander and back, and no! Bike are very last to unload. It is best to stay up top and not go down to the bike too early. I have a video of arriving Santander here th-cam.com/video/OdjWyKFQsi0/w-d-xo.htmlsi=zOeYToawX8QWwRyc Although I mention wait 45 mins before going down to the bike, the last few crossings have been so empty we went down after half an hour, either way dont rush down!
Looks like you have an empty top box after removing your bag for the ferry, why not put your helmet in it instead of using a cable to lock it on top of the seat?
Thanks for the tips. Hoping to get to Spain, Portugal.....and maybe Morocco in '25. Not sure yet if I'll go from Ireland or the UK ( and take in a few days in Cornwall as well).
Hi, Glad you find them useful . we are currently working on a Morocco tour for late 2025! Keep your eye on our webpage ridespain.co.uk for updates. Trying a new interesting approach to the Moroccan tour.
The tank bag is mentioned in a few videos. The most comprehensive is the “ FULL packing video”. It’s a 5 litre, but Natalie has a 15 litre and uses it as her ferry bag! It’s down to personal preference really. I like a small one to carry all my personal stuff in when out exploring or on a walk away from the bike.
Good pointers. But seriously, your not fooling anyone. That was definitely your shed, not a ferry.
Hi Oly, I like the idea of these 'tips & pointers' videos, useful to a lot of riders. 👍
Same when I used that ferry, loads of bikers on it. Bike well tied down.
Thanks buddy 💪🏾💪🏾great info
And although you’re thinking “please don’t let me drop it..please don’t let me drop it” the buzz you get for finally being on your way for another great trip is a really good feeling😊
Exactly! Honest thoughts/feedback! The excitement starts when boarding! Ride safe. Oly
If its raining the floor will be very slippy....
Hi Oly thank you first time thinking of riding in Spain aged 64 your top tips are so helpful 👏
Great to hear! Thanks for the feedback. check out our webpage, ridespain.co.uk. All 2024 tours already full but 2025 tour date will be released soon.
I don't think you mentioned leaving the bike in gear on the ferry. Probably not essential on a smooth crossing, the tie downs will hold the bike in place, but the Bay of Biscay can be pretty interesting, so no harm in leaving the bike in gear to help keep it in place.
That was brilliant. So helpful. Thank you so much. I hope to do my first crossing this year and your video has reassured me no end.
And put in first gear as well!
Hi Oly, thanks for this video, I'm using this ferry for the first time in September. Please can I ask, do the bikes unload first?
Hi, I can only comment on the Pont Aven ferry, Plymouth to Santander and back, and no! Bike are very last to unload. It is best to stay up top and not go down to the bike too early. I have a video of arriving Santander here th-cam.com/video/OdjWyKFQsi0/w-d-xo.htmlsi=zOeYToawX8QWwRyc
Although I mention wait 45 mins before going down to the bike, the last few crossings have been so empty we went down after half an hour, either way dont rush down!
Doing that journey for the first time in May, some nice tips
Thanks
A great gathering on the ferry! Olééé!
Looks like you have an empty top box after removing your bag for the ferry, why not put your helmet in it instead of using a cable to lock it on top of the seat?
Hi Jim, The box is not empty, The ferry bag only has overnight essentials in. Helmet wouldn’t fit!
Handy tips..thank You
Thanks Martin, your feedback is appreciated. Oly
How did you manage to see Wales on your way from Plymouth to Santander?
Thanks for the tips. Hoping to get to Spain, Portugal.....and maybe Morocco in '25. Not sure yet if I'll go from Ireland or the UK ( and take in a few days in Cornwall as well).
Hi, Glad you find them useful . we are currently working on a Morocco tour for late 2025! Keep your eye on our webpage ridespain.co.uk for updates. Trying a new interesting approach to the Moroccan tour.
Nice video and yes very useful! How's about a video of leaving the ferry to make the full set?
Hi, We have a video arriving Santander,
it can be found here.
th-cam.com/video/OdjWyKFQsi0/w-d-xo.htmlsi=bxThjBoHHWAKl4Gf
Oly
Thanks for the tips. One question, what size of tank bag would you recommend? And what do you use?
The tank bag is mentioned in a few videos. The most comprehensive is the “ FULL packing video”. It’s a 5 litre, but Natalie has a 15 litre and uses it as her ferry bag! It’s down to personal preference really. I like a small one to carry all my personal stuff in when out exploring or on a walk away from the bike.
Choppy water?