Thanks for taking the time to comment and giving some feedback. It’s always appreciated. I’m currently deep in the final stages of preparing for next trip. Stay safe👍🏻
Ah. Nice one again, Steve. Properly enjoyed that. Not a typical trip for an RT, but who knows in the future ;) Nice that you did a solo trip. No one to take into account. Your own schedule/direction/pace. Enough time to reflect on life. Thanks for sharing
Agreed not a trip you could replicate on an RT but It would make an alternative, and very different, road trip. Admittedly not the mountainous beautiful views like the Alps but certainly less travelled and less tourists. Somebody in the comments said they took the same route up to the Nordkapp which is quite interesting, if you’ve got the time.
@@GreenString agreed the offroad/gravel road can be avoided an it will still be a beautiful environment. Last year in Sweden I saw quite some beautiful spots next to the main road, with an astonishing view over the lake.. that can be done on an RT.
Trail Rider extraordinaire or blundering along, head first, with fingers crossed, hoping for the best, I’ll let you decide. But on a serious note it always felt like a balance of risk versus reward, the problem is, I found, you go down a trail not really knowing what’s up ahead and it seemed to me at least to be very remote in parts of Finland. Even though the trails were easy I still felt a little bit reckless at times. Definitely better doing off road sections with your mates. My main effort on the trip was to bond with the new bike and I now have a much better understanding of what I can and cannot do with it. As always Paul, thanks for taking the time to comment. Stay safe mate.
Haha, congratulations on getting the „First comment“ comment. I always enjoy responding by commenting on the „First comment“ - comment. Oh and, as always, thanks for taking the time to comment 👍🏼
Great episode 2, Steve.. pretty funny with the camp site toilets 😆, you'd have some stories to tell on why you got bit in the ass by spiders That forest was right out of a supernatural movie scene.. keep your axe 👍🏻 here crossing borders or being pulled over, we'd have some explaining to do .. keep your kit as is, looks solid and a good base to build or refine on.. maybe a full blader for loner hauls just in case
Cheers Bro. It was an interesting little adventure, terrifying at times but nevertheless an adventure all the same. In those spooky woods I was 100% sure someone was stood outside my tent. You wouldn’t believe how happy I was when daylight came around. It was very, very remote in places and let’s face it there’s nothing like going for a crap in the wilderness.😁
Hi mate. I really appreciate that you’ve taken the time to comment and subscribe. If you enjoyed those, and your bored, check out our other tour videos, I think you’ll like them. Stay safe and keep riding.👍🏼
Great tour Steve. Hats off for taking the big adventure bike off road...I have tried a bit here in the UK on a small 250 and it's a lot harder than the videos make it look!. I had to do a double take when you checked in for that ferry and a dog was looking at you 😂. Although I tour with friends I also love a week away alone as it means you can go the route you want, stopping where you like etc without worrying about the others. Ride safe mate ✌️ 🇬🇧
Hey Bro, good to hear from you. The TET in Finland (or at least the bit I did) was not particularly taxing. In fact I think it’s a great place to learn to ride off road. The vast majority is sweeping open gravel roads that are relatively big bike friendly. I found the challenge was more physiological as I’d enter a trail and obviously not really know what I was getting into and some parts did feel very remote (when was the last time you travelled for hours and never saw another human being) So it sought of played on my mind that if I get hurt it could get serious quite quickly. I was probably over thinking it. Generally I was was just blundering through the woods hoping for the best (like an idiot). Still, I would do it again, it quite an interesting route, although I do regret not spending more time in Estonia. Time is always against us! Anyway stay safe mate and thanks for the comment.
Thanks Steven, I really enjoyed this trip, not just the ride but filming and even the inevitable, long editing process. It was definitely a journey of many firsts. Again, thanks for the comment and feedback. Stay safe buddy 👍🏻
Thanks so much. Actually I went in September, so apart from the odd cold morning the weather was good. As you probably noticed I was constantly moaning about how it was going to rain soon but I was really lucky, it remained overcast for the majority of the tour. Regrettably that was the last „big tour“ for this year but I’m busy planning an ambitious outing for early next year. If your bored, and you haven’t already, check out some of our back catalogue of tours. As always, thank you so much for taking the time to comment. Stay safe, keep riding.
Another great episode Steve, I know it takes hours to edit , but it would have been great to have a few more episodes to watch now the weather is turning rubbish Thanks for bringing it to us , now that’s done what are the plans for next year ? 🤔 Thanks again stay well and ride safe mate 👌👍
Cheers mate. Yeah, I agree it probably came across as abrupt but looking through the footage, naturally, when I’m in a campsite I’m on my own and so, in turn, not saying anything. Generally I just went to sleep so there was much less footage as when I’m with someone and more importantly no banter that normally takes up a large chunk of my videos. So I’ll just probably pump out a couple of kit videos over winter, nothing to exciting. As for next year, I’m currently planning our biggest trip to date. I want to reach the Sahara desert with our own bikes. If we fail on that (due to time restraints) then we will be exploring Morocco. We are planning on departing in April. After we’ve done that I’m struggling of new places to go. I’m considering in 2025 and beyond the option of flying in and hiring bikes, but that’s along way off.
All sounds very exciting mate, that’s the only problem with travelling you have to go further and further afield to find new adventures, Morocco is great , some amazing people and places done some travelling there and Libya in the past , if you watch Nomad Sweden (top guys) they had an amazing trip to Turkey a little while ago so maybe an option , keep the adventures coming though mate , stay well and ride safe 👌👍👊
Blimey, that was quick. Leigh would have turned that into 37 episodes! Admittedly I stick to the UK (at the moment) but I only travel solo, I really prefer to suit myself, I am also still a bit stuck in my old business travel habit of always having somewhere booked (to camp). However I only ride tarmac, so your adventure was a whole nother level and you pulled it off a treat. Really enjoyed watching.
That’s true. Leigh has a very different style of editing than me. He is more of a classic moto vlogger, and I love that style, it’s very authentic. I’m constantly messing around with editing and I make my travel videos as much for me as anyone else, so I can look back on them in years to come. The problem is that if they bore me then I presume they will bore the audience. Hence the fast cut editing. I admit some like it others don’t, but typically according to my statistics I lose 60% of my audience in the first 60 seconds. I’m trying to teach myself to be more spontaneous on my travels, get food on the road instead of carrying it all and find accommodation as it comes. Sort of trying to adopt a see what happens style. But, like you, I’m naturally a planner and love pouring over maps and doing research.
@@GreenString a creators style is really what grabs me and either turns me into a sub, or not. There are many channels that within a minute I know are not for me, for any number of reasons, but real, informative and funny will do it for me every time. Spontaneity when it comes to accommodation doesn't really suit my 'in control' style, it would spoil the ride if I were spending all afternoon worrying where I was going to be camping... maybe I will change with time, I've only been at this moto camping malarkey for a couple of years. Love the channel, always makes me smile.
It’s a Garmin XT. I think they’ve got a new one out. Mine recently had a problem after a software update (exchanged at my local Louis, no problem). Worryingly Jason has the same and he is on his second one under warranty.
@@GreenString I never want an extra, expensive new device, when you can make use of the phone... Waze is always up to date and has traffic information. On my GS my phone worked perfectly. On the RT I'm searching for a correct mount. Think I found one. GPX files however, do not work with Waze (oddly).. and indeed a proper integration with the wonder wheel is great, obviously...
Hi, there are stacks of apps listing the huts, some better than others. Denmark, for example, has an excellent app for all out door activities and you can literally filter it for the type of hut you are after. Look up VINDSKYDDSKARTAN (shelter map) in your App Store. My go to App is iOverlander and all the wild campsites on this video I found on that. It’s particularly good for bikers. It’s only downside is it’s hugely popular so it’s not unusual to tip up and find several motor homes at your „secluded spot“ in the woods.
Very enjoyable .. when you review your trips, it would be useful if you could mention rough costs, like fuel, food, campsites.. Like yourself, I always aim for minimal travel costs and having an idea of the daily costings would be very useful.. like your kit reviews it helps a lot .. Ride safe .. :)
Hi, good point and I totally agree. I’ve got a lot of footage of the kit I used when I got back, discussing what worked and what did not. I will attempt to get access to my credit card bills and come up with some cohesive figures of approximate cost and hopefully throw a „post tour video“ together. I should be able to dig out the coordinates of the wild camp sites, no problem. I normally include them in my tour videos but as I’ve never received positive comment on them I left out this time! Anyway, thanks for the comment. Stay safe and keep riding 👍🏼
Hi Mate. I didn’t use a sleeping mat. For some reason I always get punctures in them so I use a Helinox Cot lite. Bombproof but very expensive. That’s a great route to get up to the Nordkapp. It’s the quintessential biker bucket list must-do trip. I did it a couple of years ago (there’s a video in my back catalogue if your bored) but we just bombed through Sweden and came slowly back down through Norway. I must admit though I do sort of regret (on this tour) not spending at least a day or two in Estonia. I guess it gives me an excuse to go back one day. Anyway thanks so much for taking the time to comment. It’s appreciated. Stay safe and keep riding 👍🏼
@@GreenString I looked at that Helinox Cot Lite. I've always used Thermarest pads, Never had any issues, But now Im over 50 and looking for extra comfort, I've just bought a Big Agnes Rapide SL Long/wide pad, The internet is full of how great and game changing it is. So, Lets see...... Yes, Nordkapp is a bikers bucket list, I've done the Euro Triangle, Morocco, Istanbul & Nordkapp. I Too have videos on here of those trips. I've always ridden in a small group, Or just two, But this year I decided to ride solo, And for the 12 weeks I was away, I loved it. Much better. Now and then in the evenings I miss the company. But solo is defo the way forward. Look forward to your next upload All the best Nigel
They weren’t Latvians…I didn’t know. I presumed…and presumption is the mother of all f**k ups! 😂 thanks for letting me know. I’m sort of glad, in a way, I skipped Estonia. That way it gives me a really good excuse to go back and explore it properly. Thanks for taking the time to comment. It’s much appreciated. Stay safe.👍🏼
Hi, my pants are the Adv Spec Mongolia www.adventurespec.com/shop/mongolia-trail-pants-10?category=32#attr=15,11 and my jacket is the Rukka Rimo R www.fc-moto.de/epages/fcm.sf/?channable=0209786964003130363331393438363707&ObjectPath=/Shops/10207048/Products/Rukka-Rimo-R-Moto-Textile-Jkt-21/SubProducts/Rukka-Rimo-R-Moto-Textile-Jkt-21-0036&Locale=de_DE&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAlJKuBhAdEiwAnZb7lbmlP-c1rQLdxbVPtX5wOLvpb2_HbUa1s_A-fnuySCXgjJwjxHqu2RoC0asQAvD_BwE
Hi, I used stock Pirelli Scorpion STRs as they came with the bike. I think they are ok for most dry surfaces and gravel. Still my favourite do it all tyre is the Mitas EO7+
Great videos fella, brought back a lot of wonderful memories from when I was fortunate enough to go touring back in 2011. Thank you
Thanks for taking the time to comment and giving some feedback. It’s always appreciated. I’m currently deep in the final stages of preparing for next trip. Stay safe👍🏻
Very nice to watch your adventures. And I like the commentary you give. No bleeps , just say SHIT . 👍👍
Haha, Yeah I would probably do better if I edited out the swearing, but let’s face it sometimes it just has to be said! Thanks for the comment👍🏼
Ah. Nice one again, Steve. Properly enjoyed that. Not a typical trip for an RT, but who knows in the future ;)
Nice that you did a solo trip. No one to take into account. Your own schedule/direction/pace. Enough time to reflect on life.
Thanks for sharing
Agreed not a trip you could replicate on an RT but It would make an alternative, and very different, road trip. Admittedly not the mountainous beautiful views like the Alps but certainly less travelled and less tourists. Somebody in the comments said they took the same route up to the Nordkapp which is quite interesting, if you’ve got the time.
@@GreenString agreed the offroad/gravel road can be avoided an it will still be a beautiful environment. Last year in Sweden I saw quite some beautiful spots next to the main road, with an astonishing view over the lake.. that can be done on an RT.
@@RolfAalders Yeah, a bit of research and planning on the internet should and I think it could be a great tour.
Trail rider extraordinaire . Great video thank you Steve for the vicariuous pleasure you gave me. Never did a long solo trip.Paul.
Trail Rider extraordinaire or blundering along, head first, with fingers crossed, hoping for the best, I’ll let you decide. But on a serious note it always felt like a balance of risk versus reward, the problem is, I found, you go down a trail not really knowing what’s up ahead and it seemed to me at least to be very remote in parts of Finland. Even though the trails were easy I still felt a little bit reckless at times. Definitely better doing off road sections with your mates. My main effort on the trip was to bond with the new bike and I now have a much better understanding of what I can and cannot do with it. As always Paul, thanks for taking the time to comment. Stay safe mate.
Mandatory "First comment" comment 😂 Now that that's over with, another great video! Can't wait to see more of your Adventures!
Haha, congratulations on getting the „First comment“ comment. I always enjoy responding by commenting on the „First comment“ - comment. Oh and, as always, thanks for taking the time to comment 👍🏼
Obviously the Tenere wants to tip over every now and then! Nice vid, thanks.
Well, you know, we all get tired from time to time. Nothing to do with my stupidity or pathetically short legs😂🤣
This is so awesome:)
Mate, I really appreciate your kind words. Thank you for taking the time to comment 👍🏼
Great episode 2, Steve.. pretty funny with the camp site toilets 😆, you'd have some stories to tell on why you got bit in the ass by spiders
That forest was right out of a supernatural movie scene.. keep your axe 👍🏻 here crossing borders or being pulled over, we'd have some explaining to do ..
keep your kit as is, looks solid and a good base to build or refine on.. maybe a full blader for loner hauls just in case
Great advice, and once again thanks for watching👍🏼
Nice video, very much worth watching. Can't wait for the next one. Thanks for putting it up. 👍
Thank you so much. It is very much appreciated. 👍🏼
Good effort bud, as usual thoroughly enjoyable.
Cheers Bro. It was an interesting little adventure, terrifying at times but nevertheless an adventure all the same. In those spooky woods I was 100% sure someone was stood outside my tent. You wouldn’t believe how happy I was when daylight came around. It was very, very remote in places and let’s face it there’s nothing like going for a crap in the wilderness.😁
@@GreenString hat off to you, it looked well creepy.
What a cracking 2 part series… enjoyed that mate 👍🏻 Subscribed!
Hi mate. I really appreciate that you’ve taken the time to comment and subscribe. If you enjoyed those, and your bored, check out our other tour videos, I think you’ll like them. Stay safe and keep riding.👍🏼
Very entertaining 👍 I look forward to more of the same! All the best to you!
Thanks so much for the positive feed back, you never know if the videos you make will be well received or not. Stay safe, keep riding 👍🏼
Great tour Steve. Hats off for taking the big adventure bike off road...I have tried a bit here in the UK on a small 250 and it's a lot harder than the videos make it look!. I had to do a double take when you checked in for that ferry and a dog was looking at you 😂. Although I tour with friends I also love a week away alone as it means you can go the route you want, stopping where you like etc without worrying about the others. Ride safe mate ✌️ 🇬🇧
Hey Bro, good to hear from you. The TET in Finland (or at least the bit I did) was not particularly taxing. In fact I think it’s a great place to learn to ride off road. The vast majority is sweeping open gravel roads that are relatively big bike friendly. I found the challenge was more physiological as I’d enter a trail and obviously not really know what I was getting into and some parts did feel very remote (when was the last time you travelled for hours and never saw another human being) So it sought of played on my mind that if I get hurt it could get serious quite quickly. I was probably over thinking it. Generally I was was just blundering through the woods hoping for the best (like an idiot). Still, I would do it again, it quite an interesting route, although I do regret not spending more time in Estonia. Time is always against us! Anyway stay safe mate and thanks for the comment.
absolutely brilliant steve what a cracking trip fantastic thanks for sharing 👌
Steven
Thanks Steven, I really enjoyed this trip, not just the ride but filming and even the inevitable, long editing process. It was definitely a journey of many firsts. Again, thanks for the comment and feedback. Stay safe buddy 👍🏻
Much Enjoyment 👍😎
Thanks mate, much appreciated, stay safe & keep riding 👍🏻
Love it! great stuff! keep em comin'
BTW, when did this trip take place? Cold weather ? was it any trouble?
Thanks so much. Actually I went in September, so apart from the odd cold morning the weather was good. As you probably noticed I was constantly moaning about how it was going to rain soon but I was really lucky, it remained overcast for the majority of the tour. Regrettably that was the last „big tour“ for this year but I’m busy planning an ambitious outing for early next year. If your bored, and you haven’t already, check out some of our back catalogue of tours. As always, thank you so much for taking the time to comment. Stay safe, keep riding.
Another great episode Steve, I know it takes hours to edit , but it would have been great to have a few more episodes to watch now the weather is turning rubbish
Thanks for bringing it to us , now that’s done what are the plans for next year ? 🤔
Thanks again stay well and ride safe mate 👌👍
Cheers mate. Yeah, I agree it probably came across as abrupt but looking through the footage, naturally, when I’m in a campsite I’m on my own and so, in turn, not saying anything. Generally I just went to sleep so there was much less footage as when I’m with someone and more importantly no banter that normally takes up a large chunk of my videos. So I’ll just probably pump out a couple of kit videos over winter, nothing to exciting. As for next year, I’m currently planning our biggest trip to date. I want to reach the Sahara desert with our own bikes. If we fail on that (due to time restraints) then we will be exploring Morocco. We are planning on departing in April. After we’ve done that I’m struggling of new places to go. I’m considering in 2025 and beyond the option of flying in and hiring bikes, but that’s along way off.
All sounds very exciting mate, that’s the only problem with travelling you have to go further and further afield to find new adventures, Morocco is great , some amazing people and places done some travelling there and Libya in the past , if you watch Nomad Sweden (top guys) they had an amazing trip to Turkey a little while ago so maybe an option , keep the adventures coming though mate , stay well and ride safe 👌👍👊
@@dafloate1168 Cheers Buddy, stay safe👍🏻
Blimey, that was quick. Leigh would have turned that into 37 episodes! Admittedly I stick to the UK (at the moment) but I only travel solo, I really prefer to suit myself, I am also still a bit stuck in my old business travel habit of always having somewhere booked (to camp). However I only ride tarmac, so your adventure was a whole nother level and you pulled it off a treat. Really enjoyed watching.
That’s true. Leigh has a very different style of editing than me. He is more of a classic moto vlogger, and I love that style, it’s very authentic. I’m constantly messing around with editing and I make my travel videos as much for me as anyone else, so I can look back on them in years to come. The problem is that if they bore me then I presume they will bore the audience. Hence the fast cut editing. I admit some like it others don’t, but typically according to my statistics I lose 60% of my audience in the first 60 seconds. I’m trying to teach myself to be more spontaneous on my travels, get food on the road instead of carrying it all and find accommodation as it comes. Sort of trying to adopt a see what happens style. But, like you, I’m naturally a planner and love pouring over maps and doing research.
@@GreenString a creators style is really what grabs me and either turns me into a sub, or not. There are many channels that within a minute I know are not for me, for any number of reasons, but real, informative and funny will do it for me every time. Spontaneity when it comes to accommodation doesn't really suit my 'in control' style, it would spoil the ride if I were spending all afternoon worrying where I was going to be camping... maybe I will change with time, I've only been at this moto camping malarkey for a couple of years. Love the channel, always makes me smile.
Cheers Neil, stay safe mate. 👍🏻
I forgot to ask: did you introduce us to your new navigator? Only noticed it in this vid. A Garmin, i guess?? What's the verdict on that one?
It’s a Garmin XT. I think they’ve got a new one out. Mine recently had a problem after a software update (exchanged at my local Louis, no problem). Worryingly Jason has the same and he is on his second one under warranty.
@@GreenString I never want an extra, expensive new device, when you can make use of the phone... Waze is always up to date and has traffic information. On my GS my phone worked perfectly. On the RT I'm searching for a correct mount. Think I found one. GPX files however, do not work with Waze (oddly).. and indeed a proper integration with the wonder wheel is great, obviously...
are the camping huts marked on any particular map or apps I agree about the stove but like you I will stick to gas another great vid cheers
Hi, there are stacks of apps listing the huts, some better than others. Denmark, for example, has an excellent app for all out door activities and you can literally filter it for the type of hut you are after. Look up VINDSKYDDSKARTAN (shelter map) in your App Store. My go to App is iOverlander and all the wild campsites on this video I found on that. It’s particularly good for bikers. It’s only downside is it’s hugely popular so it’s not unusual to tip up and find several motor homes at your „secluded spot“ in the woods.
cheers for the reply I will have a gander at the app@@GreenString
Very enjoyable .. when you review your trips, it would be useful if you could mention rough costs, like fuel, food, campsites.. Like yourself, I always aim for minimal travel costs and having an idea of the daily costings would be very useful.. like your kit reviews it helps a lot .. Ride safe .. :)
Hi, good point and I totally agree. I’ve got a lot of footage of the kit I used when I got back, discussing what worked and what did not. I will attempt to get access to my credit card bills and come up with some cohesive figures of approximate cost and hopefully throw a „post tour video“ together. I should be able to dig out the coordinates of the wild camp sites, no problem. I normally include them in my tour videos but as I’ve never received positive comment on them I left out this time! Anyway, thanks for the comment. Stay safe and keep riding 👍🏼
@@GreenString Thank you, that will be very useful ..
I did this Very Route last year. Up to Nordkapp. From London - Fantastic.
What Sleeping mat are you using ?
Ride safe !
Hi Mate. I didn’t use a sleeping mat. For some reason I always get punctures in them so I use a Helinox Cot lite. Bombproof but very expensive. That’s a great route to get up to the Nordkapp. It’s the quintessential biker bucket list must-do trip. I did it a couple of years ago (there’s a video in my back catalogue if your bored) but we just bombed through Sweden and came slowly back down through Norway. I must admit though I do sort of regret (on this tour) not spending at least a day or two in Estonia. I guess it gives me an excuse to go back one day. Anyway thanks so much for taking the time to comment. It’s appreciated. Stay safe and keep riding 👍🏼
@@GreenString I looked at that Helinox Cot Lite. I've always used Thermarest pads, Never had any issues, But now Im over 50 and looking for extra comfort, I've just bought a Big Agnes Rapide SL Long/wide pad, The internet is full of how great and game changing it is. So, Lets see......
Yes, Nordkapp is a bikers bucket list, I've done the Euro Triangle, Morocco, Istanbul & Nordkapp. I Too have videos on here of those trips.
I've always ridden in a small group, Or just two, But this year I decided to ride solo, And for the 12 weeks I was away, I loved it. Much better. Now and then in the evenings I miss the company. But solo is defo the way forward.
Look forward to your next upload
All the best
Nigel
@@onahi2002 Interesting, I’ll check out your videos Nigel, I’m planning Morocco next year. Stay safe mate
They weren't latvians...So you skipped Estonia :P Sad :(
Great video btw!
They weren’t Latvians…I didn’t know. I presumed…and presumption is the mother of all f**k ups! 😂 thanks for letting me know. I’m sort of glad, in a way, I skipped Estonia. That way it gives me a really good excuse to go back and explore it properly. Thanks for taking the time to comment. It’s much appreciated. Stay safe.👍🏼
What brand is your jacket and pants?
Hi, my pants are the Adv Spec Mongolia www.adventurespec.com/shop/mongolia-trail-pants-10?category=32#attr=15,11
and my jacket is the Rukka Rimo R www.fc-moto.de/epages/fcm.sf/?channable=0209786964003130363331393438363707&ObjectPath=/Shops/10207048/Products/Rukka-Rimo-R-Moto-Textile-Jkt-21/SubProducts/Rukka-Rimo-R-Moto-Textile-Jkt-21-0036&Locale=de_DE&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAlJKuBhAdEiwAnZb7lbmlP-c1rQLdxbVPtX5wOLvpb2_HbUa1s_A-fnuySCXgjJwjxHqu2RoC0asQAvD_BwE
What tyres did you use for this journey?
Hi, I used stock Pirelli Scorpion STRs as they came with the bike. I think they are ok for most dry surfaces and gravel. Still my favourite do it all tyre is the Mitas EO7+
@@GreenString Thanks
those, in campsite, weren't Latvians. Girl was talking in ruZZian language.
Interesting…I wonder what they were doing there? Thanks for the information 👍🏼