My England to Sahara Road Trip Plan | Coffee in Woodbridge

I give a very rough overview on my unplanned, upcoming UK to the Sahara road trip, and we ride into the little town of Woodbridge.
And I mess up a tyre order.
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[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Looking forward to watching your trip!

[@adventuredoguk2860]

Aw thought you would be going has his back up mechanic............... might need your skills to fly the search and rescue plane though............

[@mrcintheuk4641]

1) Loctite Blue to stop bolts coming loose. 2) You could already see the wear indicator on that rear tyre! Would never have lasted the trip. 3) Have fun! 😁👍

[@FreddieDobbs]

Thanks!🙂

[@richb5248]

Too late now for your Africa trip but loctite blue will only work as long as you don’t undo the seat bolts again. I recommend shakeproof washers.

[@chrishallwood5576]

Just had the pleasure of meeting Freddie pre boarding the Portsmouth to Santander ferry. He took the time to chat and ask about my journey. A genuine nice guy. Freddie wishing you an amazing time on your adventure to Morocco.

[@protyaychakraborty4108]

Your videos always put a smile on my face❤. Love from India 🇮🇳

[@FreddieDobbs]

So glad to hear it, Protyay🙂 Sending you all my best over in India🤜🏼🤛🏼🇮🇳

[@fattony8656]

Hi Freddie. Done the same trip around 20 years ago. Felixstowe to Ouzarzate on a ZX9 - 6000 miles exactly, to the mile round trip. Felixstowe, through France and Spain and across from Algeciras. No GPS, no map! Lots of great stories. You'll have a blast.

[@FreddieDobbs]

That is a serious achievement with no maps of GPS!!🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@fattony8656]

@@FreddieDobbs Just keep heading south and as long as it's getting warmer you're doing fine! When you hit water find a ferry, when you hit lots of sand and can't go any further turn around and keep riding north till you hit water....Hotels in Morocco allow(ed) the bike to be parked inside the lobby overnight for security.

[@30smsuperstrat]

My wife and I just started watching Rogue Heroes. Will be a perfect appetizer to watching your Africa trip!

[@MOTOUK1]

I hope you have watched Ichy boots Sahara trip Freddie 👍 amazing trip your planning. Exciting times

[@FreddieDobbs]

I need to catch up on some episodes, but I have watched🙂👌🏻🙌🏻

[@stuarthorwood2101]

I'll get the popcorn...meanwhile I suggest you give Itchyboots a look. Noraly is in the process of riding north to south along the west coast of Africa. She passed through Morocco about 2 months ago

[@Munter1]

I too have been following ltchyboots on her 300 Honda adventure bike and seeing how she struggled l can't see Freddy getting very far on his heavy Triumph Bonny road bike with road tyres getting very far at all, do you want to tell him or shall l?

[@Shenthusiast]

​@@Munter1 if it's just for Moroccan roads it should be fine

[@adventuredoguk2860]

I heard Morocco passed through her..............

[@adventuredoguk2860]

@@Munter1 Maybe tell Sjaak Lucassen, Emilo Scotto and the likes etc.etc. Mr Expert know sfa..... do you think Scratchy Crotch is the only person to ride a bike?

[@FreddieDobbs]

Ah yes- I’m a big fan of hers🙂

[@Shenthusiast]

Hey Freddie, Moroccan viewer here! 10/10 for the pronunciation hahah im delighted youre coming here for a trip, man I dont know if youre planning to go through Casablanca id LOVE to be able to meet ya! Id also like to suggest Merzouga as a destination for the best dunes to ride on with various accommodations available. Itchy boots had a lot of fun with her CRF300 Rally there. I really really hope this trip turns out to be a success, Marhaba Freddie! ❤

[@adventuredoguk2860]

Wonder how many 'trips' he will take in Morroco.........?

[@FreddieDobbs]

Thanks for this, I’ll save your details here and a I’ll remember- Casablanca🙂🤜🏼🤛🏼

[@triumph-owner]

Try putting a drop of loctite thread lock blue on your seat bolts. Maxima sp1 clear coat will keep your bike looking brilliant and the dirt and road film doesn't stick so readily to the surfaces. Makes your bike look like new

[@FreddieDobbs]

I’d never heard of this, thanks Paul!

[@markb5651]

Super cool Freddie & lovely Monika are back in cold windy wet UK ... COOL lol 🤣🤣🤣🤣😁😄🙃🙂🙄🤭🤓

[@eddyhoughton6542]

Mate, not listened to the full vid yet but if it's not too late, change your tyres in Spain or Andorra on the way down. It'll work out bags cheaper and you'll get the last miles out of your current (decent) tyres. PS. The first time a dog pisses in your helmet wil be the last time you clip it to the bottom half of your bike! PPS. Just seen the vid to the end. Too late for the tyres but the dog piss advice still stands! 😂😂😂

[@FreddieDobbs]

🤣

[@alastairbarker1840]

I rode from Woodbridge to Morocco in 2002. Custom Aprilia Tuareg with 571cc Rotax. I loved living in Woodbridge.

[@walbeit]

It's always a pleasure to watch your videos. But this time the thing that made me smile the most is the writing "romani domum ite" on the wall :) I am already at home. Greeting from Rome😉

[@rpd051]

Hi Freddie, just came back from riding the BMW R1250GS through Morocco last night! You're gonna love it over there, riders paradise! Definitely go and visit Aït Ben Haddou (pretty close to Ouarzazate), and btw, they're filming Gladiator 2 there in the coming weeks. I also highly recommend the beautiful twisties of the Dadès Gorge! Looking forward to see you ride there!

[@twowheelsoneleg5672]

That's a great trip I did it a few years ago, Atlas mountains are great. Mint tea, roadside tagines and goats in trees you'll love it

[@sethruter]

Excited for the upcoming trip and the planning details brother! I'd highly suggest some Loctite for that bolt behind the seat that keeps coming loose, there's blue (still remove bolt) or red (more permanent) works extremely well from my experiences, cheers from the US 🤘

[@Winterbiker333]

Maybe watch Harry’s Garage KZbin video from a couple years ago where he took his vehicle to the Sahara, very good. Also have you used loctite on those bolts? That should keep them from winding their way out.

[@JohnAdams-kc8wx]

“I’ve done no planning so far, but how hard can it be?” Yes Freddie !!

[@quantumbox01]

Your budget france/barcelona trip inspired me. Im quitting my job on the 26th to set off on June 1st, England to Athens, Greece. A 5 week trip exploring europe. I cant wait!

[@retronaut6396]

Really enjoying your videos, Freddie, and looking forward to following your trip. I've never been to Morocco, but I travelled a bit in Egypt and the Middle East. Personally, I wouldn't fuss about taking lots of camping stuff when accomodation is cheap and plentiful, so maybe those rats did you a favour? Thinking about the best advice to give for a trip like this (with the scorching temperatures and diesel fumes from the trucks you'll be stuck behind in North Africa), the one thing I'd say (apart from "bring spares") is this: when you are setting out for the day, if you can leave well before dawn and stop for the day before the sun gets too high and fierce, then it's a very different experience. So much more chilled and comfortable. The dawn light is extraordinary. (Gets very cold at night in the desert, though). Have a great trip.

[@volt8684]

Hi Freddie, not only the wear on the tyres but on the mileage you have had they won’t be oval anymore. The new tyres will make the bike feel great again

[@joel.rundle]

I grew up in Spain and we used to drive to Morocco in the summer. Be sure to check out Dades Gorges, Valley of the Roses and Fes. You’ll have a great time!

[@KidCurry666]

Motorcycle gear, is like fine wine, it gets better with age. All the best with the trip, looking forward to the vids 👍👍

[@FreddieDobbs]

I totally agree with this. Thanks🙌🏻

[@robertcameron3008]

Very exciting trip you have coming up. Look forward to watching but you definitely needed new tyres on for that one. 🏍👍

[@davidcolton7167]

Hope your watching Itchy Boots current series of her trip down East Africa its going to be a real challenge no way will your tyres last!

[@peterwillis4239]

I agree!! West Africa! Hopefully Noraly will make it to East Africa and the Indian Ocean. Looking forward to that one as I was born in Uganda, and lived on the coast in Tanganyika (Tanzania) 👍

[@balance3201]

She goes off road don't think he will

[@jedw9983]

I'd take the ferry/hydrofoil from Tarifa, Spain. Shorter journey than Algeciras, sweeter town. Also visit Chefchaouen and Essaouira en route to the Sahara.

[@steverussell9340]

Looking forward to following your journey. Obviously,stay clear of Sudan 🇸🇩!! So many challenges ahead- embrace them and take a couple of air filters!

[@PillSharks]

Freddie… either drill some small holes through the bolts and put some wire or paracord through which will stop them from turning loose and also save them if they do come out! If you haven’t got time just lash them together with some lashings. Really looking forward to watching this trip.. I nearly drove a series 3 Land Rover from Bristol to the Gambia back in the 90s for Bristol Land Rover centre but didn’t take the job as there was other things involved!

[@darrenhall6509]

Hi Freddie. Regarding your seat bolts coming out, get some PTFE tape and do about ten raps of the thread and the bolt should stay in place. Hope that helps.

[@flatcapcaferacer]

I guess you already did an oil change and your chain is good shape? I've had to wait up to a couple months for tires last year. One of my previous job's was developing battle plans for a missile wing in Europe at that time. This required extensive planning for a myriad of contingencies. So your last minute and sometimes off the cuff preparations make me nervous and smile at the same time. You remind me of a trapeze artist operating without a net...very brave indeed and I find refreshing. 👍👍👍

[@BlueRidgeRider]

So glad you ordered the tire! You can fit a lock washer under the seat bolts or as someone else suggested Blue Loctite.

[@chriscanham7130]

With regards to your seat bolts coming loose I too would recommend Loctite, not the red, not the blue but the green . Its called Loctite 270 and is far superior than the red or blue. I use Loctite threadlock every day in my job and I only use the green if I don't want to take it off again - its very good.

[@meepmeep634]

Carry some Loctite 243 threadlock and use a small dab each time you use the screw. Good luck with the trip!

[@kaizen2049]

A great & memorable adventure awaits !!

[@SouthWest-jj8yu]

Love the videos Freddie looking forward to the next trip. As to the ears, 20 minutes is too long it takes a very short time at certain decibels to damage your ears, generally wind noise rather than engine and it’s usually permanent.

[@raibhishek]

Freddy!! I am with with you since I saw your RNineT review Much love for your Attitude and Honesty And thank you Monika for being there…Always.

[@bikesbluesrallies7768]

looking forward to watching your trip

[@S2000Y]

Looking forward to this. I got as far as Mhamid (South of Zamora) about 15 years ago on a KTM950 adventure. We went in September, temperatures still reached 40C. Don't be surprised if someone tries to sell you a carpet whilst you are at a set of traffic lights. Enjoy.

[@S2000Y]

For Zamora , read Zagora !

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

I love the old-school dash on this bike, as I've said before. I think the front tyre will last. The rear one won't. You could always get it replaced in Spain on the way back if it wears out. I'm looking forward to this trip.

[@davemitchell2401]

Hi Freddie. I have the same Motone long thread seat bolts and lost one so now I always put a little locktite on the thread and check them after every ride.... no problems since.

[@jobucklandbuckland8031]

Freddie your seat bolts , drill hole through side of both then you can put a wire through to stop them turning once in no more lost bolts

[@cityslickerbass]

That's going to be an epic trip 🙌 . Good call on the rear - definitely needed doing if you're planning 5k+ miles

[@timparker9235]

safe trip Freddie - looking forward to it.

[@stevesanelli90]

Ohh Freddie, missing the fine print 😉 I wouldn’t risk it with the rear as is, however I’d certainly get a puncture repair kit for your extended journey 👌 Morocco sounds epic! Sad Monika isn’t coming with you. You both are extraordinary travellers & have amazing memories ⭐️ Ride safe & enjoy! Will be watching with much interest 🙌

[@robinfrench1914]

12:00 Freddie have you tried threadlock on that? paint a bit of that onto the bolt and hopefully it won't budge until you want it to. Only problem I can see is you might need to reapply every time you take the seat off which would be annoying.

[@FreddieDobbs]

I’ve stupidly never used this before, so I’ll pick some up tomorrow🙂

[@androooritter]

Freddie - You ought to try magnetizing the screws on your seat before putting them in. I'm not 100% sure if this will work but might be worth a shot. You can buy a cheap magnetizer for $10 or so at a local hardware store.

[@Theophilus1968]

Epic trip! Can’t wait.

[@EricleNormand]

Hi Freddy, Bonneville owner here; those screws on the seat come of real easy and end up on the road, not a good thing. I lost mine within a week, I replaced them with regular Allen screws M6 and tighten them with a T handle Allen wrench. Tip: put some tape or hose around the wrench so you don't damage the tail light👍

[@matthewreeves8549]

If you ever ride down to South East Kent give me a shout. My mate and I know some beautiful roads around our neck of the woods. Plus we have a drone so can get some epic ride by shots.

[@stewartt2054]

You need to source extended seat bolts with ends that take either an Allen key or a wrench as you are clearly not getting them tight enough.From the vid they appear to have a knurled end with only allows finger tight.

[@peterwillis4239]

Following Noraly, check out her videos!! Don't forget your spares!! And tools!! Have a great trip. Can I come on my Classic 350 ?? 😂

[@bobss3704]

Did that trip in 1972 on a 1953 T100 sprung hub, what started out as a two week holiday to Spain ended up 3 months touring North Africa right into Libya, Sahara and back all on my own and the bike never missed a beat, plenty of oil leaks though but that's how it was then, have a great trip!

[@fvajbar9258]

Good luck with Africa ❤. And I would recommend to chcek the timing chain and tensioner on your Bonnie because I think that sound is not good.

[@winchester92stevebrook44]

When looking for accommodation in Marrakesh Morocco, consider a night in one of the Riads. A patio garden surrounded by a house.

[@Posttraumaticgrowth]

Safe travels my friend🙏🏼

[@stuartdenty3163]

Great content F and M, thank you both. It made me smile when I saw the shot of the Defender! You know you will end up with one Freddie! Cheers.

[@occasionalmotorcycling]

try using a spring washer for the seat screw - that should help

[@davemorgan6721]

Hi Freddie why don’t you fit a strong cable tie to your seat bolt. It won’t stop it coming loose but should stop it fully unwinding and falling out 👍

[@leeandjancruise]

Freddie the Africa trip sounds so exciting, I've visited the touristy African countries in the north, in the west Morocco and Gambia, please keep your wits about you and don't forget your Imodium tablets.😂 Ride safe.

[@chrisb4504]

Glad you’re back from your trip looked beautiful but nice to see you out on the bonneville again missed it.

[@robertcostello9473]

Couldn't believe it watching your post cast over the weekend when you mentioned my message regarding the W800 ! A couple of my biker friends follow you now too . Looking forward to watching your adventures next week. Safe travels 👍

[@gerrypowell2748]

Been there twice,you’ll love it👌

[@OldManAzeban]

Y’all have Loctite across the pond? A simple dab on the threads should stop them from backing out from the vibration of your bike.

[@robertcostello9473]

I didn't want to mention and spoil your enjoyment of the new exhaust. But yes once alterations to the exhaust or air intake/filter etc you aren't supposed to even blip the throttle as modern fuel injection systems have learning ECUs ! And need to run for approx 15 mins as you said. It will rectify if you follow this procedure 👍 and will be better than it was before on those standard exhaust cans.

[@rampantcolt1684]

As previously mentioned by others, Loctite is good, I prefer red, seems to hold better and isn't as permanent as some suggest. In a pinch, clear fingernail polish will work too. Travel safe my friend, lots of bandits and thieves on the road!

[@coynecolm]

Brilliant Fred 🎉

[@paulkillelay7966]

Have you tried just a spring washer on your seat bolt retainer Freddie ? may help and costs pennies. Good look on the trip matey..

[@darren3322]

Hey, Loved you videos series from Bali, you have inspired me to head to Lombok next time I go over…You wouldn’t consider getting the ferry to Spain from the Uk ? Save a few miles on the Bonneville

[@SuperDannyboy1974]

Looking forward to this trip Freddie!! Good call on the rear…..it looked squared off in the video I don’t think it had 5k miles left in it!! 🤣👍 Cheers Dan

[@IceAce1]

Exciting, looking forward to the trip. Great destination. I'd consider taking an overnight ferry to the north of Spain to avoid racing through beautiful France.

[@Ernes446]

The OG Woodbridge :) Looking forward to watching your adventure and planning tips! I'm preparing for my half cannonball run from Kansas to California with my Classic 350

[@kevinshaffer1047]

wow...cant wait to see the video's of this next trip..I have those same seat screws for my 2014...havent lost one yet..LOL..

[@cezarmartins3489]

Inspiring channel. I'll get my first bike in 2 days, a Classic 350, and you sir are one of the reasons behind my choice.

[@johnrobertharland3975]

Another great video Freddie. Can’t wait for the Africa trip. Also have you seen t-bars for locking helmets that have the ratchet chin strap like Monikas helmet? Easier than using the u-lock. You could then use the same locking point as your helmet.

[@stevezahn8056]

Freddie if your going to Africa you better be ready. Getting tires is a good idea. Better bring an extra air and fuel filter, a tire patch kit and some tools. Get a little bottle of blue Loctite to put on the threads of your seat bolts and they will stop vibrating out. Just DON”T USE RED Loctite. Or they will never come out again ever! Good luck over there Freddie. Be safe

[@ralphturner3798]

Hi Freddie - Regarding the fact that the two screws that keep the seat on vibrate and get lost.... maybe you could drill a small hole through the ends of each screw, then thread a this line through each screw. This would not prevent the screws from coming undone, but it would prevent them from falling off and getting lost. [you discuss the screws at point # 11:45]

[@matthewthomas5997]

LOCTITE 222 on those rear seat bolts Freddie my friend!

[@bikeroffthebeatentrack]

Hi mate. That rear tyre hasn’t much life left on it. Bike tyres always look better than car tyres as the tread tends to be much deeper. There’s a wear indicator - a raised section in the tread. Once you’re near it, the. It’s time for a change. A little dab of blue Loctite thread lock on the threads should stop the bolts loosening. Looking forward to trip videos. Ride safe 👍

[@theJourney-gc]

Great video Freddy, Looking forward to following your trip next week! And good to see you are choosing for safety and go for both new tires here, the thread is really poor and you probably will become extra aware of this when the new ones are fitted. When it comes to earplugs.. I hope you to be safe on that as well, I am a fairly new rider (+1 year and 10k km's) and despite using earplugs (that didn't fit correctly twice) I am now dealing with permanent tinitus, that means 24 hours a day that whistling noise... OK in my case its a combo of bad helmet, bad aero bike (tiger 800) and not the right plugs but still. We just love you and Monica to keep continuing to shoot these amazing video's ❤ Greetings from the Netherlands and have a great weekend together, Gert

[@happygramper]

Ahhh! size 32' waist... now that was a lifetime ago, I think after many decades of hanging in my cupboard with the promise of "one day" wearing them again, my beloved 32" were tossed into the heap of "reality" long ago. Now I wallow around in my size 40" enjoying comfort over style at the young age of 67. When you one day decide to frequent us in the "Ass End" of Africa (South Africa) would love to meet up over a beer. Love your channel, keep up the good work.

[@FreddieDobbs]

😆👖 Thank you so much- this’d be a pleasure🙂🇿🇦

[@woodworkwalksandthingsthat8082]

Freddie consider going from Newhaven not Dover. About h the same distance in the UK but less on the French side. Dieppe is also a nice quiet port. The ferry is really cheap and operated by DFDS.

[@tides2002]

I was going to type the same.

[@markmacpherson3999]

Good choice

[@lucho1989]

Love your videos!!

[@martinheath5565]

They are your tyres , so change them for the Tour but keep the tyres from the swap and put them back on after the trip to run locally then you will be able to wear them and have the newest ready to put on again if you go on another trip of distance. Then you will see how much mileage you really got from them.

[@flexywing]

Good call from Monica, Yeap you needed a new tyre to do 5000 mile trip, you may have got away with if it was the front, not the back. Good luck with the trip

[@rufysufy]

Have you thought about using threadlock on the seat screws? They’re made specifically so screws don’t come loose under vibration.

[@MrUled]

This is a subjective and controversial comment, but the bonneville still looks good despite it's age, however the rims and seat are a bit unsightly. If you could swap rims for something a bit more modern, and perhaps a brown tuck and roll seat, this bike would absolutely shine! The new tires will help it pop too. Hope you have a great trip and hope you vlog it for us back home.

[@OneStrokeTwin]

Hi Freddie, Sorry to hear about your tent, I'm looking forward to seeing your Africa adventures. Have you watched Itchy Boots season 7 where Noraly rides from Spain, through Morocco to Mauritania and the Sahara? That should give you a good idea if what to expect. The Moroccan people look like really friendly and helpful people. I hope you get the tyre situation bresolved, all the best.

[@TomVestvik]

This is going to be so much fun. 🎉

[@ashpunting]

So you're riding through Africa if itchy boots can do it I'm sure you can ans maybe you should put washers on the seat bolts to stop it shaking out. And I noticed the MATE, electric bike in the shop window 😊

[@ianwalsh5610]

see you locked monicas helmet with the krytonite lock well i lost the keys to my last one and it was through the wheels of my old 79bonneville so i had bolt cutters some said never cut through those locks well i did it was hard but my large cutters went through it so remainder for you if you lock bike up beware you can slice through lock with biggish bolt cutters

[@PLRMoto]

You made the right call Freddie, no way that back tyre was lasting 5/6k miles.

[@geneahart5607]

Freddie, ' Blue ' Loctite may be the answer for your seat bolt problem.

[@motonickaustralia1126]

Try wrapping some plumbers tape round the thread, it might stop those bolts coming out or slow them down. :)

[@luddite6239]

Do make sure your documentation is all in order before you go - for example, do you need an insurance green card for Morocco? And you may also need to have an entry stamp in your passport, otherwise you could have difficulty leaving the country when the time comes. Bon voyage!

[@bjornlambrecht103]

Hi Freddie , you can also change your tyres in France after all Michelin is made in France 🤔 i even think it is cheaper than the UK . All the best with your trip ! Greetings from Belgium .

[@FreddieDobbs]

Thanks for this Bjorn, I should’ve thought about this🇫🇷

[@pthine1]

seat bolts drill a hole in each and safety wire them together. watch out for scorpions!

[@kurttallon]

Try PTFE tape, or dab of thread lock your seat bolts

[@stewy62]

Obviously I don’t know where your bike is on its maintenance schedule but if you plan to keep hold of your Bonnie long-term I’d do an oil and filter change before you depart as an absolute minimum. I guess you are not planning on doing much off reading but maybe change your air filter as there will be sand about. Unless your spark plugs are nearly new take a spare set, they don’t take up much space.