Hats off to you Ian!!! I salute you and your amazing journey. going south all the way down to The Gambi😢a 🇬🇲.. You have truly excelled in every step of the way and kept me searching for your next episode everyday! Honestly, sad to hear that you will be ending your journey in the next few episodes...but feel very fortunate to have been invited along to witness a dream trip of a lifetime! Thank you Ian👍
Well done mate. I have enjoyed following your adventures. I also rode from the UK to Morocco when I was 64. I'm now 68 and still travelling by bike. Every year I wonder, will this be my last year, but you have given me a boost to keep going for a bit longer. You are a man after my own heart. I look forward to following your journey back.
Well done Ian, trip hasn't finished you still have a lot to see on the way back. I hve a coupe of adv bikes with over 20 years and 50000 miles and they are great, just don't have the time to do that kind of longer trips but I will lol . For the moment a few days. Im an argentinean living in Wales for the last f 14 years and love it. Carry on !!! All the best. Gus
Well done Ian , you are an inspiration to us sedentary bikers, some day maybe I’ll have the chance to do something similar, But carry on carrying on mate , As your RU-vid subscriber I’ll miss the regular videos but knowing you are out there enjoying yourself is consolation enough , Be happy and never stop planning 👍🤔🫡
Hi Ian thks for sharing the details of your run which makes it more reachable for others like yourself. I know that heading further south would be risky but sure all of life is risky. We are not guaranteed tomorrow, nevertheless, shall we say we the more mature type tend to veer on the safe side, but congratulations for getting this far south. Thanks again for taking us along.
@One Man One Bike Great stuff Ian .Takes me back to 4 years ago when i worked in Kenya .I worked in Mombasa great fishing . The other place that i worked in Kenya was Thika . I was there for 2 years and loved every min of it .Long nights hot days and lots of laughs . Hard work and i respect these poeple . Every Sunday turned out in there best suits and dresses and then returned back the the small mud huts . Thanks for your stream mate and have a great new year 👍👍👍👍👍
Have enjoyed sharing the journey immensely. You are an inspiration to many. If you think of it, and can manage it, many of us would be interested to hear how you are getting on over time. Safe travels.
You’ve done so well on your journey ! The big v strom is a cracking bike but heavy ! I’ve got the 650 and that’s enough for me ! I’ve been wanting to ride morroco for a while and you’ve made my mind up to do it next year as the years are passing too quickly now Thanks for the fantastic videos and enjoy the rest of your travels 👍
Well done mate. What a man riding in them towns and cities. I’ve enjoyed all your videos. You look after yourself. And I hope you enjoyed your Christmas dinner. Beans on toast lovely. All the best Phill.
On behalf of my husband and I we would like to thank you for sharing your epic adventure it has been gripping viewing merry xmas keep safe and keep travelling
Thank you for sharing. I have been following your trip with a lot of interest. Traveling by motorcycle and without time is my dream. Have a good return trip and continue to share. Return through the Algarve Portugal and go up in the EN2 from Faro to Chaves in the north.
Wells done Ian. I am 66 and retiring this year. I have some many plans I want to do. You have inspired me so much. I would love to talk to another Celt and get your advice. Ha-py Christmas and new year. Padraig.
Well done old you. Keep rolling. You are an inspiration. Looking forward to your travel reflections, as its the nuts and bolts of your journey that I find fascinating - your bike, your kit, tools/insurance/flat tires/fuel/food/clothing etc. What you have that's good,bad or indifferent. Gear you will be ditching or taking in the future. I'm looking to learn from your experiences so I don't start from scratch. All the best
Thanks for posting that, it was interesting to see you reach your destination and to hear about your plans for the future. I was also interested to hear your thoughts on changing your bike as I have always thought that the big Suzuki was well, a bit big for your trip. In 2021 I downsized from the Honda ST 1300 that I had owned and enjoyed for nine years and bought a CB500X. I hadn’t intended to make quite such a big jump but a couple of weeks after testing a Moto Guzzi V85TT, the bike that I was sure was the one for me I test rode a CB500X while my Pan European was being fitted with a new front tyre and I was hooked. The Honda impressed me which was a huge surprise as I’d been underwhelmed by the V85. Since getting the CB500X my annual mileage has doubled. It’s a lovely bike to ride, has more than enough power and performance for real world roads and riding and has the added advantages of being much lighter and easier to manoeuvre plus being so, so, so much more economical. With the ability to easily return more than 90mpg its decent sized fuel tank gives a useable range of over 300 miles. It’s taken me and my camping gear where I’ve wanted to go, both on tarmac and less friendly roads, without fuss but always with a smile on my face. I’m a few years older than you and have no plans to stop riding for the foreseeable future. With motorcycles bigger doesn’t always mean better and I hope you enjoy looking for a smaller replacement for your Suzuki. Perhaps you could do a few videos of that journey as well. Keep the videos coming, even if you are only travelling through the countries that you’ve taken us to before that doesn’t mean that your experiences will be the same. Thanks again.
Thanks David. There will be more videos. Not as many, but still more to come. As for the 500X - its one of the bikes on my list. And its a bike that makes perfect sense. Plus, I do like Honda's....
Well done Ian on your journey, having done a trip to Western Europe this year its owned my eyes to other travel possibilities so thanks you. Anticipate you don't have a return ferry planned - So when you land back in Spain I recommend you turn left and follow the coast through Spain --> Portugal --> Return to Spain near A' Coruna and get ferry to Rosslare from either Sanatder / Bilbao. I followed this route this year, the coastal road will keep you away from Pico's which will be snowy as per the season. The Rosslare ferry is cheaper, shorter journey time, from Rosslare its only 4 hours drive to Belfast (one toll north of 1 euro 10 cents) and is a quiet road compared to landing on South England coast and the dreary & packed M6 motorway, from Belfast its a 2 hour ferry hop to Cairnryan and about 3 hours to home ! Hopefully this is food for thought, if you do decide to take coastal road try and and off main autoroutes as scenery is lovely.
You know mate. What a great idea...! I was planning Portugal anyway, but never thought about Rosslare. The thought of riding all the way up from the south coast was making my milk curdle, to be honest. Cheers mate.
A little poem for the brave motorcyclist from Scotland ============================================ In the land of mist and heather fair, A Scottish sailor, weathered and square, A seafaring soul, sixty-four and bold, Embarked on a journey, a tale to be told. On a Suzuki V-Strom with a roaring V2, He revved up the engine, the adventure in view. "One Man One Bike," his RU-vid refrain, Documenting a voyage, a two-wheeling gain. From Scotland's Highlands to Bilbao's shore, A ferry ride beckoned, an odyssey to explore. Through the Spanish lands, where sunsets glow, A twist of fate, a twisted ankle to show. In moonlit walks, 'neath Iberian stars, An accident struck, leaving deep scars. Two weeks in Spain, a detour unplanned, Yet resilience surged, as he stood on the sand. To Gibraltar's rock, a pause and a tea, Yorkshire's finest, a comforting spree. With the V-Strom sturdy, they traversed the track, Through Morocco's heat, where the desert winds whack. In Mauretania's vastness, the bike met its test, Engulfed in the mud, a rider's true quest. Digging it out, a triumph of might, A testament to the traveler's unyielding light. Into Senegal's arms, Dakar's embrace, The journey pressed on, a tireless race. Gambia awaited, a coastal retreat, Where the sea sang tales, the traveler's heartbeat. Through chaos and heat, in traffic's swirl, A resilient spirit, an adventurer's twirl. The V-Strom stood strong, a reliable steed, Amidst the challenges, fulfilling every need. For Yorkshire Tea flowed in biker's veins, A taste of the journey, where resilience reigns. Suzuki V-Stroms echoed in the wind, As adventure-seekers, a new journey begin. So here's to the sailor, the Scotsman of might, Whose tales on two wheels, in day and night, Inspired many, with Yorkshire Tea in tow, A motorcycling saga, an enduring glow. Now let the winds whisper, from Africa's strand, Guiding him home, to his Scottish land. May the roads be kind, and the weather fair, A safe return, with stories to share. In the hum of the engine and the twists of the road, May his path be smooth, as homeward he's stowed. With memories woven, like threads of a loom, He'll ride into sunset, beneath a Scottish moon. So here's to the sailor, may his tale resound, Safe travels, dear wanderer, homeward bound. Through miles and through stories, let his journey be known, A Scottish soul, on paths he's sown. -------------------------------- Made by ChatGPT Fed by Xanty55 December 27, 2023 --------------------------------
Happy Christmas! Enjoy your well earned rest. I’ve very much enjoyed following your travels. I’m 61 and still riding but I guess age will catch up eventually. You have inspired me to plan a tour. I’m curious to know if you have a lighter bike in mind?
I dont know. I havent though about it much. Maybe the Honda CB500X, or NC750 or even the Tenere 700 - or the Suzuki 800, or the new Himalayan. I really dont know, and its something to think about this year.
Bike for this type of trip? I have a GSA and still enjoy riding it on tarmac. I used too take it off-road, but at 71 I struggle to pick it up, and have lost confidence on it now because of that. I bought a KTM 790A in 2020 and haven't looked back. Went from Glasgow to Morocco on it no bother, and great off road capability inc. sand.
Too late you wish you a Merry Xmas but not too late for a HAPPY NEW YEAR wherever you are. Regarding a lighter bike. It seems that manufacturers are SLOWLY catching on to the fact that most people want something sub 200kg and average dirt capability. 2 really good bikes for 2024 that only cost here in Oz $A9000 driveaway each (great price) is the new RE 450 and the CFMOTO 450MT. In the second hand market you could look at a CB500X (Honda dependability) or KTM 390 (super light at under 180kg) rsm8
I could have changed the bike - but i couldnt have afforded to make the trip. Catch 22... next year something lighter. The RE450 looks interesting, same as the 450MT - but I'm not sure what reliability is like on the CFM. I'm just going to have to see whats around next year.
Well done Ian, I've watched all of your videos on your travels. You Sir are an inspiration and a breath of fresh air. I'm touring the coast and islands of Great Britain in 2024 , starting from Eastbourne and going clockwise camping and on my v strom 1000 . Like you, I'm in no hurry either. I'm retired ( 67 ) and been a biker since 16. Bless you and good luck on your travels, regards Mal.
I did that in May last year. Left Glasgow and went right around the UK anti-clockwise. And strangely enough, I enjoyed it as there were so many places I've never seen or visited. Keep on riding mate...
Videos have been amazing to watch mate and definitely takes some balls on your own and at 65. I'm 66 this year and love touring on my own in the UK and the EU but no way would I do a trip like this on my own 😂 stay safe and enjoy the rest of the trip North 👍
You got me dreaming. With my Suzuki from ocean to ocean in Austalia... Oh. I must work longer days to get money. Great journey and videos you made. Thanks.
Well done sir when you get back my friend David 80 and myself Alex 70 would love to treat you for lunch we are still very much on our bike’s David has the vstrom and I a GS we have followed you from the start we are from Glasgow North But Im always around Dunoon near you neck of the woods safe journey on your return .
Probably a wise decision not to chance your luck with Guinea Ian, how was your beans on toast Christmas breakfast pal . I don't think the guy who's mirror you clipped was worried about his paintwork, moreso angry about where to get a replacement mirror if you had broken tt. Best to sometimes hold back and wait for a better chancepal. Ride safe Ian.
Yeah, I think I'm pushing the realms of sensibility by going further south. I think I've made a 'grown up' decision by deciding to head back. Unfortunately...
Such a great trip and video's I will really miss the regular updates😢. I'm sure the trip north will throw up plenty of roads and places worth videoing and sharing too 😉 Well done Ian, its been great coming along with you and sharing your journey, I've dreamed of getting to Africa on one of my bikes for at least 30 years and now that I too approach my 65th year in 2024 I might just make it with your inspirational trip in my mind. Have a great Christmas and New Year and safe riding Northwards.
The word 'inspirational' has been used many times in your comments section but it's true. I suspect you've done more to increase bike sales to individuals of a certain age than you'll ever know. I'm 66, havent ridden a bike for around 20 years but now find myself checking out the used bike market. In terms of your journey, you've definitely done a lot more than "ok". Safe travels on the trip back - looking forward to more videos.
Congratulations on your trip so far, you are more of an inspiration than you realise. I'm sure many on here would gladly swap a turkey dinner in stormy UK for beans on toast in The Gambia. I'm seriously looking at Morocco +++??? early next year Thankyou, ride safe.
Well done It's not the end of the Adventure. It's just a pause in proceedings Don't feel bad that you have decided to stop and return to Europe It's your adventure We have loved the easy to understand videos and the information that you have given regarding the cost of things My offer of Yorkshire Tea & Cake is still available when you're passing Carlisle on your way home Stay safe and enjoy And shout if you need anything
Well Done you proved that if you have the Drive and the Wear with all ,we can all do the Trip of a life time as all Bikers Feel we are a little suspicious of our safety and the language barriers when crossing the Borders ,but you made over 6000 miles and still rolling along ,Keep going Makes my Trip to Germany look a bit Feeble next year .But you have given us the Idea and a new adventure can Begin 👋👍
Really enjoyed your travels, please keep the videos coming they are enjoyed by many of us of a similar age and it keeps us motivated to keep riding despite the aches and pains 🤣🤣
Well done Ian. Pleased you got as far as you did. Have a safe return journey. Looking forward to further updates. Merry Christmas and have a great new year. 👍🏻
Brilliant mate. Well done. I’m 44 dreaming of doing a decent tour and you’ve gone and done it. Very inspiring and interesting. I don’t blame you for riding your ride without the videoing and editing but would love some updates about how you’re getting on. You’ve got a good attitude. I look forward to future content. 👍🏼 Good man. Take care. Jim Uk.
Hope you had a good Christmas and wishing you a safe ride home. We've still got snow here in Vermont and my bike is tucked in under her winter blanket, so your ride is my virtual ride for the time being. Happy new year and you've already got me thinking about next riding season.
Well done mate your a star and made a better job of it than a couple travelling around the world on a similar bike and half your age 😂 ..650 v strom next maybe 👍
Hello there Ian I'm delighted to see you're safe and sound in spite of the heat, wild life and needless to say the annoying mosquitos and those road blocks ! I have been wondering when you would upload more videos of your awesome adventure in Africa, I was a bit worried to be honest but luckily it's all going well, thanks God. Make sure you get plenty of beauty rest as you need to recharge and carry on riding, always check and keep an eye on your bike with regards to maintenance. As you know, we're all enjoying your adventure and always looking forward to your next upload. Many thanks for keeping our life entertained, you're a legend by now
I applaud you, you have done more than great going as far south as you have. Look forward to any and all videos you make on your journey back north. One of your “subscriber”(s)
Monumental congratulations on achieving your goal. While you've reached this particular destination, I suspect your Journey is a long long way from being even close to to the notion of Finishing - "But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep" Safe journey onwards, and many thanks for your generosity in allowing us all enjoy it with you.
Well done Ian you’ve done well matey, although you say your journey is finished you are really not even half way as I’m sure you will be meandering different routes on the way back but I know filming becomes tedious so I respect that decision. I have always had large bikes and currently own a 2018 GSA and a 1997 Africa Twin which will be my main touring bike from next year because it’s a lot lighter so I also understand that reasoning, anyway enjoy your Xmas dinner and safe travels Ian, all the best Gaz 😀👍
@@onemanonebike8514 I always do, mainly around the French and Spanish countryside as there is so much to see, at 57 I’ve stopped rushing to get places as I used to do, like you I don’t do planning, camp all the way with no time limit. I’m definitely escaping this fowl UK weather next year though and you have inspired me to head to Morocco for sure, cheers fella from another Northerner 😂👍
