Homeward bound.

I woke with my alarm ringing at 7.15am, I had to be ready to check in for my Le Shuttle (that's the train in the channel tunnel) crossing at 9.50am. The terminal was only a 15 minute ride from the hotel in Calais so I had time to pack my things, take my bike out of the garage where it had been safe all night and check out.

I rode the short journey to the terminal and checked in, no fuss at border patrol. I showed my passport and had to take my helmet off, but it's as easy as that. I was directed into an empty lane and stopped at the barrier waiting for it to lift when I'd then be allowed to ride down and onto the train.

A big screen showed it was another 20 minutes before the train was to depart, enough time to give the bike a quick clean. Just as I had done, and packed my cloths back away, what would pull up behind me? The exact same model of motorbike in a group with two other bikers. A 1999 Honda Fireblade in the same very rare colour scheme as mine 'Lapis blue'. His had the standard black wheels and replacement side panels with no proper stickers, likely crashed and repaired, them side panels are rarer than hens teeth, so are all the Lapis blue fairing parts.

I started the conversation instantly saying '"You've got the best touring bike in the world there". I think he initially thought I was taking the piss, but soon realised my sincerity when I explained to their surprise and disbelief that I'd ridden over 3800 miles over the last eleven days. I had the photos to prove it.

I explained why the bike had been so perfect, accommodating all the spares under the seat (that it never needed), holding the chain and padlock which kept it safe, carrying my rucksack that had everything I needed, having a way to fit the SatNav as perfectly as if it was fitted at the factory. How it could be ridden in complete comfort for hundreds and hundreds of miles at a time. How it could hold its own and race through twisty roads as quick as modern sports bikes.

They were convinced, and they pointed out my gold wheels looked great. They certainly did, the whole bike did, deep contrasting shades of metallic blue in a discreet flame pattern, white plastic parts, neatly welded aluminium parts and gold stickers.

On Le Shuttle and I was soon back across the channel, departing the Folkestone terminal, now back on the left side of the road, under grey clouds. Light rain and drizzle fell almost immediately, I didn't mind. I pulled in and for only the second time on this adventure, and the first time I’d actually needed to, donned my waterproof jacket and trousers over my leathers and carried on. I stopped again after an hour and had a Gregg's sausage and bacon baguette with coffee at some services.

The ride back to Leeds was still an enjoyable ride, homeward bound. I was looking forward to getting back to the familiar setting of my house and garage. After Nottingham the sky cleared and it was a sunny day. I stopped and repacked my waterproofs, ending the journey in the dry, looking as I had for nearly 4000 miles across Europe in my white leathers. 

A fine and fitting end to what has been a fantastic trip.

Back home safe. With a sense of accomplishment like I've never felt before. I didn't do the hard work though, it was the SatNav, the smartphone and of course the bike.

The bike never missed a beat. 4120.7 miles since leaving this same spot twelve days ago. My fondness for it has grown immeasurably. I said years ago I wouldn't sell it for £10,000 after it had taken me around the Isle of Man numerous times. Now I wouldn't sell it for a £million.

The people I'd met and engaged with had all been lovely too.

Everything came together to make a trip of a lifetime. I'm glad I've done these diaries so I can read them back in the future to remind me of the exact details of it all, for anyone else reading them, I hope you've enjoyed them too.

P.S.  The list of what I took:

Under the bike seat - a spare battery, jumpststarter pack with jump leads. A full set of tools, spare nuts/bolts/fasteners, spare bulbs, a side stand pad, socks, boxer shorts, and cleaning cloths.

On the bike - the SatNav and the big chain and padlock.

In my rucksack - a spare wallet and old phone as a muggers decoy. Spare keys for the bike and padlock. A plastic bag containing a pair of jeans with a belt, two white t-shirts, a hoody, thermal top and leggings. A pair of trainers. A can of deodorant, a bottle of suncream, a bottle of hand sanitising gel, sunglasses in a case, and a reusable water bottle. In a watertight lunchbox, a Euro power socket converter, USB phone charger plug and leads. Toothbrush and toothpaste. An emergency torch / warning light / lantern thing. The charger for my jumpstarter power pack. My passport and documents (travel insurance, bike insurance and bike V5), my work phone and dongle. My bluetooth ear phones. Some ear plugs. A biro pen and the mandatory French breathalysers.

Attached to my rucksack - my spare clear visor for the helmet and my waterproof jacket (with mandatory hi-vis vest for France) and leggings.

In a pouch around my waist - money, bank cards and my phone.

The only thing I had to buy - some lip balm.

And I had space to bring back a few souvenirs to go along with the great memories.