In March next year, I start my epic motorbike journey from the UK through Europe.
In July through Turkey, Armenian, Georgia, Azerbaijan - across the Caspian Sea into each of the ‘Stan’ countries (following some of the ancient Silks Roads).
From Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan), into Tibet and Pakistan. Freighter over to the UAE.
Next, calling at all the countries off Saudi Arabia to Jordan. Finally, depending on the situation around Jordan when I get there, either back through Turkey or freighter from Egypt to Italy.
Finally, home to the UK via Finland and Sweden.
Planned in several phases, spending around 1 month per phase, and doing two trips per year. On that basis, it should take three to four years to complete!
As we spend a lot of time in Europe now that I am retired, we are constantly monitoring our ‘visa days’ and as a consequence, the only time I can set off in 2026 is in March, which, means travelling through Northern Europe when the snow and ice are still around, particularly through the Alps and Switzerland.
In 2025, I decided to spend a week, taking my motorbike through Europe in November, purely to get my bike on the other side of the Alps into Eastern Europe, away from the snow and ice (at least most of it!) ready for March.
The night before I was due to leave, I received news from Australia that my Mum had taken seriously ill, so I dropped everything to fly to Australia, where unfortunately when I arrived, my Mum had passed away.
On my return three weeks later, I decided to go and head to Slovenia, where I was to leave my bike over winter, albeit, the weather had become colder, taking the later November dates. To say it was cold, was an understatement!
Day 1
Brighouse to Hull - overnight ferry to Rotterdam (72 miles on the road)
Panniers packed, bike double checked and I set off after waving Elaine and the boys (Milo & Romeo, our two faithful Pomeranians), farewell.
The weather had changed over the last few weeks, thankfully no rain today but it was definitely colder and windy. The East coast had a snow fall from the previous night, but the weather was fine and the air was cold and crisp.
I arrived at the P&O Ferry terminal at 4pm for the 8pm sailing and was allowed to board just after dark at 4.30pm. Hot shower in my cabin and an early dinner before heading down to double check my first route from Rotterdam to Luxembourg. As the aim is to just ‘get to’ Slovenia, it would be all motorway driving, so fairly boring and mundane driving.
Day 2
Rotterdam to Luxembourg 350km
The ferry arrived bang on time and as I was the only motorbike on the ferry, was the first off! Bitter cold but clear skies, saw me set off on the ride through Holland, Belgium and into Luxembourg
As it was so cold, even with long johns, multiple layers, heated gloves and every orifice stuffed with ‘Little Hottie’ warmers, I still only managed an hour on the road before having to stop to warm up with coffee and the warmth of motorway services! From then on in, I managed 45-minute rides. Despite the cold, it was exhilarating!
I arrived at my hotel in Luxembourg very fresh and ready for a hot shower. The lady behind the desk recommended a superb Italian restaurant which did not disappoint. My waitress had spent 7 years working in San Carlos restaurant in Liverpool, which is Elaine’s favourite restaurant, albeit in Manchester.
A good meal and a few beers saw me sleep well!
Day 3
Rotterdam to Colmar in France 267km
Today’s ride was not as long as yesterday, however the weather was still bitter cold, but dry again. After a very brief duck into Germany, the ride down through France was fairly uneventful. I adopted the same regime as yesterday, so after the first hour riding, stop to warm up, then 45-minute stints before breaking again to get warm.
I had never visited Colmar before and to say I was pleasantly surprised was an understatement. The Christmas decorations were mind blowing and the old town was like Hansel and Gretel gingerbread houses, all decorated to the hilt with Christmas decorations and Christmas Trees. It truly was lovely and breathtaking to see. For those who like to travel for Christmas Markets, I would highly recommend Colmar.
Quick shower and dump my stuff in the hotel, I set off the explore this gem of a city. Markets, mulled wine and a superb meal saw me exploring for several hours before crawling back to the hotel for a decent night sleep.
Day 4
Colmar to Como in Italy 360km
The aim today was to head to Liechtenstein, a country that I have never visited. On checking the weather there though, although it was dry, the temperature was Minus 9 degrees! Too cold even for me, not to mention the potential for black ice.
So, disappointed, I decided to head south to Como in Italy instead, where, although there was potential for rain later this afternoon, it was warmer at 5 degrees! It would also give me an extra day in case of breakdowns etc.
I drove through France into Switzerland and had this nagging feeling that I had forgotten something. It was when I got to the Italian border with Switzerland that I realised I had forgotten to pay the annual fee for riding on Swiss roads! Sure enough, the police were stopping all cars and vehicles to check and as a result, I was fined £200 for not paying the £40 fee! Despite the stunning views along the motorway through Switzerland, it left a foul taste in my mouth.
The drive through Switzerland was breath taking with majestic mountain peaks, covered in snow.
The fog and cold set in as I drove into Italy and I just arrived at my hotel near Como in time before the rain started. It came down pretty heavily and as I was staying out of town, I decided pizza and a beer in the hotel was perfect for dinner.
Day 5
Como to Venice 300km
Despite the wet weather gear, it was fairly obvious today was going to be a wet one. Whilst every day so far had been cold but invigorating, today was just plain miserable riding. I decided to just plough on and when I arrived in Venice, to say I was soaked to the bone, was a complete understatement!
I stayed off the island of Venice, instead staying on the mainland. Shower and leaving the hotel room with the heating turned up full to help dry my riding gear, I took the 15minute bus journey onto the island of Venice.
I have been to Venice many times before but you never tire of this beautiful city.
I hoped from the bus to the water bus that takes you down the grand canal, and even though it was raining, the beauty of the Venetian architecture shines through.
I hopped off the water bus at the Rialto bridge and meandered slowly over the back canals and alleys. I had dinner of pizza and beer in a superb and lovely little restaurant on the back waters, before heading to San Marco Square, where I caught the water bus back to the bus station and onto my hotel.
Smitten and excited about my latest trip to Venice, I arrived to my ‘steam room’ of a hotel where my clothes were drying nicely!
Day 6
Venice to Ljubljana, Slovenia 240 km
All clothes dried apart from the riding boots which were still a tad damp. Spare boots on and off I rode towards Slovenia.
Quite a bit of fog today through the hills and mountains and rain was intermittent but nowhere near as heavy as yesterday.
The scenery in Slovenia is lovely with lots of hills and forests and the drive into Ljubljana was uneventful.
I had booked a basic hotel out of the city centre, close to the warehouse I had booked to store my bike over winter. It had a fabulous restaurant and bar below so very handy. A great meal and a few beers saw me having an early night.
Day 7
Ljubljana
Today was laundry day! I found a laundromat close by and washed all my kit. A car-wash next door cleaned the motorbike, and after packing up all my panniers ready for my next trip, I dropped the bike at the warehouse until my follow-on trip in March.
The warehouse is next door to a large shopping centre, so after dinner there I caught a cab back to my hotel and had a few beers in the bar.
The taxi guy was superb, so I booked him to pick me up the day after tomorrow, to take me to the airport for my flight home.
Day 8
Ljubljana
As I didn’t get to Liechtenstein, this was an extra free day so I decided to catch the bus into Ljubljana old town and have a scout around.
Ljubljana is only a small city however, had an abundance and wealth of beautiful architecture. It has Ljubljana Castle which sits proudly on the hill overlooking the city and a beautiful river lined with bars and restaurants. The famous three bridges cross the river and really are worth looking at.
Ljubljana is a very ‘under the radar city’ on the weekend break scene, but I would highly recommend it for a long weekend break. There is plenty to do and the restaurant scene is plentiful.
After several hours exploring and having a long, leisurely lunch, I headed back to the hotel.
Day 9
Ljubljana to Manchester
On the dot as booked, the taxi picked me up from the hotel to take me to the airport.
Uneventful flight home to Manchester via Amsterdam (EasyJet fly to Ljubljana from Manchester direct but not every day of the week) and plenty of time to reflect on a brilliant adventure through Western Europe, albeit, bloody cold!
Back to Ljubljana in March, pick up the motorbike and carry on through Eastern Europe to Sofia!
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