Preparations and papers...

I've now been planning and preparing this for almost two months. There is a lot to think about. I'd say the most important stuff, that also take the longest time is having your papers in order. I need to be able to identify myself, bike shall be insured, have a valid registration, I shall be insured etc etc. Traveling only through EC countries of western Europe I in fact probably wouldn't even need to bring my passport, but better safe than sorry. If you plan anything like this, make sure to keep your papers in order and start that process well in advance of leaving!

The library

My "library" for this trip includes:

• Passport
• International camping pass (only needed if you plan on staying at campsites)
• Membership card of SMC (Swedish Motorcyclists Association), a FIA associated organization of Swedish bike riders
• European health insurance card (only for EC citizens)
• Bike registration license
• "Green card", internationally recognized proof of bike being insured
• Protocol of last MoT test, to prove bike is road safe
• Personal insurance certificate
• Certificate of extended insurance, as my regular insurance only covers for 45 days of travel
• Insurance forms, both for bike and person

All of the above as originals! Stored separately (sort of hidden away) I also maintain copies of the above.

Added to this there are also:

• Service manual for the bike
• Notebook / diary
• The "SMC-book", a manual with addresses and other useful stuff for bikers
• Maps. I'm old fashioned enough to stick with the analogous material. I don't have anything against electronic navigation, but a map never runs out of battery and gives a far better overview than a 3" smart phone does...

Also remember to bring pens! Ballpoint for official signing etc, pencil for writing in damp conditions and a marker.

Now then for preps of the bike and packing, but this I will write about in separate articles.

/Yogan.