Tag: BMW
2023 in Review
by Travis Gill
What a year! A new year always brings the excitement of exploring new places, making new friends, and creating memories of a lifetime. 2023 was no exception! Over the last year we rode from the Sahara Desert of Morocco to the Southern Boreal forests of Finland and 18 other countries in between. Nearly 15,000 miles of backcountry roads, roadside oddities, historical places, and cities to … Read More 2023 in Review
+ Croatia
A Stunning Ride through Velebit Nature Park, Croatia
by Travis Gill
We had heard about Velebit Nature Park after watching a video of the Trans Euro Trail by moToRAID. In the video, the rider, on his Yamaha XT660Z, passes through some pretty stunning areas – made even more dramatic with the beautiful drone footage. However, after riding the entire length of the Trans Euro Trail ourselves, we didn’t experience many of the areas from the … Read More A Stunning Ride through Velebit Nature Park, Croatia
Looking Back on 2022
by Travis Gill
We were recently talking to a hotel host in Morocco who inquired where we were from. This is always an interesting question, because as travelers, we feel we’re “from” wherever we started our day. However, to avoid confusion, we just say “California” since most people know of California from movies and television. The next question, upon seeing that we’re on motorcycles, is “Did you … Read More Looking Back on 2022
+ Croatia
Trans Euro Trail, Croatia – The Road Less Traveled
by Travis Gill
I remember reading the warning on the Croatia page of the Trans Euro Trail website: “Wherever you see a MINE sign on the side of the road, it is STRICTLY forbidden (not to say very, very foolish) to venture from the road. Croatia was unfortunately part of the wars of the 90’s. MINE signs along the white roads, in the woods, open fields, wood … Read More Trans Euro Trail, Croatia – The Road Less Traveled
Summary of 2021
by Travis Gill
We were both very apprehensive of 2021 on January 1st. Although the COVID pandemic seemed to be subsiding there were still many uncertainties. We both sensed that getting vaccinated was vital to us being able to continue traveling. However, the chances of two American citizens getting a vaccination in a foreign country looked bleak, especially in the regions of Europe that were struggling to … Read More Summary of 2021
Product Review: Motorcycle Recover System
by Travis Gill
After recovering my motorcycle from dropping it off a steep embankment, one of the three Italian man who helped us asked “Why do you have this rope and pulley system? Do you drop your motorcycle off cliffs regularly?” I didn’t find his comment amusing at the time, but afterwards could see the humor in the situation. How did we get ourselves, or should I … Read More Product Review: Motorcycle Recover System
Product Review: The Helmet Hook
by Travis Gill
I don’t particularly like doing product reviews. I would rather reminisce over memories of our travel videos than shoot, edit, and publish product review videos. However, when George, the inventor of The Helmet Hook, reached out to provide a review, I said “Why not?” It’s been a wonderful product that has served us well over the last 5 years of motorcycling. The Problem Our … Read More Product Review: The Helmet Hook
Acts of Love and a Bear Made of Trash
by Travis Gill
I unzipped the opening of our tent and let the morning sun flood inside. We both peered outside and marveled at the mountain peaks guarding us like giant rock sentinels. Our previous day’s efforts, of riding the challenging 5.3 miles (8.5 kms) military road, had paid off with one of the best wild campsites we’ve ever experienced in Europe! We were feeling quite accomplished … Read More Acts of Love and a Bear Made of Trash
+ France
A Long Slog to Fort de Viraysse
by Travis Gill
After the previous two long days of riding our motorcycles 880 km (547 miles) on paved roads, we were itching to slow down and do a bit of exploring via the less traveled dirt roads. Fortunately, we were in the French Alps so there were plenty of dirt road options available. The day started with some wonderful riding through small French towns and narrow … Read More A Long Slog to Fort de Viraysse
+ France
Riding through Provence and Verdon Gorge, France
by Travis Gill
We are flying! Covering 880 km (547 miles) in two days is not our typical happy travel pace. On average, we tend to travel no more than 150-200 miles (240-320 km) per day. So why the rush? Because we felt like we were running out of time. As American citizens, we are limited to 90 days of travel in Schengen Europe areas (highlighted below … Read More Riding through Provence and Verdon Gorge, France
+ Portugal
Climbing the Steps of Bom Jesus do Monte, Portugal
by Travis Gill
Our travels along the west coast of Portugal continue as we ride our motorcycles from Porto to Braga. The late July weather in this region of Portugal has been much more agreeable than the hot temperatures of southern Spain we were experiencing just a few week ago. As we neared the beach at São Paio, we were impressed at how much of the roads … Read More Climbing the Steps of Bom Jesus do Monte, Portugal
+ Portugal
Riding from Lisbon to Aveiro, Portugal
by Travis Gill
Although we really enjoyed Lisbon and Sintra, we felt the urge to continue traveling and experience new things. Today’s agenda was to leave the hustle and bustle of the capital city and head north towards the city of Obidos for lunch and then to Aveiro. 22 July Map: Today we covered 305 km (190 miles) from Lisbon to Aveiro. Leaving Lisbon while sharing the … Read More Riding from Lisbon to Aveiro, Portugal
