Motorcycle tour of France on a BMW 1250 GSA and Triumph Tiger 900 - Ep 1

[@jvl4832]

This is shaping up to be a wonderful tour ; sunshine, landscape, food, culture and two most lovely people guiding us through . Just got back from Andalusia and thoroughly enjoyed this video. Happy and safe riding and as always, thank you Brian and Sue. Greetings from Berlin, Jim….p.s. nice soundtrack.

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Thanks very Jim🙏 glad you enjoyed it - Andalusia is a great place to tour - hope things are going well in Berlin! 😀👍

[@Banditmanuk]

We both just sat and watched this on the TV. It's amazing how many of the same roads we've ridden. We arrive in Hondarribia last but one night of our tour. We did that coast road in the opposite direction. We sat on that wall by the river that marks the border between France and Spain. We also had a nightmare finding our parking in Hondarribbia. It was there that we stayed in our favourite Parador which turned out to be the castle on the hill! We could watch the planes landing at the very nearby airport. Looking forward to the rest of your series. As you head north, we do a big circle near to Andorra then back to the Spanish North coast. Always enjoyable, thanks for the vid.

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

It’s amazing how our routes have crossed over! Just read Carol’s post saying you stayed on Hondarribia - we really liked that little place - looking forward to seeing the rest of your tour! 😀👍

[@M4BoarBiker]

Another great video, looks like a really nice trip so far. Good to see you guys again.

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Thanks very much, we appreciate your comments! 😀👍

[@MotoTourIreland]

You two have a relaxed way of touring. Keep doing what you do. Excellent video.

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Thanks very much - we prefer the relaxed approach - no sense in rushing around! 😀👍

[@stephenchapman8344]

Great to see you back on tour. 👍

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Thanks Stephen - it’s great to be back on the road! 😀👍

[@mikepovey8180]

Been on most of the routes you have done and thank you for your information about them

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Thanks Mike! 😀👍

[@michael1061]

Nice to see you again , thanks for the ride .

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Thanks very much Michael! 😀👍

[@terryfernets1922]

I love the music it's so relaxing , great videos of places that some of us won't get a chance to see😊

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Thanks very much Terry 🙏 we’re glad you enjoyed it and thanks for watching! 😀👍

[@Champaynesheepy]

Cracking Tour and lovely weather 👌

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Thank you 🙏 we we’re definitely lucky with the weather! 🌞😀👍

[@JohnLongdin]

Looks like the start of a really nice trip thank you, although I was very concerned that there wasn't a clam chowder in sight 😂

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Thanks John - yes we really missed the clam Chowder this time! 😀👍

[@suegibbons2508]

😂

[@IAMDENRIDEPOV]

France is so poetic. I lo. 13:00 What is it? It's really interesting. 19:00 Look at the beautiful beach i love your trip

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Thank you 🙏 the Transporter Bridge was really fascinating and historic and whole the scenery was amazing and we haven’t even reached France yet! 😀👍

[@stepheneldridge6998]

Excellent video guys, good to see you back on the road! Cheers Steve

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Thanks very much Steve glad you enjoyed it and thanks for watching! 😀👍

[@peterhobbs7609]

Great to see you guys back on the road, Bon voyage

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Thank you Peter - always good to be back on tour! 😀👍

[@bun.touring]

It's a very beautiful touring road. I wish I could ride it. From Japan

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

It is beautiful but then again we hear Japan is beautiful too! Thanks for watching! 😀👍

[@patrickjbrennan1825]

Very well put together review. Thank you.

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Thanks very much Patrick! 😀👍

[@TheVolumeSociety]

Very nicely done. So easy to watch you both. Great quality video too. Enjoy and stay safe. Cheers from Canada. 🇨🇦

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Thanks very much 🙏 we appreciate your comments! 😀👍

[@sweebeyh4327]

Great video with loads of really helpful info. Thanks for sharing your experiences. Helps so much with planning future trips for me and everyone else. 👍

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Thanks very much 🙏 we’re glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for watching! 😀👍

[@vitorneto8]

Great to meet Sue as i was coming into Deck 2, she was at the door. I am the guy on your video 8.37 with the (high-viz) k1600. great video as always!!!

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Great to meet you too - hope you had a great trip! 😀👍

[@christophermoss4295]

I love watching your videos, nice to see you both having fun.

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Thanks very much Christopher we’re glad you enjoyed it and thanks for watching! 😀👍

[@klauswolf180]

Hi guys it´s nice to see you back again on Streets have a great trip through France and take of you !! greats klaus

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Danke Klaus🙏 it’s good to be back on tour! 😀👍

[@ujay888cc]

Glad to see you back ☝️😎

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Thanks very much Jay! 😀👍

[@110adventures7]

Found you via on the road. Great video, you can't beat the open road and moto travelling. I've just come back from Mostar very very hot.

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Thanks very much - you’re absolutely right - the open road and a bike! Nothing better!😀👍

[@suebt8794]

How fantastic to see you both out and about again. What a wonderful surprise to see your vlog. I really enjoy our journey's together xxx

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Thank you Sue, always great to have you along 🙏 thanks for your support! 😀👍xx

[@5coaly]

Great video as always!Looking forward to seeing where you go thru France. We are planning a tour in Sept down towards Annecy and possibly Switzerland. As I don't have a bike atm, we're taking our Z4 car. At least we can take more luggage!!😬😉 Hondarribia and the hotel there looks lovely. Julie x

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Thank you Julie 🙏 sorry to hear you’re without 2 wheels 😳 but hope you have an amazing trip on 4 wheels in September! 😀👍

[@boblynch7535]

Our family, 7 of us, did a pedal ,bike tour late April/ early May from Santander to Gijon in 6 days. The outfit was “ Away from the Crowds” and they provided the bikes, helmets, etc. They shifted our luggage and booked our lodging each day. Iwas certainly missing my Tiger but then it wouldn’t have been a family trip. What incredible country!! Green as Ireland but with perhaps a bit less rain. Lovely people, incredible seafood and crazy cheap wine! I have this one pic across farmland to the Picos where the ocean is a half mile behind me. Good Lord. If it wasn’t for great friends and lack of money I’d move there in a heartbeat.

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Thanks Bob - sounds like an amazing trip! But like you, I’d be missing a motor 😀. It certainly is a great country to do that kind of trip - best if both world’s - go back with your Tiger! 👍😀

[@bogusm8940]

Brian & Sue! Great to see you guys again. This trip looks like it going to be a straight up banger for sure. Can’t wait to see the rest of the series. Where do you find time to do all this traveling? I can’t get away for a weekend. Take care and ride safe.

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Thank you 🙏 glad you enjoyed it - as far as time is concerned - when you get to my age you have to get on with it while you can! 😀👍

[@leeandjancruise]

Another excellent vlog well presented, surprisingly once again I only came across your latest vlog by accident even though I'm a subscriber? Your trip down to Plymouth reminded me of when the wife and myself rode down from Bolton to Plymouth on our Honda X11 for a two week planned stay in France, it rained so hard riding down that I almost gave up half way, anyway we persevered and caught the fast ferry to Cherbourg then rode south to our accommodation, fabulous weather and never saw another drop of rain for the whole fortnight. Ride safe.

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Thanks Lee and Jan! That’s a very long trip from Bolton to Plymouth, especially 2 up - it’s worth it when you get across the channel and find some nice weather 🌞😀! Not sure why you didn’t a notification when a new video is released? 🤔 you did hit the bell? 👍😀

[@leeandjancruise]

@@midlifemotorcyclediaries Doh! Thought I had, seems I hadn't. Thanks.🤡

[@Creativehealing444]

Lovely video. Thank you ❤

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Thanks very much Jane! 😀👍

[@Banksy1952]

Good morning, great to see you back on the road again 😊

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Thank you Stephen, we appreciate you watching our latest adventure! 😀👍

[@grahambex5829]

Great video of your UK-SPAIN-FRANCE-UK Motorcycle trip so far. It's so good it's almost as if I am riding with you both. I even lean on the bends in the road!. Cant wait till next part if your trip airs.

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Thanks very much Graham 🙏 we’re so glad you’re enjoying our trip and thanks for watching and commenting! 😀👍

[@brianfarrelly7151]

Loved your ride along the N634 - wonderful coastal scenery. Have a great trip.

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Thank you Brian - we love coastal routes, especially in the sunshine! ☀️ 😀👍

[@bazzwell99]

We Love following you guys, now please help convince my beautiful wife to take her mod one and 2. I'm paying and she rides well and will fly through.

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

It really was one of my better decisions to take my test, Barry. We have a lot of fun travelling together and making memories. Being pillion was ok too but I love riding my own. 🏍️🏍️👍

[@expatbiker6598]

Get her comfortable heated gear and a comfy seat as a pillion if all fails.

[@johnnys5419]

At last, there you are😊 So good to see you again🥰 It’s so relaxing to watch your videos. Oh my god, how l miss my bike (sold last October)😢

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Thanks very much Johnny 🙏 thank for supporting the channel - you need to replace your bike! 😀👍

[@alanread136]

Great that you're back on the road again,look forward to the beer oclocks 🍺

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Thank you Alan we appreciate your support and thanks for watching! 😀👍

[@PhilMcKinley-qj1ro]

Best bike tour video I have seen for a long time. Congratulations your presentation is first rate. So informative and has created a thought to copy cat you with my wife.

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Thanks very much Phil, we’re glad you enjoyed it - there’s nothing better than touring with your wife/best buddy! 😀👍

[@erwinballings9155]

Hello, all well with you both ?Another wonderful video. Thanks for posting and already looking forward to the next one. 😃👍❤ regards Erwin

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Thanks very much Erwin 🙏 we’re both doing well and hope you are too? Glad you enjoyed our latest adventure and thanks for watching! 😀👍

[@jimweagant8920]

Thanks for the great video and ride along

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Thank you Jim - we’re glad you enjoyed it! 😀👍

[@dannyjacquitighe3880]

Love you guys 🏍️ beer o clock

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Thanks very much both of you 🙏 we’re glad you enjoyed it! 😀👍

[@davehalliday6657]

Well I must have watched every episode on you tube and loved every one. Love the content and information about hotels/accommodation. Tell you what I would like to see you do is Austrailia and New Zealand. Keep them coming got to go it's beer o'clock lol 🍺🥂

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Thanks very much Dave 🙏 we’re glad you’re enjoying our little adventures! My very first bike tour was South Island New Zealand / God’s Own Country! The trouble is now it’s so expensive to get there! 😀👍

[@volksmania114]

Hello, great to see you back on the road and allowing us to travel with you, take care and ride safe, looking forward to the next one

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Thanks very much 🙏 we’re glad you could follow along with us and thanks for watching! 😀👍

[@paulmorris3022]

Hi Both, brilliant video as always. i love that you put so much information into your trips including costs etc. Reference the transporter bridge. There is one in Newport, South Wales. i don't know if it is still in use though.

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Thanks very much Paul glad you enjoyed it 🙏 never seen a transporter bridge before and found it fascinating! 😀👍

[@BlackThor15]

Awesome to see you both back on the road again. Enjoy and safe trip! 👍👍

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Thank you Nelio, glad you enjoyed it! 😀👍

[@mattadkin4628]

Thank you for another wonderful video. Have watched all your videos! Myself and wife toured Wales last summer and are doing the Northumberland 250 this summer! Am test riding a 900gtpro this weekend with a view of doing your exact Tour de France next year! Loved all your videos and can’t wait for the next. Safe riding xx

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Thanks very much Matt 🙏 we’re glad you’re enjoying our tours ! We hope you have a fantastic time on the Northumberland 250 - we loved it - thanks for watching! 😀👍

[@zzrrf]

😀Gidday Brian and Sue, great job on the video. Looks like another great adventure you ones are on. Great Riding, Great Food and Bring on Beer🍺 oclock Lol . Catch ya on the next one, Cheers Paul🍻🍻👍👍

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Thanks Paul 🙏 we had a great trip to France ( at last!) Hope you enjoy the tour! 👍😀

[@rodneybutler7939]

Great Video"s, but ( always a but ), I have to wonder what a trip like this one cost, ( USA ) dollars. I like the way you travel !!! ( RELAXED ) THANKS !!!!

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Thanks Rodney, we’re glad you enjoyed it! A big trip like this would be pretty expensive - ferry, hotels, petrol and food - probably a few thousand dollars for sure, but then again it’s our one big trip of the year so no different to what people would spend on a 2 week vacation! 😀👍

[@trevorthorn5011]

Glad to see you both again on a another adventure take care ride safe

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Thank you Trevor - it’s good to be back on tour and thanks for watching! 😀👍

[@daveblenkiron6011]

Great to see another video but I prefer the Tees Transporter Bridge, Sue you must know this one 😂

[@suegibbons2508]

I absolutely do, Dave. Never went on it but saw it regularly as a kid. 😄👍

[@ridgebackrhodesian]

Great to see another adventure from you guys. I also had problems locating hotels and their entrances. I was using a well-known booking app. I just wish they would put the "What Three Words" along with the hotel address. I did suggest it to them, but hey ho. Safe travels.

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Thanks very much Les - you’re absolutely right about locating hotels - you’d think sat nav’s would be enough but obviously not! 😂😀👍

[@craigmarsh3221]

Good morning to the both of you lovely video so very enjoyable I am so very jealous of you there is a very similar bridge in Middlesbrough but at the moment it's out of order all the best 😊😊.

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Thanks very much Craig - yes, the bridge is amazing- just fascinating to watch! Didn’t know there was one in Middlesbrough! 😀👍

[@suegibbons2508]

I lived in Middlesborough untilI was 12, Craig. I remember the Transporter bridge well. Never went on it though 😄👍

[@kevinf-b5065]

Good choice going to Plymouth and the Pont Aven. I have just arrived on the Salamanca from Portsmouth, the slowest ferry in the world! So much for eco ferry's

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Thanks Kevin - you’re absolutely right we came back last time from Santander to Portsmouth and it took forever! 😀👍

[@GrahamSutherland-xi6vd]

come on Bri, cheer up Lad! You look so miserable unless you're cracking a cheeser when you get your photograph taken. In contrast, Sue seems very positive. Good outlook.

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

😂 yeah I’m the serious one and Sue’s always cheerful! 😀👍

[@davidlee4966]

If you plan to stay in Winterbourne, let me know you are welcome to stay over all biker friendly with a garage, and we also have a really good pub and restaurant a short away the brewers and Holm please look it up

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Thanks very much David we appreciate it! 😀👍

[@russcattell955i]

The North coast of Spain is often overlooked, Some great roads for biking.

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Thanks Russ - you’re right there are some amazing roads in the North of Spain! 😀👍

[@graemeshaw9716]

Hi Brian and Sue. Really glad to see you touring again, bloody brilliant👍 I'm riding a 1250 GS and thinking about maybe getting the higher screen. Is this what you have Brian? If so do you recommend over the standard? I've got a little add on thing attached to the top of the original and seems to work ok but its a bit of a distraction in my eye line (camera) if I'm honest. Thoughts?

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Thank you Graeme we’re glad you’re enjoying our tours 🙏 to be honest I have no problem with my screen, it’s a standard size and gives me all the protection I need - that may be because I’m a short arse 😂 I think taller riders often add the clip on but the standard screen works perfectly for me! 😀👍

[@graemeshaw9716]

Thanks Brian👍 Really appreciate your quick response👍 Keep them vids coming as they are always a great watch and appreciated👍🏍️

[@terenceotoole8636]

Good to see your travels again. I assume that you always go for secure hotel parking for the bikes. Is this ever an issue. Safe travels.

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Thank you Terence - we always try to book accommodation that has some kind of security for the bikes - it’s not possible everywhere but occasionally we have had to park the bikes on the street outside the hotel and we would only do that in small towns/villages like we did in Ireland where it’s pretty safe. In a bigger town/city we would always find hotels with a car park! 😀👍

[@AlistairLennox]

I enjoy following you on your trips but it would be so much better if you had more bike sounds and less music….just my opinion. 😉 That said, I really do enjoy your videos and this trip has certainly given me ideas for next year. 👍

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Thanks very much Alistair 🙏 it’s obviously a personal preference - some people like music, others don’t! Glad you got some ideas for your future trips and thanks for watching! 😀👍

[@stephenwilliams1824]

For every vlogger that makes a video of their EU trip, there are 100’s like me that just go and do it. Took an action camera but, it stayed in my bag and not attached to the bike. Besides sunshine, a country road with hedges is par for the course in motorcycle touring.

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

You’re absolutely right, most people don’t vlog - we decided we wanted to create memories so we could look back when we’re old and crinkly! 😂😀

[@PhilMcKinley-qj1ro]

Did you consider Portsmouth to Santander route??

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Hi Phil, yes we did but it’s far too long a crossing for us - I think you spend 2 nights on the ferry! 😀👍

[@mikepovey8180]

Good to see you both back. I'm going that route in August, looks totally pooo at Plymouth off. Why don't they cater for bikers. Utter shit lol glad you guys are back. 😂😁 currently in Cambodia and Thailand and Vietnam touring. So keep up the good vidios

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Yes Plymouth is really poor for facilities 😟 - we loved Vietnam and Cambodia - great places - are you on bikes or standard holiday ? 😀👍

[@jonathandenham-i6w]

Great video. I am thinking of doing a similar trip. Out of interest, why did you choose to sail from Plymouth rather than Portsmouth?

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Thanks Jonathan glad you enjoyed it - we chose Plymouth because although it’s a pain to get there it’s the shortest crossing to Santander and the Bay of Biscay is notoriously unpredictable so the less time spent crossing it the better! 😀👍

[@nigelthompson8314]

Hi what was the date you started this trip?

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Hi Nigel, we set off from Plymouth on 26th May! 😀

[@EmsillCazm]

Hi guys, what are your thoughts on The George at Middle Wallop? You made it sound like the photographers photographs made it more than it was. We are travelling through that way and looking for a one night stop.

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Hi, the pictures on booking. com certainly make it look better than It is - both the location and the building itself. It was ok but we wouldn’t stay over again. ☺️

[@EmsillCazm]

Thank you for your feedback x

[@EmsillCazm]

Safe trip 👍

[@nickrogers890]

Any reason why you didn’t sail from Pompey rather than ride all the way to Plymouth?

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

We considered it Nick but the Plymouth crossing to Santander is a lot shorter and you can never guarantee the weather in the Bay of Biscay !🤢😀👍

[@fjrboy]

There's a transporter bridge exactly the same in Newport..1906

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Thanks for the info - it’s really interesting - having never seen one before we discover there are lots all over the place! 😀👍

[@fjrboy]

@@midlifemotorcyclediaries ..the sister transporter bridge to the Newport one is on Middlesbrough,they are the only 2 in UK

[@fphr67]

BMW Triumph and you name your dog Harley? 😂😅

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Exactly! It’s the only Harley we’ll ever own 😂 - can’t imagine a dog named GSA or GT PRO! 😂😀👍

[@YorkshireSoloRider]

Fancy a companion on your next trip? 😬

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Thank you but we’re more than happy riding as a couple! 😀👍

[@Silvbikeland]

Nobody listens to accordéon anymore in France. Sylvie (French rider on triumph 900 got pro)!

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

What a shame - it still sounds very French! 😂 ( good bike choice! )😀👍

[@davidmatthews3093]

Really? I wonder why several towns and villages near to me still have accordion festivals?

[@starkravingdazza4606]

A dogging area on the ferry? Posh!

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Brittany Ferries cater for everything! 😀👍

[@JeffFowle]

Please could we have more commentary and less of the music !

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Sorry Jeff I like my music!🎵 😀👍

[@tartanblackcountrytourist]

Hi :)). Looking forward to these vlogs.. A leetle bit ov zeee continaaant my leetle coisssants. Sue always reminds me of Monica Bellucci . When she was asked what's it like being a bond girl.. She replied NOOO .. I am a bond WOMAN . Sue is a biker WOMAN not a biker chick. Brings a true feeling of the civilised doing the continent classic vibe to the screen 🤓💯❤‍🩹🎬📽🤳

[@midlifemotorcyclediaries]

Thank you 🙏 Monica Bellucci was right ! I’m very lucky to have a biker woman to ride with - thanks for watching and commenting! 😀👍