It All Goes Very Wrong… Barcelona to England, the Last Leg.
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- Опубликовано: 15 июн 2022
- The final leg of my Barcelona to England motorcycle road trip and things all start to go very wrong.
I start in southern France, with the aim to make it back to England by the end of the day.
Wild camping, getting lost at night, torrential rain, a broken bike... and a final, nervous push.
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The highest safety rated motorcycle jeans
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Locations:
- Starting point: Southern France
- Ferry: Calais, France to Dover, England
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Gear for the Trip:
- AGV X3000 Helmet
- Ride and Sons Arrow Jacket, Desert
-Carhartt WIP Classic Vest
- Hood Jeans SK11 Jeans
- Furygan Melbourne Boots
- Indian Motorcycle Strap Olive Deerskin Gloves
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Timeline:
- 0:00: Intro
, Wild Camping and a Truckers' Yard
- 6:47: The First Breakdown
- 10:17: Stopping off in a Little French Town
- 12:19: A French Peage Services Walk Around and My Camping Spot for the Night
- 16:54: The Next Morning... In the Rain
- 18:14: The Next Breakdown
- 21:13: Drinking Fuel
- 22:43: The Calais to Dover Ferry
- 25:27: England. The Wrap Up
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My personal motorcycle: 2010 Triumph Bonneville 865cc (the base version)
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Buy us a coffee:
- www.buymeacoffee.com/fdobbs
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Find me on:
- INSTAGRAM: / dob.bs
- GEAR AND EVERYTHING ELSE: www.freddiedobbs.com
- PODCAST: Freedom Machines With Freddie Dobbs
FACEBOOK: / freddiecmdobbs
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- Filming and editing: @monikameraki (Instagram)
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Music:
- Guustavv: Lost in the Woods
- Sarah, the Instrumentalist: Santa Monica Pier
- Roy Williams: Bonnie and Clyde
- Martin Klem: To the Camp
- Ten Towers: In teh Fall
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#motorcycletouring #eurotrip #roadtrip
*Some affiliate links may be used. You won’t be charged a penny for clicking on them, but I may get some commission from any purchases* 
Авто/Мото
Welcome to the wonderful world of British bike motorcycling!
It's only when things go wrong do things get really interesting. With the bike developing a fault changes your perspective from a journey to a trial. You're willing it to just keep going one more mile, just one, then another, your ears are hearing every single noise, intently listening for any slight deviation or increase.
You feel the bikes pain, you ride differently, you somehow try to become lighter to lessen the load. With the bike developing a fault meant you actually become almost as one.
When you finally reach your destination your heart sings and you get off walk away stop turn back and look at your bike, smile and silently thank it for seeing you home..
A bit melodramatic perhaps but anyone who has ridden old British motorbikes on a regular basis knows exactly how you felt throughout the journey home..
An absolute joy as always 🙂
Written like a poet.
Everything… spot on. This describes exactly my journey back🙂👌🏻
As a rider of an older (but mostly faithful) Harley, I identify my self living, sometimes, much of that drama brilliantly described. It's, besides being sometimes nerve-racking, part of the thrill.
And, in such emotional subject like motorcycles, being "melodramatic", as you put, is a natural thing, I guess. Just like the sailors stories.
Best regards from Brazil. ✌
An old British bike?
Exactly the same with each'n any of my Guzzis, old and new, with each'n any of the Benellis I ever owned, (old and new), with Ducatis of course, and some of the Rice Cookers, too.
Which is why i do those longer strips these days on a BMW K-bike out of 1986.
I do my maintenance following the book, I repaired two minor issues coming from the bike having been standing still for about 15 years before I got it (for scrap worth), and the rest is biking, not messing around.
As the missus and I always say when we’re on the road, “It’s either a good time or a good story”. Love your work mate.
Good saying 👍
Love that 👍🏼
Spot on
Ain't it the truth! And where would we all be without our "stories."
@@michaelcayer8358 aw hell naw
Gripping.
I don't do reality TV, but I'm hooked like a junkie on this.
The honesty and openness is refreshing and heartwarming.
Adventure can take many forms, but there is no doubt we just witnessed one.
As the saying goes, " if Carling made RUclips blogs..."
Great work, Mr Dobbs.
We, the viewers salute you.
Happy travels 👍
If carling …. 😂😂😂😂
Thank you si much, I’m delighted you enjoyed the videos!🙂
I think you really need to watch Itchy Boots if you're impressed with this.
Freddie do give us an update on the problems the Bonnie encountered and how they were solved once you've had chance to investigate and rectify. Thanks for posting your adventures/misadventures best wishes.
Yes. This is important
I definitely will do- tomorrow’s vlog!🙂🛠👌🏻
@@FreddieDobbs yes that would be good to know. great series, thanks
You are an absolute flippin' hero Freddie. How on earth you remained so calm and positive with so many set-backs is a miracle - most people would have 'given up' several times over! Fantastic trilogy - enjoyed every minute of your adventure.
Thanks John, and delighted you enjoyed it!🙂🙌🏻
As a much older guy experienced in such motorbike trips, I'd say don't rush it, take your time, you need to be able to stop whenever the fancy takes you. Take your tent, but alternate wild camping for one or two nights, with an inexpensive hotel...it breaks things up, plus gives you that hotel to look forward to & shower, TV, charge your phone, breakfast etc.
Personally I'd plan a minimum of two weeks for what you did on this trip & before setting off, make sure your bike is in tip top mechanical condition.
Your bike broke because it wasn't.
If so, emergency cover is less needed.
Above all though, this has been a very very enjoyable watch, you're a natural on camera & at this.
New subscriber here.
All the very best on your next trip.
You're absolutely right sir.
Yep
@@stevek3636
Thank you Steve, it's appreciated.
I've done many motorbike trips & to 29 countries so far. I've found the most enjoyable budget way is to do as I've mentioned.
Quite right, you always need space in your luggage for extra time. Something I learnt quickly on my trips from Germany to Barca on an '89 Tenere. Great times if you can laugh your way through the Sh.. that may come.
These are very good tips, thank you T Man! Delighted you found the channel🙂
It’s the trials and tribulations of your trip that you’ll look back on with the fondest of memories. Imagine the lack of content a long motorway journey would have provided. Thoroughly enjoyed this series. Excellent. Thank you.
One piece of advice I always say which has been passed down to me and applies to not just motorcycles but many facets of life - maintenance is a whole lot cheaper and less stressful than repairs and failures in the long run! 😉
I saw The Missenden Flyer meet you in one of his recent episodes and he spoke so highly of you that I decided to check out your channel, and I'm very glad I did! Loving your backlog of content, and this most recent trip, and I dare say you tend to include the best music of the motorcycle youtubers. My good man, you have yourself (at least one) swedish subscriber!
Exactly how I discovered Freddie via TMF. Equally enjoying Freddie’s videos.
Same here 👍
Hi Freddie, been there, done that, ate the pie (the humble type on more than one occasion). You articulated well the absolute terror that is felt when it all goes wrong and you're on your own. Back in the 70s and 80s it was worse, no phone and motorways in France were thin on the ground. I was so fortunate at times as total strangers helped me with mechanical assistance and a bed for the night.
Many things to learn from this experience like don't ride at night, carry a basic tool kit and a map. Using campsites is no bad thing, in France and Spain they are relatively cheap, have good facilities (most with a cafe and shop) and you meet like minded people and 'party' so think before giving it up as an option. These days I tend to mix it up with camping and the occasional F1 type motel.
This sounds like its still affordable and pleasant.
I’m in the United States in Philadelphia. Just bought an 2006 Bonneville because of watching your videos for the past year. Ty for all the content.
Delighted to hear it and congrats on the new purchase!🙂
I think this is possibly why Itchy Boots rides a Honda! Sorry to hear of your travails. If I had to travel far, it’d be a Honda. Good luck
That’s a trip you’ll never forget.It’s always a learning experience if nothing else.
So true🙂
It's everything 🙌 😌 ❤️
Why not going to the nearest Triumph service station ?
Thank you Freddie for 3 of the most captivating and entertaining videos I've seen in a very long time.
I'm currently suffering from anxiety and your trip was something my son and I had promised ourselves we'd do one day on our bikes, sadly it'll be a journey I'd have to make alone now but you've reminded me that fortune does favour the brave Freddie and the who dares wins you displayed is totally inspiring.
I'm looking forward to checking out your adventures... thanks again buddy.
Absolutely loved this series of vlogs. Defo agree with you about breakdown cover! To be fair the Bonnie has been sounding progressively worse in the last 10 video’s and sounded awful at the beginning of this trip. The timing chain sounds like its giving up the ghost and slapping itself to death. Please get it to a garage and update us to what was wrong. Hope its not terminal. Keep up the amazing videos, you are without doubt my current favourite blogger!!
That’s very kind of you to say so, thank you!🙌🏻🙂
Timing chain- I’ll try and do this too. Thanks for the heads up👌🏻👌🏻
I'm no bike mechanic, but I was thinking the exact same thing as he drove off in the beginning of this last episode.
Great series of videos on trip though France. Forty years ago I did a very similar trip, with breakdown, and it was hugely enjoyable - no mobile phones back then, I navigated by the sun and road signs. My tips for riding in France: 1) get yourself a good quality motorcycle satnav - much better than a phone, you always have a satellite signal and mine shows scenic routes, restaurants and hotels. 2) Don't travel on the Peage - ever - it's expensive, boring and tiring and in my experience not any faster than the free routes. You're not seeing France you're just travelling past it. 3) Stay in hotels/pensions/hostels - you can travel much lighter, get a comfortable nights sleep and a shower and spend more time riding and exploring. What you save from the Peage can go towards the hotels.
What an episode! That was one hell of a nail-biter. Looking forward to more videos from you, Freddie. Also, a bit of a possible suggestion for those "lonely" hours alone in a tent: a flashlight and a good book.
You don't need a flashlight with an e-book and it is much more compact.
Very true- I will buy a flash light next time!🙂
Great video! I couldn’t wait for each episode to be posted.
I’ve done 24,000 miles of motorcycle travel in the last 18 months. All in the United States, other than a few days jaunt into Mexico. Never a breakdown, but riding a 250cc Yamaha for most of it, and now a 600cc Honda. I’ve never camped more than a couple of nights between hotels. That helps to make the trip less expensive, but the occasional hotel helps to make it less of a drudgery. Camping is also easier if occasionally you stay in the same campsite for two nights as you rest and explore the area. The constant travel each day, while camping each night, really takes a toll. I also try to not have an ambitious plan or schedule to meet.
An amazing trip! Thanks for bringing us along.
Thankyou Freddie from down under. You did exceptionally well. It wouldn,t be a motorcycle trip without some form of drama involving the weather or the mechanical issues or your accomodation or the roads or any number of issues thay only motorcycle travel can give you. Thank you again.
Towards the end of this commentary, you mentioned that 'you see so many things'.
It's unfortunate that you didn't share any of those things you saw with us. I think you had more footage of the boat ride than what you did of you on the motorcycle. You really love to talk. Your presentation is exceptional. But you really *REALLY* love to talk.
Try not to give away any more laptops.
Wishing you many more happy and safe travels.
Love this guy, he's always so honest and his self analysis is excellent. We all make mistakes but as long as we learn from them that's all that matters. Glad you made it home safe.
Motorcycle camping is what you make it. In the beginning I just carried a tent so I could sleep for the night. Over the years, I've learned to enjoy the camping aspect more. I now carry a roomy 2 person tent, cooking equipment, foldable chair and table. I spend a lot of time researching camp spots that are private and have a good view. I love spending the night relaxing alone in nature, just staring into the sunset while enjoying a good drink and snack. I hope you'll give motorcycle camping a proper try.
What an intense ride with huge ups and downs. Thanks for taking us along and I hope the Bonnie will be alright as well soon!
Absolutely fabulous and thanks Freddie this is a lesson for us all thanks so much and good luck with the repairs 👍
That was a really great series, thoroughly enjoyable! Great that you got back in one piece and some wonderful memories for you!
Freddie!, followed this little series from the start!, loved every episode, what an inspiration you are!, would deffinatly give this a go in the future!, well done you!, what an absolute legend!, all the best!.
Nice one Freddie, that was an amazing trip, so many memories made, some tough times but a truly character building experience.....legend!
What an epic journey that was! Loved how you looked quite calm through all that drama. Great series of videos.
Such an amazing story and journey, beautiful sites and editing with ups and downs , that bit where it clunked down to 50mph had me on the edge of my seat
What a trip, I got to hand it to you, kept it together and filmed through it all, thanks for making the extra effort to take us along with you Freddie ✌️
Totally enjoyed your video as we do all of them, you coped so well on your own overcoming any problems, hope your Bonnies not too expensive to fix, your an inspiration to anyone thinking of planning a trip like this, best wishes mate.
Amazing story! Thanks for sharing 🤩👏
Cracking trip Freddie really great viewing good to see you digging in like your honesty hope the bike is OK.
An amazing adventure, maybe a few lessons learned and lifetime memories the joys of biking, glad you home safely, great videos as always thanks Freddie.
Great series Freddie, really engaging. The effort you put into these really shines through, great quality. Thank you.
Oh my god, that was an amazing adventure. Glad you were able to get back on the Bonneville, hopefully the bike is going to be allright!
There's nothing better than the highs of motorcycle touring. There will always be lows (as you know), but they teach you valuable lessons for the next tour. Thanks for taking us along!
Glad you made it back with you and the bike in one piece. I'm interested to see what the issue is with the bike, you've got to take care of your ride better.
Incredible journey Freddie, the ups and downs made it a joy to watch. Love your content
Well done Freddie, A real motorcycle experience that you will look back on for a long time , really enjoyed these episodes.👏👏
Well done Freddie, what an ordeal. It’s been great to see the journey warts and all. So good to see your honesty about the experience. Great filming, and music, a great video. I think you need a few days break, but looking forward to your next trip. You’re doing great, both of you.
A lot of lessons to be heeded, yet still another captivating video. Felt for you in your time of despair but in spite of it all you and Bonnie did it, take care of her and hug Monika.
Bloody amazing . . . I just couldn't stop watching. An epic adventure that will live long in your memory, I'm sure. It'll be interesting to hear the diagnosis on the engine/transmission noise.
Character building trip Freddie and one you will look back on with fond memories in time. Any update on what’s wrong with the Bonneville ?
It's a Triumph, hardly surprising 🤣
I own two triumphs lol, they have been excellent.
This is very true- it was some good character building for me👌🏻👌🏻 It was a spark plug issue/lead issue
Great filming and editing on what looked like a spectacular adventure. Thanks for carrying us along with you. I really, really enjoyed your visit to Angora.
Plus one on the suggestion to break up the nights in the tent with an occasional night indoors. It is a real morale boost being able to unpack, unwind, grab a bite, wander around, and then simply return to a warm, dry, clean hotel room. it only takes doing that one or twice a week to revive the spirits enough to prolong a journey indefinitely.
Alternately, you could grab just a shower each day/night at truck stops or anywhere that they are available. That alone is a real morale boost as well.
Loved following you on this trip, certanly learned a lot. Keep it up and take care of the Bonnie....
Wow Freddie! What a journey! Your honesty and composure is an example for us all. Fantastic job reflecting from quayside in Ipswich. We were right there with you! Yours is the show we look most forward to … cheers!
🎉
Well done! Sounds crazy tough. But worth doing once so you’ll always think back on the tough time when things are super nice at your hotel etc. you’ll appreciate all those little things that everyone else takes for granted. Sometimes hardship puts the rest of life in perspective and makes you resilient. Thanks for sharing it.
The hardest the experience, the greater the memories... It has been amazing to follow you through this journey Freddie, can't wait to see more
Epic trip Freddie, looking forward to hearing the Bonnie is sorted and back on the road. Would be good to see a vid on getting it repaired as well….as a finale 👍🏻
Awesome Freddie, making memories is what its all about! Hope the Bonnie's issues aren't too serious......
A harrowing ordeal with unforgettable adventure! Thank you Freddie for taking us along!
When you get a chance, I am curious to the fate of the Triumph.
What a legend! You took those troubles with such good character, and even kept on vlogging and documenting the whole journey! Fantastic content. Hope your bike is ok, that bonnie is a true adventure bike now!
Brilliant series ... absolutely compelling.....you're going from strength to strength with this channel 👍
Beautiful trilogy,Freddie! I think we all enjoyed and suffered with you thru every up and down of the trip! Well done for keeping the high spirits,the Bonnie was a hero,she took you home on her last legs...Let us know what's wrong with her! Way to go!
It's been a lifetime since I was in Ipswitch. :) Thanks for taking us along for the ride Freddie.
That’s one epic journey I’m glad you made it marvellous scenery great food lots of drama on way glad the bike got to the ferry thanks for marvellous videos
Experienced this years ago when travelling through France trying to avoid Peage. My satnav was not up to date and i did not have a decent roadmap .Ended up travelling East when i wanted to be South then realized my satnav had a compass which got me going south. Still a night mare and taught me not to rely on just satnav . Understand your nightmare . A decent map can be unfolded and a better picture of the road networks viewed than on a tiny phone or satnav screen .
Great video. Have done a few trips to France in my Caterham. Great memories...I need to try a route like this..
Thank you for sharing your the good and the bad of your road trip. Great content 👍
What a trip! I can only imagine what that would have felt like, very happy you made it.
Intrested to see what you find is wrong with the bike, would love to see some mechanical visuals, and hoping it's not to costly for you, cheers Jem
Wow, what an adventure, thank you so much for bringing this to us all, now subscribed 🏍🏍🏍
I came across your adventures which are great. Love the simple approach to solving issues. You line " With all that aside" is great. Subscribed now
Relieved for you. Glad to hear your conclusions……. Good on you as well. I wouldn’t have been as calm.
Well, there have been a lot of tense RUclips viewers this evening. All of us willing you onwards. Epic stuff, its just like my own road trips.Well done Freddie!
Wow! What a trip! A lot of good lessons!
Man Freddie, you are a trooper! Thank you for taking us along!
Great inspirational vlog. Enjoyed it very much.
What a trip! Funny how quickly we forget the little things. You’ll appreciate that warm bed in Ipswich. Cheers buddy!
Great story you are able to share, love every minute. I can relate because I did many motorbike trips around Europe pre covid. As they say: ein adventure is a struggle look at from another side.
In the beginning, I did a lot of camping and used my tent almost every night. But as you pointed out it gets boring in the evening. Now I love to drop the bike at a hotel, get a shower, dress casually and head on foot to the city center and a restaurant. Feel like missing out a bit more when I'm camping remotely.
Thanks for putting up with filming and commenting during your rides just to let us take part. You're doing it brilliantly.
this brought back so many memories for me in an eloquently presented package. Despite all the setbacks, the trials and tribulations, I wouldn’t swap them out for anything. It’s our freedom being on the open road on a bike. Look forward to following more adventures 🙌🏍
That was epic, and your learnings become our learnings!
I was really hoping well for you. I was relieved to see that you made it back. A memorable adventure!
Morning Freddie I’d been saving this mini series so just watched all 3 in one go and was hooked from start to finish! The trials and tribulations you had is why this trip was so memorable and will no doubt stay with you forever! The Bonnie will be even more special now for getting you back in one bit…. You endured together and overcame! The funniest bit is when you spot yourself on film and realise how tired and bedraggled you look…. Sorry couldn’t help but laugh! As always thanks for sharing and glad you are home safely! Cheers Dan 👍🏻👌🏻
Hi Freddie. I’ve only watched 2/3 of your videos but I must say. I feel like I learned a lot about you just from watching the last 5 minutes of this one. You show a lot of honesty and humility and I respect that. I’m looking forward to enjoying more of your channel. Thanks for sharing
Sometimes the harder trips are the ones we are proud of and remember the most. Good job making it back in one piece.
Am so glad you made it...lessons learned..cant wait until the video when you tell us what was wrong with the bike..and that "pure living"...is why so many people go on trips like you did all over the world...great video!!...
Outstanding reports on a massive adventure. Subscribed!
Very, Very well done. It has been a pleasure to have joined you on your adventure.
Just loved this series👍 Entertaining, informative, fun, high quality filming/editing, exciting - just great!👏🏼🏍💨💨
A truly awesome example to stay calm when sh*t hits the fan, valuable lessons learned and the difference between camping or staying comfortably overnight in a room, even if i'ts a hostel! Awesome video, well done Freddie!! 👍👍
Well Freddie, your adventure reminds me of old times. I would like to congratulate you. You have graduated from distinguished motorcycle enthusiast to hardcore biker. I would be honored to ride with you across America. You never forget a trip like that. You’ll be telling the story at the bar for years to come. I hope the old triumph survived.
This sounds like the best journey ever. You'll appreciate what you've been through (in about 3 years) and dine out on the story way, way past your riding years. Also, this is when you realise, all deadlines are self imposed! Great vid and it's reminded me of some of mine.
Good video. Glad you got back ok. Looking forward to see what happens with the Bonneville.
Great vid Freddie. Feels like all lessons that could have been learnt were learnt. Well done for pushing through. Not sure I would have 👍
I envy your adventurous spirit. You're right - its about living! Loved your story!
Such a great series of videos. Well done Freddie. Thoroughly enjoyed them
Things go wrong and people make mistakes. But not everyone looks in the mirror , holds their had up and admits how they could have done better. Nice work Freddie and a great video because it gives us all something to consider when planning a trip and deciding priorities.
Top one Brother 👌...loved every minute of ur trip....as if I was on the trip....Great one Bru 😎..weldone keep the adventure going ❤
Loved this trilogy Freddie. Your honesty and down to earth attitude deserves a sub. Things I do when travelling is, bike gets a service, carry some tools even an adjustable spanner, tie wraps, Gaffa tape (roll about 3ft onto a Biro or pencil, (holds things together) Araldite, (I take JB Weld, it would’ve saved the Titanic), small multi-tool with various bits, and chain lube, and most importantly, take your time and enjoy yourself, “we’re here for a good time…. Not a long time” thanks for sharing 😃👍
Bummer with the rain and mechanical problems 😕
One thing about these trips and having a bike. You can become very resourceful and comfortable working on issues as they pop up.
Well done.💪 Especially learning that you have to take care og your bike. What a wonderful trip that has created great memories.
Thanks for sharing this ride with us all. 😊
Wow Freddie. That was certainly a ride and a half ! Felt like I was with you every kilometre willing your Bonnie to keep going. Well done. Great trilogy, really enjoyed it.
Well done Freddie. You managed to surpass all the difficulties with proper calmness. Hope you don't have to change the bike, hopefully you can repair it with a decent expense. I admire you for being honest and admit the short comings from your end as it should be. That's what makes you a Gentleman.
Nice and honest reflection at the end Freddie. You’re a great guy. Thanks!
Raw and real. You actually made me stressed just watching from the comfort of my lounge 😁 top job Freddie👍🏻
who needs Jack Kerouac when you have Freddie Dobbs! Some great storytelling and a great adventure, well done Freddie, glad you made it home
Huge thanks Freddie for publishing your experiences. I rode my Honda CBF1000 5000kms around Spain and Portugal in the summer 2022. Used Air BB's, hotels, hostels and friends sofas. Planning a EU tour for this July, contemplating camping. Great to get your feedback on this type of biking travel.
Again, fantastic. My trip starts next thursday as off to Denmark on a ZZR1400 2007. Can not wait.....
Thoroughly enjoyable thanks.