How I Nearly Quit Riding Across Europe - (And Found Hope Again) | S1, EP9
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.พ. 2025
- This was the lowest point. Too much heat. Not giving myself a break. The front brakes and handbrake on my bike failing. I'd had enough. No days off and pounding the miles. I rode around the southern coast of France unhappy and ready to quit the trip. I stopped properly filming, then even missed out Monaco after just not caring enough to even turn off the road. I had a bad night in a guest house in Italy, then got myself together. Doubled back, went to Monaco, and then changed my route to get me away from the scorching summer heat of southern Europe, by starting to head north towards the Alps. I end the video camping by Lake Como.
Welcome to my channel!
I am ClimbThatMountainUK, otherwise known as Jamie.
Follow me on my journey as I ride my motorbike to every country in Europe.
I leave from the Peak District in the UK, then head out into Europe from there. I have everything I need with me, including camping & cooking equipment, filming equipment, and a small acoustic guitar.
I'm riding alone, making it up as I go.
My bike is a 2016 Honda Africa Twin DCT (automatic gearbox), with aluminium Givi panniers. I'm wearing an RST Adventure suit, gloves and boots and an Arai helmet.
All the music in my videos was recorded into my phone on the trip and later edited at home.
Thanks for watching!
Hi Jamie, a tip for you if you're feeling the heat is to soak your 't'shirt, wearing it under your jacket with the front a bit open, this will act like an a/c to keeap you cool. Obviously it will dry on you but then you just need to repeat. If your heads feels too hot then do the same with your balaclava/snood.
Ride Safe 🤗
I actually did this! When was riding across Spain I tried this. Good advice, it does help
Really loving the videos this trip is excellent. Really feel for you in the heat. I’m glad you overcame and move forward to the north. Looking forward to next videos. James well done 👍
Thanks for watching dude!
This is shaping up to be a great series.
Talking about riding in a T-shirt, when I lived in the uk I was the same, always wearing the correct gear. When I moved to southern Spain, all that changed. Even riding in a denim jacket in 35 degree heat is unbearable. Wear what you feel comfortable riding in, and adjust your riding style to it. I get loads of flack for not wearing gloves on my videos, during the summer, but that’s my choice.
Great video. Looking forward to the next one
Yeah I think choice of clothing is a tough decision. 'Dress for the slide' and all that. But you're right, in 30+ degrees, it becomes miserable. Thanks for watching.
Glad you found your mojo again. Finding a balance between riding the bike and seeing the sights is something that I don't always get right. I'm learning that I can't see everything all at once so just enjoy what I do see. I'm enjoying watching these videos and listening to your thoughts. Keep smiling fella.👍
Yes I agree, there's no perfect balance between riding and sightseeing. Usually I enjoy just riding and seeing what I see as you say, but I think I messed up in the south of France and just went too hard and did myself in. Anyway, best foot forward and all that! And, the trip gets better from then on, thankfully! Thanks for watching!
Excellent trip.... looking forward to next episode
Thank you!
Such a shame you missed out Avignon, it's stunning.
Yes I messed up in France, going too fast and losing my mind because of the heat. I owe France another visit and taking far more time there. On the to-do list.
Just came up on my for you page Love the video looking forward to seeing more now subscribed
Thanks so much for watching!
12:19 you'd be much much comfier (and safer imo) in an open face lid.
Agree! Would have felt amazing
Voçe esta de parabéns com a sua jornada, não perco um capitulo, também tenho uma Africa Twin sou apaixonado pela moto, vou traduzindo pelo TH-cam e acompanhando sua aventura. Mais uma vez PARABÉNS!!!
Obrigado por assistir meu youtube! Fico feliz em ver outro dono de Africa Twin. Boa viagem, meu amigo!
Don't give up, just alter what you are doing. I am an advocate of not over planning, it allows flexibility when the situation calls for it. But heading South in August is a big faux pas. As for riding in a T shirt, don't beat yourself up over that. Why do you think the local Police motorcyclists in these areas ride in short sleeve cotton shirts? Comfort is very important, over heating is debilitating and distracting, and is dangerous.
Thanks David. Yes I totally agree that over planning is a killer. I prefer it flexible too. Lesson was learned here, and actually the trip got better almost immediately with a bit of altitude up into Switzerland. My gear is something I need to think about for the next trip. The RST stuff is ok. But too warm for anything over about 25.
Ventilated summer jacket. Take a jumper/fleece and an over jacket for the colder bits. If over heating, soak your t shirt or neck roll in cold water often. Drink plenty.
Did my comment get deleted?
I don't know! What did it say?