Q. I've just got my first big bike, a Suzuki Bandit and I'd like to go on my first tour of Europe for a week or so. Where would you recommend I go? I was thinking of going on my own, is this wise?
Fin Duss, via email

A. Don¹t be tempted to do too much on your first trip. Every inexperienced motorcyclist makes the same mistakes of packing too many clothes, things they don¹t need and also over estimating the amount of miles they¹ll be comfortable doing each day.

Stick to France. The ferry from Portsmouth takes you straight to Normandy and it's beautiful rolling countryside. A far better place to begin than the flat, featureless roads that surround Calais. From there it¹s just a short hop into the wine making region of Bordeaux. The region also has some of France's finest unspoiled beaches.

Touring on your own shouldn't cause any problems and is an advantage if you're camping because the extra weight of a tent and sleeping bag won't overload your bike. 250 to 300 miles a day is a comfortable distance that allows time for a good lunch stop and some sightseeing. Avoid France in August when the entire population goes on holiday, outside that month you can usually find somewhere to stay without booking in advance.
 
The most important thing to remember is that it¹s supposed to be a holiday.
Don¹t put yourself under any pressure to ride further than you¹'e comfortable with. And if you find an idyllic little campsite on your first night in France there¹s no shame in staying for the entire week!