England to Belgium | Road Trip Part 1

For the first day of my euro trip, I head off from London, catch the ferry from Dover on the south coast of England, over to Calais in France., and on to Belgium.
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Locations:
Dover to Calais ferry
Overnight: Antwerp, Belgium
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Video editing: @monikameraki (Instagram)
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Music:
Dawn, Dawn, Dawn - A Gentle Invitation
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Hatamitsunami - Like a Bird
Victor Lundberg - A Nomad's Journey
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We Dream of Eden - Morning Mist
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[@teneretraveller8980]

Must have passed in opposite directions! Our last day on way vack from Croatia. Going to Dunkirk and then heading south is the way to Luxembourg aviiding both tolls and the Brussels ring. Luxembourg surprises a lot of people. My good lady couldn't believe how beautiful it is. It's also really cheap for fuel. Fill up there if you can! Ride safe 👍

[@FreddieDobbs]

What a trip, I hope you had a brilliant adventure! This is an excellent point regarding tolls and very useful for others. I figured this out (no tolls on this route) purely by chance- a very pleasant surprise😃

[@teneretraveller8980]

@@FreddieDobbs If you do get to Luxembourg and haven't booked yet, we recommend Vianden. Castle, lovely old town and river to stroll alongside.

[@thewoodster8607]

@@teneretraveller8980 Agree totally, just back from five days there. Great place and fantastic riding. A hidden gem.

[@Ducatoni]

As a Luxemburg local Rider i can just say how pleasing our roads are to ride on🌻🇱🇺

[@richardplatt2826]

‘like a prison cell with carpets’ made me laugh out loud. Thanks Freddie, great video as ever.

[@day0walker]

The unwavering positivity is the reason we watch 😂

[@davidhorne779]

Sunday night in Australia, work tomorrow, ho hum, but crack a beer and watch Freddie off on an adventure and all is good in the world again... 😀

[@paulusrailton]

The things I like most about Freddie's documentaries are, the sense for adventure and that he is just a normal bloke, living within his means. Unlike some KZbinrs, Freddie is quite prepared to stay in a budget hotel or chalet with barebone facilities. At the end of the day, it's all about Freddie, Monika and the Triumph heading out to who knows where on a budget. I love that.

[@vuhlser]

Obviously this is sarcasm?

[@johndaniell887]

but iff he had to pay to have the bonnie fixed big difference think

[@alexmorgan3435]

Staying in hotels, AirBnBs, chalets ................ adventure? You sure? He tried camping. Didn't go well.

[@peakrider4886]

@@alexmorgan3435I’m not sure that video even classifies as “tried camping” I don’t think the tent was even erected.

[@lucymason4142]

Interesting to hear about the Irish Ferry, thanks Freddie.

[@user-kq9ez8lg4m]

Freddie I love your attitude to life.LETS JUST DO IT,brilliant

[@FreddieDobbs]

Thanks very much!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

As ever, fabulous feel good video Freddie, despite the weather - have a great rest of trip mate (and lovely to see your beloved Bonneville back out on the road)!

[@tombarnard4355]

The adventure of travelling in the open road with rough plans is one of the best feelings in the world.

[@luddite6239]

Glad to see you protected your saddle from the tie-down straps this time, Freddie!

[@Banditmanuk]

I thought that, although Brittany Ferries put a thick foam pad over the seat before ratchet strapping it down.

[@chrisandrew852]

Good stuff Freddie - crappy weather, but what the heck. You're so lucky having these wonderful countries of Europe on your doorstep. You can have breakfast in London and then dinner in Antwerp., how good is that! .. I live in Australia so its not that easy unfortunately - its all good though..:).. I do my travelling via your channel these days and enjoy every moment.

[@FreddieDobbs]

It’s incredible, Chris! So many countries are within half a day away, and they all have different languages, cultures, food- it makes road trips so interesting… and easy, too😃 Sending all my best🇦🇺

[@JahKingdom420]

Just passed my Mod 1 yesterday, got mod 2 Friday. Your adventures are exactly what I plan to do after getting the license. Keep up the great work Freddie.

[@FreddieDobbs]

YESSSSSS!! Massive congrats and good luck for Mod 2!😃

[@JahKingdom420]

@FreddieDobbs appreciate it Freddie. Have a great time in Belgium.

[@reinmansmith]

I so agree with you Freddie about the addiction of road trips. That feeling of riding off the ferry with the whole of Europe ahead of you to explore can’t be beaten. Great to see you putting the Triumph to good use after all of Joe’s hard work 😊 (PS if you can check out the roads in the Ardennes area of Belgium, went there last year and the roads are amazing and only a few hours from the ferry)

[@FreddieDobbs]

It’s fantastic isn’t it- pure adventuring and so many possibilities of where to head to😃 The Ardenne- I was recommended this by a few Belgians, and I went there next👌🏻👌🏻

[@AlexOnABoat]

What is it about ferries that makes it a road trip? I even get that feeling going across the Woolwich Ferry.

[@reinmansmith]

@@AlexOnABoat lol 😂 very true!

[@vaalomusic]

Jist found Freddie today and I've been bingeing his videos all day. The man is smooth and a great host. Not to mention the James bond accent. You've got a big fan, earned Ina single day.

[@michaelanderson7708]

I always get an Edward Fox vibe from this guy, Day of the Jackal era

[@himydad1499]

Always nice to see my country and familiar places like ANTWERP en ZANDHOVEN from a foreigner's point of view. Enjoy !

[@user-mn6lx4mc8k]

You are always at your best when you are a man on the move. All of your viewers are waiting to see where you and your bike are going next. It is very exciting,. Stay cool brother !!!!

[@ujay888cc]

Good morning Freddie. A budget hotel or AirBnB is always better than camping. I've done both but would never go back to camping. As long as the accommodation is dry, warm and safe, it's a no brainer. Say goodbye to putting up your tent, packing it away (probably wet) and trips to the toilet block at 3a.m!! Enjoyed the video as always. I look forward to the next installment. Have a good trip.

[@AlexOnABoat]

I reckon Freddie's not old enough to experience the 3am campsite adventure.

[@bearded653]

i just love this ,us bikers have alot to live up to you our my inspiration, to get out there and live my life ,thanks freddy🙏

[@martinwalls2445]

Hi Freddie, I like the fact that you mention the brands of clothing you wore in this video. It's adds a nice touch.

[@geraldsilveira8369]

Hello from California

[@FreddieDobbs]

Hello, Gerald!👋🇺🇸

[@hectorshouse7348]

Loving the adventures…thank you 👍

[@user-te3et1rr2j]

This is what I call: Live life to the fullest 👍 Cheers Freddie, have a good one!

[@a.x.marcus4627]

'Everything is new and exciting'- if we could live like that every waking moment...

[@ajitnair2555]

Lovely video Freddie! Loved it.

[@MrJpb2000]

Great video Freddie… thought I was the only 1 who got excited about visiting new to me service stations. 😎

[@igormaslov5989]

Thank you very much for that jorney.... A lot of soul...

[@FreddieDobbs]

Thanks Igor🙌🏻

[@lifeisfunny1213]

It looks like by committing to calm you have opened up to life’s joy. Adventure on! ❤

[@RichardBorrett]

Planned with Freddie’s usual meticulous attention to detail. Love it!

[@lynnbroadhurst4807]

Looking forward to seeing where your journey goes 😀 🏍

[@FreddieDobbs]

Thanks Lynn!

[@astro61362]

Great Sunday morning TV.

[@pintsizedbiker]

Fantastic video Freddie! Giving inspiration as always to get out on the bike in Europe!

[@stndrsn4422]

Can't believe you're coming to Zandhoven where i live. Would have loved to meet you and show you my bikes. Have a great trip, the ride to luxemburg is beautiful!

[@FreddieDobbs]

Sorry I missed you- I would’ve loved to check out the collection🏍️🏍️🏍️ Thanks very much🙌🏻

[@homesteadpickers]

Many thanks for taking us on these trips. I have been enjoying the rides with you to places I will never get to visit. You are a very high quality host.

[@robertdaley1194]

Thanks for these wonderful vlogs Freddie (and Monica),I’m itching for my next trip ,Ireland maybe!.

[@cliveomahoney4096]

Thanks, you've inspired me to get the ferry on my bike. Antwerp is a fine place; with the best railway station and greatest beer to be found anywhere. Safe riding.

[@KarelSlajstubextra]

Wien in Lux, happy to organise a proper welcome for you Freddie - many of us love your you-tubes - our roads here are amazing - true bikers paradise

[@05gt99]

Good stuff Freddie, looking forward to the next instalment.

[@danielmcneil3004]

Thanks Freddie for the Antwerp video. Ride safe and enjoy your trip. Cheers, Dan ✌️🏍🇨🇦

[@ruiseartalcorn]

Marvelous! Many thanks :)

[@Stu.201]

I loved the shoulder check in the tiny alleyway at 3:35 😂. Great video as always

[@IceAce1]

Excellent, looking forward to where it leads you. Also, I hope you also walked into Antwerp station for a peek, it's exquisite architecture from inside.

[@johndaniell887]

hi Freddie i used to go to Belgium 5 times a year on rallys over there loved it easy to travel on a bike over there hardly eany hold ups loved it

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

Well done with the tool rolls. Cheap[ish] and cheerful ferry. I like it. I agree with you about the 'newness' of everyday things like roadside cafes. I like the 41 GBP hotel. Basic does it for me. Nick

[@JulianOLeary-nv5nc]

Nice one Freddie, please remain safe and as always.... love to Monika and yourself buddy. 👍👍👍👍

[@mum-0217]

Another superb video Freddie, your description and clarity is always pukka and spot on. I have been to Antwerpen before and sailed in to the key side. I remember it was quite late in the year and snowing a bit but they had big steel caravans selling sea food, and bread rolls with hot soup. It was nice to enjoy some hot food in the colder months, bit like our Summer in Blighty.... 🥶🌧😂

[@milabaigar]

Looking good the bike , keep it that way Freddie 😎

[@FreddieDobbs]

Thanks Mila! It needs a very good jet wash now

[@DavidcCbrider]

Great stream Freddie .Thanks 👍👍

[@azamzain24]

Bonnie just sounds wonderful....

[@printer1105]

The bike looks great😊

[@garryclarke-kray4071]

Hope you had a great time

[@neilanderson2374]

Antwerp is a cracking city. The Belgians are a good bunch

[@Simonpocarroll]

There’s some lovely roads around Luxembourg, enjoy!

[@FreddieDobbs]

Thanks Simon!

[@thewoodster8607]

@@FreddieDobbs Just back from my first time in Luxembourg. Wonderful roads in the North around Vianden and just over the border in Germany.

[@pandc1000]

Perfectly clean apart from the stained carpet and stains on the walls 😂 looked like a murder scene 😂

[@ktmmark]

Stopped in plenty of Hotel's like that on my Adventures, all i need is a good nights sleep. don't need to pay for a fancy room as i'm only in it when my eye's are closed lol.

[@FreddieDobbs]

Couldn’t agree more👌🏻👌🏻

[@dodgerboe]

Exactly clean & dry to sleep and wet to wake up when you want out the cell ....

[@hectorshouse7348]

Never noticed your centre stand before. Nice

[@86scottjm]

You lubed the chain before a European trip? Gosh you're a new man Freddie!

[@FreddieDobbs]

I know, I know😆

[@anthonydowling3356]

Always carry a tube of lube said Freddy Mercury . I prefer shaft drive myself .

[@richardyardley5127]

Great video as always Freddie. Once I got through the 'sing song' music near the start, the rest was huge fun 🙂

[@andyhewitt7588]

Great news that you cleaned the bike AND lubed the chain. All you need now is to polish your boots 🤣🤣🤣 Have a great trip. Antwerp looks nice 😀😀

[@andrewhaden7822]

I enjoyed that one 🎉

[@ianbaines9705]

Antwerp is a great place - bars, cafes, friendly people. Making me ‘itch’ to go back to Belgium on the bike. Highly recommend the Ardennes Forest region of Belgium and Spa Francochamps. Lovely beer also!!!!!

[@YorkshireSteve907]

Hi Freddie. Good luck with Antwerp. So busy around there

[@momarsden3053]

😃👌 Nice one Freddie. Regards, Mo 😊 👍

[@michelthienpont]

welcome to belgium ! enjoy !

[@zigsan]

Saw your post on Instagram you were coming to Belgium. Shame I was stuck at work. Especially being in my hometown Antwerp and visiting the area. Hope you've enjoyed the stay!

[@dirkcasteleyn963]

Welcome in Flanders Freddie !

[@petergrandien1440]

great content again!

[@yankeesuperstar]

cool sofa. ride safe🙏

[@laz1go286]

it's nice to see that You are using the Bonneville as intended, and it didn't end up as a garage queen. Also great that after the overhaul, it now starts like a Japanese bike, by the first push of the button, and it is reliable.. Great vid as always!

[@stefaanvandeloo1624]

Great to see you in my city. Don't worry about parking, you can park a bike anywhere as long as it doesn't hinders passage. A bit like in Amsterdam.

[@karenwiltshire4311]

Did make me chuckle Hotel not where you thought but it’s always an adventure

[@fullboreraw]

Bloody inspiring, Freddie! I've signed up to newsletters with all the ferry companies now, in hopes of some out-of-season promos as it's bloody expensive on a ferry up north to the continent - E.g. Newcastle to Amsterdam but now I so wanna do it! I love biking with ferry crossings, it's just real travel and you often/always get some lovely priority treatment at the boarding stage, cutting through queues etc. Great for the ego!

[@fullboreraw]

btw where on earth in the UK were you getting camping at £30-35 a night? I just stayed in Wasdale, arguably the most beautiful valley in England, at a brilliant little campsite next to the famous Inn there - £6 a night! Typically I'd pay something like £10-15 max a night in the UK for a pitch.

[@BC-xu8yq]

This was very chill

[@ogasi1798]

lovely video Freddie - enjoy the stay as there is plenty of interesting entertainment in Antwerp for the uneducated or naive hahaa, i remember the 1st time i worked out there on the refinery - eye opening place at night :-)

[@philipwoodacre1644]

WATCHING WITH ENVY !!!

[@stevec-b6214]

Nice one, just stuff a few bits in a bag and GO!

[@Only-one-life-68]

Morning Freddie from over in Staffordshire. You have one hell of a nice voice,it’s almost therapeutic.. Have a great trip

[@anthonydowling3356]

Agreed .Its posh though .The accent alone tells that he was never short of a few bob and Mummy and Daddy are always there to help out .

[@FreddieDobbs]

That’s very kind of you to say so, thank you!

[@Only-one-life-68]

@@anthonydowling3356 There isn’t anything wrong with that whatsoever !! By the way I came from a very hard working family that struggled.. I’ve gone on to run my own company employing people.. As long as Freddie contributes to the Uk 🇬🇧 tax system and our GDP he’s a good asset to have.. Means he was bought up correctly by good folk/parents.

[@anthonydowling3356]

@@Only-one-life-68 I am not disputing that .

[@Oldmanprojects]

Im a 63 yr old Brit. My biggest adventure was to ride from the North of England, across Europe to the Iran border and back. Seeing you filter in traffic makes me realise how lucky you are - for the last 9 years i have lived in Canada and filtering is seen as queue jumping and so not allowed. Next year we are moving to France!! Safe travels Freddie

[@Lakewoody]

Welcome to Belgium Freddy 😃.

[@jurgenvandenhouwe3670]

Have a look inside the trainstation. It's worth it. And the zoo is right next to it. Also St Annatunnel. It goes under the Schelde. You'll love the historical staircase.

[@specialcircs]

I'd love to see a 'behind the scenes' video of this kind of trip - you setting up the camera and doing your entries, etc, etc.

[@FreddieDobbs]

I’ll bare this in mind- thanks for sharing this

[@AlexOnABoat]

I'll happily volunteer to ride along filming Freddie filming himself.

[@esr243]

Welcome to Belgium ! Lots of gems, culinary and historical, and of cultures. Flanders is really nice. The Wallonie has its own charms in the east and south. Further south, via the fine roads & scenery of Luxembourg, you’ll have a range of summer itinerary options through Lorraine, Alsace, Les Vosges, and Burgundy, right at your next departure point for unplanned adventures. I do one long distance slow speed European trip a year, with a 48, two paniers, a credit card, Airbnb, and Waze cum Via Michelin where I look for the always great green road sections

[@FreddieDobbs]

Thank you so much, and brilliant tips- I’ll save these

[@radugolici-northamptonproperty]

Nice, try to hit Ardennes region really nice. And Luxembourg has some nice roads. Ride safe, Freddie!

[@FreddieDobbs]

Thanks Radu!:)

[@bryangreen9672]

Like the shoulder check in the garage 😂

[@Trev350]

🤪 you just never know!

[@bryangreen9672]

Well unless a bike morphed out of a concrete wall? But you never know 🤣

[@PeterNolan-009]

I remember getting a hotel room in rhe center of London for gbp250 in 2001 that was smaller and less well furnished than that Freddie.

[@markwilliamson2795]

The adventure is like you said...new places to see...I would love to keep riding from place to place and I've done a lot of that in my past in the USA and some car travel in the Netherlands & Belgium & France...best thing about a room beside a good bathroom....and you never show it..is the roof....lol...so good to have a roof over your head for the night...warm or cool safe and dry....can thaw out reset start fresh for the new day...that room was plenty for even 2... small Mom & Pop diner nearby for breakfast & coffee , maybe a take along sandwich from them for quick on the road lunch stop ... fuel up and off we go again to the next adventure & room or maybe a nice cabin campout for the night...I've had small old rooms near Moab Utah back many many years ago roll my bike into the room during a snow storm....onto the newspaper oil & adj the chain and check her all out...room was 10 bucks for the night ! Ya...long time ago....You and Monica might need a Route 66 cross the USA trip in your future...East to West coast on rented Harleys then fly back to Europe...If I can do it you can...John Schinder " Bo Luke " from the old Dukes of Hazzard TV show is driving route 66 right now was just in Oklahoma as shown on his Facebook page..

[@leon0]

Prison cells are *phenomenal* value Freddie, but seemingly in short supply. But seriously, thanks for this video. Really good. Great sound track. Inspiring.

[@John-L-1961]

I'm really impressed with the work that Joe has done on that bike, he must have even turned it into a time machine !!, you said you had 1 hour and 20 mins to get to dover and catch your ferry and yet you got there in time to catch the ferry 1 hour earlier than the one you booked !! 🤣🤣. Brilliant 👍

[@allaboutkalergi5012]

Enjoy your trip to Belgium Freddie, but it would be nice to see you having a lovely holiday break in the UK now that the weather is much better. One of the great British biking routes would be sublime - Yorkshire Dales to Lake District doing a few of the passes would make great visual entertainment show casing the lush greenery of the English countryside. Time to get the camping equipment out again... 😁😁😁

[@johnharrison9317]

Hi Freddie. Englishman in Switzerland. Totally agree about road trips. Local or further afield. When I ride to UK I avoid nearly all road charges by bashing up through Germany, short time in France then Luxembourg Belgium and to Dunkirk. Took a ride up the old Gotthard road named the Tremola over to Andermatt and the took another high pass home to Lugano. Come on over, I’ll show you around. John

[@johndaniell887]

spot on Freddie

[@30smsuperstrat]

I could use a nice cool rain like that. 29- 33°c here for the next week.

[@debaronAZK]

you came to Belgium! apologies for the weather. the last 12 months have been the wettest ever recorded... and also the warmest. clear blue sky days are about as rare as snow days now. hope you come again!

[@palmyrarameikiene827]

Some years ago my son had Erasmus studies in Bruxel and almost half of year did not see the Sun😢

[@biker_dale]

Great road trip, yes they are addictive, and travelling light is so freeing. It's great to just get off and don't plan the return which restricts your thoughts. However, may I suggest getting Monika to do your bookings 😂

[@FreddieDobbs]

This is my favourite tip- book as little as possible👌🏻👌🏻 I’ve somehow booked all accommodation so far (I’ve even surprised myself😆)

[@richardsmith5249]

The time to go to Belgium is next week. Load up the camping gear and head for the classic racing at Chimay.

[@onyva3256]

Antwerp is a very cool city and not particularly ‘touristy’ which is unusual for big cities in Europe these days and gives it an authentic, local feel. I really like it. PS, yes motorcycles are exempt from its low-emissions zone.

[@chrisaris8756]

No toll roads in Belgium Freddie. Antwerp “old town” is pretty nice. The only trouble is everything shuts on a Sunday!!

[@PhilRounds]

Wow Calais! I strafed the German air base there in MS Combat Flight Sim. i was out of RAF Biggin Hill. I remember seeing the white cliffs of Dover on the way back having just outrun an FW190...low on fuel and out of ammunition! When i got back my landing gear didn't deploy so i had to belly land my Spitfire. I walked away but the plane was ruined :/

[@user-ty9ir2fm6i]

Freddie .. you should do the buckle/belt on your leather jacket, otherwise it will scratch your nice new paintwork on the bonneville fuel tank.

[@Khox19]

New subscriber Freddie, great video bud

[@n.e.u.7578]

Careful Freddie, in France you need to use CE approved gloves and also carry in your luggage a reflective vest, or you'll face a fine! Enjoy your trip and thank you for sharing!

[@anthonydowling3356]

Your underpants must also be type approved .That catches many Brits out .

[@ricatiman]

Freddie! PLEASE Be careful with the buckle on your Frank Thomas jacket - It might make a mess of the rear of the fuel tank... You should consider a PPF in that area... As usual, an informative and enjoyable ride with you.