New Year is coming: France - Dunkirk
31 Dec 14
miles: 404

This is my 6 day of travel and 4 country already. I still learning how to ride my heavy loaded Yamaha. I've visit Amsterdam, Antwerp, Bruges and now I'm in Dunkirk. I will have my new year celebration in hotel room, with TV and all 3 stars goodies included: bed, toilet and slow internet - but I am happy to be here! Will try visit Paris shortly and see if I can get some visas there for the future use. I wish I could know more french than: Je ne parle pas francais. I will try to learn. Now I'm going to see Dunkirk attractions as I stayed on the outskirts of the town. I will have to ride my "Zebra" to the port and see. Last they of the year, so I see you in new 2015, I wish you all the best - the best for you.

Port in Dunkirk

''In Bruges"

Departure Glasgow - Newcastle - Amsterdam
28/Dec/14
miles 200 (+ferry)


I'm already in Europe. Last 3 days, no much sleep and eat, and a lot of stress. After long months of preparation, I left Glasgow on 26 Dec. Riding to Newcastle and taking ferry - DFDS - straight to Amsterdam I have no much option - the weather start worsening.
Leaving was much terrible than a weather, after I left my work - sadly - with great people there (and good money too).  I had to leave my little love too - Mariola - and that was the most sad thing we had to go trough. I couldn't resist desire to my travel, so that's why I sacrificed so much.
The most remembered moments from my first days, was few. Hotel in Newcastle - mini room with huge radiator - price for the room was so little - but I had to sleep with window full open and I was sweat (temperature outside was "-1" Celsius). Ferry was great experience too, I was imaging people on the Titanic ship with all luxury bars shops and cinemas - I was on deck 7 and that was 11 decks tall ferry (more floors that block of flats we were growing in Olsztyn). Today I've seen great thing as well. I was already in Nederland - in small town called Ijmuiden - there was an old lady probably around 70, her moped probably same age had a kickstart. She was trying start it. No helmet, no nothing but after few strong kicks, her moto just started and she disappear. I wish I could have this spirit sometimes.

Newcastle ferry terminal 

Heemskerk in Nederland - good hostel 30km from Amsterdam 

Preparations

7/Dec/14 

Glasgow, miles 0

I  am 34 year old, and took me some time to pass my motorbike licence - 15 years since first started. Now I am getting ready to start my biggest adventure I was dreaming for long time. 

Time was necessary to complete whole list - when, how and where I'm going to. This moment is nervous and looking like most of ticks been mark. Time and money plays big role in my preparation but there is much more behind it. First, was an inspiration which came after reading book Mondo Enduro by Austin Vince which I got from my good Scottish friend Scott. Secondly I need motorbike - my choice was Yamaha XT 600E, the lightest six hundred I could find. Low mileage cause she was only 5200 miles old. From that moment I had transportation (not for long time - my lady was stolen and recovered - thanks for Glasgow Police). Than was time of preparation for her, I have striped electrics and paint her nicely. Motorbike has set of critical spares as well small set of tools, both together in separate tool box-very heavy. She got big Acerbic tank - 23 litres and big luggage too.

Paul's handcrafted panniers

Total luggage space is 258.75 litres. This is two huge aluminium panniers made by Paul, are my main storage. I have to weld some support for them too. They are nicely painted by Andrew - zebra patterns are symmetrical in both sides. I also have kind of cover with bag between two luggage made for size from Krawiectwo Ewa tailor from my home town Olsztyn. Apart that I'm taking small - junior size guitar and some basic photo and video equipment. Clothes and kitchen is smallest part of my packing. There is some ordinary camping gadgets as well. Around 70 kg of weight in total. 

Ride on - Glasgow - thank you for your support

Zebra is almost ready 

Andrew -  he made zebra patern 

My garage - tent - on the back garden

Today was first day of sleet (snow) in Glasgow but I hoping to get to Newcastle ferry before real cold will come. Than supposedly Amsterdam and travel down to south of France. I still need fix my travel computer and visit Ride On - motorcycle garage to get my clutch replaced. There is big number of small things to get before travel but main are International Driving Permit, and some money solution - travelling checks etc. I will tell you more of  preparations next time. So see you!