In the previous parts, we already went over the preparation.
👉Traveling with the motorbike (part 1)
👉Traveling with the motorbike (part 2): preparing the route
👉Traveling with the motorbike (part 3): what do we take with us?
In this fourth part, we take you along for the ride. Because like with many things in life: you can be perfectly prepared, but the real experience only begins once you actually hit the road.
The departure
After months of planning, drawing up maps, checking off checklists and inspecting motorcycles… the moment finally arrives. Helmet on, engine started, and those first few meters are often the hardest. Not because they’re technically challenging, but because your head isn’t there yet. You’re still thinking about work, or about catching that ferry. So give yourself time to ease into the journey. After an hour or two, your mind starts to clear, and you’ll feel it: yes, we’re on our way.
Daily rhythm: fueling up, taking breaks, and enjoying
So what does a typical day on the road look like?
For us, it usually starts calmly. No alarm at 6 a.m., but no sleeping in until noon either. Break down the tent, make coffee, go over the map and/or GPS. We aim to be on the bike by 9:30 or 10. That gives us some wiggle room in case of detours or problems.
Taking breaks is essential. Every 150 to 200 km, we plan a longer stop: refuel, grab a bite, drink something (non-alcoholic), stretch the legs. Don’t wait until you’re truly tired. And don’t forget: you’re on a journey, not escaping from something. The most beautiful places are often found when you stop for a picture or have a chat with an old man in a village square.
Local habits and riding styles
Surprises are part of the road. Roads that looked perfect on the map can be completely under construction. Or you might suddenly run into a herd of sheep crossing the road in Albania. It keeps things interesting – and sometimes a bit exciting.
Traffic rules also differ. In Italy, everything is a bit “suggestive,” while in Germany drivers stick strictly to the rules. And in Greece, don’t be surprised if someone flies by at 140 km/h where the limit is 60.
Tip: don’t just watch your GPS – observe the locals. If everyone stops at what looks like an empty intersection, there’s probably a hidden sign or camera.
The weather: friend and foe
We’ve seen it all: scorching heat up to 38°C, days of rain, even hail and snow in the mountains.
Make sure your riding gear is suited for all conditions. Ventilation in warm weather is just as important as waterproofing in rain. And in really bad weather? Just find a hotel or a place to wait it out. You don’t have to prove anything on a bike – arriving safely is more important than showing up soaked and exhausted.
The evenings: stories, friendship, and sometimes a leaky mattress
After a day on the road, you arrive at your campsite or sleeping spot. Helmet off, side stand down, and soon the ritual begins: setting up the tent, organizing your sleeping gear, maybe checking the bike or topping up fluids. Meanwhile, you smell the gas stove of your buddy who’s already cooking a simple pasta with tuna – it might just taste like fine dining after a long day on the bike.
Sometimes you cook your own meal, sometimes you explore the village you’ve ended up in. A local place with plastic chairs, a menu in a language you don’t speak, and a smiling waiter who still manages to serve you something delicious. It’s all part of the journey.
Then the stories come out. About that wrong turn earlier that landed you on a gravel road between goats. About who almost hit a goat (or was sure it was a goat). About that one fuel stop where nobody spoke a word of English, but you left with a full tank – and a bottle of olive oil. And then the leaky air mattress that seemed to deflate more every night until you were practically lying on the ground.
These are the moments when the trip really hits you. With a beer or coffee in hand, around an improvised campfire or at a wooden picnic table. The calm after the ride. The connection. The freedom.
This is where the real travel feeling comes alive.
To be continued
In part 5, we’ll talk about coming home – and what you bring back (besides souvenirs). Because once you’ve travelled by motorcycle, you rarely return the same person as you were when you left.