CONCLUSION!!! The journey was certainly an interesting one. I have some seuivineers and a lot of memories I will hold dear and indeed think of to thrust for another occasion similar. Impressions of some of Europe at first were squeemish. Past Germany the countries got poorer and poorer, and of course the traffic less and less into non-existence it seemed on some occasions despite me travelling by main roads. I will definately say that stereotypes are exactly that. And although I wasn't expecting everybody to wear rags and ride horses and carriages in Romania for example, there was certainly a lot of mix to the colours of some peoples' skin. Would I do it again? Of course, defiantely. Perhaps I would not do so on the motorcycle when it is Winter, but I realise now how small the world is and how easy it is to simply drive and keep doing so. Which is something I've wanted to try out for a long time. The big down-side to my little holiday was the constraint in time. Most people who do such trips are those who've given up jobs in order to carry out the task in the time it takes that only they can measure, in their own sweet time. Even on your own, like me. Just shy of 4,000 miles over and done with in 14 days is not a poor feat. The motorcycle has been dropped twice, but not crashed. It has covered hundreds of miles close to it's own natural top speed of 100mph and has been worked hard. It has had all conditions (except heat) thrown at it and constantly worked at the seemingly average temperatures of 3c. Minus 2 to 5c was all it felt. It burned almost a gallon of oil, primarily due to the higher speeds promoted by the autobahn and toll roads. However it has issues: - Both left indicator and right indicator has stopped working - Horn has stopped working - Rear brake switch burned out, literally - Left exhaust silencer has a crack 6 inches in length around the diametre of the mount - Several nuts/bolts have disapeared entirely - Mountings for the top box have snapped - Cooling Impeller's internal teeth for mating with the cam have sheered off - Tachometre/Rev Counter has stopped working (most likely cable) Salt and corrosion to both frame and engine has occured and will require a thorough cleaning. It still has a bit of Bosnian mud on the crash bar where I had dropped it. Fuel was cheap at mostly 70-80pence per litre in the Baltiks, and accomodation was extremely cheap The helpful people and friends that I have met a long the way or already knew were not beyond lack of faith for generosity or kindness. Some were very poor, without a doubt, but no less human and thus, why would anyone expect someone from Hungary to instantly be a Mafia man who kidnaps people to torture them (AKA the filme Hostel). I would definately do it again, and hopefully soon. And I urge anyone to do it, not least to see the world. I would do certain things differently. I would stay in a place until I wanted to carry on, not beause I had to. I saw absolutely NOTHING of Sarajevo City, because I arrived at the accomodation at half 7, and left the next morning at half 5. I wish I had done it as a student.. I will make this section of the page more refined for implementation of pictures soon. Fuel cost: £370? Accomodation cost: £144? Train: £75 Food: ?? Total cost: £650? Current Mileage now 75,330 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 29th November 2015 - Southampton to Home. After waving goodbye to Robin after a quick fettle (top up with oil mostly), I was on my way. I decided to head home via Bath, I have a softspot for Bath and Salisbury. I wish I had gone on the motorway. The wind was very high and the night drew in quicker than I was used to (being two hours ahead in Serbia). The dual carriageway around Bath was closed for whatever reason by police just not long before I had arrived, so through choc-a-bloc Bath towards Bristol the old fashioned way where I could not see, and argued against the wind and rain for some let up. One of the poor- est journeys on the whole trip to be honest. The old severn bridge was closed, but the new bridge was not as bad as I expected, I'd riden over it in the past on more severe extremes before so it was a breeze in honesty. I was dying for a wee from all the tea, so popped in to work to give my arse a break and to have a quick whistle and hot chocolate. Lovely! Another hour and I was home. And it seemed like nothing has happened at all... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 28th November 2015 - Brussels to Southampton The day started early, an hour ealier than required of me, yet I wasn't entirely sure that the train entrance would be easy to find. I just headed for Calais, and soon found signs regarding the Tunnel and followed them. Very easy really!! Early in the morning leaving Brussels was interesting, there were a few army vehicles driving around in response to the terrorist attacks last week. But I saw no bearded fellas. Interestingly there were a lot of people up and about considering the hour of morning. The main road I my hostel was on never seemed to stay silent. Nothing of interest to mention regarding the journey to the tunnel, it started to pick up wind, but the sun was rearing slightly. The English boarder patrol were the only ones who asked to take my helmet off throughout the whole trip... Though they were commenting on my motorcycle. It is a modern classic after all, most English enthusiasts have a soft spot. Straight on the train, listen to music for what seemed a couple of minutes, and then ride straight off. I LOVE THE CHANNEL TUNNEL! Headed for Southampton, 150 miles seems like nothing these days. And I stayed the night with Robin and his partner and lovely son. Who is certainly intruiging to watch. It was great to not to have to worry about getting home, but having a half way point. Robin seemed very impressed by my acheivement. And a cup a tea every 10 minutes! Welcome home to England! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 27th November 2015 - Munich to Brussels Although today was a journey I was not looking forward to due to it's length of distance (480- miles), it wasn't as tough as yesterday due to the conditions being much more forgiving. It was indeed however a mix of fog and frost to sun, to frost, to sun constantly until quite a distance into Belgium. In the frost it was -2/-1 but it was so very warm in the plus 3 degrees centigrade when the sun did come out. I've taken to tucking my knees into the motorcycle, which allows my shins to touch the rocker covers of the engine. They are not hot enough to scold or burn but can emit heat through clothes without issue. I did however burn my boot sole on my exhaust. I started off at a healthy 5:30am, and arrived in my accomodation at 2pm. Not too bad going. Mostly at a good 80mph even through the frost and fog. I couldn't see! But I suppose that's the excitement? My left indicator now no longer works at all, and my brake light does not work either. Sometimes the front brake illuminates the light, but whilst trying to adjust the rear brake switch this morning I found the wiring was smoking when the ignition was turned on, so I obviously disconnected it entirely. The right indicator is starting to fail somewhat too. The horn now no longer works at all. A speed camera flashed me on the autobahn about 250 miles into the journey. They looked to be forward facing as it blinding me for a split second, if so i'm fine, but I'm sure maybe they have rear facing live cameras too(?). Notes: -Didn't pay for parking last night, realised the gap was large enough for me to squeeze through, so I did. But only because I had lost my ticket. -So far, not seen any terrorists. -Someone has drawn a loveheart with their finger on my motorcycle fairing. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26th November 2015 - Vienna to Munich As a fair day coming out of Vienna, indeed it was a fair day that would not last. It must have been snowing overnight, as by the time I joinend the Autobahn, the snow was all around. Gradually it was more apparent, and on and off it would or would not be a hindrence to myself. As snow turned into rain, and then back into snow it was the coldest i'd been (due to the high- speed wind chill), more so than riding to Sarajevo. My fingers were numb and solid, and my hands were wet sodden so that the skin was that of one who had stayed in water too long. The glue on my throttle seems to have come undone which is an annoyance. So far, in regards to the health of the bike, several bolts have gone missing, a couple of fasteners are broken and the engine has gulped a whole gallon of oil! It's done well though. Munich is....Interesting. A hell of a lot of 'refugees', and beggars are everywhere. One is promiting his gammy leg as a product for investment. Most of them are wailing or raving to the thin, cold air. Notes: -I feel more at home in Germany, I can get by with simple phrases and at least converse to a degree. Maybe having blue eyes and blonde hair gives me a more geniune localness. -I love snow normally and relish in it when it greets the UK, but not when I have times to keep and my body becomes rigid from severe chill. -Sometimes whilst riding the horn would randomly sound, it happened three times. I managed to stop it by depressing the button, but now seems not to work at all when actually pressed. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 25th November 2015 - Sarejevo - Vienna Not too bad a day in retrospect.. I got going on the road by half past 5, and by 3:30 I was settled in Vienna. I have to admit, getting out of Sarajevo was interesting enough.. It was obviously dark and cold. I saw a sign that measured the temperature at 1c nearing the entrance to the toll motorway. It may even have been less than that when I started in the higher town. I had to go through the toll roads as I knew it was a day to blast and not to mess around. It would have taken me 11 plus hours if I went the only other way, that was via Hungary again. Some of the stretches of toll were very reasonable, but the road through the mountains was pretty expensive. I would read the tempreature readings on the motorway as I encroached over the limit of 80mph as much as I could as to gain ground. I have found that to speed is okay, as any stops I make like re-fuelling, or layering up, or indeed topping up the motorcycle's oil, could add substantially. And you are always guarenteed to get lost even if the satnav directs to you to the location exactly. I was having a little confusion finding my current Hostel, but got there in the end. Today was the first day of bringing out my furr seat cover, and by God did it help with the dist- ance as I knew it would. I took it off as I filled up the bike for the fifth time today, and suddenly the seat was a wooden plank. Owieee. My hands are spotted with purple/blue stress areas from the cold and my knuckles are red and pur- ple. They are very dry. Parts of me hurt, a lingering type of hurt. Nothing much else to comment on, the Austrians drive much like the Germans, as is probably ex- pected (they never use the inside lane). Alot of motorcycles in Vienna, and a pretty place it is too. Like all places, I wish I had more time to see it!! Notes: Mental reminder number 1 that has been made before and never acted upon: Upgrade your damn lights! Have crossed through three borders today, that being End of Bosnia, and through Croatia and Slovenia into Austria. It is open border territory again!! I have now SEVEN currencies in my wallet. I get confused, and tried to pay Serbian Dinars whilst in Bosnia. The last few days poor weather has meant that my bike looks like it has just been dug up from a salt mine. It has large particles of salt and stone everywhere, and dirt and grime that has covered the number plate completely. I will keep it this way for now, or at least until I am stopped. I have set off a number of speed cameras today. They are forward facing however and therefore not of concern. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 24th November 2015 - Belgrade, Serbia to Sarejevo, Bosnia. A semi-early rise at 9am and on the road by 10. In hindsight after today's long grueling effort I would have got up earlier, but how was I to know? As soon as I got out of the city, what did you know but the rain was to greet me, and it did rain all the way into the mountains the other side of the Denpr river and into Bosnia/Hertzgovina. I noticed there was snow on the tops. I wondered if I might have to go through it. I did indeed, and as we rose the rain turned into snow and what at first was nothing to be worried about on the wet lower level, became concern the more I rose to find the snow had indeed settled, and that I would be riding through it for maybe 5 hours at painfully slow speeds. People flashed me, or beeped me to indicate my stupidity (?), but I didn't go far wrong, and I only dropped the bike once. (But I had dropped it twice today). Both times I had dropped the bikes was in order to take a wee. Luckily each time someone stopped to help me pick it up. I am just too week, and tired. Not to mention the bike's weight is absurd anyway. The second time was in the snow, and the man took a picture of me. His face of bemusement said it all. So.. Slowly making it to Sarejevo at 20mph max, I eventually got pulled over by the Police. They were waiting in a village 15 miles from Sarejevo and the policeman held out his lollypop. A turkish lorry driver and he were already in conversation regarding 'paperwork' (ahem money), and the Turk translated for me as best he could from the Policeman. I could make out certain words like 'Idiot' (идиот), stupid, and he talking with his 3 over policemen all sitting in the car. Once again the policeman took a photo of me and my bike and I went on my way, but the Satalite Navigation had not been working since I got into the mountains due to the thick Snow clouds. I followed the Turk all the way to Sarejevo in agreement to do so. Some parts were very tricky, for me and for him. But eventually the road declined and slowly the snowy roads turned into merely watery roads. We stopped at a petrol station along the way for a beer and cigerettes, and we talked as best we could. He wished to park in a truck park in Sarejevo city for sleep and two days visit of the city. And seeing as he led me to Sarejevo itself, my satnav now working I led him to his truck park. He wanted me to sleep in his cabin with him. His plan was to go to a club at 1/2am. I am just far too exhausted for that. This evening I do nothing. I found my hostel, pretty easily, and by the time I finish writing this it is 8pm. I will clothe up and look for food. It's been a tough day, and it's only been 180 miles. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23rd November 2015 - Timisoara to Belgrade. Without doubt Serbia is the poorest that I have come through on this trip. I left Timisoara in the fog of the morning. After 20 miles it cleared up and was actually a sunny day! I listened to Bryan Adams all the way to the border. It was the type of border crossing that you parked up and gave them your documents as they emerged from the building. Getting out of Romania was a lot more hassle than getting in. I was asked for my vehicle documentation, of which I had none other than insurance and MOT. I was ordered to take out all my clothes from my saddle bags and everything looked clearly though. The petrol tank was tapped, and he enquired whether the spare oil bottle I was carrying, really was oil. Just 50 yards down the road to stop again for getting into Serbia. All was required was to give my passport. I was allowed through with the helmet on. An official lady was speaking to me but of course I know not the Serbian tongue. But to say "English" and make funny hand geastures. Main roads were through villages, of course. The men seems to be not doing a lot other than standing around and staring at me. The old men still in Russian type clothing and their faces large and bulky. Most other men were in the fields doing farming. Occasionally the road converted into mud for a short distance, but luckily not for many times. Mud roads were almost primarily confined to the side roads. The houses all decrepid with bare bricks and morter that might have just been there for 100 years, the people dress just how they would have 40 years ago. The roads to Belgrade were empty. The whole of today's journey has been maybe a single car every 10 miles, and that car might be a very old Yugo or Lada. Each village had just a single handful of cars. An interesting city is Belgrade, on first ipressions it was dusty, and dirty but that is most likely due to it being Autumn. I soon met Lazar in the Republic square, who showed me about the city. We visited some very nice local sights whilst it was still light, like the fort, and to see the river Danube. We had some local food too such as Burek, that being a fried cheese pie/slice type of object that was so devine! And traditional Turkish cruisine too that was pretty sweet! We then went for some pints togther, at 175 Dinar per pint. I went to his appartment, where some of his friends came, and after having a pancake, it was off to the local 'caferestretto'(?) for some more beers, to which more of his friends joined, and we all smoked and had fun!! A very insightful and great day!! For I got to Belgrade pretty early, and had time to soak up Serbian atmosphere. I will definately visit this place again some time. Notes: Serbia is not yet in the EU, I thought it was. It is just in the 'I want to be' phase. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22nd November - Szajol, Hungary to Timisoara, Romania. A pleasant enough journey, at least from what I remember. More Hungarian villages that spanned inbetween some very long, and very straight main country roads. I stopped at one point for a photo opportunity and some random man in a van stopped by. I supposed he wondered if me or my motorcycle was okay. I said I don't understand, but thumbs up! He shook my hand without prompt, a soft clasp type that one greets royalty with, or a pretty lady. He went on his way. Early on in the day I rolled into a petrol station for a gallon of 20w50 oil. It seems that so far my bike has burned 2 litres and I now had none spare left. I somewhat embarrised myself, and in- sulted the cashier by giving 1,000 Forints instead of 8,000. A stray dog (there are a lot of them) started nibbling at my luggage. And whilst on the subjects of dogs, it seems that most people own them, they bark at you all the time whilst in the confines of the garden. Are they bored? Quite possibly.. Finally, the first border stop, and a pretty official 24/7 crossing one type too, not the random pop up border police that sometimes occur in a lay-by next to the border. Though I have only seen them on the other side of the road when they do 'pop-up'. The hovering Romanian Policeman took my passport and tried to look at me clearly through my baraclava and helmet. He told me to pull over. I got to the actual office and he also took my passport, then told me to drive. After putting my gloves back on (resting ontop of the engine to get them warm) I just drove off, as in- structed. They were broad, and fierce men. But at least they had a proper uniform. Just as I got into Romania, it started to bucket down. To my arrival at the hostel I rode down a pedestrianised street, infact on later sight seeing most of the streets of old Timisoara have become or being pedestrianised. I am being looked at everywhere. Currently in my Hostel in the city of Timisoara. Met Adrian pretty quickly as his University is just down the road. After settling in we went in search for food, and sight seeing for a few hours and he drove me to the local Mall where he bought for me a steering wheel cover, and a couple of packets of Negros. They look very tasty. I then had some 'traditional' Romanian food which wasn't as nice as one would hope. Boiled meat and rice and stuff inside a cabbage, and mushed corn paste. We managed to eventually find one place that sold Souvineers, and one of my goals was checked off the list! A small town that must be quite pretty in the Summer with the Austro-Hungarian architecture around. And to hope that the pedestrianised roads are complete some time soon..! Notes: It is 4c. But now I am heading West it should theoretically be a little warmer. Bike drank supprising amount of oil, I should check it more often. BUT at least it is holding water! I heard yesterday on the news about the terrorist attack in Brussels. I wonder if it will have calmed down by the time I get there. Most likely. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21st November - Bratislava to Szajol, Hungary (on the Holt-Tisza river) Unfortunately last night was not the best sleep, it seems that late in the night a party of 6 joined my dorm and they did not shut up or have respect, even in the morning. I left Bratislava at approximately 9am. The bike was still where I had left it thankfully, but was a bit grumpy as the starter motor was quite slow. Maybe it is the weather, it is now approximately 6c. The roads are a bit mixed in standard. Sometimes it is merely shingle kept together with tarmac and other times okay. I made good time getting to my destination of Szajol, a small village not too far from the city of Szolnok. I briefly passed through Belgrade. I did not realise that I would be spending the night in such a village that is attmitibly a 'normal' out of city residence. It is very poor with out door washing facilities and water pumps in the street (that are still in use). When exploring, I find the local villagers filling up big bottles of water with the provided water. There is very little here other than a chapel that advertised some happening in 1990 (the last regional genocide?) and a single supermarket. The roads in half the village are mud or a low standard of tarmac. However, I am very lucky as the Hostel (or as they say in this part of the world Pensione) is a large house and I have my own room and en suite!! Diamond in the rough indeed. Though finding the house itself was a little difficult, asking the natives in broken Hungarian, and getting responses in broken English got me through. I managed to shave about half an hour from arrival time. Almost 200 miles in 4 hours was not bad considering the country roads. Though, maybe I was rocketing a little at anywhere between 70-85mph in primarily 55mph roads. Constant overtaking. Occasionally I saw cameras, but I am not sure of their purpose. I doubt they could do anything even if they could read my number plate, but I await fines in the post perhaps. But on the subject, I have only seen a hanful of speed cameras, and one police trap since leaving the UK. I am however being reminded every now and then of the time of year. Rarely, but sometimes I pass Christmas tree sellers, in the typical open display that is commonly found with the fruit or flower stalls. Hungary is more a brown country, in contrast to the grey countryside of Czech and Slovakia. It is very muddy and this afternoon it was raining and slightly misty in the distance. Notes: The local graveyard accross the street is absolutely choc-a-bloc. The most common car is the mid 90's Opel (Vauxhall) Cavalier. It is only 150 miles to Timisoara, in Romania. But it will still take over three and a half hours. These out of city villages are so quiet you can actually hear the hum of silence. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20th November - Prague to Bratislava I got out of the hostel by 10, after doing some more sight seeing and touristy stuff. It is just as lovely in the day! I luckily did not get a parking fine! Because I had chosen to 'avoid tolls' using the satnav, I therefore have completely missed the motorway through the Czech Republic, which is a good thing as I have seen how the country really is. From here on, motorways are typically a toll charge and the typical main roads otherwise are through villages and towns on single carriageway roads. The countryside is grey and much of the fields around towns and villages are plowed. There are many ancient tractors roaming around and plenty of Eastern bloc cars and Lada's. Some villages I have passed through look extremely poor and run down, and what you 'might' expect a typical Balkan village to look like. I have yet to get checked or see any police at any border during my journey, and the trip into Slovakia was absolutely no differnt. Just over a river and you're in. So far Slovakia does not seem that different, although I did not expect it to seeing as it was a single country with Czech Republic not too long ago. All the trams are the same and trolley busses race around. I feel I am at a certain point of my journey where it is more than considerable distance, as people constantly look at me and my GB sticker on my top box. Some wave, other take photographs and some just stare. This is what perplexes me, I have barely seen more than a dozen motorcycles in the journey so far, and most of those are typical town scooter runabouts. Why!? Why am I so strange!? However, on one road through Czech Rep, I did see in the distance a motorcycle, a yellow offroad touring type and I also noticed he had saddle bags and was packing. He waved. Before I even realised the situation the moment had passed as we both crossed paths. I did look back, his number plate was yellow. British, or NL ?? It was a pretty bleak day with black clouds everywhere. It was at least drizzling all throughout the journey. This is no major issue, but when it comes to night it is a different story with head- lights that blind you. I did make up most of my lost time at petrol stations or getting lost by keeping well over the speed limit, which is typically 55mph. Excessive speed can easily be obtained. Most vehicles keep to this limit but the Czech driving style is interesting. Lots of cars will want to overtake, and they will take a risk. I have seen maybe 7 almost head on collisions today, some of them extremely, unbelievably close! The roads tend to be quite straight so you can see fairly well into the distance. Most of the time though overtaking whilst against oncoming traffic is quite normal. It is expected for traffic to pull in to let oncoming overtaking traffic past. At about mid-day I stopped to layer up. It has got a fair bit colder now. I went past a temperature guage reading and it said 10c, but of course once the rain sets into the clothes it gets colder. The girls here are amazing to look at. I suppose even the ones considered ugly are the top of the line for the UK girls. No wonder men walk around in tracksuites like it is 1994, they have absolutely no need to impress as the pickings are rich. Bratislava as a whole is not really as impressive as one might hope. It's just another city, but with nothing in my vicinity that is worth seeing, that I know of anyway. Walking around I can tell it's a fairly rich city, at least in the part that I am in. The good time about Hostelling at this time of year is the lack of guests. Currently, I am on my lonesome in a room that can bed for 8, and in Prague, I was only one of three of a room for 8. Notes: Had nothing to eat all day, but just had a lovely meal. Once again very cheap. I am full. I have 2,000 Czech Koruna left, Bummer. They like to stamp or sign fuel receipts in Czech Republic petrol stations. Fuel is also notibly getting cheaper, equating to 73p per litre. My bike is parked about a block away in the free parking zone. I hope it's going to be okay. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19th November - Berlin to Prague An 8am start and I was out of the Hostel at about 9am. Satnav still playing up. The cigerette lighter socket I installed isn't the most waterproof unfortunately, I should have kept the location of it under my seat so that it does not get wet. The 12v USB plug appears to be broken. Satnav eventually died from lack of charge. But it just so happened that the very petrol station I stopped at to charge the satnav via my laptop, had 12v usb chargers!! Wooo! Crisis averted. Just arrived in Prague at 6PM. Took a little while to find the Hostel. Initially went to check in at a different one. Silly me! I have a feeling Prague is a city that looks nicest in the night, either way that is my only option for now. I flew by Dresden, nothing much I wanted to see there. Though since Berlin the winds were extremely excessive, I could not do much more than 50mph sometimes. It also seems my side stand has a habbit of popping in the stop position. One German driver pulled me over to say as much, but I had already realised. On the way I popped into Zschopau, the home of the world famous DKW and MZ Motorcycles. I visited the factory, although it is used as office blocks and motorcycle shops for Husqvana and KTM. I managed to find an MZ Museum however in the home town which was very nice little town. Museum was good too. Only 3.50 euros. And in Zschopau is where the motorway ends, as this is a valley situated town. To wich I kept following the road that led me up the valley to the border. It seems that the main roads now are primarily single carriageway, and very little traffic! As soon as you cross the border to Czech Republic, however you can definately tell it is a different country. Unfortunately, I entered in an Industrial wasteland part of the country with a nuclear power plant on one side of the plain, and a coal burning facility not far away. Black mountains everywhere of slag. I did realise early on that the grass was decidedly grey. I had a pretty civilised time in the evening. Prague is a romantic city without a doubt, even in the misty rainy dark. Although it seems the evenings are cut short with tourist type places closing at half 6pm, and most other locations other than restraunts a bit later. I had a lovely three course meal and two .5l of Hoegaarden which was pretty nice! A bit lemony though. Regardless, it only cost 650K, so what.. £20? Considering the surroundings, Prague is a cheap city. I may get a parking ticket, but it is only 450 Korona, which is approximately £15, the Hostel receptionist said that is pretty much the same as buying one night's ticket anyway. If I get a fine, then it is the same as getting a ticket, although I have a change of not paying at all.. I will do some more sight seeing in the morning light and perhaps catch some souvineers. It's only a 200 mile journey tomorrow. Notes: I accidently took out 4,000 Koruna, and only 700 of that is gone on food. I must pay my fuel with cash to get rid of it whilst it is hot. Bike is holding up well!!!! I feel a lot more at peace now. It did rain a little on the way from Zschopau but only once I had entered Czech Rep. Black clouds looming. Writing a 'blog/diary' is interesting. It only takes 10 minutes to type up a few paragraphs and reading back, you don't even realise how much you have forgotten! One of my room mate just came in and said "hey, guy!", It's suprising that even the Germans prefer to speak English here. It is a very diverse place. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18th November - Afternoon Saw the major sights in the day, not before fixing my bike though.. I had to check out that mechanical seal, and stripped the bike down, which included taking the carburettors off to gain access to the water pump cover. I managed to do so, and inspection of the seal itself was fine. But I know what/where it went wrong. I did not anneal the bloody copper washer and because of that there was no real pressure on the impeller. I am extremely lucky that there are still remnants of teeth for it to fix onto the cam, otherwise i'd be in the shit. I put a second washer on (from my bag of bits), and made sure it was nice and tight. I then went sight seeing on said bike (to test), I have a load off my mind as thankfully it looks like the problem has not only gone away, but now the system is completely water tight. I should not have to keep topping the bike's radiator every 50 miles. Whilst out and about I looked for the major attractions in my mind, notibly the Brandenburg Tor and Reichstag. It was a rainy and crappy day though, and I could not find the Stasi-Museum! And by 4pm it is dark and there is no sight seeing to be done in those conditions. So I headed back to the Hostel. After just 2 hours though I had to meet Christian in Cottbus at 8pm. I ran half an hour late, but nevertheless I had a pleasant evening and meal with him. It was only an 80 mile ride to Cottbus, and I got back to Berlin and in bed by maybe 1AM. Notes: Gay guy kissed me on the neck when I said goodbye to him before we all retired to bed, he was trying to seduce me, No way am I going there! Said good-bye to the Aussie and Palestinian. Bike is running well! Satnav playing up.. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17th November - (written on the morning of the 18th) An uninteresting day in most repects, at least until I got to Berlin anyway. Typically, it was raining all day again. One major fuck up though is that by doing 80mph all the way down the Autobahn has blown my main coolant mechanical seal. It was not until I was already in Berlin had I noticed the damage as steam arose from my exhaust as the water from the seal was gushing onto it. I made it to my destination okay though, albeit with an extremely hot engine. Unfortunately, I didn't pack any sockets and extensions, so will have to try and find a toolshop and give it a go myself this morning. I doubt I can do anything, and I may just make it worse. There is a Honda dealer- ship/shop only 10 minutes drive, but I doubt they'd have a new mechanical seal either. When I arrived at about 2pm, I soon couldn't help myself but to drink and smoke with some of the other people staying. A Canadian, Australian and American and this Swiss girl joined us later. The American was gay and kept touching me. The American has all his stuff in a rented van and asked me to drive it around the block to a space outside the hostel because he cannot drive 'stick'. I did so. He also wants me to drive the van to his perminant storage facility. I have not decided if I will or will not yet, it's a 50 miles journey to the destination. This morning I have a major hangover and feel like shit. Just currently waiting for it to get light so that I can explore for a toolshop. Was sick. Notes: Berlin is also a craphole. Although, that's unfair. It has been a pretty torn city for an awful long time. I feel ill, and I stink of stale smoke. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16th November - An absolutely terrible day that just got worse and worse! And it pretty much started just as I myself started. After a slightly late start, due to not knowing the entrance to the breakfast bar, I was even later to the train as a detour was put in place for the East entrance to the train. I was rushing a little for the couple of miles, just to come all the way back again via the motorway entrance. Instead of the 7:20 trian, I boarded the 7:50 one. Another blustery day, pretty bad by all accounts. AND IT DID NOT STOP! I thought that emerging out the French side of the English Channel would be like cotten, and bunnies and sunshine and stillness. Boarding the train was easy enough. Passport controls both allowed me through wearing the helmet and a baraclava under that. Once on the train I took the time to dismantle the bike and have a look at the fluid level in the Radiator. Extremely glad I did, It seems it will not pick up the water from the reservoire on it's own accord. It managed to drink down the remaining 1.5l I had. Interestingly, and at a burst of panic I noticed the car infront rolling back, and did so onto the bike. I managed the hit his rear window before it went too far, but ultimately I did need to move my bike back. His bumper was on my caliper. He was an okay chap though, English, and we were talking about the bike beforehand. I asked for water as compensation, seeing as he was a bit of a boobie. Zooooom, off the train and straight into the petrol station for a bottle of water, and on I was again steaming to get out of France. I don't currently have on luggage with me the necessary in car/on bike necessities require by law, those being a first aid kit, hi-visibility vest, and breathalisers. Before too long I was in Belgium before I even knew it. I had a feeling that strange Police road block might have been significant. Regardless, it started raining not too far into Belgium, and thereafter it did not deminish. Onwards to fill up with fuel, to which I must add that I despise pre-pay. I dropped one of my water bottles again. But managed to find it. From now on they are going in the top box and not simply strapped onto the bags. Which also comes on topic with my water proof bag covers, which flew off just a few miles after putting them on. Never to be seen again. My clothes are a little wet.. At another petrol station, a strange boy in his 20's was intently staring at myself and my motorcycle, whilst standing beside me.. Did he want to talk to me? What did he want?! After hours of travel in the pooring rain, not being able to see, cold, wet and miserable to be honest, I find myself in Bielefeld. Pretty much a non-town. Not really what I imagined, but then it was never a city on my list; merely a half way point to Berlin. 6pm arrival. Didn't really do much. Cost more than I expected too (34euros). But it's warm, and I'm only sharing the room with a single German(?) man who cannot make sense of my English despite his being acceptible. He has strange, formal attire. Perhaps he went for a job interview? It seems even the ones who can speak English still cannot understand me, but then sometimes even the English can't.. About 15 miles from my destination the bike spluttered in the usual way a bike does when the tank has run out. I switch the tap to reserve. Shit! It is already in reserve! I roll down the hard shoulder until it splutters to a stop. The satnav tells me the closest petrol station is 3 miles away, tough break. I'd have to walk it, but decided to take the tap off and tip whatever fuel onto the tap side. This was successful and I rolled along at 20mph for 3 miles down the motorway until the turn off. Lucky, lucky me! After a quick visit to the local supermarchette to get Axe shampoo and a towel. I headed immediately back for a wash. I then went back to get a toothbrush and paste. Then went for a walk in this uninteresting town. I couldn't find any decent restaurants at all so plumped for one of the seemingly million fast food type places. I hadn't any money though, and not without looking did I see any ATM's on the way there. The closet bank I was directed to, and that was a good mile or two walk back the other way. I did so, and I went back for my Pizza. But all the while thinking to myself what an odd town, it's full of immigrants. What do you think of when you go abroad to another country such as Germany, for example? Nice Airean people who can all speak English. There were swarms of Eastern types. I decided not to go back to the hostel complex after my meal. Notes: Got wifi!! But at 7kb/s. My right arm is hurting. I guess it's lucky I am a lefty. A bit lonely. But Berlin should be good. Riding/driving around Europe, you realise how small the world is with the advent of main roads. French are good drivers, Belgiums are okay, Germans are bloody awful. Hope it's a fair day tomorrow. I didn't enjoy any of today's travel. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15th November- I left home at 4pm. It was a very blustery journey to Folkstone, and somewhat of a troublesome one too actually. Before I departed Dad enquired as to my European Insurance, I forgot to take some out! I'll just have to be careful and not to eat too much fresh air. The temperature guage on the bike was a constant 3/4 (I believe around 200F), all the way which is not only perplexing but a bit disheartening and worrying. Initially, I purchased a 2l bottle of water at Cardiff West services but after initially using it just the once to top up the reservoire, I had lost the bottle down the motor-way at some point. I purchased another about Reading way. When I turned off the bike, the rear water pump weep- hole decidedly leaked and spewed water everywhere, possibly a pint's worth. Notibly there was still at least a little water in the reservoire but alas it was below minimum. The trip should be no problem though as long as I keep on top of water level. It's just unfortunate that the bike will be running at 200F rather than the normal 170F. Close to London I stopped to check the coolant level (I did a few times). There was a bit of a slow billy in front and I overtook him. He started beeping his horn at me, and I stopped; "What!?". I'd only left my lights off. I arrived at the Folkstone Premier Inn at quarter past 9. Total distance 270miles. Just time to relax for a 6am wake up call. Unfortunately the Wireless Internet does not work. Bloody typical! Notes: Apprehensive, but excited. It seems forever yet until I get home. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PRE-SCRIPT 9th November 2015: The purpose of this section is to list any final thoughts I have concerning my journey. And with hope to relieve myself of any ill thoughts regardless of degree. Within the last week I have been preparing the bike for the journey. The original engine for the bike blew one of the 'big end's' Saturday last. This was unfortuante as I had spent a fair sum of money, and time, and effort and indeed with a little help into getting the engine in working order. Nevertheless, the next day I had disasembled a brand new spare engine I had, re-assembled it and everything was ready for the bike to be used for work the following morn. I have so far travelled 280 miles on said engine, and this weekend carried out several more steps on the bike. I had changed the oil (will do so in another 1,000 miles), and I believe I have fixed the slight water/coolant leak around a pipe. I have taken apart the carburettors (for the third time since boiling them) and synchronised them (again!). I tidied up some electrical wires as well as control cables. Another week of simply 'using' the bike will help me to realise if these goals have been acheived and whether I can really BELIEVE in the beast. I also changed over the front tyre to a new one I had been waiting to go on for a good 6 months. No issue in changing. The usual lubricancy, force and occasional angle change meant no extenuating required. Fitting the cruise control within the last two weeks has been an absolute Godsend. My heated grips are efficient, and my cigerette lighter is also working nicely. I'm not a great planner. But I can be quite random in my pursuits or gestures. However, I feel this long a distance travel (up to 4,000 miles) is worthwhile putting thought and effort into, for although it may be my first european trip, I hope it not to be my last. Checklist: ¬ Bike! - Tick. ¬ Soft Panniers - Tick. ¬ Tank Bag - Tick. ¬ Puncture Repair kit and pump - Tick. ¬ Tools, spare bulbs, cables, levers....... ¬ 1 gallon tank?? ¬ 2 pints Spare oil - Tick! ¬ Spare water - Tickishhh ¬ Mobile Telephone - Tick, though will need top up. ¬ Old Laptop - Tick ¬ Handheld Camera - ¬ Helmet Camera - Tick. Though will try one last time soldering microphone for sound to work. ¬ Walm Clothes. It will be a tad clement - ¬ Black bags for waterproofing - ¬ Sat-Nav - Tick, all updated with European maps. ¬ Printed directions and addresses and road map - Tick ¬ Portable Radio?? ¬ Books - Tick ¬ MP3 Player - Tick ¬ Toiletries - ¬ Bike insurance certificate - ¬ MOT - ¬ Driving Licence - Tick ¬ Wallet - Tick ¬ Money - So far have cards - Tick ¬ Passport - Tick ¬ ADAC Card - Awaiting Arrival. Insurance=covered Recovery=Phoned ADAC in Germany and took membership Paperwork=Passport, Insurance certificates, motorcycle legal documentation, addresses and phone numbers of locales and promised commitments. Money=Visa card will most likely cover if EuroCard (Mastercard) does not. Main Itinerary: 15th - Sunday. Head for Folkstone. 16th - Bielfeld (Deu) - Das gibt's doch gar nicht??? 18th - Berlin (Deu) - Sight see during day there. Communist museums? Brandenburg Gate. Checkpoint- Charlie. Bundestag? Hohenschönhausen? Alexanderplatz? Stasi-Central Forschungs- und Gedenkstätte Lichtenberg court (Normannenstraße), Meet Christian in home town of Cottbus in evening. 19th Prague(Cz).. Via Zshcopau for MZ Factory. Museum?? Pass through Dresden. 21st Szolnok(Hungary) via Budapest... Find 1239, Budapest, Ócsai út 4?? (MZ parts). 22nd Timisoara (Rumania) : Meet Adrian - Phone 0766241471 23rd Belgrade (Servia) Kosovo je Srbija! 24th Sarajevo (Bosnia) 25th Vienna (It means nothing to meeeeee....Ohhh Viennaaaa) 26th Munich - Last German stop. Will have a long way to go next day. 470 miles. No time to mess. 27th Brussels - Last stop. Early next morning for Eurotunnel at 11am. 28th Southampton: Stay with Robin 29th - Run for home. Run as fast, as I can.