Solo motorcycle trip: From bad to worst, to disaster...

This week on Saffy Sprocket, things went from bad to worst, to an absolute disaster on my latest solo motorcycle trip to Ireland to visit the Ring of Kerry...

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[baldandbiking]

What you described as a failed and miserable trip I saw something completely different. I saw amazing adventure roads, mind blowing scenery, fantastic weather and you were smiling in every clip. I don't think your trip was quite as bad as you thought at the time. It was an adventure, and I'd bet you'd do it again.

[ben_]

My first moto trip to Scotland some years ago was also a bit of a disaster. Mechanical problems, navigation problems, tent problems... I hope this experience doesn't put you off, It gets better with practice. Don't ever be afraid to treat yourself to a hotel if things do go wrong on a trip, a night in a hotel is better than giving up and going home.

[GSHants]

You are so much stronger than you think you are, so sorry you had a bad time here in Ireland, we live at the end of one of those mountain roads in Kerry up amongst the wind turbines and forestry, you were in spitting distance of us and wished we could have helped you on that last day.

[goldfieldgary]

"Make a brew and wait for it all to blow over." Sage advice! Beautiful scenery, and lovely commentary and soundtrack. Hope you get lots of subscribers!

[ArthursMam]

Come back and see Ireland when you have a longer period of time to travel. You will love the place when you can travel at your leisure. I'm sure we can all recommend some lovely roads and places to visit so you can plan it.

[ljoelmchanley]

Glad you made it to the ferry safe. 0:20 looks like your chain may need to be replaced because if you look closely some of the links are stuck in a "v" position, of course new sprockets to go with a new chain if needed. Pre-trip maintenance is critical to keep track on trouble free adventure.

[howardosugars]

Hiya! Great video! Some friends and I went to Northern Ireland on our bikes this year, we were plagued by one problem after another, including breakdowns and torrential rain etc. plus I managed to drop my bike when coming to a stop on uneven slippery ground. The whole thing felt miserable and I was so glad to get home. I can tell you tho it was an amazing experience despite everything and I didn’t let it put me off future trips, in fact we are planning doing the NC500 next year and I can’t wait. Well done for your strength and determination, it takes a lot to do what you did. I felt so sorry for you towards the end there, but at least you made it back in one piece and it will be an experience to remember. I’ve subscribed to your channel, I’m looking forward to watching all of your videos.
All the best
Howard.

[max.fleming]

Great video as always Saffy. Glad to know you found the will power and made it to the ferry on time.
As someone who's spent near a lifetime adventuring about the planet mostly on a bike I have a bit of well learned advice. The first part comes in the age old adage " Life is what happens when you're making other plans". With that knowledge in had it goes without saying, avoid deadlines at all cost !. I know it's a lot cheaper to book a ferry or plan or train well in advance, but as often as not you're setting yourself up for failure.
I don't want to sound like your grumpy old uncle but at 60 that's not far off what I am lol. So much more could have gone wrong in those 400 kilometres riding half or more at night tired & in bad weather.
Just a little advice from someone's grumpy old uncle & a big fan. Avoid deadlines, never ride at night, stay safe and enjoy the adventures.
PS, the never ride at night is my most important advice. Other road users have a hard enough time see bikes in broad daylight. I'll let you fill in the obvious rest Saffy. Big hugs & thanks for sharing your adventures.

[captaindave]

Oh I am so sorry you had such a hard time of it, it really is easy to lose track of days when you are on a journey. To help me keep track I keep a journal which I write in each morning, I write the day and date and a description of the weather and my plans for the day, then at the end of the day I complete it with the mileage and the stopping place.
It keeps me focused.

[EpicMotorcycleAdventures]

It’s not an adventure until something goes wrong, and you’ll always remember this trip because of the struggles.

[TonyM]

I hope you get to come back to Ireland again sometime, it’s easy to underestimate the length of time it takes to travel a set distance in Ireland. Anywhere else and you could estimate 400km travelling at 100kph = 4hrs + allowance for fuel stop or coffee. Not always like that in Ireland ! Next time you come over perhaps contact some adventure bike rider groups that may accompany you and give some advice on some great twisties. Also I did speak to some UK bikers who got caught out with a lot of tolls that they weren’t expecting, most of which can be avoided. 4/5 bikers travelling together and they add up.

[johnbellamy]

best to get the bike checked over before you go. that chain certainly didnt hang right. Iam 73 and my wife 71 we both still ride regularly. we dont need to go far these days though .we have animals at home. we live in a lovely country location. As I only said to my wife this morning while out riding, for us this is living the dream. well done to you .enjoy your motorbiking life, there is nothing better. we wouldnt change a thing

[billbolland]

You could do with investing in some sort of automatic chain lubricator, such as a Scotoiler. Really enjoying your posts. Great to see a young person with such enthusiasm for biking.

[davidcleere]

Gutsey lady to go by yourself on your first trip. Ireland is beautiful !!

[charlottejet]

It's all part of the learning curve and you are stronger and wiser for it. Just look how far you've come for a relatively new rider! Life is peaks and troughs. Ireland is stunningly beautiful, thank you for sharing! 😉 xx

[tonypyatt]

I am in my 60s I wish I was half as brave as you. You are amazing

[moons]

The wild Atlantic way is amazing. There’s such good routes and you could spend the week travelling along it 😊

[istra]

It is amazing how when you are in rush, everything is slowing you down ( and big mistakes can be made Solution - never be in rush and enjoy every second !

[lold]

All those cables hanging off the bike is dangerous - could get caught in chain or wheels.

[creedm]

I thought was a great video! Not all goes as planned and you saw some beautiful countryside. I hope your bike is ok? You certainly learned a lot and these experiences will help you in the future. Best!