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.uk/rooms/709702... )
- Arcom Palace, a studio in Pomezia, Italy (booked via booking.com www.booking.com/hotel/it/arco...
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My personal motorcycle: 2010 Triumph Bonneville 865cc (the base version)
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Buy us a coffee:
- www.buymeacoffee.com/fdobbs
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Find me on:
- INSTAGRAM: / dob.bs
- GEAR AND MORE: www.freddiedobbs.com
- 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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@stephensalt6787]

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

[@ssergeuss]

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

[@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!

[@mikecook1240]

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

[@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 😂

[@ryanxvx]

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

[@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. 👍👍👍

[@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 👍

[@davegallo8790]

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

[@del4668]

Your little 500 is really living its best life :)

[@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.

[@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 🇮🇹

[@88davidw]

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

[@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.

[@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! 🙂

[@grahaminkpen5436]

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

[@paulblagden8985]

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

[@hoon2806]

VW Anorak and Lake Cormo- classic stuff! 😅

[@paulm749]

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

[@richardspencer1227]

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

[@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!🙂

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.😎

[@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. 😢

[@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…

[@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!

[@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!😆

[@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.

[@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!🙂🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@LtD973]

What a great vid. Love Italy. You two keep doing what your doing! Another beautiful vid to escape to. Thanks guys! Loved it!

[@colinevans5818]

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

[@Merlex430]

Monika comes up trumps with the accommodation again.

[@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.

[@Jagshemasher]

This was just a thoroughly enjoyable video to watch

[@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.

[@JohnSmith-xw5qe]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@richardbartlett6932]

Superb stuff as always.

[@michaelevans1658]

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

[@Lookup2Wakeup]

This was great, enjoyed every minute of it.....👍

[@rayfraser1773]

Enjoy !

[@dylanrichards9984]

Another great adventure 👍

[@daveha6638]

Other wonderful episode of the trip Freddie and Monica

[@darrylconnolly2355]

As always an amazing video thank you!

[@denisepearson5212]

Beautiful vlog

[@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! 👍😊

[@travish3130]

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

[@richcolgate8929]

Love ya vlogs dude 💪👍👍

[@paulfianatravels]

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.

[@chatkeow]

Very good that was enjoyed it

[@hack2it]

Another great adventure with Freddie and Monica

[@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.

[@dsilva70]

Thoroughly enjoyed this video. Thanks!

[@leewatkeys9065]

Another great video both. Enjoy the trip 😀

[@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. 🙂

[@clivehale397]

Great adventure you guys I loved the room on the lake....look forward to the next episode....enjoy.

[@chrisandrew852]

Your productions just get better and better - the camera work, the fitting music and commentary are all superb. Absolutely loved every second of it and that entrance to accommodation in Rome made my jaw drop - just incredible. Always nice to wake up to your latest post here in Australia, so.... I'll see you in the next one..:).. safe travels.

[@tonydoc903]

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

[@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

[@onahi2002]

GSA & HP2.... Nice 👍

[@tarunr4485]

24:37 A perfect autumn scene!

[@macmackay8579]

You do tell the story well.

[@stevesanelli90]

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

[@stevejames2218]

Another amazing video, really enjoyed this one. Keep up the good work and enjoy

[@FreddieDobbs]

Thanks Steve🙂

[@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 😀

[@tonyblake642]

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

[@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!

[@stm22]

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

[@ianseddon9347]

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

[@sdpicturecard6858]

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

[@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. ♥️

[@rob2475]

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

[@kevinshaffer1047]

Another outstanding video!!...Beautiful country!!..Good job as always Monika with the music and editing..You guys are so fortunate to be able to make trips like these..Thank you so much for sharing...cant wait for the next one!!

[@debenhamdave4314]

Wow views of Lake Como fantastic. Cheers Freddie and Monica

[@jasonadams5187]

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

[@FreddieDobbs]

Thanks Jason🙂🙌🏻

[@trailingarm63]

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

[@SirVib]

Beautiful shots from 16:00 👌

[@No1Nova]

Breath taking locations, will have to do a europe trip some day for sure. Safe journey to both of you. ✌️

[@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. 👍

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@martinlegrice1414]

The struggle is real 😂

[@aminekessar]

Stunning Como lake Mamma Mia! I think Stelvio pass was not very far from there, but it would be tight with the trailer... Can't wait for the next video ⏱️ keep it up with your positive vibes 👍 Cheers from Algiers!

[@maxfella]

Back after Tenerife, great video!

[@TheWHARRIER]

Love the new style buddy. Not sure about the music though. Very bloody jealous of you guys, you really do inspire me to get out there. Ciao.

[@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

[@stevezahn8056]

Man I got to tell you guys I’m so jealous watching you on this trip. Me and my wife were in Italy 8 years ago. We had to fly in, so we mostly had to use trains and busses to get around. But we did rent a car in Rome to go to the Almafi coast. Ya the traffic in Rome is wild. Traffic lights are just a suggestion. Did you ride on the autostrada when the painted lines on the road to separate the lanes just stopped? That was crazy, it was like Mad Max out there. And all the scooters! Not a scooter fan. Tell Monica she could be a travel agent if her amazing cinematic ability’s bores her. Hey Freddie how much was fuel over there. We got plenty over here in America but dam it ain’t cheap.

[@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 🤣

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

So nerve-wracking wondering whether you're going to run out of petrol. VW Anorak! Good one. I like the headlight on the white GS, one of the two GSs on the trailer. I remember riding through CH on my R1100GS in '98. Stunning country. What a view from your room. I love your road videos.

[@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.