Motorcycle Touring: 8 Days • UK, Spain, France back to the UK •

[@jamjarxxx]

Fantastic trip , some stunning scenery and great roads . Thanks again for all the hard work that goes into a production such as this 🍀🍀👋👋

[@o75uk]

Cheers John Jamjarxxx. It certainly was a great trip. You're welcome, although this vid did take weeks of evenings after my day job and the odd full days over weekends to edit (I have a very understanding wife). Thank you for your kind comment; it means a lot and makes it all worthwhile.

[@davemartin4456]

Great video and editing thanks very much, Sub added

[@o75uk]

You're welcome. Thanks for the sub! 😎👍🏼

[@keithprentice2100]

Great video mate. Looked like a really good trip to do. We used your Picos vids for inspiration for a trip that we did in September last year. Looking forward to your next journey😁👍🏻

[@o75uk]

Hi Keith, thank you. It certainly makes the hours of editing worthwhile when I read comments like yours. I’m so happy to hear my Picos vids inspired you to go too. The videos don’t really do it justice. Yes, we have another trip in the planning as we speak, so no doubt another vid will appear later this year. For the moment, enjoy the ride! 🏍️💨👍🏼😬

[@conordoherty-lh6bz]

Just came upon your Tour. Absolutely Epic! Magnificent footage- the route- stunning. You’ve added significantly to my wish list- for that - Many Thanks.

[@o75uk]

Wow, that's such a compliment! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. It truly was an excellent experience. The hotel-hopping can be a little bit of a pain, so I recommend you go as light as you can. If you have any questions about planning your own trip, don't hesitate to ask!

[@neemvanderreest]

Another excellent video, thanks for taking the time and sharing! It was a joy to watch, loved the Google earth images in between the onboards.

[@o75uk]

Hello Neem, thank you for your comment. It means a lot. You are most welcome, and glad you enjoyed it. Yes, Google Maps provides an excellent location overview.

[@trevorhope8447]

Brilliant video, mate. Southern France is unbeatable. Looks like you all had a ball.

[@o75uk]

Thank you for your comment. It certainly got better more east we headed. All tours have different tales to tell, even if it throws up the odd puncture. I hope you enjoyed the ride.

[@deanodog]

One of the best motorcycle touring vids I’ve watched. Top job. Enjoyed every minute. 👍🏼

[@o75uk]

Hi deanodog! Wow! Thank you so much your comment. It makes editing so worthwhile as I hope it inspires others to do the same. Again, thank you.🙏🏼

[@elainewright4724]

The quality of this video is amazing!

[@o75uk]

Thank you for your kind words! I hope you continue to enjoy my motorcycle touring adventures! Ride on! 🏍️🌟

[@yogid21]

What a beautiful ride you had there.. Copied the route you made and I might do this next summer.. Thanks..

[@o75uk]

@yogid21 You're welcome. That is what it's there for. Yes, it was, well, for most of it anyway. For us, it was a recce run, picking out spots to hone in on areas to explore further over the coming years. I am sure you will have a great time as we showed what is possible over eight days. Enjoy and ride safe.

[@aaron.black107]

Just watched the full video through and subscribed… nice touch with the QR codes too. I’ve just booked up the same ferry as you did for the end of September this year… your video has certainly put me in the mood for the Pyrennes! Nice one 👍🏻

[@o75uk]

HI @aaronblack001, Wow, that's fantastic! So glad you enjoyed the full video and even subscribed - I really appreciate it! The QR codes give my videos a little more depth to help viewers with location, accommodation and research. I'm happy you found them useful. I wish other UA-camrs did the same as they often explore some great roads but left me screaming at the TV, 'Nice roads, but where the hell are you?' I had to do something about that.
Booking the same ferry for the end of September is a great time to go! ⛴️ The Pyrenees are truly magical on a motorcycle, so you're definitely in for a treat.
Enjoy, and ride safe!

[@aaron.black107]

@@o75uk Santona, 27/9 (see you there) 👍🏻

[@onaroad4505]

What can I say that hasn’t been said just amazing love it and only 8 mins in best video I’ve watched Ash

[@o75uk]

Hi Ash, WOW - "...best I've watched". To read that does mean a lot to me. It really makes the many hours of editing so worth it. Thank you. I just wish to show how it is and, more importantly, identify where we are! Not all riding days are great riding days, but it really shows what to expect.

[@cpuuk]

Thanks for sharing, loved every minute. I also got your Chubby Brown reference ;-)

[@o75uk]

Hey cpuuk. Thank you for your comment. Unfortunately, not a follower of the top comedian Chubby Brown, I'm unsure of the reference you're referring to. Can you elaborate for me, please? I would love to know. 😬👍🏼

[@PureEvolution]

Just done a few of them areas other month they are amazing all ready planning next years trip with a few of us cant wait

[@o75uk]

Thanks for your comment. For us, it was a bit of a recce run, but we have picked out areas to head back to. Planning is part of the excitement. Have fun!

[@alanjones8810]

Thank you,

[@o75uk]

You are welcome! 😎

[@ferdaaydin7405]

Perfect road tour🎉🎉🎉

[@o75uk]

Thanks for your comment. In many ways, it was, but for us, it was a recce run ready to hone in on regional locations for future trips.

[@ferguscawley11]

Absolutely superb video lads. Excellent editing and content. Well done

[@o75uk]

Hi Fergus, thank you. It means a lot. It took some effort and time consuming, but so worth it. It was a brilliant recce ride, but now it is time to hone in and explore particular areas, as hotel hopping is a bit of a pain. 😉

[@peterhobbs7609]

Brilliant video, some amazing roads and scenery, that road to Castellane, well just wow!

[@o75uk]

Hi Peter, thank you for your comment. It means a lot. Yes, stunning roads certainly helped the footage. 😬 That area is a must-return visit. 🏍️💨

[@davidmatthews3093]

A great tour. Excellent filming and editing.

[@o75uk]

Hi David, Thanks for watching my video! I'm glad you enjoyed it. A lot of time goes into editing, so I really do appreciate your comment. Yes, a great tour it was - albeit more of a recce where to focus on over the coming years.

[@bubbajigglestv]

As soon as you said “Alice” I knew what was coming 😂😂😂

[@o75uk]

😬

[@pisflap1]

Great video bud, brings back lots of memories of when we did the same route in 2013.
Keep it up.

[@o75uk]

I'm so glad you enjoyed the video, Carl. It's always wonderful to hear that people are getting something out of it. I can imagine that your motorcycle touring trip in 2013 was an amazing experience, as it was for us. Thanks again for watching. 🏍️💨👍🏼

[@AJIdiotabroad]

Great video and thank you for the QR codes fantastic idea, i will also be adding these to my videos to help others find great roads. look forward to your next videos, happy riding. if your ever in Normandy give us a shout.

[@o75uk]

Hi AJIdiotabroad, thank you for your message. It's appreciated.
One of the most frustrating things with touring videos is not providing any information about the roads they are riding. I often spouted, "Great roads, but where the hell are you?" I used to continually rewind UA-cam vids looking for roadside clues which was time-consuming and a pain. This is why you'll see a lot of junctions and road signs and, more recently, QR codes, since most tend to watch UA-cam on TV. It provides an excellent way for viewers to see exactly where we are or provide links to additional information, such as accommodation, on their smartphones while watching. I am so pleased to hear it has provided you with the idea to include QR codes in your videos, too.
I hope to be back touring soon, and yes, if Normandy is on the cards, I'll try and drop you a line. Ride safe!

[@grahamphillips2413]

Great vid and good to see new content from you.

[@o75uk]

Hi Graham. Good to hear from you. I hope you're well. I'll try and do more, but work commitments do make it difficult.

[@larryward3876]

Brilliant video loved every minute

[@o75uk]

Thank you your for kind comment, Larry. It means a lot and makes it all worthwhile. 😊👍🏻

[@chriscanning8591]

Brilliant video, was funny seeing parts of Shoreham by sea as I live in lancing

[@o75uk]

Hi Chris, thank you. I appreciate your feedback. Yes, I love where we live, all in easy reach of the South-West, Wales, the North and even across the channel, which I've done a few times. I'll give you a little wave as I next ride through Lancing. 👋🏼

[@smashd83]

Great video looking to do the a European tour next year . Looks you have done all the hard work for me . Thanks again 😊

[@o75uk]

Hello, Welsh Davies 1200x. Thank you for your comment. It's appreciated. Ah, it's not hard work - half the fun is in the planning. I must say Calimoto makes light work of it. Still, if I can share our experience to benefit others with an idea or two, then that's a bonus. Good luck with your European tour next year. I am sure that wherever the roads take you, you will have a blast!

[@jamie66moto4]

Brilliant👍

[@o75uk]

Thanks Jamie66Moto. 😬🏍️💨

[@thewoodster8607]

Another great video. You stayed in the same hotel in Jaca that four of my lot will in May. It always rains on the way back to Calais!!

[@o75uk]

Hello, The Woodster. Good to hear from you again. Small world, it seems. The hotel was good for us, and we'll probably book there again when next in the area. As for heading back to Calais, tell me about it; it's becoming a running joke for us - at least this time, it didn't snow as it did on a previous return trip after leaving Orleans.

[@2BoldlyGo]

Awesome trip, thanks for letting us know the road names, we're off to Comb Laval next month so might add on a few of those roads

[@o75uk]

Thanks for your message, 2BoldlyGo. Other mototouring creators produce some great content, but when you saw some amazing roads, they never mention where they were. I spent time rewinding footage looking for little clues. At least the road prompts I include will save you hours if you decide to hit the same roads. If you use your smartphone, you can scan the QR codes to show you exactly where we were on GoogleMaps. Yes, Comb Laval is really good - I just hope the weather is better for you. Enjoy and ride safe.

[@robertgoble9739]

epic, would like to see your route map

[@o75uk]

Thank you. It was a great trip. There’s a link to the route map in the description. 👍🏻

[@gregduncan2794]

Great video, thanks. I’m looking to do my first Euro trip next year with my wife as pillion, we are limited with time due to other holiday commitments but this trip could be doable for us.

[@o75uk]

You're welcome Greg. If time is limited, personally, I would book accommodation for a few days and concentrate on one area, such as the Picos (do check out my other videos). This trip was a bit of a recce, and now armed, we know what we would prefer to do for our next week-long trip.

[@MrNeilparry1]

We took same road from Jaca at end of May last year but the col aubisque was still closed, great vid, still waiting for my mates edited copy 😂😂😂😂😂

[@o75uk]

Hi Neil, Thanks for your comment. It's appreciated. I am glad you enjoyed the video, which took an absolute age to edit, but it's worth it. I sense you could be waiting a while longer to watch your mate's edited version 😅. Yes, Jaca is certainly a good starting point if arriving from Santander/Bilbao to then start exploring east along the Pyrenees.

[@felixcomms]

Great Vlog ... Just right amount of talk .... New Subscriber 👌

[@o75uk]

Cheers AHB for the feedback, and for subscribing too, which is great. I agree, no one wants to hear all the ins and outs.

[@nickfry7705]

Brill vid thanks. We are doing a very similar route next Monday. Portsmouth-Santander, across to S'Agaro on north Spanish Med coast via Pyrenees then up towards Millau, follow south of France then up Route Napoleon via a few yet to be decided ski resorts in the Alps, Calais n home to Derby. The excitement is building.

[@o75uk]

Hi Nick, thanks for your comment. It's appreciated. Sorry for the delay to reply; it's been a bit busy for me of late and probably reading my reply after your trip. How was it? Amazing no doubt. How long did it take?

[@nickfry7705]

@@o75uk Hi, in the end we spent 3 weeks riding 2800 miles across Spain, France, Italy, Switzerland and Belgium. All made up as we went along booking accommodation as we went with 2 nights camping next to St TRopez. A brilliant time and planning to circumnavigate Spain, Portugal and the north side of the Pyrenees next year already.

[@johnwelbers4248]

Thanks for sharing 🍻😎🏍💨💨💨💨💨💨👍🏻🇨🇦 from British Columbia

[@o75uk]

Hi @johnwelbers4248, It's always good to hear from fellow bikers from across the globe. Thank you for your comment. It means a lot. You're welcome. Are you planning to hit European roads?

[@paullee6663]

Sorry, I'm late! 😊 Must have missed this in the YT Notifications 🙁 I don't know where to start 🤔 Just a stunning production, filming, editing, music, just so well put together and edited. I shudder to think how many hours went into the making. It''s a crime that it hasn't been seen by 200K ! Stunning scenery, Pico's on steroids! Have to admit the Santander ferry is getting a bit rich for my blood in July these days, and I really don't fancy two nights onboard. Not bad when you are with a bunch of mates, not so great when you are on your Jack Jones. 🙁 Hat's off to the guy on the Harley, I know they didn't do the worst of the knarly bits (bet he's glad about that!) But even so, great achievement on his part. Wouldn't have known where to start on the clutch problem if it had been me. Didn't know in emergency you could use engine oil (best pack some for next time eh? A known problem on KTM's I think...looks like you got it sorted as you have just had the MOT done 🤣🤣

[@o75uk]

Hi Paul! You're never too late, mate. 😀 Thank you so much for your kind comment; it means a lot and makes all the hours of editing worthwhile, believe me.
If viewers can draw from our experiences in the hunt for stunning scenery to assist with their own future tours, then that's a bonus. I'm not one of those social media fanatics in pursuit of viewers and followers; whatever will be, will be. I have a life in between tours. 😉
The ferry to Santander is perfectly timed, leaving at the end of the day and arriving very early on day two for a full day's ride ahead. The TV system on board helps to pass the time; it soon goes. It saves money on a second night's accommodation too.
The Harley rider is my cousin, Dave. He would have taken a KTM 890 Adventure but couldn't get his hands on one in time. Yes, some routes wouldn't have been suitable for his motorcycle or the RT, hence why they took a different route on a couple of days. That said, his Harley never missed a beat.
I did think about taking mineral clutch oil but decided to leave it behind at the last minute. At the time, we were looking for vegetable oil as it is mineral-based, but no shop around us sold any, which only left engine oil which I always carry on tours, although, up until then, I never needed to use it.
Once home, I bought a new master cylinder kit, chain and sprockets, and a new rear tyre. While the rear end was out, I refurbished the rear shock too. You're right, it just had its MoT, and after all that, it failed on a number plate light. I digress, but we're now all good and ready for our next tour.
Ride safe, my friend. 👍🏼

[@paullee6663]

@@o75uk Thank you for leaving such a comprehensive reply! 👍 My apologies I should have said, I did Plymouth to Santander in 2018 and 2019. I was booked for 2020 but we all know how that went. 🙁 I have to say I didn''t have a very good customer experience with the ferry company. I hear you on the crossing times, in 2019 the ferry was late arriving, I made an error setting the route on the satnav and I didn't get to the hotel in Gijon until after 8.30pm 😐 By the time I got to the 'Pub' it was 10pm...luckily there was plenty of free food on the Bar, which I paid for in beers purchased! They were still serving meals at Midnight!!
My '85 Honda has a red light in the speedo that comes on if the rear tail light bulb fails 😯 I always thought 'what is the point of that?' (I always check all the lights before leaving on any ride) Then last year for the first time ever, the bulb 'blew' while on a ride... miles from home, and the Red light was 'annoying'...then I realized...not only had I no tail light....but I had no brake light either 😲😯 I'll be carrying a spare stop/tail light somewhere from here on. 🙂 Ride Safe and keep the videos coming!

[@o75uk]

You're welcome, Paul. Like you, we've done the one-night runs to Spain, but the timings aren't great. We've always found Brittany Ferries fantastic. I think we've all set the SatNav off to head in a different direction, which is why I don't offer my routes to anyone, just in case their SatNav interprets my routes differently.
Don't you love the fails? I do - becomes a good talking point for years to come, even if it's just a bulb that's blown.
I'll try to keep the videos coming, but it'll only be the tours. No one would want to hear me drivel on while I ride the back roads of Sussex. Still, we have another tour coming up soon. Watch this space. In the meantime, thank you for your support. It's appreciated.

[@kliderskope3662]

This came up as a suggestion and happy it did, planning something like this with my son for next year. Guess you must be a sussex boy as we are from your home destination 😂. Thanks will definitely be looking into some of the places you visited.

[@o75uk]

Hello! 👋🏻 Thanks for your comment. Glad to hear the algorithm gods suggested my vid to you. For us, it was more of a recce run but shows what you can do if you only have a week available.
So, you're a Sussex local too? 👍🏻 It’s a great starting point if you want to nip across the shores on the old bike. Or reach all parts of England and Wales in a day, for that matter. 😬
The Pyrenees and south-east France are better areas to explore. Ride safe and enjoy. 🏍️💨

[@rolandsmith2141]

Just looking for destination/route ideas, so glad I stumbled upon your excellent video. First ever “tour” ,taking the wife so ……wish me luck😅

[@o75uk]

Hi Roland, Thanks for watching my video! I'm so pleased you found it helpful. Glad to hear you're going to do your first motorcycle tour! I'm sure you and your wife will have a great time. As per your request, I will wish you the best of luck, although I sense your wife is likely to need it more. 😉

[@alexmorgan3435]

You knocked the ball out of the park with this one.
Shame the Col de la Machine and Combe Laval was shrouded in fog, mist, cloud. The views really are spectacular.
But you rode some other very spectacular roads eg the big cycling cols of the Pyrenees which I have ridden but ...... cycling and then the Gorge de Verdon.
A very nice tour indeed and you took some great footage.
Pity you didn't stop at Carcassone as you passed quite close by. It's a beautifully preserved medieval citadel that has never seen battle. Riding across the Milau bridge designed by Norman Foster on the A75 is also worth a detour. Maybe next time.
Brittany Ferries down to Santander has become so expensive, certainly prohibitively expensive to do it solo.
Thanks for making and sharing your video.

[@o75uk]

Alex - WOW, thank you so much for your feedback. I really appreciate it, especially when editing can take a long time. Also, thank you for your other info too. I did consider the Millau Bridge, but just up a little too far for the miles we needed to cover that day. We promised ourselves doing this as a reccie run; we're not overly keen on hotel hopping, instead choosing a place to stay for a few days, dumping the gear, and then explore from there. This trip has certainly identified at least three key locations for other week-long tours where we can spend a decent amount of time rather than glance at it as we ride by. But yes, Carcassone and the Millau Viaduct are certainly ones to note.
Our two-night crossing, leaving very late Friday and arriving early Sunday all fresh and ready to ride, I think, was around £330 each at the end of September with a four-berth outside cabin. It is undoubtedly a wonderful and relaxing way to start any tour. I love the fact we're still moving while sleeping. To reach the Pyrenees by road, we worked out that going by tunnel crossing, needing four or five tanks of fuel, plus tolls, at least one night's accommodation en route, and wear and tear, there was very little in it in terms of cost. I'm not sure what the cost would be this year, but I'd imagine demand in the summer months will see higher prices, for sure, which is why I tend to go in late September. If going between late May and early September, going overland would probably be the more likely option.
Anyway, you are most welcome and glad you enjoyed our week-long trip.

[@alexmorgan3435]

@@o75uk Wow, thank you for reply! A++++. I was looking on the BF website a few nights ago and going solo which I have to, early May and riding back to the Eurotunel similar sort of route to you or going mid-late september was costing about £300 but sleeping in a 'luxury seat' on their ferry for two nights, no cabin. With cabin it was just under £500 which is way out of my budget. I'm not poor, but £500 is ridiculous. Also the cabin is 4 berth meaning if you had mates to ride with you could share the cost. So instead I look at either taking a ferry to St Malo and riding down the west side of France to the Pyenees which would be a long day's ride or taking the Eurotunnel train to Calais and doing a loop from there aiming for the Alps and surrounding areas. So many great roads to ride in Europe. Thanks again for your reply.

[@R1200RTLE]

Great trip, good route. Can I ask which puncture repair kit you used? Looks very good 👍

[@o75uk]

Thank you for the feedback! As for the puncture repair kit, I've used both strips and plugs and both pretty much work in similar ways. I usually take several mini gas cylinders for initial inflation - enough to get me to the nearest garage to check and correct pressures. Luckily for me, my brother is a professional roadside technician, so he carries his own tools. He certainly didn't hang around, and we were back on the road in under 15 minutes. While I carry strips, my brother uses the plugs: amzn.eu/d/5hxuWk8
May your journeys be puncture-free! 🏍️🛠️

[@onaroad4505]

Watched it all as I said excellent review/ video one question what’s the make of your puncture repair kit it looks 10 times easier than mine to use Ash

[@o75uk]

Hi Ash (again), I'm so pleased you enjoyed it. As for the puncture repair kit, sorry, I don't know; it's my brother's kit. He certainly made light work, being back on the road in about ten minutes. He certainly made it look easy, but there again he does work for a well-known UK roadside recovery company. In short, he's very much used to dealing with roadside punctures. 🤭

[@ianjenkinson2444]

Good video

[@o75uk]

Hello, mate. So glad you enjoyed it. I just have to head back to those Gorges.

[@eddmelter1012]

nice video! how did you manage all the recordings? did you just have alot of SD cards? surely a days worth of riding at this quality would not fit on an SD card?

[@o75uk]

Hi, Edd (again). Well, we had three GoPro cameras, each with a 128GB Extreme SD card. This was plenty for a day or two's footage. We also had 64Gb cards as backup. At the end of each day, the footage was offloaded to an external SSD hard drive, and yes, I took my Mac laptop so I could briefly review just in case I had unexpected issues with the picture or sound. Learning from experience, problems were generally caused by third-party batteries. I only use genuine GoPro batteries, taking three per camera, so there's always a battery or two charging under the seat while others are in use - it's a bit of a faff, but it's okay. It works. We don't tend to film tens of minutes at a time either, which saves space too.

[@eddmelter1012]

thanks for the detailed reply, that is facsinating@@o75uk

[@petergold7132]

Great video. How can I get a road map of your whole trip?

[@o75uk]

Thanks, Peter. The route we took can be accessed via the description. I've copied it here for your convenience: bit.ly/o75-MotoTour-Route-Map. It will show in Google Maps. I hope it helps.

[@stephenwilliams1824]

That is a lot of covered mileage in 8 days. Something I would do in a month. I don’t see the logic of going abroad on a quickie.

[@o75uk]

Yes, it was. However, the logic behind this trip was for two reasons: one, to show anyone considering a week-long trip what you can do in several days if their time is limited; and secondly, for us, it was a recce-run where we could pick out regions we'd like to focus more on with future tours. We've had enough of hotel-hopping; we would rather head to a destination and stay to explore for several days before moving on or head home if time isn't on our side. This means we can dump the panniers and all the gear, explore and have fun!! 😎🏍️💨 At the moment, family and work commitments can really restrict what we can do and how long we've got. This year, we're lucky to get two nights! 😩

[@Motourev]

Loved it, fantastic video. Very interested in this route, do you have GPX files by any chance?

[@o75uk]

Welcome Motourev. Glad you enjoyed the vid. It was a great week-long tour, but hotel hopping can be a pain. We use Calimoto for routing. I'm unable to supply GPX files as SatNavs can interpret files differently - I wouldn't want to disappoint. However, I do have a Google Maps link, which I've pasted here for your convenience to help you pick out key waypoints. Hope this helps: https//bit.ly/o75-MotoTour-Route-Map

[@Motourev]

@@o75uk thanks. We are used to hotel hopping, we do it every year 🙈

[@o75uk]

​@@Motourev It's a bit like a box of chocolates...you never know what you're going to get! 😂

[@Motourev]

@@o75uk 😂😂👍🏻

[@skyridercommendor6303]

Tryning to enjoy this, one small problem :) your sound is going up an down ( the music part!) plz get the Vol. right. always have your music lower then talk/bike sounds.
atm. hard sit back an enjoy if you have to re set vol all the time ;-)
Great filming !
Thanks for sharing 🙏
Ps, sound levels got alot better in 2dn half og the video
Pss. Like+Sub ;-)

[@o75uk]

Thanks for your feedback. I appreciate it’s only a small problem, but I am flattered that the standard of my amateur recording and editing should meet pro-sound standards.
#musttryharder 👍🏼

[@1fiatman]

Brilliant loved the music and how you used google earth

[@o75uk]

Hi, 1fiatman - Thank you. It means a lot. It took an absolute age to source all the music tracks I felt would accompany the rides. I'm glad you appreciate it. As for Google Maps - the overview really helps to see its location.

[@thenuneatonnomad5357]

Credit to you! A great looking trip and beautifully covered. I’m trying to plough through my Arctic Circle vids. It’s a steep learning curve and so time consuming and as you say, finding suitable music is the hardest part! Look forward to the next one.

[@o75uk]

@@thenuneatonnomad5357 Thank you. Yes, editing can take far longer than you hope. I think this one took longer to edit than the trip itself. 😅 I'll try and tune into your Artic Circle vids; sounds interesting.

[@Banditmanuk]

Nice to see a new vid from you. We were on the Galicia a couple of weeks before you. The Pyrenees looks amazing, it's probably where we would like to head after this year's Alps trip.
What sort of daily average milage were you doing?

[@o75uk]

Helloooo! 👋🏻 I heard you on TMF’s vid this morning. Nice mention! Thank you! I know it's been a while. Work commitments hasn't helped but trying to turn all that down to focus more with family time. This vid took far longer to edit than I had planned, promising myself not to turn on any computer for two weeks over Christmas. Anyway, I digress but I suppose the trip was a bit of a reccie for future trips. That said, hotel hopping is a bit of a pain. Love the Galicia; watching a film or two in the cabin. Anyway, I hope you're keeping well and give my regards to Carol. Keep up the great vid work yourself and hope to ride with you one day. 🏍️💨😃

[@Banditmanuk]

@o75 Yes, nice of Andy to mention me and the channel right at the start of his video. Gained about 20 subs from that, which was a bonus.
We enjoyed the Galicia but found it a bit strange having two nights abroad. Bit temping to keep heading to the bar for a beer!
Anyway thanks for the vid, always looking for inspiration

[@o75uk]

Nice and I know what you mean about the bar on a two-night crossing; happy to turn in early for a full day’s ride the next. 😉

[@o75uk]

Sorry, I forgot to mention the mileage. The average was 200 miles per day, a couple 170 miles, others 230, with the final day's push covering 430 miles back home; surprisingly, it only took nine hours, including stops. In addition, we find that going by Channel Tunnel by motorbike as a pair, we're asked to go straight down, saving an hour's waiting to board. That said, despite the puncture, we just made it with five minutes to spare.

[@jedispunk7280]

Just found these videos
I'm planning a group trip next year and just started looking at route plan to ferry to santander up to calais chunnel back
First part to jaca and paniers then I would head north winding up to calais ive started yo play on calimoto and first day santander to jaca just under 400 miles on cali yes it give approx time but in real world with fuel and leg stops how long did it take you I plan on getting to hotels at reasonable time to have a beer etc 😀

[@o75uk]

I'm glad you found us. Welcome. You'll find a link to our map if you go to the description. Each day is comfortably doable. Santander to Jaca is only around 230 miles. Seeing we arrived early in the day, we had a slow run to Jaca. Either way, my rule of thumb is 160-180 miles a day or a six-hour ride time, whichever comes first. Naturally, motorways would cover more ground as we did on our final day, so there are exceptions.
We aim to hit the road by 8-8.30, arriving at the destination around 5pm. This should allow a couple of breaks/fuel stops and an hour for lunch, with sufficient time at the end of the day for a beer or three! I hope this helps. Enjoy your trip. 👍🏻

[@jedispunk7280]

Thanks for the reply looking forward to watching other videos and thanks for the info I take it calimoto works no issues ?
And I noticed on cali the first route santander to jaca said 380 miles then noticed it was set to technical twisties hence it went long way on gravel roads etc I'm not on a offroad bike 🤣 set it to curved roads much better thx

[@o75uk]

You’re welcome. Calimoto is great in Europe although relying on data to load maps as you go can cause it to freeze, forcing a reload. Better still, I downloaded maps before I left for my second trip, which worked flawlessly. You’ll need about 6Gb of internal space on your smartphone. After which you can rely on the phone’s internal GPS. I’m on o2 so I don’t get charged Euro roaming fees so it didn’t affect me either way.
As for Calimoto route preference, stick to non-motorway, unless you want to do every farm track. 😄

[@jedispunk7280]

Yes been playing with cali santander to jaca
Twisty = 400 miles
Winding 200ish miles
Thx plenty of time to plan ferry date first then hotels on route thx

[@joggjogg]

Excellent footage as usual, what month was this tour ?

[@o75uk]

Thank you for your comment, joggjogg. It’s appreciated. The trip was at the end of September.

[@scottwoodley8269]

Hi your UA-cam channel is great. I’m looking at planning the same sort of trip as this, is there any other knowledge or information you can share that I should know about that would help plan the trip?

[@o75uk]

Hi Scott, thank you for your comment. It's always great to hear feedback like yours. It means a lot.
I would be glad to help. If planning a trip, work to 160/170-mile days or a six-hour ride time, whichever arrives first. If the group size increases, the mileage decreases. I use a different formula if I need to cover the distance on motorways.
For routing, I use Calimoto, which is superb as I can plan routes on my laptop, which then automatically syncs with my phone.
If there is specifically you would like to know, then reply below, and I'll keep my response as brief as I can.

[@scottwoodley8269]

@@o75uk
Thanks for the reply and I will all ways give feedback :).
Yer been looking at the 6 hours mark the group size will only be two of us. I have a Tom Tom so been trying to plan it on there but may give you one ago as well see how that works
Do you try to pick cheap places to stay or places that are close to food or mix of both?
Do you take any security with you?

[@o75uk]

@@scottwoodley8269 I'm unfamiliar with TomTom, so I can't help, but a friend mentioned they have a new beta route planning mydrive.tomtom.com.
For accommodation, that's entirely up to you, whether camping, hostels, budget hotels, B&Bs or something a little classier. A self-catering apartment is an excellent option if settling in one location for a few days.
If you know the weather will be fine, go camping, but that's a fair bit of extra equipment you must take.
If hotel hopping, I use www.booking.com to reserve accommodation in advance. Whatever happens, we have guaranteed beds, but if plans change, I can cancel without charge, often on the day. I've gone ad hoc but found finding hotels at your destination on the day can be scarce; on one occasion, riding another 30 miles to find the nearest bed for the night, especially during the holiday season. That can ruin evening plans if you arrive late.
When looking for accommodation, I primarily look for decent on-site parking, not that security is ever a worry abroad. I like to see if a restaurant and bar is on-site or nearby, with breakfast for the morning. As long as it has clean beds, I don't care.
Security-wise, I put on two disc locks for the front brake disc and an Oxford Boss, which I put through the rear sprocket, I've always found it sufficient, and I can throw them in my top box or tank bag.
Musts are a good European breakdown cover with repatriation (for peace of mind), a puncture repair kit (know how to use it), an electric mini-pump or some CO2 canisters.
I hope this helps. Ride safe and enjoy.

[@aaron.black107]

One last thing… what time of year did you film this?

[@o75uk]

End of September. 👍🏼

[@aaron.black107]

@@o75uk perfect thank you

[@nickfifield1]

Do you use comms ?
Also how did you book accommodation? All in advance , 1 day in advance?

[@o75uk]

Yes, we use Cardo for our communications. The banter between riders is worth it alone. That said, riding with friends is easier, and with seamless connectivity to our iPhones, we can listen simultaneously to music and Calimoto SatNav instructions too.
We book our accommodation through www.Booking.com a few months in advance to guarantee our room and get the best prices. If our plans change, we can cancel our room up to 24 hours in advance. Before we go, and at my leisure, it also gives me a chance to peruse around the hotel for food options and fuel, so when I arrive, I know there's a good pub nearby for drinks and grub.
I have booked ad hoc but found I was wasting ride time trying to find accommodation, especially on a budget, or finding I'm heading 20 miles off course to find the nearest hotel with availability if in high season.

[@richardgiles2484]

Did you use Google maps on this trip and if so how was it ?

[@o75uk]

Hi Richard, thank you for your question.
The short answer is no, we don't use Google Maps for trips.
The long answer is we use the Calimoto App on our iPhones, which is ideal for motorcycle touring. It's easier to prepare routes which I can share with other Calimoto users with a couple of clicks. The Google Maps you see in the video are ridden routes which I export from Calimoto into Google My Maps to help with footage. I hope this helps.

[@richardgiles2484]

@o75 Thanks for the advice mate. Looks like you had a fantastic time and I'm heading to Potes for a week in June by ferry and then back up through France

[@o75uk]

You're welcome. We certainly did - although not much time to take our time. It was more of a reccie for future tours.
Good to hear you're off to Potes for a week - you'll certainly enjoy the roads there, just as we did in 2019. Potes was our base for the week. If you haven't seen my little series, do. I would certainly recommend the road to Tresviso. Enjoy and ride safe.
ua-cam.com/play/PLsiRgyiXowII1jq74kTN8ud95sz_hEbzN.html

[@richardgiles2484]

@o75 Yes, I'll take a look at the other videos as well. I've only booked a one wat ticket from Plymouth to Santander as I'm in no rush to get back, so I won't need to rush the trip and hopefully going to Andora at the same time after a week in potes. Also, I only booked accommodation in potes and going to find something at the end of each that way I'm not committed to set miles each day 👍🤣

[@AlistairLennox]

What satnav app are you using?

[@o75uk]

We all use Calimoto. 👍🏻😎

[@nickfifield1]

Is it a 2 day crossing ?

[@o75uk]

Yes, it is a two-night 35-hour crossing, with very convenient departure and arrival times. For us, it left Portsmouth late Friday evening, we enjoyed a full day on board on the Saturday and then up early the following morning to disembark at 8am, ready for our full day's ride ahead on the Sunday. We didn't lose a day's work on the day of departure or a day's riding on when we arrived on Sunday. With one-night crossings, we found departures were in the afternoon, arriving the following evening before trying to find and pay for a hotel on the second night. The extra cost and inconvenient times weren't worth it.

[@alanjones8810]

What KTM is your bike.

[@o75uk]

2010 990 SMT…last of the raw v-twins. A brilliant all-rounder.

[@markmcdonald470]

Is the new 2 night ferry better than the 1 night on the pont aven ? 😃

[@o75uk]

Hi Mark, apologies for the tardy response.
We've done a few ferry crossings to/from Portsmouth and Santander/Bilbao. Comparing the two, we prefer the two-night crossings - the most recent on the Galicia. The main reason is we had a full working day before jumping on the bikes and arriving at the port early evening to board around 9pm. You then have a relaxing day on the ferry the next, getting another good night's sleep before we were up at 5am to disembark at 8.30am, all refreshed and ready for a full day's ride ahead.
I've also been on the Pont Aven, which departed Portsmouth mid-afternoon, arriving in Santander at 5.30pm the following day. The downside meant we only had a couple of hour's ride before losing light heading on the second night to our accommodation bearing in mind the additional hotel cost, time to unpack, and then find a restaurant; it got quite late in the day.
However, on the return ferry, we departed Santander early evening, arriving back in the UK at 8pm; so for me, rolling the bike into the garage by 9.30pm was very convenient.
For us, it's not how fast you get there; it's the time you get there. It all depends on what works for you.

[@markmcdonald470]

@@o75uk Thanks for the reply, we travel down from Aberdeen & usually stay the night in Bristol & it's a couple of hours down to Plymouth the next morning. On the return leg from Santander we docked at 12-30 & it was a 12 hour journey home 😴 Ok on the RT but just got a KTM 😀 so it might not be as comfortable the next time. 😁😁

[@nickfifield1]

Hi, how much did you pay for your motorcycle crossing ? I’m seeing £300+ each way !

[@o75uk]

Hi Nick, Thanks for your three questions which I'll gladly answer. Looking at a one-way, two-night crossing for the time we travelled at the end of September is £295 plus a choice of accommodation. It seems like it'll be busy as only inside four-berth cabins are available at £102 (c.£400), but there are premium seats in a communal lounge for £9. Prices do depend on the time of year and demand. We book in January to save a few quid and take advantage of a seasonal free upgrade to a Flexi ticket. Our ticket last year, including the outside four-berth cabin, was £329pp based on two sharing.
Comparing it to riding down, you could get a crossing from Portsmouth to Le Harve for about £65 plus fuel, tolls and accommodation to Bilbao over two days, then the price would work out roughly the same. For us, the ferry is part of the experience, feeling relaxed and refreshed for the riding ahead.

[@midlifeadventures77]

How did you manage any low emission zones ? Did you need any thing to enter them ?cheers

[@o75uk]

Hi Nathan, thank you for your comment. Assuming you're referring to zones in France, then all you need is the Crit'Air sticker which costs under €5 and remains with the bike for the remainder of its life. Apply online, and it'll be posted to you. We only rode through Grenoble, which is one low-emission zone, so better to play safe than get caught out to then pay the €135 fine. Knowing I ride through France with panniers, I put my sticker on one of them. Here is more information if you need it: www.france.fr/en/holiday-prep/crit-air-anti-pollution-vehicle-sticker
Hope it helps.