But, as with all things, life got in the way. Either money was a problem, or time or both. I seem to have put it off for yet another year, promising myself that I would go next year, or maybe next, but it never seemed to happen.
This year however, was different. I was divorced, I had my own place, and I'd just walked out on my job, and taking the first steps into self employment, so I had freedom from time. I was of course older, and I had more disposable income (!) Plus, I bought a brand new Vespa GTS 300 ( I had one before that one, but that was wrecked, and that's another story!)
The GTS is the biggest Vespa produced by Piaggio to date. I was told it had a top speed of 90, is 4 stroke rather than 2, and has disc brakes front and rear. I always took the top speed results with a pinch of salt, as it is only a scooter, and is vulnerable to the wind. But nevertheless, it's a fine looking scooter, with all the classic looks and lines of a Vespa, and the reviews of it were highly commended.
I had the GTS for about 9 months, first of all running it in, taking note of the service schedules, and keeping the scooter in tip top condition. It was, of course not my main means of transport, in fact, I've got another scooter, a 1970 Vespa Sprint Veloce, which I confess, I don't ride as much since getting the GTS!
Since buying the GTS, which I affectionately call LJ, after the first two letters of the numberplate, I fell in love with it. It just seemed to go. It never complained, about going up hills, or in cross winds, and always got me there. There was simply put nothing that could fault it. Except just one thing, I later found out. The tank is hopelessly small, only holding 9 litres of fuel, something had to be done with that I thought...
I also bought a top box, which I'd thought would come in handy, and a flyscreen, to keep the wind off my face. It looked very smart, I thought. A dragon red GTS 300, with nice chrome touches. Just the job.
The actual planning of the trip started out very easy. I used Google maps and Google Earth to help me calculate the distances, the time it would take, and the towns/cities to stay the night. I made sure that the distance between each town/city wasn't too far from each other, and I gave myself plenty of time to reach each destination. I could see one problem - the distance between Koblenz and Trento. That was going to take 8 hours with 482 miles. Gulp, I thought, but at least I would have two days rest in Pisa, where of course, I would visit the leaning tower, and the Piaggio museum!
I soon found however, that things are going to get tough out there, not of course with the scooter, but with myself. Would I'd cope? What If I break down? What about if I have an accident? These thoughts ran through my head, I needed to think of a back up plan - just in case!
So, I'd made sure I'd have European breakdown cover, medical insurance, paperwork and all the documents I'm going to need. I also bought a florescent vest, French driving laws indicate that you have to have one when driving/riding in France.
I got the scooter serviced before the big day and also filled my tyres with "Slime" a solution that you put into your tyres, just in case you have a flat. It quickly fills the hole in the flat, a bit like blood forms a scab and stops you losing blood!
I also took a tent, sleeping bag, airbed, and even a little air compressor to pump it up - very handy, as I could use the 12v power socket as a power supply. I also made sure to bring a petrol can, as the fuel tank on the GTS is really small. To put the fuel tank on the scooter I bought a footplate to hold it http://www.classic-racks.co.uk/products.html again, very handy!
I thought it a bit pointless bringing loads of spares and tools, as I wouldn't have a clue how to fix the GTS, although I did bring the good ol' Haynes manual and my RAC breakdown card- just in case!
So, that's the paperwork sorted, and all the "tools" that I would be likely to use for the trip. Now for the job of booking of the B+B's.
I made sure that the distances I'm going to travel to each B+B will be achievable using Google maps, and that they all would have free WiFi, just so that I could keep in contact, and be able to post to Facebook, using my tablet. I'd booked 8 places to stay, they were:
Charleroi in Belgium
Koblenz in Germany
Trento in Italy
Pisa In Italy
Aubagne in Southern France
Gerona in Spain
Limoges in France
Dieppe in France
Having 2 days in Both Pisa and Dieppe, I was sure I had worked it all out! Little did I know the adventure I would have!
