Steph and I have been passionate motorcycle touring partners for the last decade at least. We’ve been touring the roads of Europe and Africa for years and are now seasoned adventurers. But, as with most good things, they inevitably change – or in our case evolve into something else. So what will our Nordkapp adventure look like now we’ve changed From Motorcycle To Motorhome?
We’re moving to the “dark side” and have switched to using our motorhome as our base for our adventures.
As with Adventure biking, Motorhome touring can offer a unique way to travel to those places still on our bucket list, allowing us to take to Europe’s back roads, see the sights, and explore new places at our own pace – all while enjoying the comfort and convenience of your own home on wheels. To be honest, both of us are getting a bit “long in the tooth” for hardcore adventure biking, minimalist camping, and uncomfortable nights.
As you may imagine my trip to Nordkapp this year has now metamorphosised into something entirely different – firstly I won’t be doing it on my own, or indeed by bike. That doesn’t mean that I won’t be taking my GS with me, just that I won’t be covering vast mileage on 2 wheels. Also the original 3-4 week trip has now turned into an 8 week odyssey with many more stops along the way.
In this blog post, I’ll discuss some of the reasons / benefits of motorhome touring and why it may be the perfect partner in your new adventures. Here are my top 5 reasons to “move to the dark side”.
1. Comfort and Convenience: – One of the biggest advantages of motorhome touring is the comfort and convenience it offers. With a motorhome, you have all the amenities of home on the road. You can cook your own meals, have a comfortable bed to sleep in, and even have your own bathroom facilities. You don’t have to worry about finding a place to pitch your tent, book accommodation or eat every night, which, let’s face it can be prohibitively expensive in Scandinavia.
2. Flexibility and Freedom:- Motorhome touring also offers a great deal of flexibility and freedom. You can go wherever you want, whenever you want, without worrying about schedules or reservations. You can take detours and explore side roads, stop for a picnic or a hike, or spend an extra day in a place you love. With a motorcycle tour, you’re limited by the amount of gear you can carry and the distance you can cover in a day.
3. Comfortable Traveling with Friends and Family:- Another advantage of motorhome touring is the ability to travel with friends and family. With a motorhome, you have plenty of space to accommodate others, making it easier and more comfortable to travel with a group. You can share the driving responsibilities, and everyone can enjoy the experience together.
4. Less Stressful Driving:- Riding a motorcycle for hours on end can be physically and mentally exhausting. With a motorhome, driving is less stressful and more comfortable. You can sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery, without worrying about the wind, weather, or traffic. Driving a motorhome is also easier and safer than riding a motorcycle, especially in bad weather or unfamiliar terrain.
5. Access to Remote Locations:- Finally, motorhome touring allows you to really access remote locations that may be difficult to reach on a motorcycle. You can explore national parks, forests, and other natural areas, without worrying about finding suitable accommodation or restaurants. You can park your motorhome and spend a few days hiking, fishing, or exploring, before moving on to the next destination.
In conclusion, while we both love our biking trips, and fully subscribe to the adventure touring lifestyle, time moves on. For Steph and I, motorhome touring provides a different kind of adventure that is perfect for our much longer tours where a more comfortable and flexible way to travel makes all of the difference – AND – we can take the bike with us – so wins all round!
I’ll share our preps, disasters and wins along the way, as well as reviewing some of the kit we are taking with us. See you soon!!
