Retirement trip in 2 years: NW Germany - North Devon

[michael1959]

Dear Vespa friends,

i two years i will retire (63 now).

My plan is to ride my Vespa PX 80 E Lusso (built in 1990) from North West Germany to North Devon (via night ferry Hoek van Holland - Harwich), where british friends live. After a one-week-stay i would return home.

Now my questions:

- Which route would you take from Harwich to North Devon (Bradworthy). My idea was passing St.Albans north of London and then via Oxford and Swindon or Bath to the south west.

- which roads would you take? My Vespa has a top speed of only 48 mph, uphill even less.

 -- B-road?

 -- A-road non dual-carriage?

 -- A-road dual-carriage?

- I have not many mechanical skills. How is the possibility to find a Vespa garage in the case of a break-down?

I should mention, i have been to the UK several times, although by car.

The roads are very comparable to home. But they are busier due to higher population density.

I am member of a motor club at home. So, in a case of a break-down my Vespa could be transported back home.

Oh, my plan is to do the journey Harwich - North Devon in two days.

Any of your advice is very much appreciated. Thank you very much.

Kind regards

Michael

[adrian]

A roads and dual carriage ways will be OK, don't over plan your trip, just do it , have found this is so much easier and less stressful. Wishing you all the best for your adventure

[michael1959]

Dear Adrian,

you are absolutely right.
But planning is part of the fun, isn't it?
Also: a journey to another country is a bit adventorous anyway, especially with a 34 years old scooter.

Thank you very much.

Kind regards
Michael