Solo motorcycle trip: From bad to worst, to disaster...
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- čas přidán 6. 08. 2022
- This week on Saffy Sprocket, things went from bad to worst, to an absolute disaster on my latest solo motorcycle trip to Ireland to visit the Ring of Kerry...
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What you described as a failed and miserable trip I saw something completely different. I saw amazing adventure roads, mind blowing scenery, fantastic weather and you were smiling in every clip. I don't think your trip was quite as bad as you thought at the time. It was an adventure, and I'd bet you'd do it again.
My first moto trip to Scotland some years ago was also a bit of a disaster. Mechanical problems, navigation problems, tent problems... I hope this experience doesn't put you off, It gets better with practice. Don't ever be afraid to treat yourself to a hotel if things do go wrong on a trip, a night in a hotel is better than giving up and going home.
I had to take a month off, I won't lie! This trip really got to me, but I'm ready to get back on the road now!
Nice video info Saffy ,love.bikers blog thumbs up
You are so much stronger than you think you are, so sorry you had a bad time here in Ireland, we live at the end of one of those mountain roads in Kerry up amongst the wind turbines and forestry, you were in spitting distance of us and wished we could have helped you on that last day.
"Make a brew and wait for it all to blow over." Sage advice! Beautiful scenery, and lovely commentary and soundtrack. Hope you get lots of subscribers!
Glad you enjoyed it! 🥰
Come back and see Ireland when you have a longer period of time to travel. You will love the place when you can travel at your leisure. I'm sure we can all recommend some lovely roads and places to visit so you can plan it.
It's all part of the learning curve and you are stronger and wiser for it. Just look how far you've come for a relatively new rider! Life is peaks and troughs. Ireland is stunningly beautiful, thank you for sharing! 😉 xx
Yes! Thank you!
Hi Charlotte what motorbike have you got
@@matthewholmes7597 A fast one...
The wild Atlantic way is amazing. There’s such good routes and you could spend the week travelling along it 😊
The N67 in County Clare is a fantastic road for biking.
Great video, amazing drone footage, well done Saffy for your persistence too!! 👍👍
It’s not an adventure until something goes wrong, and you’ll always remember this trip because of the struggles.
I dunno, 6 weeks on and I'm not laughing about this trip yet 🤣
@@SaffySprocket oh. The pain cut deep
You survived, such expeditions make us more experienced. Your next trip will be less painful. 🤜🤛
You could do with investing in some sort of automatic chain lubricator, such as a Scotoiler. Really enjoying your posts. Great to see a young person with such enthusiasm for biking.
The scenery is stunning.
It was really amazing!
Great video as always Saffy. Glad to know you found the will power and made it to the ferry on time.
As someone who's spent near a lifetime adventuring about the planet mostly on a bike I have a bit of well learned advice. The first part comes in the age old adage " Life is what happens when you're making other plans". With that knowledge in had it goes without saying, avoid deadlines at all cost !. I know it's a lot cheaper to book a ferry or plan or train well in advance, but as often as not you're setting yourself up for failure.
I don't want to sound like your grumpy old uncle but at 60 that's not far off what I am lol. So much more could have gone wrong in those 400 kilometres riding half or more at night tired & in bad weather.
Just a little advice from someone's grumpy old uncle & a big fan. Avoid deadlines, never ride at night, stay safe and enjoy the adventures.
PS, the never ride at night is my most important advice. Other road users have a hard enough time see bikes in broad daylight. I'll let you fill in the obvious rest Saffy. Big hugs & thanks for sharing your adventures.
ahahah deadlines are the worst!
Fair comment, Max. You should only ride what you are comfortable with. I've been riding for over fifty years and have always loved riding at night. Lots of us ( maybe older?) bikers do. You must have heard of the old National Rallies, Land's End Trials etc? There is nothing better than setting out on a Summer's night and heading East to the coast to arrive at some place near the seaside as the Sun is dawning. Or maybe set out about 2 in the morning to catch the ferry to the IoM with your mates about 6.00am from Liverpool for the TT? Over the Derbyshire/Staffordshire moors on a dark, moonlit night. I even remember with satisfaction picking up a package in the City (of London) at 21.00 and riding up the M1 in rain and sleet to a drop in Leeds at about 24.30 in February when I was a dispatch rider.
Hiya! Great video! Some friends and I went to Northern Ireland on our bikes this year, we were plagued by one problem after another, including breakdowns and torrential rain etc. plus I managed to drop my bike when coming to a stop on uneven slippery ground. The whole thing felt miserable and I was so glad to get home. I can tell you tho it was an amazing experience despite everything and I didn’t let it put me off future trips, in fact we are planning doing the NC500 next year and I can’t wait. Well done for your strength and determination, it takes a lot to do what you did. I felt so sorry for you towards the end there, but at least you made it back in one piece and it will be an experience to remember. I’ve subscribed to your channel, I’m looking forward to watching all of your videos.
All the best
Howard.
Oh I am so sorry you had such a hard time of it, it really is easy to lose track of days when you are on a journey. To help me keep track I keep a journal which I write in each morning, I write the day and date and a description of the weather and my plans for the day,then at the end of the day I complete it with the mileage and the stopping place.
It keeps me focused.
That is great I want to do that.
You are living a beautiful adventure!! Don't be to hard on yourself. You have accomplished more in your wee life than most in an entire lifetime.. keep on keepin on !!
Wow, what a trip! And how you managed this is just awesome. You have all my respect, well done 👍
Thank you very much!
It's all character building!
You made it to the ferry, that's the important bit!
ahaha for sure!
Aww bless, hope you still enjoyed the ride and the experience at the end of the day that's what it's all about really and you got home safely what more could any of us ask for ❤
So true!
Loving your vids saff, they are so well put together.
Thank you so much Renegade 🥰 hope you're well
Hi Saffy! Love your content. Just found your channel and binging your videos. Perfect blend of adorable and badass. I wish i had your ambition. Nice to see a motovlog without ego or vanity. Keep up the great videos. You deserve more subs. Now im one of them. Much love Saffy Sprocket!
*_Great Video, Saffy. Love the storytelling. Storytelling is where I struggle the most with my videos. Thanks for Sharing another extraordinary Journey._*
You're so welcome! and thank you so much!
You are a adventurer you hit the unknown head on, if you was my daughter I would be proud off you keep going 👌
Wow, what a trip! As someone who can write a book on ‘ Oh why did l do THAT!’ , l empathise.
Remember that although we need the positive reinforcement of little successes, the heavy lifting of growth as a human is not in failure itself but how we learn from it.
Ireland has taken you as it’s daughter for sure!👍😊🙏❤️
I bet when you look back at this in the future, you will forget about the bad parts and your memory will be of an epic journey.
I am in my 60s I wish I was half as brave as you. You are amazing
You're too kind :D So glad you enjoyed the video :D
I thought was a great video! Not all goes as planned and you saw some beautiful countryside. I hope your bike is ok? You certainly learned a lot and these experiences will help you in the future. Best!
He is currently in pieces in the garage! Giving him a good clean and some much needed TLC before getting back on the road!
best to get the bike checked over before you go. that chain certainly didnt hang right. Iam 73 and my wife 71 we both still ride regularly. we dont need to go far these days though .we have animals at home. we live in a lovely country location. As I only said to my wife this morning while out riding,for us this is living the dream. well done to you .enjoy your motorbiking life,there is nothing better. we wouldnt change a thing
Cool film.👍 So glad you made it home.🏴
Glad you enjoyed it
Well done Saffy. You made a mistake with which day it was, but you got through and sorted it in the end. I don't need to give you any advice. You dug yourself into a hole, but you also dug yourself out. I call that a success. You are now a little older, and will have learned from the experience. Keep up the good work.
Hi Saffy! Fab videos - watching the whole series - really good and down-to-earth. I have alerted my almost 17-year old and 15-year old daughters (Jaya & Asita) to your site too, because they are planning to get motorcycles and tour too! I watched the "Wild Camping" one first, which made me laugh out loud and also admire your tent and other equipment. I am an ex-soldier who spent a long time wild camping around Europe on foot, especially the Highlands & Islands of bonnie Scotland. I am now an OAP at 66 and have returned to biking - having training brush-ups and going to Lancashire police for training assessments too. I live in Blackpool - just up the road from you. I have a Caspian blue 2005 Triumph Sprint ST 1050. I love it. Keep those videos coming and love your exuberance, laughter and enthusiasm. XXX (P, J & A).
Fair play to you - it took a lot of guts to carry on, combatting tiredness, unfamiliar roads, rain and darkness. I don't know what I would have done in a similar situation!
We all learn from our mistakes. A ride we walk away from is a good one enjoy it bank the knowledge and plan to improve. Staying safe is knowing when to stop and you did I call that far from a disaster well done girl.
Thank you so much for your support 🙏 ❤️ 💜
Glad you made it through the trip and found somewhere to stay, my thoughts from a safety point though is to minimize night riding as best you can, especially in that weather you had I know you had a time line to keep, but maybe next time allow yourself more breathing space, in the mean time keep the rubber on the ground and the shiny side up.
It wasn't something I planned 🙈 was starting my new job the day after too so couldn't move the ferry
I know exactly how you're feeling, 3 of us were touring Northern Ireland at the end of June, we were battered by high winds and rain for 5 days, sometimes you've just got to get on with it, keep going 👍
I caught got in that weather too. Coming into Galway I felt the back of the bike blown out by the wind. It was the tail end of a Carribean Hurricane, apparently. Rain and wind for five days non-stop. I called it a day in Galway, not only was it unpleasant but that wind was just too strong and dangerous.
Glad you made it to the ferry safe. 0:20 looks like your chain may need to be replaced because if you look closely some of the links are stuck in a "v" position , of course new sprockets to go with a new chain if needed. Pre-trip maintenance is critical to keep track on trouble free adventure.
We all have a trip like that from time to time Staffy, anyway don't be so hard on yourself, you did great.
Thank you so much ❤️ 💓 💗 💛
It is so wonderful when we lose track of time and days when on a motorcycle trip.
That is near beautiful Nervana!
I'd go on a motorcycle trip (me on my bike) anytime. It is fun discovering new places and things. Sometimes alone and some times with a 2nd person on their bike to enjoy the discoveries.
Saffy x it all adds to the adventure x and hey you got there in the end Xxx 🍀💕😘
Just some bad luck and you met some great people at your journey.. Its all about learning and get experience (first baby steps is always difficult).
My first "long" week trip was quite hard. I got safe back and I learned a lot from it.
You did it well and you will come out stronger 💪
So true!
I have had this problem to,I've learned that some ferry companies you can change your sailing on line to a later sailing. All the best. Colin
Lovely filming and voice over. Greetings and best regards. beautiful landscapes with the drone.
Your mental strength 💪 is mind blowing. Keep it up 😄
Thank you so much!
Don't change, glad you made it safely home. I had to laugh, hear a clunk, make coffee, brush hair, it'll be fine. You are braver than me travelling all those miles at night with something broken. Can't wait to find out where your next trip is. I'm planning Glasgow to Ireland and then ferry to Spain.
brave, or mad 😂 I'm starting to wonder
The trips that go wrong always give you the most interesting stories.
Saffy. Hang in there. You're an inspiration. I think you're awesome. Ride safe. Shiny side up. :) brum brum.
Thank you! Will do!
Oreo cookies and Red Bull.....the breakfast of champions. Life is about learning, and making mistakes is how we learn best. Really enjoyed this little Irish journey, apparently "Murphy's law" is still alive and well in Ireland. Looking forward to the next one
We all started our travels with a few practice runs. Learn and continue to travel. Big world out there just waiting for you to experience it.
Its all a learning curve, you saw some lovely views and learnt things along the way thats what it was all about. onwards and upwards to the next one 😃
Absolutely
Another typical 'Saffy' trip. Good to see you finally made it, in your usual unique way, and as normal, showing that there is good people out there. A tip I use to remember the days is to write a small journal everyday, haha. You will only learn.........hopefully hahaha.
🤣 yeh that's a good idea
We’ve all been there, things going wrong and just feeling like giving up but you didn’t so congratulations. I once came home a day early so yes easy to lose track of days. I’ve also been in Spain at midnight looking for a campsite. Interestingly I’ve never done either again. I’ve learned not to rush back, ring the ferry company change ferry date and chill out on the ride back. I’ve done 650 miles through France in thunder storms to get the ferry, never again. These thing are what makes us as motorcycle travellers different, we choose the harder option. Riding on slow winding tracks, camping with nature and forgetting about technology and for that we experience what other people could only dream of and we become wiser and stronger with every journey. Well done.
You made it back in one piece, and even with the sprocket intact. 😅
Good luck with your big trip Saffy. And next time you deserve a sucessfull trip. I'll cross my fingers and toes and everything else crossable for you! 🙂
Thank you so much! I've been spending the last few weeks learning a little bit about looking after my bike!
Very nice video. You faced the challenge and overcame it. 😎😎👍
Oh god I don't think I've done a trip and I've done loads , when I didn't want to stop and cry at some point ! I always have a small diary to keep track and always go back for more as it's such a unique experience either on the bike or cycling. This time I put a trailer on the back of my bm and went to Norway and Sweden. Good luck with the next one.
Nice one, well done
Keep up the good work. Mind me asking what route you took when you thought there was a problem with the bike. Curious to do the same.
Stopping to make a Brew ? truly cool ! - I broke down on August 11th. Was glad to make it home -
Must be something about Suzukis and traveling through Ireland. I spent a week riding a Bandit solo around Ireland and it was great. On the last day I rode over the Wicklow mountains and the roads were so awful my soft luggage started falling apart from the vibration. Then about 15 miles from the ferry my clutch let go and I had to nurse it back to a mate's house in Hollyhead. At least you've done it and learnt a lot from it. I know I did when I did the same.
Red Bull ... You're crackin me up !!!
One of your 5 a day
An eye opener for you I'll bet. I hope when you mulled over your shortcomings you considered some basic mechanical repair training. Knowing how to fix a chain or a puncture when you're in the middle of nowhere is a must. I'm glad you managed to catch your ferry.
Yes I did! I went on to do my own bike service the month after! I have a little series on the channel! I made a lot of mistakes but I learnt so much!
Hi Saffron.. were you ever able to isolate the Clunk sound you heard? I loved the way you were flying along that Mountain pass road and had thrown Caution to the Wind! You have a lot of great videos I need to catch up on.
Rode to Adelaide from home (other side of the country) on the Vstrom 1000 Wife had all the maps(before satellite navigation was invented) lots of highlighter markings and post it notes. We got halfway checked in to the motel in Hay. The decision was made to go out for dinner we got lost spent 3 hours riding around. Called a taxi followed it back to the motel 🤣 the next day we went to a restaurant 1 block away discovered on morning walk. Best Asian ever.
Nice video keep them coming
Thanks, will do!
To learn how to get up, first you have to fall down! Very brave to even put this video up! Just glad you were safe. Also, when I did Ireland, , the ring of kerry was not the most memorable, apart from the very bumpy roads. It will all be there again for when you decide to go again. Ride Safe, and glad to hear Sprocket has had some maintenance now.
Thank you so much ❤️ 💓 💗 💛 💖
done well on that gravel pass very good indeed and well handle all round its not an adventure unless something goes wrong
Thank you so much!
What an adventure. Instant subscribe.
Thank you so much 😊
Safroon! That's why we call it adventure...❤️
Ahahaha for sure
It’s all a learning curve Miss Sprocket, you done fine, didn’t panic and made a plan, did you find out what the noise was, not sure Orios and red bull is such a good breakfast but hey ho whatever floats your boat, I’m off to Weymouth from Sheffield next week on my GTR, AT 73 I still love the long rides, stay safe and plan the next adventure
ahaha I love Oreos and Rebull!
Good fortune on the road Saffy 🙏
I think so!
@@SaffySprocket??
Breakfast of champions at the end :)
Can't beat a good breakfast after a challenging ride, right? 😄
Well done for making it home ok. You're a bit of a trooper! Did you find out what the noise on the bike was and did you get it fixed in the end?
You are wonderful...I love adventures.....
Oh Saffy you do worry me with the pickles you get yourself in. What do your parents think of you becoming a motorcycle vlogger. Glad you got back ok from Ireland, riding in the dark and rain when tired isn't recommended but you did it. Well done. Love the channel looking forward to your next video on Sunday.👍
My family think I'm a lot tamer than I use to be 🤣🤣🤣🤣
That's good! My daughter was pretty crazy too but less so now. I mean't to ask, did you find out what was the problem with your bike. 😊🏍
Saffy, I've done this, on the map Ireland looks small, until you start riding,
No one rushes in Ireland that's the beauty of it
HONESTLY! THIS!
Bless ya, you pulled through tho. Well done!!
🥰 thank you
I live in the west of Ireland and there are some great rides especially the Wild Atlantic Way. You should give it another chance one day.
Aaahh no! Can’t win them all I guess. It was a trial run for your bigger trip and you figured out some things so in that way, really it was a success!
Yes! I learnt alot from this trip!
Hi saffy, I've just checked out you videos, 1st was the new lid for Christmas, then I watched your review of 2022(great year by the way). Because I'm Irish, I then watched your disaster in Ireland video (stressful time @ times). What you are doing is amazing and the highlights balance the scale (favourably) and the low lights are the complete journey. If I may offer you some advice? Always book a cabin on a ferry(may be not on the English channel crossing) even for a 2hr crossing. It just gets you out of the hussel & bussel and a nap if needed. Also buy flexi ferry tickets. The other is contacts. So if you find yourself this side of the pond again? If I can help with accommodation, food, knowledge or riding partners (me & my wife) I would be more than happy to help. Just the biker community looking out for each other. God speed, happy new year and a brilliant year a head.
Hope that didn't put you off Ireland, it's a lovely spot and not to be rushed. I'm in West Cork so you can pop in for a brew when you head back. I can show you you my quad and Honda Deauville NT700. Loving the videos.
I want go back 🤣
Red Bull and oreos, food of champions. But you made it and you are ok, that is all that matters to be honest. Another notch to the belt of things done. well done.
I'm all for get out there, just do it, see what happens.
But when you are that knackered and pushing to limits, accidents will happen.
Love the videos but safety first.👍
Yeh, deadline aren't aren't fun 🤣
@@SaffySprocket True.. One if the best bits about riding is the feeling of not having any worries, freedom and enjoying the fantastic places we ride. Embrace that and twist back the throttle a bit.🤣🏍⛺️
I did mean ease off the throttle a bit.!!😆
Like ysaud at the beginning, was not so well planned, but hey you still did it .. good for you
I've got my big European tour starting this Saturday... excited but also nervous
14 countries, 23 days and about 4.5k miles ...
We shall see
What route are you doing? I'd be super interested to see it!
@@SaffySprocket it's a big circle .. Yorkshire folkestone calais dussledorf leipzig Prague Vienna bratislava komarno Budapest Belgrade Sarajevo Bar Aqueduct kotor dubrovnik mostar podgora split rijeka verona Milan nimes Barcelona Montserrat toulouse Le Man's calais Yorkshire...
8:06 Wow, 250 miles! That’s quite some distance to go!
Red Bull and chocolate- probably good for emergency but to be used carefully. Epic trip today
The trips that are easy, smooth and trouble free fade from the memory fast.
The tricky ones pile up,the memories and can be retold for years.
Be prepared to ask for help.
99.9% of those you ask will give 110% to look after you.
Jeez girl you do like to test your endurance to the limit 😆 talk about learning the hard way .Great watch though well done on sticking at it not sure I would have 👍
Thanks for watching!
I know exactly what you mean when you lose track of days, take that as a sign you were fully immersed in the riding. Planning can be difference between a good trip and a complete FU, and that can be too much planning or not enough. Keep riding and maturing as a rider
Red Bull and chocolate biscuits.....the diet of champions! You would need a good holiday after that caper 😩
You should do a basic motorcycle maintenance course to be able to ID basic issues and get yourself out of Potential trouble 👍. Regards Paul from Australia 🇦🇺 And it’s fantastic that you pushed yourself and we always learn the biggest lessons are learned the hard way . ☝️
All those cables hanging off the bike is dangerous - could get caught in chain or wheels.
Ahaha maybe they do
It's fair mental that you rode from effing Kerry to Dublin through the night 🌙
Hey love your videos and admire your determination . One I would love to see you do a video on is a trip to the Isle of Man . Say over 3 days ? I was there in July this year you would love a ride over the TT route its amazing . Also you could stop at the Bungalow see Joey Dunlops monument . from here you can park your bike preferably at the bottom of road not at the carpark where the cafe is its not good parking ground and gravel . you can jump on the little train here and take a run upto the top of Snaefel Pike with great views and a cafe . I think you would love a trip there . anyway keep up the great work x
First time I watch one of your videos. I saw the pink wheels and I said what is this. I like the pink crash bars too. Lol.
ahahah I'm starting to lean towards red now :o
Did you ever find out what that thump was? Solo motorcyclist myself, I couldn't help but notice that you said you couldn't adjust your chain? I noticed as well, that you have a great deal of luggage hanging high and off the back. Motorcycle physics.....not the best for control and stability, and top and rear heaviness. I like to pack low and tight. I say this with good intent.....it helps the avoidance of crashes, and tips and falls. Which in my world translates into the DNF. Did Not Finish. Something you want to avoid when setting out on a ride. Motorcycling is about learning from your mistakes, and after 40 years of doing this, these are glaring at me. A loose chain will derail, possible punch a hole in the engine cases, or stop your rear wheel while riding.....catasophy.....Or using your words...DISASTER. Top heavy gear will offset the balance lets say if you slip in a corner slightly, the highside effect will be amplified uncontrollably. Low, and compressed luggage systems exist and worth it. Zen and art of Motorcycle maintenance......
Keep at it and don't give in mind 👍
Thank you so much :D
Saffy your chain in the begining clip is kinked, you gotta oil/lube it, maybe get a chain oiler or carry a small bottle with you.
I have a new chain now :D
Saffy, you need either to learn some basic bike maintenance, get a friend to help or book your bike into the dealers to keep on top of servicing! If you don’t, at some point you are going to be stranded and finding out how good your European recovery service really is!
What riding pants are those ? I’m looking for something not super hot for the 80 F riding while being protected
LS2 Nevada
It's outrageous that you can't check-in in the middle fo the night. Surely that's what lodgings and accommodation should provide; shelter when needed.
Really respect your honesty. This kind of travel is not all smiles, and your willingness to share it with us is commendable. If you choose to keep going, I hope you keep posting. Best wishes.