6 week solo motorcycle trip - Lessons learned

[@diegodelsol1309]

I turn 55 in a couple of months and I've decided that I won't be putting the things I want to do off anymore. I'll keep up with my responsibilities, but from now on I'll be spending A LOT MORE time on the things I'm interested in. I've just donated my old 71 CL175 to a charity and will be looking to replace it with a 500x or similar come Spring and planning on doing some traveling. Wonderful videos. Keep'em coming.

[@bikingtravels]

Many thanks Diego, I hope you enjoy your travels Nick

[@denisgrehan242]

Hi Nick. Looks like you had a great trip. I am the Irish biker you met in Germany back in May the morning you burned your pannier. I was in Germany biking for one month. Funny, just before covid hit I did a route pretty similar to you, from Ireland through Eastern Europe to Meteora in Greece, then ferry over to Brindisi Italy and back to Ireland. 11,500km in 7 weeks all rural roads. Two of us were together to Brindisi where we split and my mate went across Italy and a ferry to Spain to visit family. I travelled alone through Italy and slowly back to Ireland. Every touring biker should do at least one solo long trip. It is a true experience and a great way of meeting people. We'll done to you

[@bikingtravels]

Hi Denis, thanks for getting back in touch, fleeting conversations can thankfully last a long time, I remember you recommending Menora, but I didn't make it there. However, I have a friend living in Greece, so even though not on a motorcycle I still hope to get there. Good luck to you in your future travels and I hope you continue to miss those tornadoes! All the best, Nick

[@baribalthebear]

Discovered your channel by chance. Really love it. I passed my A2 licence at 51 years old last June and embarked myself for a less impressive solo trip than yours from July to September, wandering in the French Alps. Your feedback and conclusion in this video really resonates with my own experience, although I only rode 2000kms in places where people speaks my language. But still, like you, everything was new to me. The long travel, the motorbike, the distances, the places, the situations, the weather. Totally agree that it is such a nice way to learn, challenge yourself and grow. Looking forward to having another trip this year which hopefully will follow your path. Thanks for sharing your journey. BTW, it happens that I have the exact same 2022 red CB500x as yours 😄!

[@bikingtravels]

Many thanks for your comments. That's a big adventure passing your test and then embarking on a long duration trip straight after. I hope you enjoy your next trip and that the CB500x performs well for you (I still think the red is my favourite colour, but don't tell anybody else 😉 Nick

[@baribalthebear]

@@bikingtravels and btw, as you probably guessed, I’m French 😅!

[@Dreamscent]

Thank you for taking the time to create and share these videos. As a future wannabe motorcyclist this is very helpful.

[@bikingtravels]

Many thanks for your comment, much appreciated. I'm glad it was of some use to you. Nick

[@quentinjackson6015]

With age comes an increasing reluctance to come out of our comfort zones, but your trip has proved that a determined effort to be adventurous pays off and offers satisfaction on many levels......Thanks and I look forward to your next trip!

[@bikingtravels]

Many thanks Quentin, a very relevant comment! "See" you soon, I hope! Nick

[@blearyview2254]

I must say how much I concur with your lessons learned. I have done a similar lessons learned that is due to come out on KZbin a week on Friday and have very similar lessons learned. Thanks for sharing your wisdom👍

[@bikingtravels]

I'll look out for it! Nick

[@bikingtravels]

@blearyview2254, saw your lessons learned, a great video! Nick

[@blearyview2254]

@@bikingtravels Cheers Nick, glad you enjoyed. I going to mention you in one of my upcoming video because you have some great lessons learned that I going to nick 🤣🤣🤣

[@bigjohno242]

“There will be ups and downs….. Surprise yourself about how well you can cope with it all” Brilliant words Nick. Loved following your trip, and your quiet laid back approach . Inspirational mate 👍. Thank you 🙏

[@bikingtravels]

Many thanks @bigjohno242, glad to have had you on the journey with me All the best, Nick

[@simonchilli2088]

The young chap in Greece who took you to the hidden shop had a cool crash helmet!! Well done Nick on keeping me entertained during the last week or so whilst the weather has been too cold. I'm also watching your northern leg too.

[@bikingtravels]

Many thanks for sticking with me. And yes, very stylish!!! Nick

[@dutchdryfly]

I missed checking your motorcycle gear if it is still waterproof. 😂 And still waiting for a little clip of the female sweater you bought.

[@bikingtravels]

😊 The over-suit tended to leak at the seams and for my Norway trip was of no use at all. The sweater... luckily I didn't need it much and when I did it was fairly dark inside the tent so you cannot really see it 🤣 Nick

[@ChrisAndrews831]

Good positive review Nick. I'm 70 & returned to biking last year after a 10 year gap. I did a solo camping trip to Cornwall last August & it made me feel 20 years younger. Will be doing the ABR Festival in June, Camping & Bands, goodness what ever next.😀 cheers Chris.

[@bikingtravels]

😂 Sounds great Chris, pleased to hear you've embraced the inner adventurer again. ABR looks good, I've never been and will probably be out of the country in June, so have fun... and a beer for me Nick

[@garethjenkins2879]

Haven't commented much but watched the whole journey with great enjoyment. Thank you for sharing and looking forward to future adventures. And yes. You have inspired me too. 👍

[@bikingtravels]

Hi Gareth, glad you enjoyed it, thanks for taking the time to comment, it means a great deal to me and is really encouraging to continue. Nick

[@Diggy77]

Thank you sir. Planing a big trip across Europe this spring!

[@bikingtravels]

Many thanks and best of luck with your trip! Nick

[@glynlinton474]

Trip of a life time .. looks fantastic, think you are the envy of every biker .

[@bikingtravels]

Thanks Glyn, it was indeed a great trip Nick

[@theanpingtan6941]

very nice sharing and inspired lesson along the trip. thanks for effort for sharing. Looking forward for more sharing.

[@bikingtravels]

Many thanks. I am sure there will be more to come! Nick

[@rayurlich]

Thank you Nick. Great video and very helpful for someone like me who is planning a big bike trip. Keep up the great work.

[@bikingtravels]

Hi Ray, glad you found it useful. Enjoy your trip! Nick

[@rush2vb]

Have been listening to your vlogs and I just love it. I hope to buy a motorcycle sometime this year🤞

[@bikingtravels]

Many thanks. Good luck with your motorcycle purchase Nick

[@felixcomms]

I have thoroughly enjoyed following this journey Nick and yes I have found it quite inspiring. Thankyou for sharing 👍

[@bikingtravels]

Glad you enjoyed it @AHB Nick

[@garethjones6672]

Great to have this summary/lessons learned video. Looking forward to the next trip

[@bikingtravels]

Glad you enjoyed it Gareth Nick

[@JimCWoodard]

Very good wrap up of journey and helpful lessons learned. As a 70 year old rider, I’ve been riding for 55+ years and I’m still learning. Safe journeys on your next adventure; looking forward to watching it.

[@bikingtravels]

Hey Jim... many thanks, I'm a little younger than you and only started riding when I was 17 but still learning the craft, and life in general All the best Nick

[@mattyg4k233]

Hi Nick, love your style of videos and how you come across. This has given me a lot of confidence for my upcoming trip where I’m going to partially wing it down to Portugal for a few weeks. Glad to have seen your most recent vid gain some traction! Happy travels

[@bikingtravels]

Many thanks, have a great trip!!! Nick

[@person.X.]

I enjoy reflection videos like this. Always something to learn or a reminder (all the eggs in one basket!!) I liked that you made the points about how helpful people usually are and how you can overcome most difficulties. I think that fears about the locals and difficulties loom large in peoples' imaginations when they contemplate a trip but there is much less to worry about in reality than people expect in my experience at least.

[@bikingtravels]

Many thanks for your comment and observation. glad you enjoyed it. Yes, the people I came across (the majority not captured on video) were very helpful and many were interested in where I had been and where I was going which was a surprise to me I must admit. Nick

[@person.X.]

@@bikingtravels My view Nick is that people's sense of their own self worth and dignity are very closely tied up with being hospitable to guests. That is certainly how I myself want to behave. People tend to be very proud of their area and want to make a good impression. It is one of the reasons I love travelling so much. I have had so many good experiences over the years and very, very few negative ones. The world has it's dangers but overall it is a fantastic and exciting place.

[@filmsquare4848]

I enjoyed your trip so much. Keep traveling 🤘. Best wishes from India 🇮🇳.

[@bikingtravels]

Thank you! Nick

[@stevenwandels8934]

Found your channel yesterday by chance, have been binge-watching each episode. Awesome videos with a guy who has the same effect on me as a Tibetan monk ---> transferring me into a state of Zen, whilest inspiring me for coming motorcycle journeys. This episode was just another cherry on a delicious video-series pie. Thanks Nick, take care, grtz from Belgium

[@bikingtravels]

Hi Steven, I hope I didn't send you off to sleep! 😉 Many thanks for your comments, very much appreciated Nick

[@antonhausen6694]

Great to watch and listen 🎉, I wonder whether you ever felt that leaving your stuff on the bike, e.g in big cities was a cause of concern? Somtimes even bicycle saddles are stolen to sell off some places.. No issues there? Even with the soft bags? I do realize one should be weary, but still. Ive got good camping gear which is not cheap and would not qant to lose it. And thank you again for these great videos and experiences shared!

[@bikingtravels]

Many thanks for the comment and the question. Yes, I do worry a bit, if I have to leave everything out of sight I use a bike cover. Not perfect but better than nothing I guess. Nick

[@sojourn6697]

Thank you for posting the videos of your trip through Europe. I binged watched them. Next year my partner and I are coming to the UK (first time for me at 70 years old from New Zealand) and we are wanting to get some ideas on which countries we could visit while there. Your videos have been a help and inspiration. Is there a link somewhere of your trip please?

[@sojourn6697]

Sorry I should clarify “a link somewhere of your trip” by saying have you posted a gpx file of your route?

[@bikingtravels]

Hi @Sojourn, many thanks for your comments and that's quite some binge! I didn't post my GPX files as they were all a bit of a random selection of places apart from Lajos' route that started in Poland through Hungary, Romania etc. I don't like not being able to help, but I think you'd be better off searching for routes which take in sites and sights, to optimise your trip. I'm sure you'll find many that will be of use. I really hope you enjoy your trip to the UK and Europe, plenty to do and see here! All the best for your research and trip Nick

[@Florian.Martin]

Really great tips, thank you for sharing! ✌️

[@bikingtravels]

Hi Florian, it was my pleasure! Nick

[@jovanmarinovic249]

My dear brother , I have followed all your traveling and enjoyed very much in your calm carakter and easy ride , on that beautiful bike . Thank you very , very much .

[@bikingtravels]

Many thanks Jovan, your kind words are very much appreciated Nick

[@Seasidesurfer]

Fantastic Nick thanks so much for ending your series with the strength and humility to discuss all areas of your learning throughout your trip and the considerations one should make if contemplating such. I am sure it will be a great help to any that come across it and indeed should be used to form some sort of instructional training for the uninitiated! As you know I have followed your every move and have witnessed all that you have put to your vlog and seen the skills improve weekly. However I did not appreciate how much little things like keeping a diary and the time demands are so important to consider and your input will be so invaluable and appreciated. Look forward to seeing the next one in due time. Best wishes and continue to ride safely.

[@bikingtravels]

Hi Ray, can't tell you how much this community means and I have greatly valued your words of encouragement all the way along. It felt liking to "chatting" with a fellow biker about the ride we'd just completed. There have been several frequent "participants" encouraging, observing, correcting along the way and I have really appreciated that participation. "See" you in the next one! Nick

[@TCDEWE]

Great video! I always prefer to ride solo, I think you are a lot more open /approachable to meet new people on the road. One draw back is, if you need someone to watch your bike while you are in a shop/ ATM etc. Any plans for your next trip? I want to see more of the Balkan countries, also thinking about Georgia, long way 😊

[@bikingtravels]

Hi Jon, yep, bit of a leap of faith in human nature when you have to stop and leave the bike fully loaded, but the pros of travelling solo are way up there. I mis-timed my big Northern leg this year so plan is to go North in 2023 up to Nordkapp, back through Finland, Estonia etc, but likely late May for that one. Hoping to squeeze in Ireland and the Wild Atlantic Way as a prep run, but not until spring. Enjoy your Balkan trip when it arrives, some great scenery, roads and people to experience I'm sure. Nick

[@andymcm6902]

Hi Nick. I reaally enjoyed your series. This summary video was very uesful. in 1995 I went to the south of France on my XV535 Virago, 2 up with my (now) wife. If we had done a shake down trip, we would have realised that all the stuff we ended up posting back to Belfast from France, was a total waste of time LOL. I'm sure your riding skills have improved with all those miles and the intense cornering in the Alps. Looking forward to your next trip. Cheers.

[@bikingtravels]

Hi Andy, sorry about being 27 years too late to mention the shakedown run! Glad you enjoyed the series. Nick

[@robinbartlett435]

Hi Nick, thanks for the video and some amazing scenery on your big trip round Europe. Quick question about your bike: what are the two silver brackets on the bars either side of the headstock? Are they the support bars for the hand-guards? (Barkbusters??). Thanks.

[@bikingtravels]

Hi Robin, many thanks for your comment and question. Yes they are the Bark Buster fittings, the plastic shield simple attaches to them so can be replaced if required Nick

[@delwilliams9042]

Great follow up video Nick, really enjoyed following your adventures

[@bikingtravels]

Many thanks Del Nick

[@lloydjones1834]

Great series enjoyed your travelling hope there is more journey's take care I am 65+ and still travel around UK both on my triumph speedmaster 865 2007 and for shorter trips my mp3 500 keep up the great work

[@bikingtravels]

Hi Lloyd, many thanks and I'm glad to hear you're travelling in style, I'm guessing the mp3 is a comfy ride. Nick

[@1001butler]

really enjoy your videos nick your so right in my early 50s myself solo is the best way to do what you done 21 country's looking to do something myself all the best take care niko

[@bikingtravels]

Many thanks jay jay! I hope you enjoy your trip when it happens Nick

[@mattdrat3087]

Very nice sum up! The journey is the goal, the goal is the journey. It's easy to become obsessed with getting where one is going, and forgetting to enjoy the journey itself. See you in the next one!

[@bikingtravels]

Absolutely! Many thanks Matt Nick

[@nico3945]

Thanks Nick ! 👍

[@bikingtravels]

Thanks for watching Nico Nick

[@jeffarnie]

Excellent information Nick. I’ll keep this in mind for any trips. Was there any item of PPE that you would have changed? On such a diverse trip, choosing either warm clothing or ventilated jackets for example, gloves, boots etc. I prefer to wear short boots/motorcycle shoes, but looking at the weather you encountered, maybe good rain proof boots would be the better choice.

[@bikingtravels]

Hi Jeff many thanks. It was a tricky one to plan for, if I'd had the budget for different gear I would be tempted to go for something lighter weight but have a 2 piece over suit for the wet stuff, this would have been better for the sunnier climes, but there is still the risk of getting cold... extra layers would probably solve that. However, I already had the riding gear but not additional budget, so made the best of it Nick

[@clivewarren5404]

What a great video Nick, even though I consider myself to be a seasoned solo motorcycle traveler I learned and had my memory refreshed on some good points. The new microphone setup is very clear and it's good to see how your videos have improved in quality. Keep vlogging and all the best for your future trips. Every challenge is an experience and a memory.

[@bikingtravels]

Many thanks Clive! Glad I captured something we can both use in the future Nick

[@Nordkapp65]

Sensible stuff, have just lost a Garmin due to a thunderstorm, pay for campsites in cash only. Yes, it can be solitary but the memories are great

[@bikingtravels]

Oh no, sorry to hear about the drowned Garmin! And yes, some great memories indeed Nick

[@ioamit4160]

Hey Nick. Your trip was really nice and I saw it all from the beginning. I have the exact same bike and the exact same color. Maybe we have similar ages too. I would really like to travel with you. Thank you anyway for your nice videos, because it was really like I was traveling too. My best regards to you and your family.

[@bikingtravels]

Many thanks for sticking with me for the whole journey, I really does mean a lot through my learning process. Enjoy the CB500X and hopefully you'll join me from the sofa on my next trip Nick

[@oldbootsontour]

Hey Nick, you really did a great job with your CB500X. Every episode off your journey we wanted to see what adventure you would have and it was amazing. We our self are also riding the CB500X and are very satisfied with the bikes. Don’t want to switch to others. Can’t wait and follow you on the next tour up North. Check out our channel. It is in Dutch, but we have English subtitles. 😊 Hoop you will have a nice quality time with your family. Keep healthy and well. Greetings from Belgium and maybe we will meet one day. 👋🏻👋🏻👋🏻

[@bikingtravels]

Many thanks and I'll take a look at your channel. Enjoy your travels! Nick

[@LenScapoff]

All useful stuff, Nick. There is one dichotomy on which it would be interesting to hear your views. Vlogging, as you have already remarked and as all those of us who have tried it know only too well, is a time-consuming and often frustrating business; not least editing and uploading the fruits of it. Many travel vloggers, such as Itchy Boots, make a point of editing and uploading as they go, usually because they are travelling for months at a time. Most, however, edit and publish only after they have returned, when they have far more time and predictable internet facilities to hand. You started your southern trip intending and trying to do the first, but quite quickly had to resort to the latter (and, I would suggest, not just due to the loss of batteries). By way of a lesson learned, what will be your default choice going forward?

[@bikingtravels]

Hi Len, always with the tricky questions!!! 😉 I guess for those who do this for a living, they need to keep on top of it and I imagine get very slick at it as well. As you mention, I did intend publishing more frequently, but that would mean spending a good half of the day editing video for the previous day instead of riding. I think for the future I will still try and publish one or two per week but factor in time during my planning for editing as well as "down time" for relaxing and site seeing. Proof of the pudding... let's see what happens on the next trip! All the best, Nick

[@bikingtravels]

Hi Len, the dichotomy for me is now solved... I'm enjoying the trip and worrying about KZbin after, based on my experience on my UK trip. Nick

[@LenScapoff]

@@bikingtravels 😄That sounds like an eminently sensible decision, Nick.

[@weiwei1808]

Good

[@bikingtravels]

👍

[@jkmayhem]

How many hours a day would you say you averaged on the bike? . And average km per day. Looking at a similar trip towards Croatia. So i am planing everything this winter.

[@bikingtravels]

Good luck with your trip @jkconix. The route to Croatia the first time through on this trip was as follows on a daily basis (I passed through Croatia into Serbia on Day 13, returning to see Croatia properly on Day 27) From - To- Km on each day UK - Belgium 350 Belgium - Holland 269 Holland - Germany 334 Germany - Germany 259 Germany - Czechia 471 Czechia - Czechia 222 Czechia - Poland 321 Poland - Slovakia 189 Slovakia - Hungary 299 Hungary - Hungary 290 Hungary - Croatia / Serbia 400 Total at the end of Day 13 from UK was 3400 KM but I'd had 2 rest days (Day 6 Prague and Day 11 Budapest), so on the road average 300Km per day. I aimed for 1600Km per 7 days, but that was just a goal, it panned out that way too. Average hours in saddle... I don't have that info, I tended to be on the road by 10:30, aimed to finish at 18:00 with rest stops along the way. I hope this helps Nick

[@jkmayhem]

@@bikingtravels This is very helpfull. Much more then i asked for. Thank you :)

[@uzairahmed711]

I have plan to buy cb500x can I buy it for traveling

[@bikingtravels]

Hi Uzair, depending on where you intend to travel, yes I think so, I have completed 2 trips now, one of 6500 miles and another 2200 miles, mainly on good surfaced roads but it has been fine on unsurfaced too Nick

[@InterceptorSC]

Do you mind if I ask how old you are ?

[@bikingtravels]

Hi. I view age as just a number, I don't let it define who I am or what I do, we don't know how many numbers we will reach, so whatever the number I have associated with me, as long as I am able I will continue to live life to the full. The number I find myself associated with currently is 64, as I mentioned, to me personally, this is just a number, whatever number you find yourself associated with I hope you can embrace and enjoy life and I wish you a future with many more numbers. Nick

[@InterceptorSC]

Im 67 hoping to do a trip next year on my 300cc maxi scooter. I have toured a lot in the past on maxi scooters but not for a few years or on my own .In fact since covid not ridden at all .I had planned few shake down runs as you mentioned in video .I don't think I'm up to camping find it hard to get up and down off my knees .

[@bikingtravels]

Thanks for the reply, I hope you can get out soon, and my wife sympathises with your knees! Nick

[@eprohoda]

BikingTravels! pro ! 📽

[@bikingtravels]

😊