The Fake Hedonism of Motorcycle Travel / Motorcycle Trip Bosnia / Royal Enfield Interceptor 650

[@monawoka97]

What I got out of my 9 day motorcycle trip this spring, more than anything else, was simplicity. It was just so unbelievably refreshing to reduce my daily concerns to such a small and simple set of tasks. Cover miles. Don't run out of gas. Eat food. Find a place to sleep. Enjoy the views and being on the bike. That's it. It's so tactile and direct and straightforward. The complex stressors of modern day life create this vague, unending sense of worry. It's difficult to ever know if you're truly done. There's always this feeling that there's something you're forgetting about that you should be tending to. There's also more you could have done at work. There's always the fear that your relationships are slowly fading because you're not giving them enough attention. On a motorcycle trip all that falls away for a while. It made me remember how simple life can be and I LOVED it.

[@nickolaskays8192]

Well said....Thankyou

[@stevetheaxe]

Great points mate. Thats wahat i get too

[@furthereast6775]

Great description I feel you. I get that from backpacking in the mountains far more. Task at hand is literally find a place to sleep, find a water source, navigate our off trail route through landscape. It’s the ultimate.

[@backpackmark]

Spot on

[@hayduke]

@@furthereast6775 Exactly, I was going to say the same thing. I love short-ish through hikes (1-2 weeks) in wild places. For me nothing resets the artificial 'needs' and 'priorities' of the modern urban reality better than backpacking. Although it's a privilege and requires being financially comfortable, carrying everything you need on your back with your only concerns being making it to the next camp site is hugely satisfying and rewarding.

[@gtheofanopoulos]

I travel with my motorcycle, just to turn my bike at as many corners as possible. That's it. No other reason. No cameras, no SM posts, no telling others about it. Just fckiing break, turn and accelerate the bike. That's awesome. Not what I live for. But, just plain awesome.

[@jeff7712]

Well said!

[@Newage321]

Yes yes yes. Mountain roads are a dream

[@JCBigCat]

*brake

[@Red_Cupp]

Now you sound like a fantastic riding partner.

[@Plough78]

​@@JCBigCat throw or threw

[@ORflycaster]

I have no idea who first said it, but “ride your own ride” is the 100% accurate truth. Don’t worry about marketing, social media, or friends. Ride for yourself in the manner that YOU enjoy, whether thats one hour rides or one year tours around the world. Don’t succumb to main character syndrome. Just ride the bike that you love on the roads that make you smile. And if dressing up like a pirare, Power Ranger, or “adventure rider” makes you feel extra special for some sort of perceived validation, then so be it. You’re getting that from motorcycling too. But if you find yourself only going through the motions in pursuit of a fantasy that someone else portrayed, and it feels like a grind rather than grins, it’s time for honest self reflection and a possible bike sale.

[@zoydpatterson1817]

Absolutely agree with the points you made on this topic. Just do something for yourself the way you want to do it - without being a victim of marketing and trends.

[@FreeMilesMC]

I think doing things for yourself is the Central one ☺️

[@C_R_O_M________]

People understand that marketing has embedded elements of deception and they DO take that into consideration when they are making conscious decisions. What differs among people is the level and quality of those conscious decisions themselves: are they really conscious or are they driven by unconscious and unresolved issues?

[@rolliverrolliver1155]

Great perspective! At some point in time everything seemed to be about doing what you love to the extreme. That, however, is not reality. Don't buy the lies. Life can only get so good. Be happy with it. There is a lot more to it than doing one thing.

[@Mountainchip]

Excellent question. I wish more people thought about things this deeply. After 35 years of all kinds of riding I don’t think I can live life to the fullest on a bike. Don’t get me wrong, I’d give up most things before my bike. It’s just that there is a lot more to life than bikes. (Yeah, that’s hard to say.) And yes, my 2011 950 Adv is an “adventure” bike. But it’s only called that because of the marketing. The actual adventure comes from the rider, like you say, the bike isn’t important, adventure is in the rider. I get a bit miffed at the grand “adventure” bikes that never even get dirty. Too many people being too concerned about image. Obviously the marketing works. However, no matter the bike, as far as I’m concerned, adventure only starts where things go off plan. That’s where you start to find out about yourself.

[@C_R_O_M________]

@@Mountainchip what bike is that again?

[@happywanderer5632]

I find that long distance motorcycling clears your mind. It's like meditation. The road disappears beneath the GPS's blue line of destiny, your body controls the bike by muscle memory, without conscious input, leaving your mind free to wander, to observe some new sight, to connect it to some past experience, and to reveal an insight that is sometimes a minor epiphany. Audacious construction and vast skies inspire awe, admiration, wonder, humility. You feel your smallness and are reminded to try to make a difference in the lives of those around you. The emptiness of the desert inspires anxiety, as you are far more aware of your vulnerability and your reliance on the kindness of strangers if things go pear shaped. You feel your loneliness and are reminded of the importance of friends. When you’re travelling solo, you have only the task in front of you, and the monkey chatter in your head, reminding you of what’s behind you. On a good day, the monkey chatter is silenced by the rhythms of the road, and something you see triggers the spiritual gift of a new inner monologue. Happiness isn’t something to chase. It happens organically, unexpectedly, and infrequently, like a Spinning Top passing through its axis; for a microsecond in perfect balance, a beer commercial moment before it continues the momentum of its wobble. You can’t find happiness, all you can do is spin the Top faster, to give it stability, so it oscillates less, giving it a better chance to pass through its axis. Riding spins the top.

[@nogerboher5266]

I've been doing this with my car since I was like 19 and didn't even know about all the adventure or travel nonsense. Whenever I would feel bored, stressed and fed up with all the modern, capitalistic, democratic nonsense lifestyle, being forced to waste 9-10 hours on ''a job'' every single day of my life just to be able afford to live my life, as well as many, many other big impact, stressful things in life... I would just pack and prepare my car, wait for Friday, get off work and hop in my car (without GPS) and just drive as far as I wanted to, wherever I wanted to and just get lost in nature with no idea where I'm going and with no reason why - I just went until I felt rested, relaxed and ready to head back home... Sometimes I would cover over 2000 kilometers from Friday to Sunday and I wouldn't be back until Sunday nighttime... I would mostly camp somewhere or sleep in my car but I've also rented rooms in random small towns quite a few times... And as of 2021, I've been doing the same thing with my bike. Last time I did this was 2 months ago, I ended up all the way in Austrian Alps, camping in some random village for 2 days. I was so refreshed and in peace by that trip that for the next 2-3 weeks, I slept like a baby and was unbothered by ANYHTING... Most freeing, mind clearing, back-to-reality feeling ever!

[@richardweeds9566]

Lol😂

[@billyarsenault1970]

Or you could just smoke a joint and go for a spin instead. 😂

[@happywanderer5632]

@@billyarsenault1970 LOL, Dope never did anything for me. Just gave me a headache and made me feel sick. I'll stick to motorbikes :)

[@daweshorizon]

You might be over-thinking here. Have a beer and chill. Love and peace

[@Chartil]

This rings very true mate. I've been zig zagging around Australia on my bike for 25 years. I do seasonal harvest work and travel from state to state chasing the crops usually living in my tent. I get backpackers expecting some guru wisdom and dissapointed when I tell them my major skill is knowing where the best meat pies in Australia are located. Flipside some GS guys seem confused that I do a lot of living off my bike ( X 300 baby Versys) like I'm doing it wrong with all the wrong gear. Riders shocked to hear after Cherries finish I park my bike up and go fishing until apples start as non stop riding sucks ass everything is balance.............. Current highest ranked Pie (Chunky steak Pie @ Little Kiwi bakehouse Nerang Queensland)

[@FreeMilesMC]

Wish I tried out that bakehouse in Queensland wen I was on a surf trip through Queensland but hopefully I visit Australia a second time ☺️

[@roelfkromhout]

I can see how non stop riding on a baby Versys might suck a little lol. Still, I respect it.

[@stevetheaxe]

Have you had one from uncle bucks bakery in Yarck mate? Im licking my lips as i right this?. My wifey and me ride from wagga to melbz to see our granddaughter a lot and always tske the extra 3 hrs to go tbrough the mountains. Two tbings we must do each time is uncle bucks for a pie and vanilla slice donut and a hefeweizen from king river brewery.

[@collyernicholasjohn]

Thanks for tip as a pie connoisseur myself. Will check out Nerang I can recommend C&Js pastries Kilcoy.

[@Chartil]

@@stevetheaxe No way I just went there for first time after lady Pear season I was touring about and yes absolute god level. 😁

[@fuglbird]

I couldn't afford a car when I got my first motorcycle in 1978 for 1100 EUR, a two stroke three cylinder Suzuki GT550. I saved 4 hours compared to the train when I visited my family in the weekends. My girlfriend and I went from Denmark to Monaco and back on that bike on a three week holiday with tent and sleeping bags. We didn't have credit cards back then and we ran out of money after an unexpected repair and a front wheel puncture on the Autoroute. We only had money left for fuel. We lived on a baguette and camped on edges of football pitches on our way back. That was a great trip. It was never a struggle.

[@davidphillips7255]

Great bike. I put 30,000 km on one of those. When Cycle magazine tested the middleweights in 75 they called the GT550 " Understated Fast and Friendly: The King of the Middleweights".

[@C_R_O_M________]

It surely depends on the company!

[@mithrandirthegrey7644]

Did the same except solo in 2008. Took my bike and just headed south from England with destination nowhere. Ended up meeting a girl in France and another one in Italy. It was an awesome summer. To be fair though I could have done the same journey in a cage. The MC had nothing to do with the people that I met. I just enjoy the wind in my face when traveling.

[@Nonicknameleftforme]

That is a nice story and to be honest... I don't think today a relationship would survive such a change of events in a holiday. Great that you two overcame the problems and still enjoyed the time spent together.

[@jonathanr72]

That's impressive buying anything using euros in 1978.

[@johnarmstrong3140]

I got my motorcycle licence in China. Bought a small Yamaha and accumulated 20000km. If you ride a motorcycle in China they presume you are poor. I’ve never been so free. Nobody can take those memories from me.

[@renatobfa]

I think that social media spoiled that idea and made people overhype/overthink motorcycle travel in general, but also, most people do it in this day and age to videotape themselves and generate clicks, which is quite the opposite of its original purpose (to enjoy the freedom, to 'forget the world' and the problems, to meditate', to just appreciate the view, nature, etc etc). I would guess that the people who do motorcycle travel and are most happy would be those that share that experience with just their friends and family in the moment right there, in the flesh, and don't bother to record anything to post on social media. Maybe I'm just old, but social media made life a bit fake and looking like a movie we already watched before.

[@KosmicKitchen]

Well said, social media ambitions corrupt the travelling experience. One tends to perceive the world through a telephone lens, instead of one's own eyes and soul.

[@robertclark5874]

Social media kinda ruined everything that way. Traveling, motorcycling, eating. I rarely ever used it or followed much.

[@ramsy66]

Social media is like a drug addiction. You know you shouldn't want it or enjoy it but you just can't help yourself once you've hit a certain level of usage. It becomes a habit and starts to seep into your subconscious. I think recording and sharing adventures is perfectly fine if you're into that. So long as it doesn't become all about generating income by gaining as much attention as possible with click bait.

[@corybrown8196]

social media, when taken for what its original intention was (documenting and sharing the stories important to you in your life), is a good thing. It can add to the love of moto exploration by capturing and sharing your adventure with the people you care about. If you're doing it to get clicks and some kind of weird social media status, then yes-- it sucks the life out of the whole thing. if you don't care about clicks, then i think capturing your adventure is fuckin' awesome

[@renatobfa]

@@corybrown8196 Is just made a 20 line response and then lost everything for a missclick .. anyway, I agree, but the thing is, virtually everyone that posts today fall into that trap of pursuing clicks, because the sentiment of getting no attention is too painful and those guys eventually give up posting. What is left are the clicky baity same thing. That's why is so dificult to go back to the good old times when social medial wasn't a job to make side money.

[@richardsmith5249]

One of my most memorable moments was not really an adventure. I was driving an old Dnepr sidecar outfit across the country to go to a party (admittedly it was about 200 miles away). About 50 miles short of my destination, the machine died. It was a lovely, sunny early evening among cornfields, with no people and no traffic. The problem was a loose wire, easily fixed. But, sitting there by the side of the road, it was so idyllic, so blissfully peaceful, that I almost regretted how quickly the problem was resolved. In the event, I sat there for maybe another 10 or 15 minutes, looking at the fields and the sky and the sun, and my old outfit, soaking it all in, before finally resuming my journey. A very little bit of adventure, but a lot of enjoyment.

[@FreeMilesMC]

That is a very Beautiful Story ☺️

[@Backtoreality1873]

Inner peace my friend. I admire you for recognizing this small window and living in it for a while.

[@IkkeBareAnders]

Been right there myself on a 1997 Ural 😆 It died next to a slow flowing river, sun setting in the distance. Beautiful.

[@rchaelk2319]

That would be actually horrifying though. Like you only have 1 bike and can't even sleep in it if things go south for long rides. Wdym a lot of enjoyment 😬😬

[@richardsmith5249]

@@rchaelk2319 it was a very minor breakdown, easily fixed, not horrifying at all. And there's not many motorcycles that you can sleep in. Although I was going to be camping that night, so there was a tent etc in the sidecar.

[@SandraOrtmann1976]

I used to watch motorcyle "travel" channels a lot. However, as my husband and myself put together a camping set ourselves, I noticed that we will do no more "offroading" but the gravel road on the campsite. Yes, we are total glampers. We have our basecamp at the campsite and explore the area. On road. We did this one time now and it was a lot of fun. We are absolutely no rebels. We enjoy riding our bikes a lot. Otherwise, we are admittedly no different than we people who travel by car. Boring, I know. We also do not film anything. We really just do it for ourselves, to spend time together and relax. That's it.

[@christucker7425]

Having a good time is not boring!

[@nickbarber2080]

"You...may have gone to the stars. And you came back because you found nothing there except, again, yourself."

[@briancaldwell6799]

yep.....like astronaut monkey.....sent him in rocket but he was flyin to fast to see ...

[@slowfox_]

wherever you go, there you are

[@philcarmichael6090]

Very old rider (65.4 yrs) here. Long, empty-ish roads...Utah/Nevada/Far South East Calif. where the nearest tiny town is almost 100 miles away ..thats where the mind magic happens. Thats where your thoughts can play out and unwind the knots and at the same time your eyes can feast on the glorious beauty of natures sunbleached nothing. Kawi 400 cc 2 stroke triple, Tri. 500 Twin, Yam XV 920, Honda PC 800, Suzuki 550, ..all of those bikes carried me over long expanses of asphalt, gravel roads and a few 2 track dirt roads. Haha, I took the PC 8 on a dirt road more than once. The age old adage..Run What Ya Brung..is so true. Difficult, enriching experience...seat of the pants without care if someone else deemed it proper, thats a good goal.

[@patfinnegan467]

I suggest that you stop and take a hike every day you ride. The exercise and quiet solitude are uplifting especially after a rough ride. Yet, when you get back on the bike, the ride is exhilarating and relaxing at the same time. Perhaps after the enjoyable but intense effort of a rigorous hike, the bike covers miles so easily it is difficult not to enjoy. And then when you finally hit pavement again where you can accelerate it feels like heaven!.

[@michaelsrensen1138]

Spot on - I'm 71 and can't ride off-road for days. My worn-out body can't handle it - I often go to Sweden and ride dirt roads, because there you get closer to nature. I sleep in shelters far out in the forest, where I am alone in complete peace. But when it has been hard on the body for many hours on gravel, I need some asphalt with many beautiful turns - so it will be a wonderful mix of everything - I love riding around far away from everything, out in the wilderness ! 😅

[@claychastain2254]

You nailed it brother. My explanation of needing adventure is that we envy previous generations of explorers who were discovering new things. I spend a lot of time trying to get as far off road with the hope of seeing something that no one else ever has. But when I think I've found it, I look down and see a used condom. Dammit!

[@zed5129]

Lol!

[@S50Sinner]

I think it's important to relativize discovery, to seek the discovery of things *you* haven't seen before, and to ask yourself why it's important that no one else has. Does exclusivity really matter? Millionaires will pay a fortune to get something limited edition or to join an exclusive club just to set themselves apart, but is that really central to the human experience, or is it just a red herring? Isn't it better to be one of many, and know that there are other people in the world who are as dedicated, as curious and as adventurous as you? I reckon the world is no less beautiful because others have laid their eyes on it. It isn't any smaller just because others have navigated it.

[@crispinleslie]

I just enjoy riding a motorcycle- and I am very nosy. I ride a KLR because the ergonomics suit me. I’m not a rebel, I’m not a trail blazer and I feel no need to pull wheelies or drift through corners. I regard every ride - even to work- as a micro adventure.

[@FreeMilesMC]

The klr is an amazing workhorse

[@ZealothPL]

Ah, the good old Tractor lol

[@EricTheBody]

Over the years, I’ve Changed the way I motorcycle tour. Instead of long days and lots of miles, I usually only do a half day now. I sleep in. Take my time. Find somewhere so camp really early and spend the afternoon looking around, hiking, swimming, reading, fishing, meeting people, etc. For me it’s so much more rewarding. End the suffering and start enjoying. I used to ride KLRs but now I ride a 30 year old Suzuki. I’m thinking of downsizing even more. We’ll see.

[@ricardosacub]

That's the way! I can't understand how lots of people want to cover miles and miles. I also love to ride, stop in some interesting place (whichever It's interesting to me), walk, grab some food and a soda, ride a little more, rest in a nice place and maybe do some more walking

[@nderezic]

motorcycle travel looks best when watched on TV: adventure, excitement, macho, tough, freedom ... in real life it's soar butt, scorching hot and freezing cold, stinky clothes, sleeping in the rough, long exhausting hours of highway driving to get to the interesting off-road section ... one really needs to be crazy to love this torture!

[@233kosta]

I enjoy riding to the airbnb, enjoying some decent mountain roads, then going home.

[@Juergen732]

Aaahhh.. I sense another First World identity crisis coming on.. well rest assured Miles, I am in total sympathy. I found that I was more in love with the "idea" of motorcycle touring than in the actual "doing" of it. It came as a shock and disappointment to me that motorcycling really wasn't that much fun or satisfying as I had idealized it in my imagination. So, I got what I could get out of it and moved on. Nothing lost through the motorcycling experience, I didn't get hurt or worse..killed, and I am now the wiser for it.

[@FreeMilesMC]

Actually huge Respekt that you managed to have that level of introspective and realize that and accordingly adjust. I don’t think many people can do that ☺️

[@suzyamerica4679]

To summarize the summary - riding motorcycles is not your thing. No biggie.

[@Dave-sw2dm]

There are those who have motorcycling in their blood, and those who do it for a time.

[@zed5129]

Yeah I agree. I enjoy short blasts of fast motorcycling, but a long trip on bike makes me wonder why I'm not in a car.

[@zed5129]

@@Dave-sw2dm @suzyamerica4679 How many IOMTT riders do you reckon do massive motorcycle trips? Do you think they "have motorcycling in their blood"?

[@mathiaswagner7125]

Totally agree. For me personally I dont need to struggle and stress myself in my freetime. I just go on short trips for 1 or 2 days on the weekends. see something new, have something nice to eat, enjoy riding and also chilling

[@FreeMilesMC]

Those short trips deserve a lot of praise to that’s also what I wanted to say with the video ☺️

[@daweshorizon]

Ride your bike. Have a beer. Don't overthink. Chill. Repeat. Well that's me anyway. Love and peace.

[@tubecated_development]

3. If you drink beer , think: “stay off the bike”

[@daweshorizon]

@@tubecated_development Have a beer once you've stopped riding, then chill. Repeat the following day. I think I got that in the right order, just to clarify. I do not condone drinking and riding at the same time, that is far from sensible or socially responsible and I don't do it. But after a long day's riding, nothing hits the spot like a nice cool beer!

[@tubecated_development]

@DaneWolf-mx3vg thanks for the quote. I feel like it’s therapy just hearing it online.

[@MrTewaka2]

I have a stand alone voice in my head that loves to travel. We have the best conversations when alone and on a journey. It sounds like BS but the best decisions I've ever made have been in these situations. Not everyone has a guide, but there's much to enpowerment and enlightenment in these moments.

[@burgundypoint]

Going off road is supposed to take you to view sights and locations that you normally wouldn't experience by staying on the paved road. Sometimes the expectation doesn't meet reality, and sometimes it exceeds it.

[@888jackflash]

I've been Sport-Touring for decades. #1- you have to REALLY enjoy riding your motorcycle. If it's even a LITTLE uncomfortable, you're going to be miserable within a couple of days. Or less! #2 - You have to have a DESTINATION.. a GOAL worth achieveing. #3 - You have to find roads that are FUN on the way. It's all about "getting away" on a machine that thrills you.

[@CCooke-nm2be]

Totally agree, personally I find a 150km in one go plenty. I know there seems to be the background pressure to travel massive mileage . For me I have found it much better to do less mileage and stay longer in the places I visit, absorbing the surrounding, rather than travelling through them in a blur.

[@janstolk486]

I went for a motorcycle trip with my daughter , we traveled the whole Americas from Canada to the tip of south america and back , 38,000 km. Best time of my life !

[@hotrod3061]

i could care less what anyone thinks, long distance motorcycle travel is the greatest form of therapy for me

[@boredmalcontent]

That american phrase makes no sense - it's a double non-negative. You *could* care less obviously?

[@zoydpatterson1817]

@@boredmalcontent Perhaps "I couldn't care less" is what he meant? 😃

[@boredmalcontent]

@@zoydpatterson1817 Whoosh!

[@hotrod3061]

@@zoydpatterson1817 i could care less about what some random on the internet thinks of my grammar, i think people knew what was meant

[@zoydpatterson1817]

@@hotrod3061 Sorry, no offense.

[@elwood62]

I love to travel and traveling by motorcycle is much more enjoyable than in a car. I bought into the “adventure” craze years ago, but luckily realized it was stupid before I was able to spend a lot of money on trying to achieve the ultimate status. There will always be someone telling you that you’re doing it wrong. Wrong bike, wrong gear, wrong destination, etc. There is no wrong way to do it. Enjoy life, ride when you can, and get over trying to meet someone else’s idea of what true motorcycling looks like.

[@Kihera-zd8re]

i was just wanting to ask what people thought about travel in a car vs a motorcycle. Thanks for sharing :D So far i have only driven my car (not manual) for 5 hours alone, I don't have a license for motorcycle driving but am considering getting it in the future if it's possible i will like it :)

[@bjrnbirkeland5893]

@@Kihera-zd8re Car vs MC: The car is 100% more practical, comfortable and safer. But the view and feel when on the road is 100% more enjoyable on a MC. As long as you can find a parking spot for your car, it is more practical to do stop with a car and go for a walk and explore. With a MC you have your helmet and riding gear which you have to lock down or bring with you if you stop for a walk. And you might worry for your bike and your luggage on the bike when you are off the bike for a walk. For me, traveling solo, the enjoy of being on the road on an MC exploring roads and places I've never seen before, is what makes me smile.

[@Kihera-zd8re]

@@bjrnbirkeland5893 thank you so much for sharing 😍 i understand, good points about leaving the bike if you are solo and the "stressors" with it if you want to go for a hike for example. What if someone steals something? Very cool. I think I will get a bike license in the future, I have always been a bit scared of driving motorbikes but now I'm more mature and hopefully it could be something I would enjoy too! :D (and if not, that is okay ofcourse)

[@DirkGentley42]

​@@Kihera-zd8re Hi, I enjoy both car travel and motorcycle. The difference for me is that riding the bike you are open to more senses. Driving a car is like watching the trip on TV rather than experiencing it. With the motorcycle you experience more all around. There are downsides, such as having to carry your gear around town or on a hike, or changing into walking shoes, but you might find ways around them (lockable top box big enough for the lid, decent M/C boots that are good for walking - or even just using Army Surplus combat boots). If I was planning much walking around I'd go for armoured over trousers which could be whipped off and stashed in the panniers, rather than M/C jeans. It's only my opinion and everyones experience is different but I find that a smaller, lighter general purpose bike is more fun than a huge dedicate tourer, but then large motorway distances are not what I ride for. The sweet spot for me seems to be a lightish 650/750 twin, but I'm actually now wondering if that is excessive for the type of riding I now do and the roads I enjoy.

[@DavidFranklin-fu7st]

Very good point. The whole "adventure bike" idea is, of course, a marketing idea and not an invitation to self realization or fulfillment. Those concepts are more to be associated with relationships, being a generous and self aware person doing good and taking real life altering chances on things that will matter in the long run, like creating families, creating new wealth and knowledge for yourself and to share with others, a legacy of something of yourself left for the world after you disappear into the ether from whence you came - rather than miles racked up riding goat trails on remote mountains. Aside from that, riding motorcycles is a truly fun diversion, so, carry on.

[@seansixfive]

Haha, good question. I like to follow the path of least resistance. Off road touring is like following the path of most resistance. The best bit of off road touring is when you arrive at some beautiful smooth fresh tarmac. The struggle ends.

[@Machinationstudio]

The exact same thing is happening in non-motorized cycle touring. With gravel and bikepacking and wild camping glorified, while cycle touring and living in hotels is called "credit card bike touring". I think the medium is part of the issue. Rough terrain and wild camping is a lot more KZbin video and Instagram worthy than booking into slightly musty motels. The drone shots look better around lakes and forests than small town cafes. I was enraptured by the idea of an all steel bomb proof bicycle that can carry my tent and hammock and cookset, but I think ultimately, what I really want is a tiny folding bike, a few change of clothes, a credit card, and hopping on and off buses and trains when I want to.

[@Fumanchuisnotdead]

Es lo máximo folding bike, visa card y tiempo para disfrutar y cruzar países con tren, bici, bus y autostop. Di la vuelta al mundo en barco en solitario y viajaba en el interior con mi Dahon y fue extraordinario y jamás compartir fotos ni vídeos ...eso es solo para mi. Pasar desapercibido es lo mejor que pienso a mis 59 años.

[@Machinationstudio]

@@Fumanchuisnotdead Thank you for sharing your travel story!

[@ishbaandori]

In Australia every city is so far away. It makes sense to ride, but when you see a detour or an interesting place on a map, it's similar to your experience in this video where you hit rocky dirt roads to experience something beautiful. Adventure bikes make sense in countries like Australia where you do a lot of highway and need to easily get across a dirt road in a desert, or a bush. You struggle less on an adv bike and it can help you cruise across a big brown land like Aus. Also I ride a Suzuki Vstrom and you can pick them up 2nd hand less than the price of a brand new interceptor. Just my thoughts. Good video, I found it ironic that you were going on an adventure as you were questioning the nature of adventure riding/overlanding. You've gained a new subscriber haha.

[@vincenash1358]

Wow what a great philosophical mind bomb ! Your understanding of English is better than mine and I’m English 😂 an amazing video and felt like you where talking to me personally 👍

[@FreeMilesMC]

Thanks for the compliment. And I am very glad you liked the philosophical approach ☺️

[@Amory98]

MY understanding of English is better than you, and I'm an Asian! Was reading Merry Wives of Windsor once on a train when ran into an Englishman and he asked in bewilderment "you read Shakespeare?!" "To kill time, yes" said I. When I asked him why doesn't he, he was humble enough to let me know he can't read Shakespeare haha. Bizarre times.

[@concernedcanadian8460]

I've criss crossed Canada twice on a motorcycle as a young guy. These days, I'm good going out for a few hours max...do some exporing, get a bit of a thrill. Puts a smile on my face every time.

[@marcbrasse747]

The best motorcycle is the one which actually fulfills your needs. The one your in full control of. It starts with filtering out the fashionable stuff and finding out what you really like and need. My favorite bike is the 1989 Honda NT650 GT Hawk. 170 kg. Between 50 and 60 hp. Nobody needs more.

[@marcbrasse747]

@@randomdude9262 There are a few contradictions in that. Big bore tourer and nimble? I'd be eating you in the bendies. 🙂180 to 200 km/h? That's even becoming to be very complicated in Germany. Good roads are however never that far away there anyway. I think you simply live in the wrong place. 🙂

[@C_R_O_M________]

Any serious motorcyclist needs to have at least 3 motorcycles at any time in his/her garage. Less than that and you run into ugly compromises. After 20 years of riding I have concluded that there's a need for a street, an enduro and an adventure motorcycle and every one of them have their irreplaceable purpose.

[@marcbrasse747]

@@C_R_O_M________ (Mumbles behind hand) Did I say that Honda is the only one? 😁But no off-road (semi or real). For blundering onto non paved roads the Honda also suffices.

[@autismion]

@@C_R_O_M________ I have a dual sport, an enduro and a trials bike. So I guess I need 5 bikes? An adventure and a supersport? Sounds about right. Or I could have just the dual sport. Or. Uhh. Damn I want a 2 stroke enduro also. nc750x, tenere 700, or tracer 9 gt? Wish I could have them all. But I could probably get by with just a trials bike and one between adv/dual sport.

[@s-code-b]

Honda Super Cub C125. But I'd really like to experience the GT Hawk; certainly looks tight.

[@rodrigodepazos3771]

In my case, in general, I travel some weekends, many of them just for the day, and not take away much time from spending with family. And I enjoy the trip, the views, getting to know new places. Sometimes by waiting for "the big trip" we miss out on enjoying the daily and possible journeys. Greetings from Uruguay!!!

[@FreeMilesMC]

Yes that is very true often the little trips can be the most enjoyable ☺️

[@garyhoward4064]

You make interesting points. Our brain demands some forms of struggle surmounting to feel higher emotion, alive and satisfied. Climbing a mountain, playing a tennis match, solving problems, gardening, raising kids, etc. Often, the satisfaction only comes afterwards and creates a film in your memory which you can live again and again at your discretion, typically when about to fall asleep, or when you are feeling down. Btw, nice choice of music.

[@justinneill5003]

I agree with what others have said here, motorcycling is therapeutic. I think it's because not only do you have that sense of freedom on the open road, and a connection with the machine itself and the elements which you don't get in a car, especially on long trips; it also requires your full attention to what you are doing, which displaces all the other crap that clutters your mind on a day to day basis. My other hobby of skiing has a similar effect, and a similar sense of satisfaction, but on a bike it is sustained for longer periods and has the added satisfaction of actually travelling somewhere..

[@PovilasPanavas]

A good video. I did a "test" run last year September with 30 day trip on a rented motorcycle. The idea was to see how I like it, and if I do, to buy my own motorcycle and travel a lot. I haven't travelled before on motorcycle, so that was quite an adjustment. First week was quite hard, and then I learned to book hotel for two nights, it gives enough time to plan my next city and places to visit, also to visit the place I'm staying at, and just to have easier schedule and be more rested. I also reduced the expected mileage form 500-600 to just 250-350km per day. I would even take Uber to places in capital cities, because it was too hot and pointless to ride a motorcycle for 10-15 minutes. So, totally on point about that longer trips gets tiring, and the pace needs to be slowed down. At the end of my trip I was thinking that if I was to continue my trip passed 30 days, I would need to rent a place for a week, and just be lazy in a single spot to recharge. And then continue again. After all this I decided that travelling 2-3 months then taking 2-3 month break, and travelling again should be a very good approach for me. I'm starting my trip with now my own bike in September again, and plan to ride till mid November. It's warm for a long time once one goes South in Europe. And no plans for being influencer. Too much work for me. Thank you for your video and all the best!

[@BlackdogADV]

I’m on my second GS, it’s a 2010 1200GS with over 100,000 miles of exploring. I bought an Interceptor 650 a few months ago that I turned into a Scrambler. With its short suspension travel, small fuel tank and 18” front wheel it will never be a capable adventure bike. Gravel roads like in your video no problem. I even mounted extra fuel cans on the pannier racks. But for a 2 up camping trip to the Arctic Ocean you need an adventure bike. I’m really liking the scrambler but I know its limitations.

[@emilenossin5098]

For me adventure motorcycling is certainly not struggling. That's why I got a T7 World Raid, so that going on unpaved roads towards areas the tourists skip, it's not a struggle. Because I want to enjoy the scenery, I want to take nice photos, I want to enjoy the camaraderie with my friends. And that's also why we don't camp but pick nice little hotels or bed and breakfasts. Not that one needs a T7 (or a GS Adventure which I traded in)), but it does get me comfort, safety and reliability and I have the budget. Very inspiring landscapes you filmed, really wanna go back to that area and explore further.

[@edwinmccracken2686]

What a great discussion point, I came to this conclusion myself recently. My plan now is to hook a trailer to my camper, get a small, light, lower capacity bike and do it in comfort. Me doing me, and not worrying about the crowd.

[@antibant18]

100% agree with you! I traveled from Germany to Greece with my DR650 and realized that the off-road stuff which I had planned didn't really fulfill my craving for adventure. A hard challenge like that is exciting at first, but then grinds you down later on. The people I met along the way made may Tour the adventure I was really seeking.

[@FreeMilesMC]

But really amazing that in the end you still found what you where looking for ☺️

[@silverdale3207]

I think it depends where you live , I'm in New Zealand and we have some beautiful places that are quite remote that require access via private property or rough 4wd tracks which is best on an ADV, lakes , abandoned gold mining towns and remote huts etc. Same I think with Australia. I grew up spending time in the bush tramping etc so that's where I feel the most at home on my bike, i do enjoy the road as well though if the scenery is good.

[@FadyBujana]

Lovely video and lovely point of view. Our extreme boredom or simply lack of depth, has turned us into “adventure” junkies. Everything has to be an adventure now, life, career, relationships, travel etc. otherwise it’s not worth it, “you’re wasting your life if you’re not out here having an adventure”. I say that as someone who has come to the same realization. What happened to appreciating life instead of fighting and trying to win against it?

[@villiamo3861]

Excellent comment.

[@chromaticAberration]

Damn, I love your channel... You absolutely nail it! I own an Interceptor, I'll be 69 years old later this year and I'm planning an european road trip this sommer (maybe not as far as yours, though). That said, your video recalled some memories... I've actually been in this country in 1964 (It was Yugoslavia back then and I was only 9 years old) with my parents and my younger brother in an already ageing Peugeot 403 and we probably drived on the same dirt roads as you just did! We had a lot of fun, even when the car broke down a couple of times, always meeting awesome people always ready to help... Sleeping in the car or in a tent on the roadside (To be waken up by the Milicia because it was illegal!)... you get the picture. At the end of the day, it's not so much about the material challenges but mostly about interacting with people, experiencing another culture and enjoying the landscape.

[@FreeMilesMC]

I am so happy that my video made you reminisce about past days I have similar memories of a road trip I did with a friend to go surfing in Portugal when living out of my car ☺️

[@edwardcharlton1396]

I've just completed a trip from Northern England to France and back on an Interceptor 650. The most exhilarating and intense part was blasting through 150 miles of an amber weather warning for rain on the A1. It just wouldn't have been the same in the car.. half way through my banana split was a large tea, surprisingly blissful. Love your content, and the views in Bosnia!

[@FreeMilesMC]

That Sounds like a lovely Trip

[@suzyamerica4679]

@Edward - just got back from my 5th time to Wallowa Valley Rally in the USA. By the 3rd one, I was leading rides, and this time I got to lead a spirited pavement ride (sport touring bikes 650cc+) from Enterprise OR to Asotin WA and thence to the ghost town of Chesterland WA. In between those first two points is the infamous Rattlesnake canyon, a series of twisties with cliffs off to one side. Still riding my first bike (Versys 650) and putting 10K+ miles on it most years. Presently in the process of acquiring a true desert-rat classic bike, the Honda XR650L. Keep the rubber side down! :)

[@DragosDreamer1989]

I believe Elspeth Beard's book "Lone Rider" resonates with your main idea of this video, that long distance travel on a motorcycle is not all sunshine and rainbows. My longest trip was just over a week long into the Alps, by myself, but it was the most fulfilling moto-trip I ever had. Mostly because I did what I wanted, when I wanted. I rode at a pace I was comfortable with, I planned my trip and my days EXACTLY how I wanted, and it all went great. In the end it is your own time, money and physical effort, so spend them wisely, as YOU would like to spend them... not how social media urges you too.

[@SteveInskip]

Yes, I much prefer that than the sickly-sweet travel channels that are around at the moment. Another worthwhile read is Going the Wrong Way by Chris Donaldson.

[@matthewhoopes4440]

For me the off road part plays a big role because 99% of my riding is solo. To have an obstacle that needs to be overcome and to be alone creates feelings of discomfort. But to succeed in conquering that obstacle gives much satisfaction. That can be applied to many things in life.

[@johnburgess2397]

There is no mystical philosophy to motorcycling if your looking for something like that join a monastery. Motorcycling is nothing more than a means of transport, but it doesnt matter how bad you feel or how stressed you feel before you get on by the time your ride is over you have a smile on your face. When you ride you focus on 10 times more things around that a car driver which doesnt leave much left to focus on stress and thats most likely why you feel better, see it isnt mystical but it is fun.

[@johnburgess2397]

You say at the end of your clip that riding for a living would not give you the enjoyment and on that I disagree, I used to be a motorcycle dispatch rider and over 1.6 years covered 136000 miles and there was only 2 journeys that I did not enjoy both were to the same place and on both occasions I encountered freezing fog and on a bike thats terrifying but the rest of the time I loved it.

[@jasonporthouse5042]

I love this message. So true and it's so easy to fall into the 'must get a GS/AT/Tenere and drive across a mountain' mindset in order to be a 'proper' motorcyclist. The simple joy of just riding, wherever that may be, no agenda no plan... priceless and no less of an experience.

[@WaffleShortage]

i wish i could get into this. but i am struggling to spend time on the bike. it just feels way too dangerous to ride here. i cannot stand to be around so many cars in an urban setting. the american urban metro sprawl is horrific.

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

The adventure happens on the way. That is so true. I was on a tour in Bosnia just a month before you. The videos (the Series) will be ready for December.

[@3.14name]

Philosophy and motovlogging ? This is the holy grail

[@FreeMilesMC]

Haha Thank you ☺️

[@douwe4549]

My adventure bike is a measly suzuki freewind that costed 1200 euro, it is bloody perfect. Does not impress no one, its just a tool to feel free..

[@FreeMilesMC]

I am curius about the Suzuki Freiwind now 😂

[@davidskogley3570]

I had one for three years as well and it was a wonderful bike. The DR 650 engine the bike has is, as the Germans say, "ein Gedicht".

[@MarkDaleADV]

I have a CCM 644 R30, which also uses the Freewind motor, I tend to think the DR motor (which is different - less complex but more powerful) might be the better choice for travel.

[@mortenlangvik8883]

Important dialogue. I reached the same conclusions as you. I enjoy getting on my bike in my free time and riding, but enjoying the journey, taking my time, riding to destinations that I really want to visit and stopping to do activities that I enjoy along the way.

[@FreeMilesMC]

Thanks ☺️

[@903lew]

I think, for me, that the disconnect and the contrast is what does it. Where do I want to go, what do I want to do when no one in the world has any demands on me? A few weeks ago I was touring the Baltics and stopped at the historical museum of Raseniai. I was only going to refill my water bottle but the nice lady asked me if I wanted to see the exhibit. I tell you, I was in tears before we had left the first floor of what she described as ‘a small museum in a small town in a small country’. Would never have stopped if travelling any other way. Is this possible when working whilst travelling? I’m not sure. But the very point of my travels is that I don’t know what will happen. Adventure for me is not knowing. I do it on a Tracer and it does dirt roads when I need it to. But it’s not the road, it’s not the bike. It’s the people you meet and the places you see. Pink soup and fried bread in Vilnius, swimming in a lake in Latvia because it was too warm in gear to do anything else. “Adventure bikes”? Shit, I can do that on a Honda Dream.

[@FreeMilesMC]

I really Like This Story it’s so wonderful

[@alendervic999]

i truly loved your reasoning. the shot and your choice of ideas and words was beautiful. thx man!

[@FreeMilesMC]

Thank you for the kind words ☺️

[@4940markhutchins]

Cool insights! Motorcycling is a recreational pastime and that’s about it (there are exceptions like commuting to work or basic transportation in a lot of countries, etc.). There are popular sayings that go like ‘you never see a motorcycle parked in front of a psychiatrist’s office’, or ‘wind therapy’, but it can be a deceptive waste of time with nothing to show for it in the end if you’re not careful. You don’t find yourself out there, you don’t resolve your mental, moral or relationship issues by riding motorcycles. That comes from other approaches to life that takes more explanation than what can be offered here. But it can be fun, and I enjoy riding and seeing beautiful sights at times on my touring bike, especially with my wife along, or with a couple of buddies.

[@FreeMilesMC]

Honestly riding with some friends sounds super fun

[@catmate8358]

Very well said, nothing to add. Saying it as a guy who rode to the Sahara on a motorcycle.

[@Gedstravels]

I just hit this channel because I was curious about the interceptor and became more interested in the comments section, Why? Having just completed a road trip by myself from Cartagena Colombia to Ushuaia in Southern Argentina and back again over a 1 year and 3 months period I have become very introspective with regards to many facets of my life in general, spending hours alone riding through remote mountains, sometimes paved other times rough and dangerous terrain certainly enlightened me about what I was imagining before I left and what was the reality. Many times I just felt like I wanted to turn around and give it all up, I was tired mentally and physically and I just wanted to go home. I’m not sure why I kept going, it was a subconscious decision made by a part of me I wasn’t able to control. It’s been a couple of weeks now since I arrived back in Cartagena and I’m reading this comments section with great interest, never realized so many bikers were equally introspective with a great ability to communicate their thoughts, thank you.

[@Frakaphoto]

very interesting

[@tareqibnziyad4732]

I love the way you analyze the topic of motorcycle travel. Thank you.

[@omnivore2220]

All your points are valid. Much of what you're respong to is hype. Either it's the hype used to sell products, or the hype used to create a Progressive (incremental revolutionary) counter culture among the impressionable youth of the 1950s and '60s in the U.S. and if course the two kinds of hype can go together simultaneously. Today it's also the hype which keeps the view counts up on KZbin. It's called selling a dream (rather than reality).

[@_Safety_Third_]

Love your thoughts on the topic :) I think if I was going on a motorcycle "adventure" (including lots of dirt/gravel roads), I would want the lightest possible dual sport bike, and the least bulky luggage possible, to guarantee the least amount of struggling possible.

[@FlyAmanita1]

I got a middleweight adventure (750gs). My first bike. it's so solid. Does everything. I'm in love

[@ThorbenSteiner]

I still remember us in Portugal. Me as your backpack and we rode the bike so much and slept so little right after months of surfing and sleeping in a car together. I was so exhausted that I nearly collapsed on you 😂

[@FreeMilesMC]

I remember you fell asleep on the motorcycle 😂😂

[@jasondunn8313]

This is a question I’ve considered myself. For me, the enjoyment is a sliding scale… sometimes the challenge of a solo trip vs a quick Sunday morning blast through the hills… different for each of us. The key I think is ‘You do you’… don’t get sucked into having the latest bike and gear and feel the need to video everything. Use what you have to the best of your ability and enjoy it. Also, the majority of us only get to ride weekends and don’t video it. For me, if I’m not on a trip, it’s simply a chance to put all my daily stress aside and focus on one thing I enjoy. Thanks for your video👍

[@maleko2841]

ive been traveling for 28 years. I am currently motorcycling Albania on the cf moto Mt450. I don't know if its about finding yourself, or finding fulfillment. For me its about exploration, Freedom, and finding secret things. The beauty of places. The struggle and difficulty is only a part of it. It takes some struggle to find the places that others will never see. I love travel and motorcycles. It does not define me but it simply is me. It is what I do because of who I am.

[@NeverKamabla]

Be careful in Albania. My son was biking through there recently, had a solo accident in the mountains on his Yamaha Tenere and the police attempted to jail and extort him. Luckily, a smart civilian at the police post understood what was happening, distracted the police so my son could escape. He literally had to escape! Corruption runs rampant there.

[@maleko2841]

@FJBx100 Thank you for sharing that experience with me. I will certainly be careful. When traveling, one can not know what will happen. A peaceful place can become dangerous or vica versa. It sounds like your son is a bad ass! Willing to escape when he had the chance. Sounds like a great adventurer to me. Time and experience have taught me to stay alert, to camouflage, to fight, or run, and to accept the consequences of my choices. Thanks bro, and tell your son he's awesome!

[@sgtunix]

Interesting philosophical video. My views are as follows: There's a whole enjoyment arch at play when riding motorcycles. We live pretty protected and easy lives at home. By struggling a bit, you create experiences that you would not even know of otherwise. If one's purpose in life is to be pampered and protected (95% of people do this), then by all means they probably won't be driven to this. I think you're willing to suffer a bit, but you feel that the enjoyment could be more. I think that is possibly due to the bike your ride, which is very street centric. First problem is your front wheel which will hit everything head on. Bike is also pretty overloaded, so you will have a tough time and it might feel like you're always fighting against the gravel and the irregular surfaces. So my advice is to upgrade to a 21 inch front wheel and look at your suspension - you may just need a service and better springs for your weight. That might unlock a whole another level of offroad enjoyment for you.

[@DikiciMotovlog]

Lovely shot at 8:35 Not many people realizes how much effort goes into this sort of shots including the editing... :)

[@FreeMilesMC]

Thank you for appreciating stuff like that ☺️

[@binbrown8690]

I noticed that as well - very well done. Must add a fair bit to any journey time to set up and get these shots. Nice editing, the way the footage appears to gradually zoom out towards the end, where the gravel from the tyres gets kicked up near the camera. Bravo!..

[@Traveling-Lite]

Well said young man ! Travel your own path in life, at your own pace. 👍

[@wolfganglueger1691]

Wow, what amazing footage! What an amazing philosophic attitude! The amount of struggle someone "needs" depends on your capability, depending on experience and age of course. I am, for myself, done with the "adventure bike" (offroad) stuff, i have done it, happy to stay mostly on paved roads now! Asking what you have learned about yourself? I think the wrong question, i can tell you: Feeling the intensity, that's it! At latest when you get stuck in a silly job (in the office?) as most of us, you will treasure those experiences sooo much... There is no way out for you, you will always come back and be hungry for these experiences! The bike does not matter... i've had everything from 1k up to over 30k...the experience is everything! Most GSs live their lifes in shiny garages beside SUVs... what a shame... ;-)

[@FreeMilesMC]

Yes those experiences ofcourse will always beat the office job. I know the feeling of sitting at work completely disassociated counting the bumps in the wallpaper while having nothing to do and moving my computer mouse occasionally to seem aktiv

[@BrianDoherty-e8s]

Right. Motorcycle travel is pretty self-involved and pleasure seeking. Those big, long trips you see on KZbin seem just selfish. Like Itchy Boots, a good series, but what is really the point. Seems like those people are running away from something. The adventure bike thing just seems like a marketing ploy. Whatever happened to the time when you just had one bike and made it work for whatever you did. Nice video, Hoss!

[@mockbattles]

There is nothing better than a long strip of smooth tarmac on a sunny day.

[@TakeTheHighground]

I think you have some very fair points here. I’m new to motorcycle riding and am currently testing things out to see where I wanna take this journey. I’m having my first Offroad training day in 2 weeks and I’m looking forward to it because I feel that having the skill will be useful (as could be seen in your video), but I don’t know where this will take me. One point though: it seems that fulfillment is often on the other side of struggle. I’m not sure why but it seems to be that way - human nature? You definitely won a new subscriber here.

[@giostisskylas]

I have found that it is the existential challenges that make you realise that you are alive. I have never seen life as more valuable than when my life was in danger. Broken down to the hopefully NOT life-threatening motorbike tour, this means that it is the big challenges and the battle against yourself that remain in your memory and are seen as a great adventure from a distance. Your personality grows from this, and that is why it is right to make a motorbike tour a little more challenging. The wild times are over for me, but even today I have never felt more alive than with the Blade at 299 km/h on the Autobahn. PS: Du denkst zuviel nach... :))

[@FreeMilesMC]

It’s really nice to see how your perspective on this looks and nice how perspectives can be similar and different and the same time ☺️. Ja könntest recht haben ☺️😂

[@chuckkelley5894]

Speaking the truth. Very refreshing. So often we can think ourselves abnormal for our lack of interests and remaining nonplussed about events that are hyped. It turns out we're simply honest with ourselves and are well adjusted. This perspective opens doors. It also allows us to focus on events that authentically add to us rather than wasting time trying to make ourselves falsely create a feeling of interest in something. This is not to say that Adventure riding or anything else for that matter isn't a viable interest. We're all strung differently so if something doesn't strike a chord initially and immediately...move on.

[@C_R_O_M________]

I don't necessarily agree with many of your philosophical points but I certainly encourage your contrarian/skeptical approach.

[@TrevorDodd-ev1sx]

I rode from the UK to Azerbaijan and back again via Cyprus on a Vespa. Bosnia and Albania were my favourite countries. Sometimes touring for a long time (2 years for me ) can be hard work and KZbin videos make it look easy which is so far from reality. I really appreciate your videos and I can feel what it's like for you down to every bump in the road.

[@MarkJames61]

It is all about having fun "your way". I travel by bike to see people. Friends who don't live in my area or country. Not to ride winding roads in the Swiss Alps. Not to be victorious over circumstances and challenges I have chosen to put myself through voluntarily. But hey if that does it for someone else... Why on a motorbike? Just because it is practical, cheap (my touring Honda from 1990 cost 1000 euros) and its different from a car. Same as a sailing boat but that is not my cup of tea. Everybody has their own motivation to get on a motorbike, buy a campervan or buy a night in a luxury hotel right on the Champs d'Elysses. I think you have a good point though in this video about ideals of what enjoyment is. What brings pleasure varies I guess really from day to day. A banana split today, a swim in the sea tomorrow, a motorbike ride over the Swiss Alps after that. Not being caught up in hype around one thing or a "lifestyle" thing is maybe something. Being aware, appreciating life's rich pageant or a two minute chat with the check out assistant at Lidl. A week just eating banana Splits would be pretty awful. Hope this makes sense?

[@FreeMilesMC]

Yes having fun your way is important that’s also where I was trying to go with this video☺️

[@pedroclaro7822]

As a cycle tourer that is trying out motorcycle touring, the difference is night and day. The first is more about the ride and the latter about the destination, and stops. Traveling on a motorcycle is too fast and not satisfying enough due to the lack of effort required. Off road motorcycle touring is more rewarding, hence the popularity (speculative conclusion). Bicycle touring is about low costs, a silent slow peaceful journey possibly around the world. Motorcycle touring is great for the in between time, while I’m earning and saving money, but still want weekend getaways. I am seeing all of my country while I save up for a world tour on a bicycle. It’s also a much safer way to try out solo traveling and camping, because you on a motorcycle you can easily ride to safety, whilst on a bicycle you need to be almost completely self reliant (at least off the beaten path, in countryside roads and less advanced countries). Edit: read replies for great insight from a commenter.

[@1997ffm]

I agree with you 100%. Started to ride my motorcycle a couple of years ago and slowly came to the conclusion that bicycling is the ideal way to travel the world. While on tour I was seeing bicycle torures and just thinking how awesome it would be to do it like that. So much easier, more peaceful, a lot cheaper and you get physical activity all the time, which I love. Still have to go on my first bicycle tour, but I have a feeling I'll enjoy it a lot more than on a motorcycle, which is great for short trips at least for me.

[@pedroclaro7822]

@@1997ffm bicycle touring has its challenges, Weight and sweat are much more relevant factors, but yeah it’s slower cheaper (on the daily) and more enjoyable to me. Cycle touring has a bigger initial investment for gear, because you’ll want light and compact gear, but the mode of transportation (bicycle) and cost of running is way cheaper. Motorcycle touring can be cheaper to start because you aren’t as weight/bulk limited in the gear you get, and you can get farther faster.

[@1997ffm]

@@pedroclaro7822 Definitely true. But being able to fly from and to anywhere with the bicycle or take it on a train or bus, easy and cheap repairs and maintenance costs, no need for insurance, carnet and other papers, a lot more stealthy when it comes to wild camping, no motorbike riding gear in warm weather and you're generally more approachable by locals, etc... Also I feel like if I ride my steel bicycle for like 90 km in a day I'm less tired than riding the motorbike for 250 km, which makes my neck, shoulders and knee hurt after a while. But yeah, definitely some negatives for the bicycle as well, as you said sweat and weight, finding lighter gear, and most importantly it's up to your physical abilities how many km you can manage, and if you get sick you have to probably take a brake for a few days. Ultimately it's up to the individual what they prefer, but if you want to travel longer distances from one continent to the other, the bicycle is definitely #1.

[@pedroclaro7822]

@@1997ffm damn. Yeah you know your stuff. Gonna edit the comment saying there’s great insight in the replies! The ability to use public transport is huge. And for a world tour, wild camping is essential to bring down costs, and the bicycle’s stealth is unparalleled.

[@BelgianDoomer]

godspeed miles! superb music at the end there haha

[@FreeMilesMC]

Thank you for the appreciation and tuning in to so many of my videos ☺️

[@andrewdrogin]

The most difficult thing not in just motorcycle traveling but rather in whole life itself is to learn to enjoy without goals, achievements and expectations. And not feeling guilty for things that make your life joyful and feel alive. Struggles are just a part of life that as salt in a soup makes it tastier.

[@Andre-py9ry]

Good point! I will share my experience. One thing that was stealing my joy was the need to film and take pictures for social media. Social media puts a lot of imaginary pressure on, for what?, likes and hordes of jealous people? It's not worth it. I end up doing stuff for "other people" and not for me. I got rid of all that crap and do not post anything; I do stuff only for myself with no intention to become youtuber. I'm riding a Ninja 250R. I had and still have the opportunity to get a bigger bike, but I refuse. I find so much benefit in riding small bikes all year round. Not only that, while fellow bikers have their big adventure bikes parked in garages for 9 months and have one 7-day adventure in a year and blasting all over social media, I have some bigger adventures and a lot of small ones throughout the year. I travel alone, with no pressure, and end up seeing and experiencing more stuff than them. Instead of a big bike, I invested the rest of the money in full gear and parts, including expensive tires for my baby Ninja. It is funny when my bike has more expensive tires than their big adventure bikes. My tires last between 1 and 2.5 years, while theirs are changed every 5-7 years, but not because they are worn out. If there is a place where it is very rough to go to see something, I walk, hike, or even pay to go there. No pressure; I enjoy going, riding, and seeing places only for myself. Another thing is that my baby Ninja sees more gravel roads than their adventure bikes because they are afraid to take them off-road, because they are too heavy, fancy that 😊

[@FreeMilesMC]

I really understand the social media struggle I also post very little on my personal accounts to avoid that. With KZbin I am trying to also satisfy my love for filmmaking but sometimes I have those struggles aswell

[@Andre-py9ry]

@@FreeMilesMC Maybe for adventure videos take another approach. Do longer videos after you come home, while during adventure film and take notes how you felt, what went into that etc. Maybe like this you could take the most of everything you enjoy doing. Film making while home, and as much as possible enjoyment during adventure. The less unnecessary pressure it is on our mind the best emotions we get during travel/adventure. Like that even if bad stuff happens and when we get out of that, we realize we got ourselves a good story 😊.

[@niceguy100000]

Don't worry. Visit the tourist attractions, preferably the ones in nature and don't forget to go hiking once in a while. Mission accomplished.

[@pilotsproject]

13:43 oh, there are some dogs again.... nice philosophical lesson about adventure biking ✌ I guess some riders are using the term "pushing oneself to the limits" when it comes to the search of struggle enroute/offroad

[@FreeMilesMC]

Thank you for appreciating and This time it went a lot smoother with the dogs ☺️

[@BasecampNorth]

Great thoughts - things to consider. Love your quote: Don’t forget to enjoy the occasional banana split. Happy trails - cheers from a Scandinavian Himalayan 450 ☮️🍺👍🏻🔥

[@lauraiss1027]

I have no experience but imagine that lifestyle of full time traveling motorcyclist is pretty close to hobo lifestyle.

[@FreeMilesMC]

Yes thats pretty mutch Right

[@davidmatthews3093]

Not at all. I travel in comfort and take all the luxuries that I need with me.

[@lauraiss1027]

@@davidmatthews3093 by full time travelling I meant youtubers who travel for years non-stop.

[@keepitshortnsweet]

That's where the term "scooter tramp" comes from although "scooter hobo" would indeed be more accurate since the scooter tramps I met as a kid worked while they were in town if there was work to be had.

[@ryanjyuichi7178]

Nice Video, you do not always have to go big, the crf300l Rally looks pretty promising for an adventure bike.

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

I love riding my motorcycle 🏍️. But l travel by train 🚂🚆. Nothing fun about riding your bike for 10 hours. Or riding in a monsoon all day. Off roading is over rated. Painful 😖😣 too at times.

[@C_R_O_M________]

Off roading becomes enjoyable only when you conquer the right technique. Then it becomes like surfing. Before you get to that level is dangerous and scary.

[@angel387mx]

Totally agree. I'm 58 now, and learned a lot. Do things for yourself.

[@WhiteMountainProperty2006]

Having just finished a 6.1k 12 country trip on an Africa Twin, UK, through Spain, Andorra, Fr, CH, IT, CRO, Bosnia, MNE & Albania, I would say, you are either on the wrong bike or wrong hobby. Those 21 days I had, broken ribs included, on and off road, where the best days of my life to date. The fact you are asking the question says there maybe something amiss. My bike was 470kg all up with me, bloody hard to handle on rocky tracks, but the experience I had was 20 out of 10. Just beyond dreams beautiful. Beaches, towns cities, mountains, snow, hail, floods, rain, sunshine, lots if sunshine, you name it, I went through it. Just the most amazing days I ever experienced, and did it alone. No time table, decent budget (my bike was 8k so not the 15-30 you mentioned, almost new condition with 4k on the clock).

[@two_wheeled_guide]

I totally agree with your point of view: I can be many things, all important to me, yet they are just parts of who I really am, of my character, my thoughts, my inner self. I am vegetarian, but that's just a personal choice. I ride my motorcycle for the pleasure of riding (actually I bought a GS just because I liked the bike. That's all!). I studied history of art and I remember a professor at first year of university reminding us that "we dedicate ourselves to the study of art, philosophy, literature, music, but let's keep in mind that for some other people mountaineering is more important than all these things together".

[@veritasvincit2745]

As a 55 year old motorcyclist I can honestly say that my biggest two wheeled adventures were when I was 16 venturing out further than the bus routes on my Simson 50 moped. The last time was when I was 19 on an FJ1100 because that could cover a lot of miles in a short time so I saw many inspiring things. I liked touring France when I was 30 on an FZ750 and I gained my private pilot licence in 2005 seeking the same feeling of freedom but nothing felt as fulfilling as the first year on an unreliable restricted moped. That really felt like adventure.

[@richardsmith5249]

I got my pilot's licence in 1990. I persisted with flying for a few years, but I realised that I wasn't really enjoying it that much, especially given the expense. And I realised that I wasn't flying often enough to maintain an adequate skill level. So I knocked it on the head and went back to motorcycles.

[@FreeMilesMC]

I feel similar about some of my first adventures and the Simson is a pretty interesting bike ☺️

[@kentwood9821]

Well said. Adventure is much easier to find when the limits are real, in terms of time and resources. Years ago, being young with few other options, touring on a motorcycle, even a crappy one (perhaps especially) could be life changing. As we get older and have the means to ride pretty much whatever we want, and have a credit card to back us up as we go, it's a different experience and not likely to be or feel as life changing.

[@swingset1969]

I was doing this style of travel and "adventure" before I knew it was a thing. I was poor, had a DT175 that barely ran, but every chance I got I took a trip on it. You don't need "lifestyle". A $4000 used Honda dual sport and some basic gear and you're in. People complicate and make it as obsessive as they will, but it needn't be anything but a simple getaway for a day or two, or a round the world thing.

[@AndromedaSir]

It is called overthinking. People like Nietzsche and other "great thinkers" collapsed from too much overthinking.

[@Jackass-sc8iz]

To each his own. There is good and bad to everything--no matter the subject there are always different perspectives--to include almost every aspect of motorcycle riding. Thanks for the great video--some of the scenery was very beautiful. It was good for me to see all the gravesites you passed--a reminder of the extreme turmoil and suffering that mankind endures, and to enjoy the moment because you never know what's around the next corner. Watching motorcycle adventure videos on youtube has been a lifesaver for me--I have been laid up in bed with pain and injury for over three years so all the great videos have been a great escape--keep 'em coming!

[@grimmbartrides]

I suppose that those people who actively seek out struggle derive a sense of accomplishment and, hence, enjoyment from overcoming that struggle. I would say it's exactly the same as with people who climb mountains or engage in other needlessly strenuous activities. However, I am not one of those people, so I'm only guessing. Personally, what I enjoy most about motorcycle trips is, first and foremost, chasing down twisty roads. That kind of vertigo from acceleration in turns, that feeling of being one with the machine, when you're experiencing The Flow. I also enjoy beautiful landscapes and scenic views, but that is clearly only the second item on the list. I don't care about off-road / gravel riding at all, but as this video demonstrates it's just something that happens in those regions so I need to cope.

[@FreeMilesMC]

I also really love the Flow feeling of riding a motorcycle through Curves for me that and Surfing are the two aktiveties with the biggest Flow feeling

[@marceltromp1454]

I have a real lightweight 190 cc bike for north Queensland Australia and a real heavy bike 1500 cc for the asphalt roads .

[@MtbPoland]

Agree..industry generates ideas to generate demand to sell the stuff..simple

[@agawaga]

"I know who I am as a person and I don't know how that could be completed through motorcycle travel" I bow down to this. I am not riding to find myself, I am riding to fulfil what I always needed