THE ROUTE

The trip covered a massive loop through Europe, starting and ending in Calais, with stops in Sicily, Dubrovnik, Peenemunde on the Baltic Sea, and back to Calais. It was a perfect blend of diverse landscapes, history, and adventure.

ROUTE HIGHLIGHTS:

ACCOMMODATION BREAKDOWN

Out of the 33 nights, Chris mixed it up between hotels, camping, and a stay with a friend. Here's how it worked out:

21 nights in hotels
11 nights under camping
1 night at a friend’s

“During the solo part of the trip, I stayed 14 nights in hotels and 11 nights camping. I usually camp when I’m out in nature, but for city sightseeing, I prefer the comfort of a hotel. this trip had a good balance of both.”

BEST ROADS

Motorways can really make or break a long ride. Here are the standouts for Chris:

Best motorways: Croatia and Slovenia offered smooth, well-maintained roads, ideal for long-distance cruising.

Urban traffic can be unpredictable, and I had my fair share of it on this trip.

Best traffic: Berlin’s traffic moved surprisingly well, making city riding much less stressful.

THE PLACE TO BE

Europe is steeped in history, and Chris made the most of it.

Best art and culture: Florence, Siena, and Rome stood out for their rich history and breathtaking art.

Best military history: Peenemunde, Berlin, and walking through three different submarines were unforgettable. The museums were incredible too.

Nature and Scenery

The natural beauty of Europe was one of the best parts of the trip. Here are the top spots:

Best nature: Walchensee, San Bernardino Pass, and Camp Bironica in Croatia were awe-inspiring. The entire Croatian coastline was stunning.

Best scenery: Sicily and Croatia—both offered dramatic, jaw-dropping views that I’ll never forget.

HITS & MISSES

The Triumph Rocket III was the star of the trip!
Reliable, powerful, and adaptable to any situation, whether cruising on the autostrada or tackling twisty alpine roads.

Top trip performers:

Triumph Rocket III: “Not a single issue, an absolute beast of a bike.”
TomTom GPS: “Made navigation a breeze.”
61-litre Givi luggage: “Held all my gear and then some.”
Digital tire pressure pump: “A must-have for long trips.”
Camping/cooking equipment: “Made outdoor living comfortable and convenient.”

Gear fails:

Reserve battery pack: “Died on me, so I’ll need a new one before my next adventure.”
Air mattress: “Couldn’t hold air through the night, leading to uncomfortable mornings unless I re-inflated it in the middle of the night. 
I’ll definitely need to find a more reliable option before the next camping trip. It’s a common camper's problem!”

THE NEXT ADVENTURE

Next year, Chris is aiming for Scandinavia. After this successful European loop, Chris is eager to explore more of what Europe has to offer.

With 38,676 miles on the clock, the Triumph Rocket III has proven itself time and again. It was the perfect choice for this adventure!