French Petrol Stations Run Dry and a Night in Lake Como | England to Sicily Road Trip Part Two

French Petrol Stations Run Dry and a Night in Lake Como, England to Sicily Road Trip Part Two
We continue the road trip from Germany, down to Lake Como in Italy for the night and then into Rome.
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Accommodations:
Lake Como in Italy - Studio in Molvedo San Siro (booked via airbnb www.airbnb.co.... )
Arcom Palace, a studio in Pomezia, Italy (booked via booking.com www.booking.co...
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My personal motorcycle: 2010 Triumph Bonneville 865cc (the base version)
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Buy us a coffee:
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Find me on:
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GEAR AND MORE: www.freddiedob...
PODCAST: Freedom Machines With Freddie Dobbs
FACEBOOK: / freddiecmdobbs
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Filming and editing: @monikameraki (Instagram)
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Music:
Guustavv - Infinite Bloom
Lofive - In A Little While
Red Revision - Tired Of Trying
El Equipo Del Norte - Movimento Tropicalista
Cody Francis - Mountain Air
Elm Lake - Elm Lake
Henrik Andersson - House By The Lake
Ray feat Phawn - Original
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Some affiliate links may be used. You won’t be charged a penny for clicking on them, but I may get some commission from any purchases

[@mikebillett7935]

Noticed that your bike shunts a bit on the trailer Freddie, make sure you never leave it in gear when on the trailer, the shunting will damage you cam chain/belt and cause unnecessary wear on your drivetrain and engine. I’ve seen too many race and rally cars turning up at events on trailers that won’t start as the cam timing has jumped or damaged a tensioner.

[@staffh3815]

Nobody likes a show off mike

[@mikebillett7935]

@@staffh3815 ?

[@5tevieb954]

@@staffh3815 😂

[@mikebillett7935]

@@staffh3815 my apologies, in what way was that showing off? Just trying to save Freddie some hassle down the line. Peace

[@staffh3815]

Only pulling ya leg mate didn't mean to offend

[@ssergeuss]

I’m here only because of marvelous Fiat and those Vlogs. It is yours. Your blogs are something. Please, more fiat!

[@elund408]

Harley Davidson turning horsepower into noise since 1903.

[@goldilocks913]

Yeah but WHAT a noise!

[@michaelowen8988]

🤣🤣🤣 I can't wait to use this one 👌

[@johnpriest9575]

They produce horsepower?? Thought they just turn fuel into noise 😂

[@mikecook1240]

“Anywhere but France” seems like a good t-shirt idea. Have a good time.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Ah Lake Como - great memories there of a flying trip down to the floatplane school where I enjoyed a few days learning how to fly off the lake - great fun...and one of only two locations in Europe where you can do it (the other being Loch Lomond!).....enjoy your trip guys, can't go wrong in Italy!

[@del4668]

Your little 500 is really living its best life :)

[@IceAce1]

That gas pump tetris convo at the french petrol station with you both talking in different languages was quite comical. Beautiful autumn road shots through Switzerland.

[@paulblagden8985]

Lake Como .. awsome place you don't half get spoilt..

[@polarnap]

To be fair I got stranded in Scotland (for a week) in 2000 due to a fuel strike. Ya it's a pain but I always support and respect striking workers 👍

[@grahaminkpen5436]

Making unforgettable memories with the love of your life. Priceless.

[@foggyrf9]

Not sure if anyone else has mentioned it, but how on earth did you go to Lake Como and not fit in a visit to the Moto Guzzi factory? It's right there! How about building it into your trip back. The museum is well with the trip and you'll see the latest model the new, watercooled V100. A bike which MUST be on your list to test ASAP.

[@aussietramp]

Cannot believe it! I just started watching this video...and suddenly i realized i was in THAT SAME ROOM in THAT SAME HOUSE! What a wonderful world!

[@jefflambert8603]

You Have no Idea how Many Memories This Has Brought Back to.me I went to lake Como in 1988 on my Little Kawasaki GPZ 500s stayed at Varrenna at the Hotel Olivedi Ran by Mrs Columbo ! ! Also Visited the Moto.Guzzi Factory Museum. Mandello di Lago. Curses Freddie I now want to go back 🇮🇹

[@nigelcopestake3618]

Fabulous video, good to see Freddie panic about petrol, while Monica see the funny side of things. Lake Como is truly awesome. Your very good at finding some first class accommodation Pity you didn't visit the Guzzi factory. 👍👍👍

[@hoon2806]

VW Anorak and Lake Cormo- classic stuff! 😅

[@stuartvorster4911]

Very Lekker Freddie! (that means 'very, very nice in Afrikaans which English speaking South Africans have adopted from our Afrikaans cousins 😉 ) Now come to South Africa & do a trip in Big Blue Sky country when the red Sun is setting in the West, the shadow of your bike is long & black alongside you flitting over the Karoo Veldt, the heat of the day is behind you & the Moon is rising in the East .... it will blow you away!

[@teneretraveller8980]

Fuel. A pain in France, but you actually have a 3 gallon reserve tank if you fill the Bonneville up. That's about 135 miles in the Fiat? And because the Bonnie tank is higher up than the Fiat its easy to siphon direct. Just a thought. Good watch, team Fredster. Happy, safe travels 👍

[@chr11sf]

Great idea pal 👍

[@teneretraveller8980]

@@chr11sf thank you, kindly.

[@FreddieDobbs]

Monika actually suggested this too (I hadn’t even considered it)- a great idea!🙂

[@davegallo8790]

Bloody hell Freddie and Monika, a LOT OF PEOPLE are living vicariously through your channel!!! Brilliant content!!!

[@ryanxvx]

My wife and I were just in Lake Como then Switzerland two weeks ago so this is a nice dose of nostalgia.

[@paulm749]

Rome. Bucket list destination. Been that for millions of people for over 2,000 years now. Lake Como is another one. Just spectacular.

[@giumbolorossonero]

From biker (Guzzi Stelvio and Triumph T120) to biker: if you're bound to Sicily by car you'd probably save money, time and road risks getting the ferry from Genova to Palermo. However, great crossing the peninsula by its lenght: by motorcycle you would ride along secondary roads instead of motorways and enjoy incredible landscapes. Once you get to Sicily, you can unleash your Bonnie and enjoy the beautiful island, its colours, landscapes, flavours, small villages, unique atmosphere, warm people and, believe me, the food. Roads are usually not the best for their grip, but will make you enjoy the ride as a fantastic experience. You'll tell me.

[@leeandjancruise]

When trailing my show bikes I'd use the ratchet straps fastened to the handlebars to compress the front suspension and also lash the front wheel to the trailer hoop to stop the bike rolling back and forth, never had any issues.

[@YouMotorcycle]

Replacing the busted headlight from the day before would have made pulling in that driveway a lot easier lol.

[@stuartosborn4785]

I just admire your positivity " another fantastic day !" ..........you've been driving around struggling to get fuel , had an argument with some stroppy French git and got well and truly ripped off for the price of food in Switzerland ! 😁

[@FreddieDobbs]

Now that you mention it, it wasn’t a fantastic day at all!😆

[@Merlex430]

Monika comes up trumps with the accommodation again.

[@travish3130]

TIL Volkswagen makes a pick up. Another great video. 😊

[@Jagshemasher]

This was just a thoroughly enjoyable video to watch

[@richardspencer1227]

Loving this video series....feels like I'm along for the ride with you. Such Freedom. 👍

[@mickdukes2732]

Freddie and Monica, wow what a place Como looks like. You seem like the perfect couple and sure know how to make a video.All my best wishes to the both of you.😎

[@stephensalt6787]

German bikers in France on Harleys living the American dream.😁

[@oblahdes]

Ok you 2, the music , the scenery , the variety of lodgings the difficult parking , you never cease to amaze me. Me being a sometime musician discover the music of Monika's great taste. The Elm Lake track sounds a little like Manchester Orchestra ( Rock band), loved it. Keep it up you guys, there is always a reason to watch y'all be it bikes ,misguided mechanics or plain touring.

[@gazb6176]

Great series Freddie, and a big up to Monica for the filming. Cheers.

[@stevew9810]

I remember just about enough of my French GCSE (I got a B!) back in 1988 to know the French chap was yelling at you to move "over there to the right!" 🤣 Lovely video, some beautiful scenery. I'd love to do a road trip like this. I have a Royal Enfield Inteceptor that Mrs SteveW has recently started going pillion with me on day trips this summer (she'd never been on a bike before) and I honestly had never considered trailering the bike so that you could use it for day trips at your destination as opposed to doing the full motorcycle touring bit. Might have to invest in a trailer now too! 🙂

[@adamknight9950]

Not that there’s anything wrong with your mug Freddie but nice to see the beautiful Monica in the vlog - keep up the amazing content both

[@android4219]

Hi Freddie. Great video as usual. Regarding the strikes in France limiting petrol supplies. I have no idea why the delivery drivers etc are striking. It’s of course inconvenient to consumers. I do know that workers don’t strike unless there is a very good reason…

[@tarunr4485]

24:37 A perfect autumn scene!

[@eddiemizen3703]

First ,😀 fix that bulb 💡 🤣

[@FreddieDobbs]

Damn it, I can’t ignore the first comment!😆 I’ll dig out everything from the Fiat and will find that bulb!💡

[@sridharboyana9250]

what a kiddo you guys are , grow up, I don't watch ur videos for your commentary but for the camera, what it captures for the mountains. Mountains were trees in the past...huge gigantic trees...miles across in diameter. watch hangman 1128 channel on you tube. Once you see the tree you can't un-see it any more. I love bike as much you do...but please do not miss the bigger picture. You have the opportunity to watch every mountain with new eyes...i promise you it will be rewarding ! Cheers!

[@CompSciGuy2]

That just made my day seeing you drive past Hotel Villa Marie: my wife and I stayed there on our honeymoon. Easily my favourite place to have visited in Italy.

[@tonydoc903]

Awesome video, nicely edited class music. 🙌🙌🙌👍👍

[@michaelevans1658]

Beautiful lake como would have been nice to have visited the Guzzi factory

[@JohnSmith-xw5qe]

There’s you Freddie admiring them there Harley Ds & none of them came & looked at your Triumph! OUTRAGEOUS!

[@stonkerontheroad9609]

Interesting video. I travelled back from Spain last week. I saw queues at Toulouse but after that looked OK, until I got to Rouen and was getting low and saw issues. I was down to about 20 miles before I managed to fill up. O got home from there.

[@mikealls8938]

I love the standard englishman ordering coffee. Bonjour...can I have . Love it , we English are so bad aren't we. Love the content btw.

[@FreddieDobbs]

It’s pathetic isn’t it?😆

[@mikealls8938]

@@FreddieDobbs Standard my friend 🤣

[@CriticalRider]

It really makes you appreciate the value of truck drivers, doesn't it?

[@daveha6638]

Other wonderful episode of the trip Freddie and Monica

[@arenalife]

Thanks so much for sharing your adventure! Can we just take a moment to appreciate editing and producing a half hour video for us whilst in the middle of it

[@FreddieDobbs]

Thanks!🙂🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@110adventures7]

I've just got back from France, Andorra and Spain. Southern France had no issues with fuel worse affected were Total stations as the government cut the tax on the stations fuel which caused jam's and they run out of fuel quickly.

[@colinevans5818]

Lake Como looks absolutely gorgeous and what a great little apartment you had.

[@hack2it]

Another great adventure with Freddie and Monica

[@stm22]

Securing the trailer without securing the bike itself makes me laughing hard. Lovely video as always!

[@stephennewell6628]

What a beautiful spot to stay by the lake. Love the cactus security device behind the bike at your second stop! Loving seeing Italy, such charm and style everywhere, I still need to own an Alfa as every petrol head should, but one day soon.

[@Marcke-tb1hb]

What a fabulous journey. Can you believe we deliberately gave up borderless travel and trade with our European cousins…utter Madness. Let’s see how many of the 52% comment here about how well things are working out for us! They’re conspicuous by their absence. 😢

[@88davidw]

The scenery through the mountains looks stunning! I need to go.

[@duncanc2592]

How about creating some playlists on Spotify Freddie? The music you and Monika choose is excellent, it’s lovely hearing artists that I would not have found otherwise, mind you it would be a great help if you shared their names! Great video, very jealous of your trip.

[@monikameraki]

Hi Duncan, it’s Monika 👋 I’m so glad you like the music! 🫶🏻🎶We always mention the artists and song names in the video description😊 And great idea about Spotify! 👍😊

[@simongilbert2704]

france = o dear , as norm , the accommodation = spot on , very nice ,,, monikas camera work = 100 percent as usual .

[@jasonadams5187]

Awesome video and awesome content can’t wait for the next video Thank’s Freddie and Monika

[@FreddieDobbs]

Thanks Jason🙂🙌🏻

[@Alfred_Goebels]

Monica, you nailed it. These touring Harleys are so comfortable and speakers at all corners. I only bought an Ultra Limited to make my wife happy. After an entire life on BMWs I must admit, I love ´em

[@FreddieDobbs]

Thank you Alfred (from Monika!)🙂

[@revjimmyjam3611]

C'mon Freddy. The Bonnie is a write-off. Time to get a bagger. 😉😁

[@kevinpick194]

Third is really where the action is really at.

[@FreddieDobbs]

Of course!🙂

[@ROUTEPLANNERPAUL]

Absolutely fantastic video editing....Great content keep up the good work and of course enjoy your holidays

[@bradgraves3496]

You two make me feel better. Thank you for such a wonderfully done channel and nice easy going spirit.

[@debenhamdave4314]

Wow views of Lake Como fantastic. Cheers Freddie and Monica

[@tonyblake642]

Hi Freddie. it always makes me smile when I hear you wild guess or assume.

[@DaBinChe]

fuel up the bike too and have a syphon so when the car runs out you have some extra from the bike. Take off the mirrors of the bike to reduce drag.

[@SirVib]

Beautiful shots from 16:00 👌

[@stuartjgarland]

Thanks, Freddie and Monika, excellent production as always, well done Monika on the camera work, new hair colour for a new trip looks great, watch out for the broken bulb, the Swiss frown on that a bit so make sure to get it fixed. Brill video as always

[@marktorbay]

Really enjoyed that thanks, bought back great memories, my friend got married in a little church on the shore of Lake Como and the wedding car was a Riva boat 😎 The place is amazing and you need to spend more time there, having coffee and looking over at the snow capped alps 😍. You never know Monika might make an honest man out of you 😉

[@FreddieDobbs]

Oh that is as classy as it gets- arriving on a Riva boat👌🏻 We will return- it’s a very special place🙂

[@marktorbay]

It was an amazing few days 😍 Keep up the great work guys, we look forward to seeing each video and adventure 😎👍

[@richcolgate8929]

Love ya vlogs dude 💪👍👍

[@rob2475]

Wow! Now that was simply art. Great choice of music, lovely visuals. I’m green all over!

[@allsearpw3829]

Hi , only the British like to queue , you were in front of the Frenchman , so now he is in front of his queue . Now for the video , amazing once more , stunning views , hotel a bargain .👍 😉

[@fasthracing]

You are in for a real treat when you get to Sicily if you think driving is bad in Rome.

[@onahi2002]

GSA & HP2.... Nice 👍

[@macmackay8579]

You do tell the story well.

[@FabulousWanderers]

Lovin your latest adventure, Harley Road Kings, it is what they say on the tin, ... Lot's of love to you both, Totally Awesome Vlogs 🌟🌟👍♥️ Ps, had to re-edit, Cinematicly Stunningly Beautiful. ♥️

[@sdpicturecard6858]

My goodness that headboard! Quirky is the right word for your Roman hotel. You two are having a truly interesting journey. Cheers!

[@raygods123]

Well done the start of another great adventure by Freddy and Monica definitely looking forward to the rest and may I add let’s get more Monica in the camera. Thank you guys

[@willgarrod9907]

Great production, editing and camera work again you two. Great to see Monica for a change, tell her the new hair colour is really nice and my wife loves it😉. Italy is so beautiful and I’m sure this adventure will continue to be great❤️

[@FreddieDobbs]

Thank you Will- from Monika🙂🙋🏻‍♀️

[@willgarrod9907]

@@FreddieDobbs I will spell your name correctly next time Monika, sorry❤️ my wife is Louisa and loads of people call her Louise or Lisa which drives her a bit crazy😁

[@stevesanelli90]

You two are fantastic together & you Freddie are so funny! Enjoy everything you both do & experience ⭐️

[@martinlegrice1414]

The struggle is real 😂

[@dsilva70]

Thoroughly enjoyed this video. Thanks!

[@luddite6239]

You ask "How can it be possible in a country such as France that people can't fill up their vehicles?" Short memory! It was only September last year when I bet French tourists in the UK were asking exactly the same question of us after unnecessary panic buying caused our petrol stations to run dry for over two weeks. Bonnes vacances!

[@FreddieDobbs]

I may have juuuuust been in Tenerife at this point. But that is a fairly lame excuse. You are right🙂

[@gerrypowell2748]

Sorry to hear you are having trouble here in France,the government are ordering them back to work now but it’s dubious if they can do this they reckon it should get back to normal,remember the utter greed of the petrol companies are to blame for this😢

[@MentatOfDune]

100% I admire the French with respect to their willingness to protest/strike when required. Petrol companies have soaring profits at the moment and with inflation going up drastically they should be willing to raise wages (as they have the capacity to do so).

[@FreddieDobbs]

Very interesting, thank you for the insight Gerry🙂 And a spot on point that I overlooked re the petrol companies😡

[@Resurgam0335]

It’s not the gas companies, it’s the government. They chose to rely on oil from Putin for decades and not build their own infrastructure. They only focused on green energy and are now paying the price. The government isn’t, the people of France are. Quit looking to the government to solve your problems. Love your videos.

[@MentatOfDune]

@@Resurgam0335 What Government are talking about and who is the 'You' that you're referring to as nobody has suggested the Government should "solve your problems"? The strike is taking place against the oil companies not increasing the wages at a time of increased profits even though they're raising prices. Prices are going up even when some Governments are lowering the tax on fuel. France are even sending Gas to Germany so I'm not sure how you associate the lack of petrol in French filling stations to Putin's supply of oil to France.

[@kellanhills1972]

It’s the lack of government support of petrol companies and the lack of foresight to have alternative energy sources that puts them in this situation. More oil equals cheaper gas. Simple math. OPEC just cut production.

[@chema1546]

ok 👍👌 Freddie I'm sorry about the fuel problem in France let's see if you can translate it in the next video greetings to both of you enjoy ok

[@chrissloan8953]

Great job Freddie and Monica loving it! great editing and fun commentary i luv it! big fan since you first road trip to Tenerife. 🙂

[@peterrotermund9523]

Hi, you forget to replace your lightbulb 🤫

[@ianseddon9347]

A great film - fabulous photography and editing, great music, the Italian lakes are so very lovely.

[@chilenskbjorn8737]

Your travel videos are so brilliant that I don't even miss the motorcycles though they barely appear (and motos are the very reason most of us are here). Enjoy your travel Freddie, I like the way you explain things in general, from sensations while riding a certain bike to the places you visit and stunning landscapes you watch, as we could see in the video. It feels like we're in there, experiencing the same things and that's a talent, a formidable feat that makes your channel more interesting than most pure-motorcycling ones. Regards!

[@sylviamoulton5202]

Stunning Freddie !,such a treat ,had to watch the last two again and again ☺️ scenery and music were first class , you're spoiling us 😀

[@ashpunting]

Freddie you might have to get Monica a side car for your bike in the future 😉 💓my sister lives in Zurich I love it over there,

[@saintetienne755]

Superb stuff - bravo! . . . but we must remember it's, "May I have" not "Can I get" Standards Freddie - standards!

[@crumblymal8479]

Great trip great watch guys I can not believe you reversed up the steep drive into that garage Freddie with the trailer on ,I am guessing you must have since you came out facing forwards down the driveway .😉 Fab places to stay to in both but I don't envy you driving in an around Rome that's for sure 👍

[@FreddieDobbs]

I can’t lie… I drove in, then unhitched the trailer and flipped it around. My trailer skills are not that good😆

[@crumblymal8479]

@@FreddieDobbs 🤣👍

[@quak84]

I love your videos and I dream of such a trip (Italy on a bike). Hope I will find the time, money and courage to travel like you guys some time soon :) good luck and best wishes from Poland

[@FreddieDobbs]

That’s extremely kind of you to say so Maciej🙂 Sending all my best to you in Poland sir🇵🇱👋

[@SherKhan-b1kes]

You will Maciej, I rode to Bologna on my 97 Vfr750 in June this year from Düsseldorf with my friend on his 890 Adventure. We stayed in Airbnb places and mainly used the country roads avoiding the Autostradas. Met amazing people and had an excellent time. I want to go back!

[@seanb1081]

Another great video from the both of You's. Travel guide and motorcycles Perfect. Fantastic job on the Manoth task of editing - rendering - and publishing in such a short time frame. 👍

[@rayfraser1773]

Enjoy !

[@trailingarm63]

Great film, enjoyed it. Sicily's a long way isn't it!

[@Lyingleyen]

14:14 That's a proper overland bike setup - could be Ewan and Charlie - back of a trailer - well it is autumn!!

[@Jean-de-lune]

Looks like you booked your first stop on the E side of Lake Como- we stayed at Menaggio in that area - grill hot at 33C extremely nice area and hope the rest of your trip is going well.

[@stuartjgarland]

It would great to hear about yourselves little in terms of work outside of the channel and how you manage to fit this around your "offline" lives. Either way keep up the great work

[@clausentumsoton]

Enjoyable as always Freddie, thanks for having us along to share in your experiences. I went to the south of Italy this summer on the Interceptor 650, very enjoyable but the big downside I found was that bikes pay the same as cars on the autostradas.. and often these roads are the only viable options to take if you want to get anywhere reasonably quickly. Looking forward to your next installment.