PREPARE THE BIKE

Is your bike roadworthy? With a current MOT? Would you happily ride it to Scotland – or Cornwall, if you live in Scotland? Well, there you go: you’re ready to go… If there’s a problem, get it properly fixed before even booking your ferry, never mind setting out.

If a service is due soon, get it done before you go – the engine won’t complain about getting fresh oil a bit early. If the chain and sprockets are on their last legs, switch them as well. Tyres a bit worn? Don’t muck about - you need to know they’re going to last the trip, so get them changed and save the old ones to use later.

For touring you’re looking for a good road-focused sports touring tyre unless you’re on an adventure bike and really will do gravel roads, in which case fit a dual sport tyre, not knobblies.