Our incredible European motorbike tour has come to an end, and what a journey it has been! As we embarked on the final leg of our adventure, heading back home from Strasbourg, the last two days proved to be more about getting in the miles and getting soaked rather than soaking up the views. We decided on an overnight stop in Namur in Belgium before our final leg back to the UK via the Channel Tunnel. In this concluding blog post, I’ll reflect on the lessons we’ve learned throughout our European motorcycle journey and the unforgettable experiences that will stay with us forever.

The long journey home:

Leaving Strasbourg marked the beginning of our journey back to the UK. The city’s picturesque streets bid us adieu, and we collected our bikes from the remote parking garage to begin our trip home. The open road may have beckoned, but this time the roads were busy motorways and it was all about counting down the miles to get back rather than enjoying the scenery. It was an uneventful day of riding in the rain, before we stopped over at Namur, a charming little Belgian city. This final overnight stop serving as a bridge between our epic journey and our return to reality.

Our plan was to wake early and get back at a reasonable hour; however, I ended with a sickness bug and spent the night in the toilet rather than getting some much needed rest. Furthermore, Mother Nature decided to throw us a curved ball as Storm Antony hit. The rain throughout the night and the next morning was as bad as we had seen for a long time, so we delayed our leaving time to be safe.

As the skies started to clear we set off to catch our train. The journey was hard work, the tiredness was catching up with me, so we took a few pitstops along the way.

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As we reached Calais, the thought of boarding the train at the Channel Tunnel in order to return to the UK was bittersweet. It would mark the end of our continental adventure and the beginning of our homeward bound journey. As we crossed the tunnel, I couldn’t help but marvel at the convenience and symbolism of this modern marvel that connects the UK to the European mainland. It takes just 35 minutes to cross and is certainly better than taking the ferry. (Don’t forget there is still a hour or so of customs checks etc. when taking the tunnel)

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The motorway ride back to Staffordshire was a blend of reflection and excitement. While we looked forward to reuniting with our loved ones, there was an undeniable yearning for the days spent exploring the diverse and stunning landscapes of our trip, and enjoying the camaraderie of fellow riders. The familiar sights of the UK served as a gentle reminder that our European motorcycle journey was already transitioning into nothing more than cherished memories.

Lessons Learned:
Throughout our European motorcycle journey, we’ve learned more than just the art of navigating unknown roads. We’ve discovered the beauty of stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing the unfamiliar. Our interactions with locals, the challenges we overcame, and the awe-inspiring sights we witnessed have enriched our perspective on life. This journey taught us the value of adaptability, the importance of planning balanced with spontaneity, and the joy of embracing both the solitude of riding and the bonds formed with fellow travelers.

Conclusion:
As we park our bikes back in Staffordshire and our European bike tour comes to an end, we’re left with a treasure trove of memories and experiences that have forever changed us. From the exhilarating rides through scenic landscapes to the heartwarming encounters with people from diverse cultures, this journey has been a testament to the power of motorcycle exploration. While our physical journey may have concluded, the echoes of our European adventure will continue to resonate within us, reminding us of the boundless possibilities that await when we choose to explore the world on two wheels.

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As I end this European Tour blog, I want to say a big thank you to my travelling companions Andy, Gaz and John. It’s been emotional and I cannot wait until the next time we are …. on the road again.

The only question is where will we go next?