CB500X - Solo Norway trip Part 30 - One of those days
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 ส.ค. 2024
- This is Part 30 of my trip continuing the journey through Latvia and into Lithuania. I'd spent the night in a nice hotel and had a very good breakfast, loaded up the bike and went to move it and… I'd forgotten to take the disk lock off, so over she went… not the best start to a day and I don't know if it is the same for you but if you get off to a bad start minor irritations can seem just to build through the day so that in the end you're glad when the day is over?
In the scheme of things these are just so trivial but at the time seem real enough. After all, by choice, I am lucky enough to be travelling through wonderful scenery, meeting great people, enjoying great weather and roads on a motorcycle, what have I got to complain about?!? This trip has been truly fantastic, not to expect the odd hiccup along the way is just being naïve.
The whole journey took me through the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and into Norway right the way up to Nordkapp, the furthest point you can travel by motorcycle or car in mainland Europe and then back through Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Germany, Belgium and France over a 7 week period late May - mid July 2023
I am back in the UK now, but please do add your comments and I'll get back to you.
Hoping you can "Like" the video, as this does help the channel.
All my best wishes, thanks again for watching
Nick
CB500X 2022 model
Hepco & Becker Tank bars
Rally Raid CB500X 2019-on Engine Guard-RRP 747
SW Motech Footrest Kit
R&G Kickstand Shoe-RRP 474
Outback Motortek Pannier rack and Rear rack (including exhaust heat shield)
Metzeler Tourance Next tyres
SW-Motech dry bag (60 litres)
Lomo dry bag motorcycle waterproof panniers -soft
Oxford tank bag (need to use rain cover in heavy rain)
Garmin Zumo XT GPS device
Rally Raid Billet Multi-Mount for 12mm (1/2") Crossbar - part number RRP 643
GoPro Hero 10 (helmet mounted)
Adhesive universal helmet mount for GoPro
Purple Panda microphone (helmet mounted)
Sonicake wireless microphone (walking about)
Insta360 X3
DJI mini 3 Drone
Vango Tryfan 300 (3 person tent)
Sea to Summit Camp Plus Self Inflating Camping Mat
Trekology air bag (topping up mat inflation)
SLAAPLEKKER 800 Goose down mummy sleeping bag
Eurohike sleeping bag liner
Trekology Aluft pillow
Cyberlink PowerDirector 365 - video editing
RST textile jacket
RST textile trousers (slight seepage in crutch area in heavy rain)
TCX Airtech 3 Gore-tex boots
Nolan 80 helmet
![ทางเดินชีวิต - ธีเดช ทองอภิชาติ x อ.ไข่ มาลีฮวนน่า [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/1f3wcG16dd4/mqdefault.jpg)
We’ve all done that one, bloody annoying but ultimately the bikes not ruined and importantly you’re not injured
Absolutely, and yep, no real harm done.
Nick
Me too, many times. So much so that I taught myself to creep the first few metres when pulling away. That stops the drops and any subsequent damage to disc, caliper or bike. I have found the alarmed disc locks help remind me too.
@@gurnstein Yes indeed. The battery was flat on the lock as I'd managed to set it off in a pannier on my previous trip and it discharged and I hadn't bothered to replace it.
Thanks for the suggestions
Nick
Definitely can -- at least you weren't riding off after a first date with a girl you really liked, not that it happened to me...honest!
Erm, I have a friend who did that too at a crowded bus stop, many years ago, not me of course, that's another story for another time 😉
My wife is from Lithuania and I’ve been there several times. She has relatives in Kaunas, which I think you mentioned. In fact if I were to close my eyes every time you pronounce these places you pass on your travels, I’d think I was listening to a native. 😂 But after your bizarre day I may never be brave enough to go to Lithuania again! But seriously, as you pointed out, they’re all trivial, moderately inconvenient frustrations in the grand scheme of things and I have to say that part of the reason me and I’m sure many others like your videos is because of the way you seem to remain calm and positive despite the weather, the roads, the delays, the odd mishap, the general unpredictable nature of doing a trip like that. Of course there could be hours of footage of you swearing and kicking things that you edited out.😊
I think we call them "blooper reels" 😀 I generally remember to turn the camera off before letting rip
Nick
I'm sure I'll get trolls but those parts can be fixed or replaced. At least you're alright and was able to keep doing what you enjoy. Ride safe.
Yes, easily resolved, but give the bike a bit of a "lived in" look 😁
Many thanks for the comment
Nick
I dropped my CB500x getting on my bike in a hurry disembarking a ferry. Grit in the radiator moved up into the radiator cap valve which caused my radiator to keep boiling off! This happened early in my round europe trip. Only fixed it once home, kept having to add coolant during the trip!
Oh no!!!!! That is just bad luck!! At least you found a workable if not irritating solution enabling you to continue. Thanks for sharing
Nick
Don't worry Nick. We've all ridden off with the disc lock on at one time or another!
Hi Ray! Easily done, better to avoid though 😀
Nick
Thinking of your wet riding. I use a lined workman’s yellow visibility jacket. They sell in most markets. Perfectly dry in the rain and of course very visible. Also very inexpensive and wonderfully efficient. It even fits over my armoured proper biking jacket. People get out of my way because they think I’m a policeman 😂! It is not perhaps very sexy but hey I’m 71 😮. Looking forward to your next instalment. George
Many thanks for the suggestion and comment George... great idea... maybe next time 😊
Nick
Yep, done that!
At least I'm not alone
Nick
Did the disc lock thing on my wife's first pillion ride - that didn't impress ! We all get days like it Nick but strangely those are the ones we remember.
Whoops!!!! Absolutely, all adding to the rich tapestry of life
Nick
We’ve all done it. Just don’t lash something long, fragile and valuable across the back seat 😂 I don’t carry anything large on the back anymore and only put the disc lock on the rear wheel such that it prevents moving the bike forward at all. Then I lash the cable over the seat to the footpeg on the other side. Safe riding all.
Good suggestions, thanks
Nick
dropping your bike because of a disc lock happens..... I"ve done it. Lithuania is a great country, proud and very nice friendly people and lovely scenery. Vilnius is worth a visit.
Many thanks for the comment, I hope to get to Vilnius one day
Nick
As you said Nick, stuff happens. Everyone has had days where it seems like the stupid mistakes pile up, but all things considered, they were minor. I like the positive attitude you maintained. Looking forward to next week’s episode. Cheers, Jim
Many thanks Jim, yep, it is often the little things that irritate most, and in the scheme of things... trivial
Nick
I was about to say, these things happen when you said it for me, what a terrific seven week trip. You also summed up why I prefer solo trips, you can change the plan as you like and no one going to get upset. I hope you have something else for a Saturday when this series is done and dusted 😁
Hi Alex, yep, stuff happens, good and bad so I've decided going with the flow is the easiest approach. It was just "one of those days"! Many thanks for tagging along on this trip, still not sure what follows... yet
Nick
My fail in this way. Before disc locks were a thing I used to use a big effin' padlock on the rear spocket of my bike. Took off like a scolded cat, as you do when 18. Got about 2 feet before back wheel locked. Didn't drop it but the padlock was so bent it wouldn't come off. Had to carry, drag the bike to a mate's house nearby and spend HOURS drilling, cutting and chiseling to release the padlock. Only recently felt confident enough to use a disc lock at all!!! The yellow thing gets tied across the bars.😬
Oh no!!! Well, a lesson learned the hard way. Many thanks for sharing, hopefully something you can look back on and laugh about now
Nick
Oh yes very sorry to see you drop your lovely bike. 😢 George
No real damage and a lesson learned, so all good, but thank you for the sentiment
Nick
Yep ! I've done that BUT not in a nice quiet car park - try Torquay promenade seafront, near the the pier, wife as pillion and multiple witnesses! At least I had volunteers helping to pick the bike up. Gave the lock away - never used one since - would rather lose the bike than risk a repeat of that. Chain over the seat, through rear wheel, through the arms/leg of clothing if left on bike - harder to forget if nowhere comfortable to sit!
Oh no!!!! Yep, nice and quiet where it happened, but now TH-cam knows!
I'm not keen on using it and for some reason unknown to me I'd attached the yellow cable to my indicator instead of brake lever!! No idea what I was thinking.
Love your comment t about the chain... yep you'd certainly be aware!
Nick
Mmm tamed Pigeon sandwich, my favourite!
🤣 Mine too
Nick
Cheap too, just a cooked dollar!
I managed to drop my Mz250 fully loaded with camping gear whilst doing a U turn in a car park in 2022. No way could I lift it but luckily two chaps gave me a hand. No damage to the bike but a simple fall like that can very easily snap off a handlebar control lever which can ruin a trip. I now carry spare levers with me. Still a fabulous trip you are having, I am enjoying the weekly updates.
Many thanks Chris. I debated taking spare levers "just in case" but put my trust in the Barkbusters which did the trick. MZ250? Now there's a blast from the past, glad to hear at least one is still going strong by the sound of things and that people are prepared to help when the odd mishap occurs.
Nick
It's all right Nick, keep your goodwill and have an extra beer tonight! p.s. I keep volume on max to can hear you well
Will do!
Nick
I can recommend a disc lock with built in alarm. You cannot take the bike off the side stand or straighten the front wheel without it going off.
BTW I really like your videos. Such a calm and relaxing mode in each and everyone!
Many thanks for the recommendation and the comment
Nick
I love how, at the last second, you put the disclaimer in about, really ... not a bad day in the big picture. Frustrating? Absolutely. Bad ... meh. Thanks for another really good video. I bought a disc lock for my bike (haven't used it yet) so will be extra vigilant to remove it in the morning!
Many thanks for staying to the end. If you have the equivalent of the yellow stretch chord, just remember to attach it to your clutch lever, that'll help.
Nick
Glad you and the bike are ok. Really enjoying your trip videos. Atb, Dave
Many thanks Dave, yep we're both fine, just a silly thing to do
Nick
It doesn't take a "real" man to lift a fully laden bike up off the ground. It takes one to admit making the mistake in the first place, AND admit to not feeling confident enough to tackle the gravel road (probably a setup thing as the front end seemed to be twitching on every stone), AND to recognising when your bad day is just not good day in the greater scheme of things. Kudos to you sir.
Many thanks for your encouraging words Jonathan, much appreciated!
Nick
Phew! Not too much damage to the bike.....Ghost campsites, lost gear and restaurants too busy to serve food all add to make tomorrow a better day! Cheers.
Yep, just one of those days, trivial in the scheme of things
Nick
Happens to the best of us
Many thanks for the re-assurance!
Nick
It shouldn’t. The cable that was attached to the indicator is to stop that happening. Only a fool would make that mistake.
@@davidmatthews3093 David, I'm sure you are perfect, leave a little room for error for some folk
troll alert@@davidmatthews3093
it can happen Nik...don't worry!
Many thanks, and yes, learn the lesson and move on 😊
Nick
When the disc lock is on. Put the yellow cord around the brake handle. That way you see the warning cord before you pull away.
Absolutely! For some reason I'd looped it onto the indicator stem!!! No idea why I did that!
Nick
@bikingtravels my brother did the same on his BMW BCR 1100S, broke the carbon fibre front wheel guard. Costing him £450 to replace. Guess what, from that moment on, the cord was ALWAYS on the brake lever !
Great trip. 👍 2022 i did this, but the other way round. Right now, you'll be passing through the "Salwalky gap" !
Ride safe.
@@onahi2002 Ouch!!!! Learning the lesson the hard way!
That’s what’s it’s for, to prevent foolish incidents like that.
@@davidmatthews3093 No need for this David
I have done the same thing leaving disc lock as I was in a hurry,
Yep, easily done, thanks for the support
Nick
Never had a disk lock, but I thought that long cord that you attach to the handlebars is what suppose to prevent that ??
Absolutely. For some reason unknown to me at the time or now I'd looped it round an indicator stem instead of the clutch lever. Ho hum
Nick
Hi Nick, really enjoying this series, and all the others. So much so that Im expecting delivery of the same bike in a few weeks. Could you tell me please which upper and lower engine bars you have installed. Seems to be doing an excellent job for you.
Thanks,snd keep up the good work
Thanks
Mal👍
Many thanks and I hope you enjoy the bike as much as I do.
I've listed the accessories etc in the descriptions but more specifically...
Hepco & Becker Tank bars
Rally Raid CB500X 2019-on Engine Guard-RRP 747
SW Motech Footrest Kit
R&G Kickstand Shoe-RRP 474
Outback Motortek Pannier rack and Rear rack (including exhaust heat shield)
Metzeler Tourance Next tyres
Hope this helps
Nick
It does look like you 'tweaked' the steering, when you dropped it, as the bars are off center in the video afterwards. I assume you straightened it by now?
Hmmm, they are centred, so I just reviewed this video and the one before it, I think the camera position must make them look skewed. Odd indeed. Many thanks for the observation and comment though!
Nick
Roadworks lol - did 500 km today from christchurch to beaumont new zealand and even only few hundred meters is bad enough but there was 3 lots - i hate gravel
Many thanks for the comment, I hope you enjoyed your ride nonetheless! I'm not sure why the gravel I encountered was quite so deep, maybe it had just been laid but just wasn't for me.
Nick
@@bikingtravels garmin is not to be trusted lol - had a in 2k turn left moment and noticed it was unmade - kept going to next turn up only 90 secs away left and tarmac - madness - also geass up the middle - only ok if you know the road - surprises arent funny spesh if youre on wrong side ( to us)
Bad day yes, I'm sorry for you. Just for you can lauf yesterday 19:15, road in a valley in the wood, night with rain very tiny drops. The road was closed, I'd knew there often water on the road cause of a very close river, choose to go ahead, tought there're be 20 cm water max. Not really see anything with rain and darkness, enter in the water in 1st range, after a little time feel my feet wet. I'd thinking that I'm splashed, but it was too much, just looking down and saw my feet under water, sheet, no way it was very dark, I was not sure of the declivity of the road continue ahead, had to lift my feet at the high of the tanker, and pray... So it was happening, engine shut down, exhaust under water... Just have too push with staying on the moto. It seems to me a very long time, the road was gone underwater and I can't see its limits, hopefully I can saw the white line and follow it. Just for advice it was 60 to 70cm of water. After that, sure the bike won't start, so I have too push it, and after 20 tests and 500m of walking and running, victory the bike restart. But what an adventure, boots filled with water, alone in the dark, no phone no one knew I was on this road, no one will passed on it, a very very bad choice... And if you,re asking what sort of bike, honda cb125f.
What an adventure!!!! I am glad you escaped safely with just wet feet and that the bike started! You must have been tired with the effort of starting the little Honda, but it did not let you down.
Thank you for sharing your story and be careful on that road!
Nick
@@bikingtravels thank's more afraid than tired, but afraid after the facts, if I was falling and be locked by the bike I'll be drawn now. You're courageous and little foolish doing so long travel alone. Just as crazy as I like it, thank's a lot for sharing you're adventures.
Did that and warped the hell out of my front disk, a proper adventure bike needs a scuff or 10 isn't that the point ?
The scuff on the left hand guard now matches the scuff on the right one from my previous European trip, so yes, I like your sentiment! 😊
Nick
Onwards and upwards tomorrow hopefully. Did you change the speedo to read in kph for the trip?
Yep, just one of those days.
Yes, I changed speedo (and Garmin) to kph, much easier to abide by speed limits and distances, I really like the litres per 100 km, so easy to calculate how far to the next stop. In the UK buying in litres and then converting to mpg is a fruitless task 😁
Nick
@@bikingtravels A government plot to confuse us the litres to mpg!
Bit of an adventurous day and nothing to do with riding 😮 more damage to your pride than the bike?
Hopefully that’s all the bad out of the way now
Yep, luckily nobody there to witness it otherwise it would have been embarrassing. Oh, hold up... out on TH-cam! 😁
Nick
Surely your first basic mistake was hooking the lock’s reminder cable around an indicator not the clutch lever. If that had been correctly placed that incident would not have happened.
Correct