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@@petergeuke thank you Peter. Am looking forward to the weather improving and starting to plan my trip for 2025 Thx G

@@philipfieldhouse9229 certainly very scenic.

Thanks Tom. Appreciate your comments. Never thought it would inspire someone. Still trying to improve the quality of videos, just to share some adventures and hope people enjoy them. Thanks again. G

@@brucemckinlay2814 I'd certainly would have liked it to be nicer than it was. The road closures and diversions in Germany, both on the way down as well as the way home became annoying, the final straw, not being able to to the Northern bit of the B500. I'd had enough by then. 😁 Thx G

@@keitht3055 Hi Keith. Yeah, I said the same...never again. Now that a few months have gone by, I'd be happy and more comfortable/confident to do it again. Thx G

@@brucemckinlay2814 Hi Bruce. I'll not deny it did frustrate me on occasion, just both them and I wanting the same bit of apex on the hairpin. I'd experienced a bit of apprehension in doing Stelvio, probably watched too many YT videos of riders coming to a standstill on the bend in road and falling off. Didn't want it to be me 😁 Each has their place, so now I've done it, I know what to expect...but I'll probably be camper vans next 😁 I couldn't imagine 500 cyclists. Thx G

Hi Robert Thank you for the reply. You live in a beautiful area of Germany, with Austria, Italy and even Switzerland close by. If I had more time, I would have liked to spend more time in the area. My Aunt was born just south of Munich, sadly she passed away a few years ago, at a good old age, but I would have liked to see more of that part of Germany. Thanks for your comment. G

@AManAstray Hello G! Your aunt was German..? I'm sorry for your loss. If you're ever in the area again, feel free to contact me. 😁👍🏻 From here you can go on wonderful day trips to Carinthia, Styria or Tyrol. I know the most beautiful routes and would be happy to show them to you. 😉😉 The 2 Bavarian company's Held and Daytona also not far. Have good factory sales. Best wishes from Bavaria. Robert 😉😉

@uglybiketours4344 yes, she was. But lived in Australia since the 1950's. Yes, next time I ride in the area, you can wave from the apartment. 😁 Thx G

Hi Mick. The last video in the tour series has a map of the tour, rough but it gives a quick overview. Hopefully you'll have better weather than I did towards the last few days of my trip Thx G

@@johnwelbers4248 appreciate the comment. Hope you're enjoying the video of my trip. Already, I'm starting to think about where I will go next year. 😁 Thx G

@@triumphbikerman thanks. Hopefully you'll have better weather than I did. I've started thinking about my next tour for next year. I've got the rode Lavalier GO mic. It's one of the most difficult things to sort out. Audio. Thx G

@ thank a lot, look out for the next vids! I’m playing around on the next one now, but with work, struggle to fit in, but we’ll see! Thanks again G

@@Arturdomundo thank you for the comment. I'm thinking about what to do next year. 🤔

@AManAstray think about Portugal. It's a wonderful country to us who love motocicle. Let me know if you decide to go.

@@Arturdomundo yes, I've been to Portugal for a holiday, a long time ago. Explored the south of the country with a hire car, so maybe time to return with a motorbike. Thanks G.

@@IainOConnorMotorcycles Cheers Iain. Bad as in better waterproof clothing 🤣 Thanks for the comment, trying to improve the style and presentation without being an advert for a travel show. Thx G

@@sweebeyh4327 thanks very much. Already started to think where next? I've a couple of ideas, thoughts, wishful thinking options, but I'll get Xmas out of the way before anything is confirmed. Thanks again. G.

Hi Paul Cheers for the comments. I thought people may be interested in the costs, obviously some campsite/hotels could be cheaper or more expensive, so it's a average cost. I intentionally left off, the ferry cost and food because getting to mainland Europe was cheaper if I took the Eurotunnel but that's a 6+ hour ride from home, as for food people can choose their own meals, so costs are different. Yeah I did talk about the bike handling great, but I edited it out. Overall it was good, other than the issue on Grossglockner. It's funny, nothing to do with the bike, but I've now got a recall on the rear tyre which are great, but some haven't been so lucky. I'll be getting that in the new year. Thanks again. G

@AManAstray yes mine is in Triumph Cheltenham next Tuesday for a new rear tyre. Give me chance to check out my heated jacket and gloves as it is going to be about 6 degrees. Its about an hour and 15 minutes from me.

@paulmorris3022 one thing I haven't got is heated clothes. Tbh...I've cut back on winter riding, the salt on the roads have taken their toll on previous bikes. My GT Explorer and my Speed Triple 1050RS are not out once the rock salt is on the road....if I can help it 😁 Thx G

@AManAstray i do ride all year round until salt is put down. Luckily i dont have to be there till 2pm and should get back before it gets dark. I dont like the cold so with heated grips and seat and heated clothing i should be nice and toastie. Lol

@@billyblooddrop thanks John. Appreciate the comment. It's not brave as such, just a different mindset. Like you, I've travelled with someone, either with the missus on holiday or, friends out on a 15 hike or a motorbike tour. About 10yrs ago, I decided to do my own hike around the Yorkshire Dales. That was the first step...no pun intended 😁 where I was by myself travelling. Then a few years later, I fly out to Australia for a family funeral, again alone. So when I decided I wanted to do this tour it wasn't a difficult choice, just a change of mindset. One of the hardest challenges, is when you need to make a decision. Hmm, do I go left or right, but food now or later. Normally you'd chat with the group...but alone there's nobody to bounce ideas off, so it's your own decision. I found that weird at first. Did anyone in your group do a video of the trip? I like a tour vid. 😁 Thanks again, take care G.

Thank you for the comment. There's always something to learn and improve. Remembering that the battery in the GoPro does run out...so you're not filming everything you think you are is one. 😁 I'm also learning more with the video editing, so that should improve over time Yes, it's been a difficult several years, as mentioned in an earlier video, my mother has severe dementia and I've been looking after her. Now a care team is in place , I can get away for a break. It was needed. The maps weren't the actual gps route as I didn't track everything, but the route as I remember it and from road signs seen in the videos so it's 95% accurate. Thx G

Thanks very much. Just thinking about what to do next year.... I'll do some more local vlog stuff, but I'd like another tour. Thx G

@@alanalan3290 Cheers Alan. Glad you enjoyed it. Trying to improve the quality, content, without making it too much of a "travel show" thing...a balance between keeping it real and an entertaining watch. Thx G.

Thanks for the comment. Slovenia is very nice, driven there few times but never been there on a motorcycle. I'll certainly be back to the Dolomites, as there's plenty of roads that I could have taken. The weather was a bit naff, so I was getting a bit fed up with the rain. Next time, I'll stay longer so at least have one day where the weather is nice. 😁 Thx G

@ I was there at the beginning of September this year and was very lucky, as the weather was amazing. Just watching your next episode and reminiscing about the Stelvio. What an amazing road. You can see why it’s so popular.

@@RideToSurvive yeah at the time I was thinking to myself, done it, don't need to do it again. Several months have passed now, so I'd do Stelvio again, this time spend some more time at the top, get a coffee, look at shops etc. I kinda went up and over quickly. Nervous anxiety, running late, who knows. Feel better about it now. 😁

@@jimporter Hi Jim That'll be for another video 🤣 There were a few things, I went from a small tent to a bigger one than I needed. I'll be reviewing that for future trips. I'm wanting to put my go bag in the top box rather than rok strapped to the seat with the tent. Trying to keep pillion seat empty, so with everything in panniers I'd be less worried about leaving the bike in places. Clothes were about right, enough for on and off bike. I could rotate them and wash at campsites when needed. I took a security chain as well as a disc lock. The lock I used daily, the chain never. It was in case I parked on a street. All hotels had underground parking. Just a few thoughts about what I took. Learn as you go. Thx G

Well done. Pleased to see your safe return to Blighty and home. No mean achievement planning a solo MC your into Europe. Done it myself a few years ago - rode solo to Eastern Europe from the UK and back, but never camped. Stayed in minimalist hotels where possible which offered good value for money. No You Tube videos in those days. Nevertheless, your camping exploits were most informative and enjoyable. Thanks again - most enjoyable. 👏👌🏍️

@@weybikerlad7388 thanks very much. I've spent a bit of time in Eastern Europe in my youth...a gap year as such. Never with a motorbike. That'll have to change. I've always liked my own company, but the tour, I was missing the banter. I could chat with the missus over the phone, but when I've done rides with mates, that having a laugh in the evening over a beer or three wasn't there. I'm ok with solo travel, but I just have to get the mind in a different place, compared to my usual trip. Thanks for the comments. I'll hopefully do more camping with the bike.... again in my youth I did quite a bike of hiking and camping carrying all my gear. At least the bike can do all the carrying now. 🤣 Thx G

@@paulwenzl1711 Hi Paul Yes, it was just a plastic lock that just held itself against the brake leaver. I can't remember what it was called, but it wasn't expensive. It looked like a small spanner and just clipped over the throttle. It did the job, not 100% as it slipped occasionally with vibrations. Good enough at the time. If I can find the details I'll reply again. It was 6 years ago when I bought it. Thx G

Paul...it's called Go Cruise Throttle Control for Motorcycles and Scooters. I got it from Amazon

Hi Stephen How much? Hmmmm....that seems a lot. I used Carole Nash single trip travel insurance which was about ...(2 sec while I check) ...£48.62 Which countries are you going to. That may have something to do with it. Plus I wasn't classing as "sports" cover required as I wasn't going off road. Hope you find something cheaper that meets your needs. thx G

@@AManAstray , France, Spain and Portugal next year. So will be 69 by then with high blood pressure. But as mentioned, it is for 6 weeks so it won’t break the bank. I need sunshine.

@@stephenwilliams1824 good age. I'm in my late 50's so still with the 55-65 age group where insurance is average. 😁

Hi Stephen Yep....from my perspective, I'm used to basic camping when I've done a few long hikes in my younger days and stayed on a mountain somewhere in the Lake District, so can go a day or two without facilities as long as I'm prepared. The campsites I used on this trip, were ok. (ish) Some better than others. The 1st one I didn't even notice the railway track next to the site...even though I crossed them on the way in. Duh! It was all a learning experience, the first time without any mates, no banter, no having a laugh etc....so it was a strange experience, left with my own thoughts. Thx G

@@MrMalik786AM yeah the SatNav calculated I could get to the coast by 7pm on that day, so if I was doing the channel tunnel it was feasible. But yeah it's was a long day. Done a few trips with others so didn't feel homesick. Probably not having anyone to talk to did take it's toll on my mind 😁

David you do realise it's not the 1990's anymore. 😁 I had a digital vignette for both Austria and Switzerland. Plus, I'm not one of these people that need to advertise where I've been by stamp collecting and covering the bike in stickers. I'm not 12 anymore 🤣 And they're a pain to remove. Yeah, the lake was just quiet....I did think it strange I didn't see any boats, but knew deep down there would be. I really quire enjoyed the area around Interlaken. Next time, I'll probably spend a bit more time in the area. Thx G

@@AManAstrayThank you for your sarcastic reply you have earned a thumbs down and lost a viewer. I don’t need to watch people with your attitude. It is interesting to note that a e-vignette has been available for motorcycles since the beginning of 2024 that had escaped my notice. Not that it is relevant because although I pass through Switzerland every year the last time I had a vignette was in 2019 when my daughter was working there. As a tourist there is no need as the routes I take avoid motorways anyway. Your sarcastic comment about the 1960s was bizarre as is a lot of your content. Goodbye.

@davidmatthews3093 hi David. Sarcastic. Err ok. It wasn't meant to be. My response was humour, in the same way I read your comment about not having a vignette. A smiley face, so I responded in a similar manner. That's the downside of just comments, people read them differently. Sorry you feel that way. It's your choice. I've not said anything about the 1960's, so your comment about my content being bizarre, is strange. If that's the case, you chose to subscribe. Sorry to say you come across as vindictive because of something that you interpreted in a way I didn't expect so reacted negatively. As they say on other social media platforms, it's not an airport you don't need to announce your departure. Now that was sarcasm... Albeit in a funny way. 🤣 Thanks for your comments regardless. Ta G

@@keithprentice2100 hi Keith. I doubt it. I was fastened securely, and on the bike up the hill. When I walked to the Furka sign for a selfie, and back it had gone. The couple by the bike were just stood there when I got off. There was also a bloke in the hut arranging his stall. I hadn't used the combo lock on the bag itself, but I only had the puck, and a power bank in there at the time. Previously, a credit card was in there for tolls. Annoying for sure.

@@billyblooddrop thanks John. I travelled up through the black forest, but some of it was closed so I didn't do what I intended. I'll certainly be going back even if it's just a short trip. I did have a second pair of gloves. They're wet as well 😁 Thx G

Thanks, I appreciate it. Still trying to find a good balance between making something, entertaining and enjoying the ride for myself 😄 Thx G.

Yes, the weather had taken its toll on me.

Yeah the heated grips were in, but because I had a cool covers seat cover.the heated seats were not effective.. G.

My accent or RUclips subtitles?

@@AManAstray Both: Your accent is for me difficult and the subtitles have lot's of mistakes und lost words. Also is the sound out of your helmet and micro unclear. So it is for not English speakers as me bad.

@@cmagma3953 yes I understand. I have edited English subtitles so you can read that. I cannot do anything about RUclips translators. My accent is from north of England, so not what you hear on TV. Hope you like the pictures anyway 😁

@@triumphbikerman it was attached by a cord pull. Had to buy a new one when I got home. £18 which was annoying. I had my suspicions while I was doing selfies by the Furka sign but I didn't see it being taken.

@@MrMalik786AM there's always next time. 😁

@@pitbullxv750 it certainly is nice. The campsite is probably more geared up for campers I think. The pitch they gave me was already on a square of dead grass, so it was muddy in the rain. Probably the only downside. The facilities and staff were good. If I'm there again, I'd hope for better weather or get a camping pod.

@@paulgibson490 thanks for the comment Paul. Dropping out of 2nd on hairpins, hmmm that'll have been fun. Will that have been a worn selector fork or an issue with the gear itself? The main thing is you both got off the hill and home safe. Not long after if left and the bad weather came through, I'd heard it was closed for a day because of the snow. Thx again G

If it wasn't the rain, it was road works. 😁

@@Lisabrown-kt8zz I had a similar thought at 4am 🤣 Most of the campsites looked similar up against Lake Como. Packing in the campervans. Space is a premium, more vans = more money. I did have an alternative site, it was high up on a hill, away from the lake, but the facilities were sparse. After the downpours at the Dolomites and then at Como, I really thought this would be better. Thx for the comment. G.

@@SteveM109r thanks very much Steve. Several other videos in the series are up now, I'm just working on the last couple, detailing the end of the trip. Appreciate the comments. Thx G

@@MrMalik786AM tbh, to Como wasn't bad, but after that it was another wet day. The worst so far....for now. 😁

@@sabrisen1976 thank you.

Thanks for the reply. Yes it is difficult to keep the speed up and look at views at the same time. I've driven in mainland Europe a lot as I've family and friends all over (Norway, Sweden, Germany, Balkans etc) but as someone from the UK, there's still a little bit at the back of my mind that I'm on the wrong side of the road. 😁 Trying to keep a wider curve especially on Stelvio was difficult in some places as the "curve" was only one car wide. The issue with the key fob, was annoying as I started the bike at the tent, rode to reception to check-out and then would not start. My fault, I jumped to the worst reason, dead bike battery, then decided it was a dead battery in the key fob. It was only at the service station I realised the button on the key fob must have presses against something in my pocked and turned itself off. Next time I'll check the obvious cause first. Thanks again for the comment. G

Yes. I was in two minds originally whether to include some verbal, for dramatic effect, a culmination of events from the past few days, showing some frustration overflowing. However, it dawned on me that from a few comments, people were viewing the video, not part of a series, probably not even watching it all the way through, and coming to a negative conclusion. As much as I like a good constructive argument, I can't take on the masses of the internet. Common sense took over and I removed a sentence. I've lost a little of my integrity, but retain my sanity. Hopefully you still like the video for it's spectacular vistas. Ta G.

@@AManAstray Cheers. ATB.

Yeah, I've seen footage from other RUclipsrs, Top Gear etc about Stelvio. It doesn't compare to actually doing it oneself. On that particular day, the way the weather was, how the clouds rolled over, probably made it look more enigmatic than if it was just a sunny clear day. Thx G.

Thanks. The first time, I suppose it's always daunting. Now I know what to expect, I'd probably feel more at ease. I did Trollstigen pass in Norway a few years ago on a heavy cruiser, and thought it was much easier to complete than Stelvio. G.

Thanks again! 😁

@@markc1967 thanks. My original plan for this trip was July, but I pushed it back to September because of the Euro championships and Olympics.. thinking most tourists would be home. Not the case. It was my first time, but had done several passes on the route to get my eye in. 😁 Given how narrow some of the road actually is, I'm surprised campers are allowed over the pass. Thx again G

@@AManAstraywe were in the Alps for the last two weeks in June this year, but the weather was awful and a lot of the high passes were still closed due to snow. For a first Euro trip, you have video documented it really well.

@@MrMalik786AM it's strange. My first time over Stelvio (but watched others do it on RUclips) and I was in awe of the scenery. However, watching my video back, there's lots I didn't dare look at because I was looking where I was going. So watching the video I thought it was more spectacular than I remember. 😁 Thx G

Thanks. I agree, and thought the same when I did Grossglockner. Stelvio had many more hairpins. It dawned on me there was a race going on, so whether timed or not their stamina is extremely good. I've cycled a bit (in my younger days) but just thinking about it now makes me ache. 😁 Thx G

@@rayclargo4428 thanks for the compliment. I still get goosebumps looking at the footage myself. I can't decide if the weather being as it was, contributed to the majestic nature of those mountains. In nice sunshine would it feel different? (Other than me being dry and not complaining about the rain) 😁 Thx G