French Motorcycle Road Trip on my BMW 1250GS... Day 5... I'm heading Home!
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- Опубліковано 11 вер 2024
- On day 5 of this French motorcycle road trip in France on my BMW 1250GS I start heading in the direction of home, but there's still a lot to see!
I spent a lot of time on the road, but the ride was AMAZING! :-)
This is my first ever motorbike vlog and so any and all feedback would be greatly appreciated :-)
I was 50 when I first learned to ride and my wife was 53! You’re never too old and like you our channel is all about encouraging older riders and in Sue’s case encouraging more ladies to get into motorcycling - well done and keep up the good work! 😀👍
Thank you so much for your very kind message... coming from yourselves (and I have watched LOADS of your videos) it is hugely appreciated :-D
My partner lost her previous partner after a collision on his motor cycle. We met 10 years ago and now she is the one who suggests we take the bike especially during the holiday season in the new forest (crazy people who have never seen a horse or donkey it seems) ! It's all about building her confidence! Driving carefully, pointing out your situational awareness etc. It takes time. Loving you vlog by the way.
Thank you for your kind words 😊
Having travelled extensively on my motorcycle all over Europe, including the Balkans, I have to say France is a country you get through as quickly as possible. I learnt this lesson years ago.
You couldn't be more wrong, a country rich with magnificent roads, scenery, towns and history. You just need to open your eyes.
I have to say I thought it was a beautiful… but maybe you see it differently on a bike?
It really was beautiful
@@PeterHolland-mu7yn Your presumition is incorrect. I have travelled extensively throughout France, and like many motorcyclists I avoid the auto routes unless it's unavoidable.
I have always enjoyed France but I must say in the last couple of years my experiences have been bad. Last year my son and I started in Santander and toured the Pico's and zig zaged down the country dipping into Portugal and Andorra and then into the Pyrenees. We stayed at the Continental Hotel in Condom which was exceptional but then the rest of the French experience went downhill rapidly. After the friendliness of the Spanish, Portuguese and Andorrans the French were unfriendly and brusque and downright rude. Has for other comments on here my eyes are always open and I am open and friendly to everyone I meet but I cannot say things that aren't true to please the Francophiles amongst you.
This was my son's first experience of France and he was shocked by the attitude of some, but by no means all, of the hoteliers and hotel owners. Particularly one hotelier near Omaha beach American cemetery. It made us wonder if their sacrifice had been worth it.
@@PeterHolland-mu7yn I honestly think the experience we had last year was perhaps largely due to Covid. We stayed in Chateau hotel in the Loire valley, the views were stunning but the hotel was supposed to have a restaurant because it was out of the way, however when we arrived we were told the restaurant is now permanently closed because they couldn’t afford to staff it. When I said that I checked the restaurant was open before I booked I was told we should be happy to stay in a French Chateau with beautiful scenery. Alongside other quests we walked the 3 miles into the nearest town where the owners were extremely friendly and even though they were booked up still found space for 7 brits , 2 Americans, 4 Dutch and 1 lone Spaniard. We all had a good meal and a laugh but the fact is the lady at the hotel was very dismissive of everyone’s complaints.
I am looking to buy a property in Portugal when I go this year. It’s not as easy as pre Brexit but not impossible. I wish you all the best for the future. After all we are all part of this biking community. Regards Colin
Just discovered your channel and watched this video. I came to motorcycling even later in life, passed my test in March this year at age 66 and enjoying riding my new (to me) BMW R1200RT. I’ve subscribed to your channel and look forward to watching the rest of your adventures in France - something I would like to do maybe in next few months.
Thanks so much Geoff… 66 is the new 26 😃
Ditto for me, aged 66 passed in March. I did have an old James trials bike with a Villiers 197cc engine back in my teens but always regretted not taking my test, and after a brush with the dreaded C word and getting the all clear I decided not to waste any more time and now loving rides on a Ducati Monster 821. Passed my test on F750GS and I would definitely go back to a BMW sometime. So many bikes, so little time! 😂Enjoying the videos, thank you!
That’s just awesome Paul!!! ❤️
There was something quite endearing about this. Really identified with you missing the wife. But also like your honesty about wheeling the bike. The best rider is not the most skilful but the one who knows their limits. Good luck.
Thanks so much - very much appreciated 😊
2023: Just the most dire summer I can recall in 60 years on the planet. I'm not a hard-core wet-weather motorcyclist, and as such riding days have been few and far between these last 7 weeks, with little sign of any prolonged decent warm sunshine any day soon. Oh to live in Gibraltar....
Well said 😕
I’m also a later rider in his second bike and I ride 7 days a week in the UK, the thing that changed it all for me was my bike 1250rt and a full set of Rukka gear, both a wet weather and a summer suit. Yes it’s expensive but it changes everything, I ride it the wet and it just doesn’t bother me anymore, I ride in hot weather and I have a Rukka mesh jacket and a pair of roadskin triple a jeans.
That’s what I need 🤔
434 miles yesterday on my Triumph Street Triple in a sunny Sweden often in high speed.Must keep up the pace between these rainy days. Those days i am living in a different but happy way. Never get tired of it after 35 years behind different handlebars. ITS LIFE. ❤️👍
Wow… 435 miles! Lovely bike though 😃
One thing about touring is that it shows your kit or bike weaknesses, I rate Halvarssons/Lindstrands gear but it’s not cheap. Had three GSs, all brilliant but heavy so I bought a Multistrada, great bike but I’m back to a Boxer engine next time, probably a RS as it’s lower even if it’s the same weight as a GS…your production is very good you have a new subscriber.
Thanks Ian 😃
I don't understand why everyone rides adventure bikes and they/you never leave the pavement. Why not be comfortable and have a goldwing 1500 or 1800. Like driving a race car and never racing or a motocross bike and never doing motocross. Gopro is the worst cameras anymore. So many complaints and problems I see on all of my videos. Many are switching to the dj1 camera. My problem is I can't find a chin mount for a regular HJC helmet. Why everyone is wearing that style of helmets is beyond me too. In your other video about parking down hill, I always back my 94, 1500 goldwing into a space unless it is in an uphill space. Then I just pull out and don't struggle. I have no reverse on my model and it's heavy. Ok, I've finally subscribed. When the music starts is when I leave. I need relaxation. Thanks again. 🙂
Thanks for your feedback 😊
You only just popped up I'm my Must watch list.
Well done a fantastic collection of vids . très bien
The French are wonderful people who truly appreciate motor cycles
Thanks Terry - much appreciated 😃
Very entertaining but personally would like to see some more back road footage as that is the beauty of France,
You’re right of course, next time I’ll try to add more footage of the riding.
Smooth, nice, relaxing, great voice.
Thanks so much! 😃
I haven't been over to Bayeux (indeed France) in years. I used to be a regular visitor! Seeing Bayeux has made me want to get the bike packed and go.
I think we’re going back again later this year 😃
@@laterrider you were lucky to get a hotel in the city centre they're usually fully booked. I've usually stayed at the motel on the ring road.
I was lucky 😃
Love your videos of your travels...ile be going over to france from poole to cherbourg im may going to Angers.ordour se glande.then through spain to malaga on my yamaha Mt 125...great content lookforward to watching more of your vids
Wow, that’s going to be a fantastic ride!!! I hope you have a brilliant time 😃
Like the laid back narration - you need to “fall in love with a GS or GSA” when you do it’s hard to move to other makes because there’s always something about it you would miss. For me dealer back up, reliability and comfort along with good resale value that keeps me on BMWs.
Keep it up - I like the chilled attitude
VERY well said 😃
The only reason to have a motorbike is to take the back roads. It of course doubles your journey time (at least), but the scenery makes up for that. Scenery you don't get taking the motorway! I don't know how you "manhandle" your bike, but I leave it in first gear, stand down and use the clutch to brake.
Well said 😊
Thank you for that video, I really enjoyed it. It’s the first one of yours I’ve watched but I could identify with it and with you as I’m very much in your position - wife won’t go on the bike so I’m a solo rider and I’m very wary of moving my bike around as I’m lousy at going backwards! At least you have the confidence to go abroad and I’m hoping to take a leaf out of your book and do my first solo trip (probably to Northern France) next year. Off to watch your other videos now!
That's amazing Nick and I REALLY hope you make it to France - I'm sure you'd love it :-)
PS. I HATE going "backwards" too :-D
Just subscribed! What a loverly town you ended up in ! Fantastic room then they discovered you were English? And threw you out the back? Lol 😂
I’d like to think it wasn’t because I was English……… but maybe it was! 😂😃
The baron has another sister channel '44teeth'
Great clear narration. Quite a relaxing positive video. First time I've come across u. 👍👍
Thanks Dave, that is very kind of you and much appreciated 😃
@@laterrider should read 'another' I've corrected my comment. Thank you, you're welcome and deserve the praise
Thanks Dave 😊
I’ve travelled a lot alone. Couldn’t figure out sometimes why I got periodically depressed, even in fantastic places. I finally realised it was because I had no one to share it with…….
I can completely understand that……… however I also think there are lots of “positives” To travelling alone, not least of which is that you can do what you want - when you want 😃
Moments are what we live for. Shared moments are even better
You’re right 😃
Just subscribed. I am borrowing a Tour bike this weekend in the hope of persuading my wife to join me on longer road trips. I've got a Naked sports bike at the moment she hates it. So fingers crossed. France always looks so inviting for the Biking community.
I hope she joins you 😃
As a later rider myself, nothing wrong with wanting a little nice riding weather. I do ride in the winter here in Nova Scotia with a heated jacket but I still wouldn’t classify it as pleasurable
Very well said 😃
@@laterrider I’ve subscribed . Watched a couple. You so good work and commentary makes it a good channel. Well done
Thank you 😃
Subbed in the first 30 seconds. Love your vibe!!
That’s amazing! Thanks so much 😃
Just a thought but ditch the sat nav and especially the phone of the bars and use the BMW "connected" app once you get used to it ( You still need to set your route from your phone ) its superb only interrupting your pure driving screen when necessary . No unnecessary distractions and your High value Samsung can stay safely in the top box
Ok, thank you for the suggestion, I’ll give it a try 😃
Northern France, may have some nice scenery & history. But, so does England, Scotland & Wales. I love doing the tours of UK🇬🇧. Infact, doing a week tour of Yorkshire Moors next month😁🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
You are of course 100% right. In fact... I'm currently in the Cotswolds and I'm trying to decided where I should ride tomorrow? I'm ending up in Birmingham tonight (Solihull) and so might you have a suggestion on where I should ride tomorrow?
An j. Angers .. Did all over Europe with pals. Never ever got my better half on the back. Did lots of other European trips with car and other half. Bayeux is very picturesque. Gendarmes are just interested. You have to really be out of line to get their real attention. We did a round France trip, 4 FJR 1300's. We got stopped loads just to talk bikes, as they also ride even now, those FJR1300's. You really have the hang of this editing and use of GoPro filming and audio, of to a tee. I think you may have done this videoing stuff before, great trip video.
Thanks so much 😊
Great video and love France for driving but not been there on the bike yet.
UA-cam great for personal feedback for those having their bikes, I personally blame Charley Boorman for my current Triumph Tiger Rally Pro!
Thanks for your kind words... The Triumph Tiger is a gorgeous bike! :-)
I joined the queue to trade in my GSA for a new Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer this year. Picos mountains destroyed in June, lovin' it.
Tiger 1200 is a BEAUTIFUL bike! 😃
Someone else also just suggested the Picos mountains… clearly that needs to be on my todo list 😊
@@laterrider You really need to do the Picos , it is quite simply beautiful and the roads are billiard table smooth. Going there again on September 4th.
That sounds like a great idea 😃
@@colinthornton1378 Three of us did in in June. Spanish picos and right down to Portimao, Portugal. Great mountains and twisty's.
Great ride 😃
FYI, in case you aren't aware, Baron von Grumble is also the co-founder of the channel 44Teeth. He's been far more active there in recent years.
I was not aware of that - thank you - I’ll check that Channel out 😃
Good video and content,ride safe 🏍️👍
Thanks David 😃
Thanks for sharing. 😎🏍💨💨💨💨💨💨👍🏻🇨🇦
Thank you for watching 😃
good videos but stay away from corporate hotels use the smaller ones and get the French feel, top tip buy a better jacket and don't about the weather try not to worry too much about parking the bike just crack on and do it --the French do
we stayed 3 mins up the road in a small hotel with off road parking 4 weeks ago love Bayeux
Thanks George 😊
The GS whether 1200, 1250 or any other variant and undoubtedly the new 1300 when it’s released will always have bit haters and generally you’ll find most have never ridden one.
Hopefully you will get many miles n smiles on your steed
Stay Safe and keep er sunny side up rubber side down
Thank you so much for your message - greatly appreciated 😃
I have never ridden a GS, they are just that bit too big for me. I'm on my limit with my Tiger 955i. I'm not tribal about bikes & riders. I chat too bike cops too, after all we are all bikers.
@@russcattell955i You can get factory lowered bikes and of course as with most bikes a lower seat.
@@norriemasson4080 I have the rear shock on lowest setting and a custom seat, plus thick soled boots. No laughing please, I tower over my wife !
@@russcattell955i 😂
Nicely done! Miss my old RT1100 (more) / RT1200 (less)...invest in better gear: I liked Klim (enduro) jacket / pants / undergarments / gloves; Sidi (enduro) boots - best ever boots for anything I did, including Enduro and GB/Euro Tours; Shoei lid. ATGATT
Re your wife/GF/Friend: maybe try to encourage her to learn to ride...or...maybe try a sidecar set up; also, invest in some good p-2-p comms - it makes a world of difference!
Ride Safe! Cheers!
Thanks so much for your very helpful suggestions 😃
great video!
Thank you 😃
Dane clothing. Unbelievably awesome.
Thanks for the suggestion 😃
I am curious what Liana is really going to comment on your trip. Could be your next video :)
That’s a very good question! 😂
great video/content. subscribed.
Thank you 😃
Love Bayeux! Grab a bite at Restaurant L'Assiette Normande. 99% locals. Get there early or make a resee.
Thank you for the recommendation, I’m taking my wife there later this year so I’ll be sure to check this out 😃
Cool vlog!
Thanks so much Gary, I really appreciate that! I’m still struggling to get over the “talking into a camera” bit… some bloggers make it look SO easy! 😃
@@laterrider you shouldn’t look at others just stay true to yourself or at least don’t copy the same stuff. Safe travels!
Thanks Gary - and very sound advice 😃
I used to leave my side stand down and kept a slight lean too the side stand that way if I lost confidence the side stand was there?
That’s a good tip! 🤔
Would she consider a 3 wheeler like the Ryker or Spyder? My wife ended up loving the Spyder RT. A real blessing to ride together and share the experience. Cheers.
I bet that would be amazing to ride 😃
I’d love to try a Spyder 😃
Just saw this channel recently and slowly going through the videos. I would agree with you about the Spyder, especially the Spyder RTL with a lot more comfort for the pillion. Been ryding mine now for 3 1/2 years and done a good bit of touring in Europe over the last 2 years and another trip planned this summer. The Ryker is a bit small for seating for 2 and doesn't have the luggage space of the Spyder. Handling is very different from 2 wheels but you soon get to know it.
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Is your intercom integrated with your GoPro audio? I’m trying to figure out the setup with the Shoei modular helmet.
I just used a wired mike that plugs into the back of the Media Mod
Can I ask have you the sena kit on the neotech lid and if so what are your thoughts? Also I see your using Google and not your Garmin any reason as I’ve just sent mine back
AHHHH…. I’m currently in a battle with Garmin to get a replacement Navigator 6 (so this is a bit of a sore point) 😊
I use the “PackTalk Slim”… which is also broken and in for repair 😂
@@laterrider I gave up on the Garmin so complicated and not user friendly I’m going for one of those Apple play systems which mirror your phone the way to go I hope
Interesting 🤔
How can you make your gloves work on the iphone screen!?
I believe any gloves with a leather tip on the finger will work on an iPhone
Do you use the garmin nav6 at all?
I did indeed
Did you just float through a 'Stop ' sign at 1.34 ?
Don't get me wrong we all make mistakes, however talking on a video, making and commentating in the making of a YT video in a foreign country must be very distracting?
Unfortunately you’re right… I didn’t even see it 😕
[ Like ] :)
Thank you
Angers is pronounced Onzhay. There. Ur welcome
Yikes… I was a million miles away!!! 😬
at 1.34 do you realize you should have stopped
I’m embarrassed to say I completely missed that! 😳
Very nice, but the cops gave you no "dirty look". You're hardly a badass on a GS 1250.
You’re absolutely right of course… just me being paranoid 😃
Yes, the Gendarmes are just inquisitive, it's their job. Touring bikers are very rarely any bother.
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You mention “Leona”? not wanting to ride on your bike… I can understand why, as you just rolled through a stop sign back a 1:35… duh! Don’t worry, you’re not special in rolling through stop signs, it’s a common flaw in what seems like 99.8% of all drivers of all vehicles that that are on this planet… . Nice bike 😉
Yep… I didn’t realise that until someone else pointed it out 😫
Or get yourself a smaller lighter bike!
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Need to work on your French pronunciation-The town Angers is pronounced 'On-zher' .
I know… it was awful 😫
I like you video and the way you presenting things. But... asking for likes? Why? People will mark it if they do like or won't mark if they don't like. Asking for like is like asking for tips :). Cheers.
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Nonsense! Nothing wrong with reminding people to like and subscribe. It's nothing like asking for tips because it costs the viewer nothing. Keep reminding people! I've flown through this series whilst on holiday in Portugal. It was easy watching and interesting as well as well filmed/edited. Liked and subscribed 😊😊
Thanks so much 😃
your not riding a bike your riding a computer that does everything for you. ever grounded your footpegs? oh no ! bmw fixes that for me.
I know what you mean 😊
Correct! Showed this to my grandfather, who in 1965 with gf on board went from London through France ( and back ) to the Costa Brava on a Vespa SS180. Your BMW by comparison is a spaceship with Rolls-Royce-type comfort. I'll leave it there as the rest of his comments are unprintable here! BTW, is that bike automatic or manual? 🙂
Your grandfather sounds like a great character and he is of course right - the bike is a bit of a luxury for me - although it is a manual 😊